Meagan Drillinger
Hotels and resorts are offering new and updated options to maximize a family getaway to the Cancun and Riviera Maya area.
Most recently, Kidz Bop, a kid-friendly pop music brand, expanded its partnership with AIC Hotel Group with the opening of the Kidz Bop Experience at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, following the program's launch at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana last fall.
The program offers kids 6 to 12 the chance to live out their pop star dreams at the Pop Star Lounge, where they can put together red carpet looks, come up with a band name, learn dance moves, write songs and design an album cover.
As part of the launch, the Kidz Bop Kids made a visit to the resort in August for the "Ultimate Kidz Bop Live Fan Experience," which was a family celebration filled with events, meet-and-greets and a live performance.
But Hard Rock Riviera Maya is not the only resort in the Cancun region stepping up its family travel game. Whether families are seeking adventure, immersive programs into the local community or sustainable practices, resorts in the Mexican Caribbean provide an array of offerings and activities for the whole family.
"True to our status as a leading and innovative vacation spot, we're proud to deliver fresh concepts that appeal to travelers looking for an out-of-the-ordinary holiday," Dario Flota Ocampo, director of the Quintana Roo Tourism Board, said in a statement.
Hotels have responded with new, creative offerings for all ages. Earlier this year Barcelo Maya Grand Resort debuted Ventura Fly & Ride Park, one of the first adventure parks housed in a Riviera Maya hotel. The park includes seven ziplines; an AquaZip; Plane Coaster, which is a gravity-driven roller coaster that rides past views of the ocean and jungle; and Bungee Swing.
Iberostar Playa Paraiso has opened Star Camp, a colorful club and play zone for kids and teens with more than 140 activities. There are three separate areas designed for different age groups: 4 to 7; 8 to 12; and 3 to 17. Star Camp also incorporates sustainability into its programming, promoting the values of ecological awareness from the recycled plastic outdoor play area to sustainable toys and a natural juice bar.
Now Natura Riviera Cancun will open its doors on Dec. 1. The all-new resort will feature a white-sand beach and 556 rooms. Upon opening the resort will include a lazy river and waterfalls for the whole family, as well as a spa for when parents need some time to themselves.
AMResorts will be opening another property in the area, as well: the Sunscape Star Cancun, which will be adjacent to Puerto Cancun Golf Club. Made for the entire family, this resort will have an Explorer's Club for kids, Core Zone for teens, a surf pool, and a special adults-only rooftop pool.
Kicking off 2020, the Senator Riviera Cancun Spa Resort, set to open Jan. 15, will be another playground for families. Less than 10 miles from the airport, this mega property will feature 1,044 rooms and more than 43,000 square feet of swimming pools, 10 restaurants and an exclusive area for just adults.