aravind

Dear Fodorites,
We are a couple with a toddler looking for an AI resort on a great beach for a week.
We seem to have finalized on Rivera Maya.

Primary question: Is this a decent time of the year to visit? Should we watch out for something?

Our desired wish-list.

(1) AI resort on a great toddler friendly beach.. Shallow water with no big surf.

(2) Preferably multiple linked resorts within a complex so that we dont get bored of the food.

(3) Dont care too much about nightlife, dont plan to move around much, so the quality of the resort has a higher priority.


Based on my research the general areas which seem to match my requirements are

(a) Playa Maroma

(b) Akumal.


Any recommendations for better resorts?
My initial selections are Catalonia Playa Maroma/ Iberostar Paraiso.


Please help with any good AI recommendations for my situation.

Thanks

aravind

Ok after some more research, shortlisted the following.

catalonia playa maroma

iberostar tucan

riu palace mexico

gran porto resort

iberostar paraiso beach

Please share your thoughts.

qwovadis

www.bookit.com/cancun lots of options honest reviews good prices

Paradisus RIU.com Iberostar.com best for kids

usually with great programs.

Happy Hunting

aravind

Finally down to last 3

catalonia playa maroma

iberostar lindo

riu palace mexico

Please let me know what you think

schmerl

I love the Iberostar Lindo but the ocean there can be rough at times.
I hate to through a wrench in your plans, but the Barcelo Maya reaort has everything you are looking for. Beautiful beach with calm water.

divarani

One more vote for the Barcelo - spent a week there in May with a 2 yr old and a 4 yr old. Best vacation ever for all of us!
We stayed at the Maya Palace - then you have the option to go to all the other resorts on the property - I believe there are 4. Food was excellent (they have specialty restaurants too), beach was great and calm, pools wonderful too.
Your child is too young for the kids program - they need to be 4 yrs old. But there is plenty to entertain.
wish I was going again........

aravind

schmerl and divarani,
Thanks for taking the time to answer my query.

Barcelo was on my list till I read some reviews that the beaches there rocky and required people to wear water shoes. That would be a hassle. Is this true?
Thanks
aravind

schmerl

Here is a quote from someone who just came back from the Barcelo Maya Palace....
" It was the most beautiful beach I have experienced in the Riviera Maya, replete with palm trees for shade - so many palms that it looks like something out of South Pacific. The beach was really amazing, the water so calm you could float standing up and only moving an arm once in a while. You could see the sea turtles popping up for air from the beach - the water is that clear and calm."

aravind

schmerl Thanks again for your response.
Barcelo it is.
Now to hunt to see which of the 2 I manage to pack into my budget.
Thanks again! You guys are awesome

divarani

the beach is absolutely gorgeous, no rocks to worry about

Suspaul

Good luck and hope you enjoy Barcelo. We've been at least 5 times and always enjoyed however, with no children we've gone the all adult AI resorts route now. Barcelo is very child friendly, not sure which one in the complex it is but there is a great kiddie pool. The beaches are spectacular.
Enjoy
Susan

aravind

Thank you all for sharing your information with such generosity.
Tami at funjet tours was very good in getting me a great deal for Barcelo Palace.
Onto planning a day or two of activities.. Rest of the time at the beach