Cancun, with its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and family-friendly attractions, has long been a top destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Our recent family trip to this Mexican paradise was made even more memorable by our stay at The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa. Here’s a detailed account of our experience, highlighting the resort’s offerings, Cancun’s family appeal, and the exciting itineraries we embarked upon.
The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa: A Family Haven
Nestled in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa offers an idyllic retreat for families. From the moment we arrived, we were impressed by the resort’s commitment to comfort, luxury, and family-centric amenities.
Spacious and Comfortable Accommodations
Our villa was a perfect blend of modern design and homely comfort. Featuring a fully equipped kitchen, we had the flexibility to prepare meals, which is especially convenient for families with young children. The private balcony offered breathtaking ocean views, making mornings and evenings particularly special. The villa’s layout ensured ample space for everyone, allowing for both family time and personal relaxation.
Family-Friendly Amenities
The resort boasts a plethora of amenities tailored for families:
- Infinity Pools: The expansive infinity pools were a hit with our children. Designated kid-friendly areas ensured they could play safely while we lounged nearby.
- Kids’ Club: The on-site Kids’ Club offered various activities, from arts and crafts to interactive games, keeping the young ones engaged and entertained.
- Mini Golf: We enjoyed several rounds of mini-golf, a fun activity that became a daily family ritual. tripadvisor.com
- Beach Access: Direct access to a pristine beach meant we could seamlessly transition from poolside to seaside, indulging in sunbathing, building sandcastles, and splashing in the gentle waves.
Culinary Delights
Dining at the resort was a delightful experience. With multiple on-site restaurants, we savored a variety of cuisines without venturing far. The poolside service was particularly convenient, allowing us to enjoy snacks and beverages without interrupting our relaxation.
Cancun: A Safe and Family-Friendly Destination
Cancun has earned its reputation as a family-friendly destination for several reasons:
Safety and Accessibility
Throughout our stay, we felt a strong sense of safety. The Hotel Zone is well-patrolled, and the locals are welcoming and hospitable. English is widely spoken, making communication effortless. The city’s infrastructure caters to tourists, ensuring that transportation and navigation are straightforward.
Diverse Family Activities
Cancun offers a myriad of activities that cater to all age groups:
- Water Sports: We ventured into parasailing, an exhilarating experience that provided panoramic views of the coastline. The operators adhered to strict safety protocols, ensuring a thrilling yet secure adventure.
- Nightly Entertainment: Evenings were filled with vibrant shows that showcased Mexican culture, music, and dance. These performances were both entertaining and educational, offering insights into the rich heritage of the region.
Xel-Há Park: A Natural Wonderland for Kids
A highlight of our trip was a day spent at Xel-Há Park, a natural aquatic theme park that offers an array of activities tailored for families.
Children’s World
Designed specifically for younger visitors, Children’s World is a haven of fun:
- Wading Pool: A shallow pool where our kids could splash around safely.
- Playground: Equipped with slides, swings, and climbing structures, it provided endless entertainment.
- Water Slide and Rope Climb: These features challenged and delighted our children, fostering both fun and a sense of achievement. xelha.com
Snorkeling and Aquatic Activities
The park’s natural lagoon is teeming with marine life. We snorkeled alongside colorful fish, floated down the lazy river, and even tried the zip-lines that splash into the water—a thrilling experience for the whole family.
Environmental Education
Xel-Há emphasizes conservation and environmental education. Interactive exhibits taught our children about local ecosystems, the importance of preservation, and the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
Going out with a Bang
While dining at the resort was a delightful experience, on our final night we wanted to venture out of the resort and see what options the city had to offer. We had asked our concierge about good restaurants with options for Live Music, this was hard to find given it was a Thursday and most live music shows didn’t run on weekdays but eventually after calling a few options we were able to find a memorable spot called “Rosa Negra” (the Black Rose).
We were treated to quite a show…..insert pictures about fire show
Sample Family Itinerary in Cancun
To make the most of a family trip to Cancun, here’s a suggested itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Resort Exploration
- Afternoon: Settle into The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa. Explore the resort’s amenities, take a dip in the pool, and relax after your journey.
- Evening: Dine at one of the resort’s restaurants, enjoying local cuisine and ocean views.
Day 2: Beach Day and Water Sports
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast followed by beach activities. Engage in parasailing for an aerial view of Cancun’s coastline.
- Afternoon: Relax by the pool, participate in resort-organized games, or indulge in a spa treatment while the kids enjoy the Kids’ Club.
- Evening: Attend a cultural show featuring traditional Mexican music and dance.
Day 3: Adventure at Xel-Há Park
- Morning: Depart for Xel-Há Park. Begin with snorkeling in the lagoon, exploring the vibrant marine life.
- Afternoon: Let the children explore Children’s World while adults relax in hammocks or explore other park attractions.
- Evening: Return to the resort and enjoy a casual dinner, perhaps opting for room service on your private balcony.