Family Friendly Aspects of the CasaMagna Marriott and J.W. Marriott Resorts of Cancun, Mexico
Kids Cocina cooking classes at CasaMagna Marriott Resort in Cancun.

The CasaMagna Marriott makes taking a family beach vacation at a fancy Caribbean resort easy and affordable. You’re guaranteed Marriott quality in facilities and services, a well trained staff, and the amenities you associate with this business-ready hotel chain.

All you need to do is pack your bags and head to the golden beaches of Cancun on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula where there are two Marriotts waiting. Getting there is easy thanks to the resorts’ airport shuttle, and if you hate the beach, you can always work out at their state-of-the-art fitness centers. Yet each resort has its own personality.

With 416 rooms and 34 suites, the CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort offers all the traditional comforts you know and love, with a little extra Caribbean flair.  Many of the spacious rooms have balconies, allowing your family to take full advantage of the fresh seaside breezes.

With 10 in-house restaurants, bars, and coffee shops, the CasaMagna Marriott makes dining in easy. Most restaurants are casual and kid friendly, boosting the hotel’s welcoming vibe.

Relaxing Cancun Style: Day at a Marriott Spa

The CasaMagna also offers a full service spa, where Mom can escape for a little alone time, or both parents can plan a romantic evening with one of the couple’s massages.

For a more upscale experience, try going next door to the Mayan-inspired spa at the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa. This beautiful hotel has just had its lobby redone, and it feels like the sun and sea are framed by the regal green marble colonnade. There are business services, meeting facilities and an on-site car rental desk if you decide to take everyone out to the Mayan ruins. The long and sinewy lagoon style pool accommodates both rowdy kids and adults who don’t want to get splashed. There are plenty of hot tubs and an adults-only pool, making the outdoor pool deck a major place to hang out. Also new is a video games center and arcade to keep teens busy.

At the JW’s Spa, families can relax in a three-level, 35,000-square-foot facility furnished with 17 treatment rooms, a sauna, steamroom and lots of Mayan herbal inspired treatments. If you’re worried about spending any part of your vacation away from the sea, the spa at the JW Marriott has an ocean view. 

Note that for guests at the CasaMagna Marriott, there is a fee for use of the spa facilities but it’s waived when guests book any one hour-treatment. The spa at the JW Marriott also has some age restrictions. Guests must be 18 years old to enter the spa by themselves (all others must be accompanied by an adult), and at least 16 to schedule a treatment. Children who are 6 and older may use the spa salon — a mother-daughter mani-pedi anyone? — with a adult escort.

CasaMagna Marriott Fun for Your Kids: Babysitting & Kids Club

If you’re traveling with kids and looking for a little adult time, the CasaMagna will be happy to look after them during your romantic retreat. The CasaMagna Marriott Kids Club gives kids ages 4 to 12 the chance to participate in sand castle contests, Spanish classes, swimming contests, arts and crafts, piñata parties, painting classes, and more. 

The program costs $20 per child per day and includes lunch at the poolside La Isla restaurant. Participating kids also receive a Marriott Kids T-shirt. Hourly rates are also available, though this program does not include lunch. Reservations for the program can be arranged at the concierge desk and should be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.

Babysitting services are also available for kids of all ages 24 hours a day. If you’re looking for a romantic parents’ evening close by, try Gustino at the neighboring JW Marriott — this is the upscale sister hotel’s formal-dress Italian restaurant. For private childcare, reservations are required, and 24 hours’ advance notice is a good idea. Babysitting rates vary depending on how many children will be participating, so if you’re traveling with friends, be sure to book together and get a deal.

Getting More for Your Cancun Buck: CasaMagna Marriott vs JW Marriott

If you’re trying to decide which Marriott to book, there are a couple of things you should consider. While the JW Marriott is more upscale and slightly more formal, the kids program at the CasaMagna Marriott is more comprehensive. That means your younger children will probably have more playmates.

Both hotels offer similar seasonal specials and packages for families, the least expensive being the “Sand Dollars Package” which includes one free night’s stay and a daily breakfast for two adults with a minimum nights’ booking. The difference is in the price, something that’s true for all of the other packages shared by the two hotels. At both, also, summer rates are the best value.

For more great Cancun resorts, check out FTF’s complete list: “Top Ten Cancun Family Beach Resorts.”

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