A Tropical Paradise in Mexico’s Riviera Maya
There is an unknown canyon that yawns wide for parents when it comes to booking a family vacation. You either get a family-fun plan, replete with bright colors, cartoons on repeat, and too many chicken nuggets to count. Or you get an adult trip with no options for the younger set. I’m going to break some news to you though – there is a third option: renowned as one of the most inclusive family-friendly resorts in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, the Sandos Caracol Eco Experience Resort literally offers something for all ages and interests.
A bastion of Latin American biodiversity, the sprawling property showcases the splendor of the Riviera Maya at its most visually stunning, with nine distinct dining and drinking concepts, a full-service spa, an enormous water park and spacious accommodations that range from family-friendly suites to lavish penthouses in the Select Club, an upscale section of the resort dedicated to adult guests only.
Inspired by nature
Outdoor enthusiasts will revel in the abundant ecologically-rich environs of a property situated at the edge of an exotic jungle along a beautiful stretch of unspoiled white sand beach. Nature lovers will have no shortage of unforgettable adventures between kayaking the open ocean and snorkeling the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea to swimming in the crystal-clear waters of a cenote (an ancient sinkhole) believed by the Mayans to be the underworld’s entrance.
Sandos Caracol is home to ancient archeological ruins of one of the Mayan civilization’s most important merchant towns. Taking a walking tour of the land upon which the resort is set gives you an inside peek into the culture that once defined the region.
Ecotourism opportunities abound along the Caribbean coastline with multiple wildlife-focused excursions available. On our Eco-Tour Photo Safari, we spotted curious coatis (these indigenous creatures look like a cross between a badger and a monkey), howler monkeys, spider monkeys and iguanas while a guided photo tour brings birdwatching enthusiasts in search of colorful native species face to face with the Yucatan jay and orange oriole. Embark on a curated day trip to explore the beauty of the surrounding region. Guided kayaking tours showcase fascinating fauna and colorful reef fish while a tour of cenotes offers a unique exploration of a dazzling natural phenomena.
Destination
dining
Fancy yourself a foodie? Sandos is an epicurean delight. The extensive list of eateries on-site transports guests several continents from delicious Mediterranean-inspired seafood specialties at Riviera to La Toscana’s classic Italian cuisine.
Our family’s favorites? Our teenage son can eat his weight in protein so Fogo de Brazil topped his list – a traditional rodizio-style restaurant where the servers bring skewers of juicy and flavorful cuts of steak, pork, sausages and more right to your table accompanied by all-you-can-eat side dishes. Given the choice, my daughter and I always lean into Asian so El Templo’s traditional Japanese teppanyaki house where “playing with your food is the name of the game” was right up our alley. Chefs chopped, grilled, tossed and flamed a delicious dinner coupled with high energy entertainment. And no Mexico vacation would be complete without sampling authentic regional fare – offered here as a beautiful buffet laid out under the massive palapa roof of Las Máscaras amidst a colorful backdrop of Mexican masks and artwork.
Speaking of entertainment, there is no shortage of nightly shows. Our favorite was the Sacred Fire Ceremony set at city center to tell the tale of a traditional Mayan legend. On our last night, we wound down the evening at Magic Town, where we played Mexican games and enjoyed the vibrant music of Juan Gabriel.
L’Elefant Bar provides a popular watering hole whether you are in the mood for a cappuccino or something a little stronger. Specialty drink options abound in and out of the water – get cozy on the terrace at El Manglar for charming views of the river and mangrove or swim up to the Sirena bar at the lively main pool.
Sandos Aquapark
A thrilling water wonderland with slides and attractions for all ages is the perfect way for the littles to expend a ton of excess energy while grownups relax poolside. For our part, an afternoon spent here allowed for great parent/teen bonding as we alternated between “racing” down multiple waterslides and floating along a luxurious lazy river. Best yet, no jungle or mangrove forest was moved or impacted by the waterpark’s construction – ensuring that a minimal carbon footprint and a commitment to environmental preservation remains a key feature in the litany of unforgettable reasons to choose this premier destination for your next family adventure.
A variety of cuisines, handcrafted cocktails, spacious accommodations, abundant indoor and outdoor activity and unparalleled service at Playa del Carmen’s eco-luxury resort on the Riviera Maya makes the proverbial chasm between memory-making family-fun and an all-inclusive vacation look like a paved road to paradise.
