Best Family Resorts in Mexico

Moon Palace just might have a kids' club to rival all kids' clubs. While we've seen a lot of dedicated spots made for kids in mind, this one is at the top of our list. An unassuming and rather plain building on the outside, the Sunrise kids club really comes to life as a kids' paradise once you step inside. What makes this space unique is the design. There are a number of separately decorated and designed rooms with different purposes, giving kids a buffet of imaginative options to keep them entertained. Some of our favorite spaces include the mini racetrack complete with kid-sized small plastic cars to take for a spin; the glamorous and glizty, all-pink beauty salon/fashion runway room; the arcade; the art room; and life-sized doll house room -- just to name a few. There's also a snack bar, outdoor playground, and mini-theater.

The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort is located along the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. With a lovely beach, attractive facade, and well-groomed property, this resort offers quality in the heart of Cancun's Hotel Zone. Rooms are either studios or villas, and both are complete with living areas, balconies, kitchens, washer/dryers, great for those traveling with kids. There are on-site restaurants serving international cuisine and the Tierra Market provides ingredients for guests to cook in fully equipped kitchens. Plus, there's a nice staffed kids' club with daily activities, and an all-inclusive dining program for children ages 12 and younger.

The Paradisus Cancun is an all-inclusive, upscale mega-resort whose five interconnected pyramids overlook the gorgeous white sands and perfect blue waters of the Mexican Caribbean. Its 668 rooms are all smart and spacious with sea or lagoon views -- though some are only partial. While breakfast can get busy, there's no shortage of restaurants and bars to choose from and the huge pool never feels crowded. The impressive spa, large fitness center, and nine-hole golf course are also notable features here. Despite the property's size, its interior tropical gardens also provide a lush even secluded ambience.

Azul Fives by Karisma is a 360-room hotel located about 15 minutes from downtown Playa del Carmen. It seems well suited for all occasions (weddings, reunions, honeymoons), but caters especially to families with children -- there’s even a loan program for baby toys and equipment, as well as a great kids' club. Outside, the property is well kept with lovely grounds, and inside the hotel’s furnishings are modern and luxurious. All chicly decorated guest rooms come with a balcony or terrace, dining table, iPod dock, and Jacuzzi tub, but the suites are particularly spacious and include features such as living rooms with sleeper sofas, powder rooms, and kitchens. The private beach is lovely and great for relaxing, but the water is too rocky for swimming. The hotel has five restaurants, three beautiful pools, and outdoor seating that offers a little slice of paradise.

The peaceful location of the Fiesta Americana is away from the main party atmosphere of Cabo San Lucas. All 249 rooms andsuites are spacious, with relaxing, neutral tones and interesting touches such as Mexican art and sculpture accents. Luxurious features include large bathrooms with soaking tubs and walk-in showers. The gorgeous infinity pool is a real perk here, along with the above average, plush lounge chairs and cabanas, both at the pool and on the beach. The location is excellent for access to Cabo's two championship golf courses, and kids can keep entertained with a kids' club room packed with toys, art supplies, games, and computers.

The Villa del Arco is a well-kept beachfront property featuring 220 studios and suites. Though the typical Mexican room decor(colorful tiles, beach-themed artwork, and sparse furniture) is uninspired, rooms are spacious, with kitchenettes and balconies. The massive pool, complete with pirate ship, is kid-friendly, but couples might enjoy the top-notch spa. The hotel calms down after dinnertime; partiers may want to try a downtown location. As long as guests can avoid the pushy timeshare sellers, the hotel has a Zen-like vibe -- not to mention four-pearl amenities such as 24-hour room service and pristine grounds.

This luxurious, 267-room all-inclusive resort in Nuevo Vallarta is a sophisticated and serene option in the greater Puerto Vallarta area. Every room here is a suite, offering extra living space, a balcony, ocean views, and luxurious touches such as Nespresso machines. The impressive features include an infinity pool with three levels overlooking the beach, separate kids' pool and club with organized activities, and four upscale (and pricey) restaurants. There's little wrong with it, except for the fee for Wi-Fi.

A half-hour drive from downtown Puerto Vallarta and a half mile from the beach, the Marival Residences & World Spa is not the place to go if you're in the mood for a beach-lounging, party-hopping Mexican getaway. It is, however, the place to go for laid-back luxury, residential-style suites, modern amenities, and an impressive array of all-inclusive features. Comprised of 169 suites, penthouses, or private villas, ranging from one to four bedrooms (and all featuring spacious terraces with garden, pool, or ocean views), Marival Residences is an excellent option for families and couples alike seeking a little sun-soaked spoiling.

The Grand Bliss is a step up from the nearby Grand Mayan in Nuevo Vallarta, in terms of room and suite size, elegance, and exclusivity. A minor flaw at this chic, high-end time-share with hotel options is that it currently depends on the Grand Mayan and the other adjacent properties -- the Mayan Palace and the Grand Luxxe -- for most of its facilities. The restaurants, fitness center, and spa are located at the sister resorts, but there is an appealing pool, snack bar, and lobby bar on-site. Highlights here also include gorgeous gardens, an inviting beach, and soothing decor made up of natural materials.

The Four Seasons is one of the grand dames in Riviera Nayarit. It’s been around for over two decades, but still wows with its manicured grounds, elegant rooms, outstanding restaurants, and slew of activities both for adults and kids. Its location in exclusive Punta Mita means guests won’t get to experience much of the local culture, but the hotel is a short drive from quaint little villages full of Mexican flavor.