At Ease

Feb 24, 2009

Kids splash in a fountain at the Explorer’s Club at Dreams Cancun.

Ah, the carefree family getaway. It’s that coveted ritual when loved ones take a hiatus from daily routines to decompress, reconnect and explore new locales. As any parent might attest, however, arranging these vital breathers can spark a frenzy all its own.

Where do we go? What should we pack? Will there be something to capture everyone’s interest? What about unexpected expenses that could wreak havoc on our vacation budget?

When it comes to making family travel less taxing, you have to applaud our friends south of the border. Mexico serves up a slew of all-inclusive beach resorts that merge accommodations, amenities and activities with the high spirit of the country’s colorful culture. And hoteliers continue to shine by delving deeper into what makes travelers tick — and delivering it.

"Mexico is well suited for U.S. travelers because it’s easy to reach from most [major cities] with affordable flights and easy connections," said Oswald Ponette, area manager for Riu Resorts in Cancun. "The weather conditions are great. The beaches are marvelous. And Mexico’s people welcome tourism in all areas."

With all-inclusives, you can practically forget about surprise costs by trading your wallet for a resort wristband. Recreation falls into place, too, as you will spend less time stressing over where to eat and can devote more energy to bonding with the family.

While plans vary, typical Mexico all-inclusives cover lodging, food and beverages (including alcohol), airport transfers, non-motorized watersports, organized activities, kids’ clubs (some fees may apply), evening entertainment, taxes and gratuities. The package may also include airfare, especially when you’re booking through travel agencies that can lock in better deals by working through their wholesalers.

Since a number of all-inclusive resorts are adults-only or geared more toward couples, it’s easy to rule these out right off the bat. Focus instead on those with family-friendly features and amenities. Beyond kids’ clubs, some offer tween classes, teen discos, miniature golf courses, day care and babysitters.

The result? Parents find flexibility for fine dining, spa treatments, fitness center workouts, golf and cultural encounters — all shared with the comfort that the kids are enjoying themselves as much as you are.

But how do you nail down the appropriate all-inclusive fit for your family? According to Donna Wolfe, a travel consultant at Plaza Travel in Encino, Calif., she qualifies her clients with questions that help avoid surprises and ensure the property booked is the best fit for the family.

"Families don’t really have a problem going to resorts where there are a lot of people," said Wolfe. "That’s to be expected when traveling to a family-friendly destination. So, I look at the type of experience they want. The success lies in knowing what’s available and matching it to their needs."

C’Ana Stanfield of Travel By C’Ana in Palm Springs, Calif., agrees.

"I’ve had family reunion clients where kids come into play," said Stanfield. "I always make sure there’s no confusion in thinking certain things are included that actually aren’t. With all the options out there, I’m going to be able find what they’re looking for."

A few key queries will help narrow the list of appropriate options for your family.

Will we use everything that’s included? If a resort offers all the bells and whistles that mesh with your lifestyles, then a pricier plan could still be a great value. But if you aren’t into the complimentary scuba lessons, sailing instruction, kids’ club and bottomless top-shelf margaritas, you’ll likely be better off elsewhere.

Will we want something that’s not included? If your family is interested in spa treatments and golf, why not pay a bit more for a resort covering them in its plan? You’ll save in the long run.

How accessible are the offerings? An all-inclusive can quickly lose its charm if it’s inconvenient to cash in on what’s offered. Make sure you don’t have to rent equipment to use for "unlimited" sports or leave your beachfront to enjoy ocean recreation elsewhere.

Are there any value-added bonuses that might help seal the deal? When the going gets tough, the creative find ways to deliver more bang for your buck. With the current economic downturn, savvy hoteliers are upping values with attractive incentives, so be sure to weigh your options accordingly.

"I’m seeing the [incentives] trend with companies like Karisma Hotels and Resorts offering resort credits and room upgrades at its Azul properties," said Stanfield. "That’s nice savings for families."

Wolfe also points to Palace Resorts, Dreams Resorts and Spas and Club Med for bonus benefits.

"For 2009, Palace Resorts’ Palace Passport gives a $200 golf and spa credit at certain Puerto Vallarta properties and free tours and activities at others," she said.

In Cancun and Riviera Maya, for example, the Palace Passport offers tours to Chichen Itza, Tulum and Coba, with a value of more than $400.

Dreams Resorts and Spas has lured families with its Kids Stay and Eat For Free promotion, saving a family of four about $700 or more weekly. And Club Med also woos families with free stays for children up to 15. It also offers a rarity at its Ixtapa property — a kids’ program beginning at four months.

"Parents can enjoy time alone with the confidence that their children are in expert hands," said Sabina Sicuso, Club Med’s vice president of marketing. "Children examine world cultures, explore nature’s beauty and take part in numerous activities fitting to their age group."

She added that a hefty activities roster is also available for both parents and children to enjoy together.

All-inclusives are growing more imaginative in concept as well, resembling mini-theme parks on occasion. Take Occidental Grand Xcaret, the first and only resort neighboring Cancun’s famous eco-archeological Xcaret park. The surrounding jungle is so integrated that you’ll likely see monkeys, flamingos, deer, red macaws and other wild animals as you wander throughout the resort.

Occidental Grand Xcaret gives families one complimentary day pass to the park, which reflects a savings of more than $185. And the ecopark is packed with options like swimming with dolphins, snorkeling and diving through underwater rivers and exploring the history of Maya culture.

Real Resorts has also raised the bar in Cancun with its Oki Splash Water Park, a state-of-the-art water park with a pirate ship, castle and slides appropriate for toddlers, as well as adults. The company has also introduced
T-Zone, a subtly supervised club for children ages 10 to 17.

According to Claudio Zboznovits, Barcelo Resorts’ vice president of sales and marketing for the U.S. and Canada, the company has garnered great success at its Barcelo Maya Beach Resort by clustering properties that offer different experiences.

"By bundling five hotels together on a mile of beach, we are able to offer some 20 dining experiences and a full-service spa, plus other comprehensive amenities that really do provide a very complete vacation experience — even for guests who stay for a week or more," said Zboznovits.

That’s especially good news for choosy families.

So whether you opt for warm Caribbean waters of the Yucatan or the colorful fishing villages of the Pacific, Mexico all-inclusives deliver "everything goes" experiences that continue to take family travel to a higher level. All you need to do is sit your troop down, brainstorm and head south of the border for some easy-going fun.