7 Family-Friendly Resorts in Mexico’s Riviera Maya That You Can Book with Points

Editor's note: As the travel industry begins to reopen after COVID-19 closures, TPG recommends consulting your doctor, adhering to health guidelines, and checking local travel restrictions before planning your next trip. We're here to assist you in preparing, whether that's next month or next year. Many hotels in Riviera Maya reopened on July 1, 2020.

This is a regularly updated post featuring new information and offers.

With convenient nonstop flights from the U.S. to Cancun International Airport (CUN), the culturally vibrant, jungle-like surroundings of Mexico's Riviera Maya region make it an ideal and accessible spot for a warm-weather retreat.

Do you hold a Southwest Companion Pass that lets you bring a guest for just the taxes on their ticket? If so, traveling to Cancun becomes a fantastic deal, and under normal circumstances, Southwest offers nonstop flights from cities like Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore-BWI, Denver, Houston, Nashville, and more. Connecting flights are also available.

We've also discovered fantastic cash fares — $162 for a round-trip ticket, for instance — on United, Frontier, and Volaris this year, even during the busy spring break period in February and March.

Having traveled to this region since 2006, I've witnessed the emergence of new luxury resorts over the past dozen years. There are also fresh cultural experiences to enjoy — from walking among the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza to zip-lining through the jungle or swimming in cenotes (breathtaking freshwater pools). If your family enjoys an active lifestyle, this destination is perfect for you.

Visit TPG's Mexico hub for all the essential information about traveling to the beaches, ancient ruins, and inland attractions.

This region of Mexico stretches from Cancun to Tulum along the Caribbean coast, encompassing the islands of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, as well as the resort town of Playa del Carmen. While it features many adults-only resorts, there are numerous family-friendly options available (some all-inclusive). These all-inclusive resorts mean no surprise costs for extra cheeseburgers or late-night room service desserts, along with water sports rentals and access to kids' clubs. Who wants unexpected charges at checkout? Conversely, non-all-inclusive properties can offer great value for your points, and many provide all-inclusive packages if you inquire about additional rates.

To receive more TPG news each morning in your inbox, subscribe to our daily newsletter.

Here are our top picks for resorts you can book with points for a family getaway in Riviera Maya.

Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya

Loyalty Program: World of Hyatt

Room with two double beds: Category 6 starting at 25,000 points per night

At Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya, younger guests aged 4–12 can enjoy the Kimbo Kids Club at this 214-room resort, where they can participate in activities like an eco-educational boat tour or crafting projects inspired by local traditions. While not an all-inclusive resort, it caters to both adults and children.

Five different room categories provide various views and locations within the resort, including beachfront options (with two double beds) just a short stroll from the sand. The property features two outdoor pools and a bright, modern design. Set within the 600-acre gated Mayakoba complex (which also includes Rosewood, Fairmont, and Banyan Tree resorts), it’s an excellent spot for hiking or jogging on local trails, or you can use a complimentary bicycle. Chauffeured golf carts are convenient for when the kids tire out. Enhance your stay by earning points with the World of Hyatt Credit Card.

JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa

Loyalty Program: Marriott Bonvoy

Ocean View Deluxe Guest Room featuring two double beds and a balcony: Category 6 (50,000 points per night on standard dates)

Part of the Marriott Cancun Collection — alongside the Marriott Cancun Resort — this 447-room hotel has recently undergone a $40-million renovation. The accommodations include ocean-view rooms equipped with two double beds and a balcony. The full-service spa offers a variety of treatments for all ages, including special spa services designed just for tweens. Activities at the kids club include Spanish lessons and sandcastle-building workshops.

One of the three pools on-site is dedicated solely to children, and a poolside private cabana ensures the family can stay together for the day. Six on-site restaurants cater to even the pickiest eaters in your party. If you find yourself short on Marriott Rewards points, you can transfer some from your Chase Ultimate Rewards at a 1:1 ratio. Alternatively, use the annual Marriott up to 50k award-night certificate received each year following your card renewal month with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card.

Marriott Cancun Resort

Program: Marriott Bonvoy

Resort View Guest Room featuring two double beds and a balcony: Category 5 (35,000 points per night on standard dates)

Marriott's Cancun Resort is an excellent option for families. All king-bed suites come with a pullout sofa, perfect for accommodating small families. Additionally, some rooms have rollaway beds available, so it's advisable to check beforehand if you're traveling with a larger group.

