Club Med Cancun

Nearly 20 years after starting out in the late '70s as one of Club Med's slightly hedonistic adult-only properties, the Cancun Yucatan resort (like many of its original guests) made the family-friendly switch. It now allows all ages and is one of Cancun's go-to family resorts. However, pushing toward 40 and with its hands, bars, and beaches full of families, wear and tear has not escaped the property -- even with a $14 million dollar enhancement finished in summer 2014. The investment added 60 oceanfront rooms, two seaside reservation-only restaurants, a lounge, and baby club, but seemed to miss existing elements that could use some attention -- like the small main pool, dark hallways and guest rooms, and overall worn appearance in some areas.The result is a slightly uneven experience; this is a hotel with growing contemporary features but also plenty of scuffs and wear. Many guests, however, seem not to notice or mind. Maybe it's the nature of free-flowing, all-inclusive booze; the romantic tropical surroundings; or ability for parents to relinquish responsibility of their kids to any of the myriad activities available, allowing them to simply be couples again. 

Located slightly off Cancun's main Hotel Zone, Club Med Cancun Yucatan has one of the most privileged positions in the area. Sharing its beautiful Punta Nizuc location with only one neighboring resort, Club Med's nature-surrounded spot feels exclusive and private -- even reaching reception involves traveling on winding roads through rocky, green grounds. The resort's location gives guests access to a unique rocky beach on one side, and a soft white sand beach on the other, as well as a lagoon for water sports. With so many activities, amenities, bars and restaurants located within the village-like property, a car is not necessary unless guests plan to explore nearby ruins or tourist spots. Wet N' Wild is only a five-minute drive up the road, while Xcaret, Xel-Ha, and the center for nightlife are between 15 to 20 minutes away. Cancun airport is a short 15-minute drive from the property.

The 376 rooms at Club Med Cancun Yucatan are about a variable as the area's weather. Your best bet is booking a suite at the 5-Trident Jade complex, or trying to snag a newer room in the Aquamarine building. Because, while some Deluxe or Club rooms may renovated, they may also be surprisingly dark and worn in places the renovation missed; they can also be painted in vibrant colors, like hot pink, that may not suit all tastes. Some guests have reported smelling or seeing mold in some rooms, and having uncomfortable (worn) beds. However, if you can shell out the extra dough for one of the upgrades, you'll find bright, contemporary spaces with upscale safari-like decor, soaking tubs, a separate lobby in Jade, infinity pool at Aquamarine (with a bar), and private terraces with oceanfront views. All rooms come with coffeemakers, minibar, snacks, and private outdoor space -- although upgrades also get you a Nespresso machine and a wider variety of toiletries, bathrobes, and slippers. Note that fees for Internet are steep across the board, and rooms only have wired access.

Club Med's all-inclusive package allows guests to try their hand at exciting sports like waterskiing and wakeboarding, or even take a jaunt in circus activities like tightrope walking and swinging on a life-sized flying trapeze. These activities would be expensive elsewhere and add value to the rates here. These activities are offered in addition to the typical sport activities such as soccer, basketball, beach volleyball, beach tennis, and bocce also available at the resort. There is also a moderate-sized gym with cardio equipment, weights, and scheduled group fitness classes. Some guests may be disappointed with a meager main pool that could easily be mistaken for the kids pool at other resorts, but overall no one seems to mind as the white sand beach is the primary focus for sunbathers (and occasional floating pelicans). For more adventurous ocean explorers, the rustic, rocky beach around the corner is home to the snorkeling center where handfuls of guests can be spotted facedown in the sparkling, clear Caribbean Sea. Those who prefer less action and a break from the sun can spend time browsing the gift and clothing shops, participating in a professional photo shoot (for a fee), painting ceramics, or relaxing in the dual-level spa area. Activities with additional costs include golf (off-site), scuba diving, and swimming with dolphins. Also, be prepared to shell out some serious money if you want Internet access. There are only a few Wi-Fi hot spots in the common areas, and rooms have wired access only; none of it is free. 

This all-inclusive makes family-friendliness a major priority (which may be part of the reason most guests no longer consider this Club Med ideal for singles). Convenient family features include connected family-style rooms, dedicated kids' club dining space in the main restaurant La Hacienda, separate pool areas for kids, and three separate kids' clubs for babies, grade-schoolers, and teens (although the car wash themed teen area is a bit grubby, even if they don't seem to mind). Under-18s are also welcome in the main pool area, on the snorkeling beach, and sports area. Members of Club Med's Mini Club also have their own special dining room in the main restaurant, complete with colorful decor and plastic cutlery. Another nice touch is the freshly prepared baby food along a special buffet area.

Oddly, Las Velas, a bar situated directly between the pool and the beach, seems to be closed during the day, although the larger, neighboring, open-air bar, Saluna serves drinks nonstop for thirsty sun-goers. At night, Las Velas opens as on outdoor lounge area where guests can sip cocktails and listen to the waves crash on the shore. The Maya Lounge puts on shows and, along with the La Perogla Bar, turns into a late-night nightclub. For a more relaxing nighttime vibe, guests can spend their evenings in the lounge of the Las Cazuelas Bar. 

La Hacienda is the resort's main restaurant and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Its expansive dining area is compiled of four indoor areas and one outdoor smoking area -- all of varying elegance. Themed nights dominate the cuisine, which includes a good balance of choices for almost any diet preference. The staff are also well-versed at ingredients for those with restricted diets, and kids have their own small buffet station (where kids-at-heart can also pick goodies from). The other two restaurants are reservation-only, and frequently booked full, so advance reservations are strongly recommended. Both are oceanfront spots: Las Cazuelas serves Mexican cuisine, while La Pergola Snack Bar and Steakhouse focuses on meaty cuts.