Mayan ruins, mouthwatering dishes and so much more … all while staying at the beautiful CasaMagna Marriott Cancún Resort.

“Last summer, I got to see an ancient city, swim in the ocean and sleep in a hotel … in MEXICO!” This is what your kids will be telling their classmates next fall after taking a much-anticipated family vacation to CasaMagna Marriott Cancún Resort in Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico (+52 55 1102 2025; marriott.com/hotels/travel/cunmx-casamagna-marriott-cancun-resort).

After the flight, we were ready to have some fun! Once we arrived at CasaMagna, we were taken aback by its beauty. Although you’ve stepped into a resort full of elegance, remember that children are welcome here. It’s nice to see giggling little ones enjoying a pristine setting that’s usually thought of as adult only. Don’t worry, there’s plenty to do at this family-friendly resort.

Swim Like a Fish

Did you see the ocean outside? Go on, take a look. The water’s so blue and clear. It’s a blue that seems to have been made just for these pristine white beaches. Aside from the out-of-this-world sea, families can also swim in the pools at CasaMagna. From either the main pool or the kids’ pool — which is sized just right for little ones — you are sure to get water logged. If the kiddos are big enough, parents can soak in the hot tub and watch them swim in the pool — the hot tub is front and center at the main pool. Towels? Just pick them up poolside for use at the pools and beach.

Relaxation and fun for all

After chasing the kids around for a bit, parents are sure to want … need … a nice, long massage. CasaMagna and JW Marriott Cancún Resort & Spa (sister resort connected to CasaMagna) offer several spa packages for adults. At JW, children ages 6 – 16 years can take advantage of the spa salon and ages 16 – 17 years can enjoy spa treatments (must be accompanied by an adult), and can charge it to your room at CasaMagna!

The kids’ menu at the spa includes facials, hair styling and manicures (age restrictions on each). The Good Clean Fun: Pre-Teen Skincare for ages 6 – 12 is a 30-minute facial that’s great for first timers and includes cleansing, chocolate mask and sunscreen. It’s a great way to pamper your child and make her feel special.

The resort also offers a Marriott Kids Program — parents must remain on site at the resort — which offers daily supervised activities for ages 4 -12 from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. seven days a week for just $35 USD per child. Activities include piñata making, puppets, games, arts and crafts, pool time and more! This is perfect for entertaining the kids while Mom and Dad get some pampering at the spa. In addition, the resort offers babysitting services.

Delicious Dishes

There are several fine restaurants located on the CasaMagna property. My favorite is the La Capilla Argentina Steakhouse. The steak is seasoned to perfection … so don’t even think about dipping it in one of the condiments they provide. It’s a casual restaurant and the food is oh so yummy! It’s open for breakfast and dinner. There’s also Champions Sports Bar, Mikado Japanese Teppan Yaki and Sasi Thai.

Even though you’re staying at the CasaMagna, you can still visit the restaurants at JW. Now you have even more delicious dishes to explore with your family. The breakfast buffet at Sedona Grill is amazing! I’ve never seen so many choices for breakfast including fresh guacamole and chips — you can never have enough of that!

Sites to Relish

If your family’s getting a little stir crazy, don’t worry. Visit the front desk and they’ll help you plan the perfect day out — if you haven’t already planned it as part of your package. A must see is the Museo Maya de Cancún (+52 998 883 3671; inah.gob.mx/paseos/museomaya/tour.html), part of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH). The architecture of the museum itself is stunning. Walk around the indoor exhibit and view several amazing artifacts. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, head outside to experience what lies beneath the cover of the trees. I was absolutely floored by the fact that there were beautifully intact ruins right in the heart of the resort district in Cancún. Who would have thought you would be able to see ruins with a resort in the background? Certainly not me!

If you want to see more of the Mayan ruins and all of their wonder, schedule a trip to Tulum (Intermar Caribe/onsite • +52 998 881 2009). Here, you can walk around the area and see more of the exquisitely crafted buildings created long ago. Be sure to take your bathing suit, as the Mayan’s had a knack for building ocean-front properties. You can take a dip in the sea where the Mayan’s once did.

Take advantage of all that the resort has to offer in the way of special packages and outings. They can cater your trip to fit your specific family needs and wants. From a variety of places to swim, eat, relax and have fun, the entire family is sure to create ever-lasting memories at CasaMagna Marriott Cancún Resort in Cancún.