For children aged 4 to 12, the kids club (with a $35 fee) provides lessons in Spanish and crafts like piñata-making. There’s also a turtle-release program available in September and October. With nine dining options ranging from sports-bar fare to poolside treats, the entire family can enjoy various poolside and beachfront activities, including beach volleyball and cooking classes. As a Category 5 property, you can redeem a free-night certificate (worth up to 35,000 points) obtainable during your renewal month from the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card.

Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen

Program: World of Hyatt

Room featuring two queen beds: Category 6 starting from 25,000 points per night

At the Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen, the Tortuguita Camp Hyatt serves as the kids club for ages 4 to 11, offering engaging activities such as crafts, costume-making, toy creation, and cooking classes. A dedicated teen arcade is also available for those aged 12 and older.

The resort features three infinity pools that overlook the beach, and all balconies are well-furnished, with suite balconies boasting private plunge pools. Located just a few blocks from Quinta Avenida in Playa del Carmen, a pedestrian-friendly area filled with restaurants and shops, the resort offers four dining options, ranging from a sushi-exclusive raw bar to a tranquil terrace restaurant. If you're short on Hyatt points for your booking, you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards from cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card at a 1:1 ratio into your Hyatt account.

Hyatt Ziva Cancun

Program: World of Hyatt

Resort View room featuring two double beds: Starting at 25,000 points per night

What sets Hyatt Ziva Cancun apart from other family-friendly all-inclusives in the region is its waterpark and KidZ Club, complete with a game room, both of which are included in the resort fee, making it superior to its adults-only counterpart, Hyatt Zilara Cancun.

The on-site dining is exceptional, featuring a range of themed restaurants and even a margarita bar.

At Hyatt Ziva Cancun, families can enjoy live music and cultural performances in the outdoor amphitheater, making family nights easy and "free." On-site water activities include standup paddleboarding, snorkeling, and paddle yoga. A favorite for kids is the complimentary all-you-can-eat dessert shop — what could be sweeter than "free" dessert?

Grand Velas Riviera Maya

This all-inclusive 539-suite beachfront resort, sprawled across 209 acres, has introduced a glamping option for kids (included in the nightly rate) that features activities like crafting dreamcatchers, roasting s'mores, and putting on puppet shows. Children can opt to sleep in their room or spend the night in their own tepee. The kids and teen clubs ensure young travelers have plenty to do. Each suite boasts a spacious balcony, with some offering private plunge pools, and the newly reimagined oceanfront Grand Class section has transitioned from adults-only to welcome all ages.

The smaller suites accommodate two adults and two children, while larger families may prefer the two-bedroom Family Suites. Teens aged 13 to 18 have their own dedicated club featuring video games, karaoke, and a disco floor, whereas younger kids can enjoy the kids club. Traveling with a baby? Request the Baby Concierge to help with essentials like pool floaties and organic baby food. Family activities include cooking classes, sandcastle building, eco-cycling tours, and astronomy nights.

While you can't book the Grand Velas with standard hotel points, it’s often available through Chase's travel portal using cash or points.

Panama Jack Resorts Playa del Carmen

Families are drawn to all-inclusive Panama Jack Resorts Playa del Carmen thanks to its kids club featuring an outdoor play area and family suites equipped with bunk beds, a king bed, and a pullout couch. This 287-room beachfront resort is a sister property to the Panama Jack in Cancun and is conveniently located near the pedestrian-only Quinta Avenida, which boasts a variety of shops and boutiques. Buffets are usually a favorite among all ages, but this resort takes it up a notch with a buffet specially designed for kids, making it a big hit with younger guests.

The resort offers lively nightly entertainment, including a Mexican Night where the lobby is transformed into a vibrant Mexican fiesta, appealing to guests of all ages.

This resort can also be reserved using cash or Ultimate Rewards points via Chase's travel portal.

Bottom line

The Riviera Maya region in Mexico boasts numerous resorts with over a decade of experience catering to family vacation needs. Your family will enjoy a pampered stay at any of these properties, and by using your points, you can make the trip a fantastic value as well.

Additional contributions by Mimi Wright.