Our Family’s Pick Among Barcelo’s Mayan Riviera Resorts

Imagine an easy vacation at a first-class all-inclusive with impressive dining options, friendly service and kids’ activities, in nearby Mexico.

The Barcelo Mayan Riviera is a complex of five intermingled resorts on a broad expanse of Riviera Maya beach, 75 kilometers south of the Cancun airport. The whole place is wonderfully suited for families, especially those with older children who can be given the freedom to roam this sprawling new property. All ages are welcome, however, with children younger than 2 years staying free of charge, and ages 2-12 paying only 50% of adult rates.

Amenities to Make Your Vacation Unforgettable

Our choice, the Barcelo Maya Colonial Beach – a Barcelo “premium” resort – occupies the upper end of the mid-level tier of resorts, meaning it does not pretend to be the Four Seasons but is a qualitative step above typical all-inclusive properties in the Caribbean. All of the 1,972 rooms at the four properties are quite comfortable and larger than at most resorts, with marble baths, balconies, and European styling.

Rooms Designed for Your Ultimate Comfort

Whether you’re a couple craving a romantic oceanfront suite, a family needing space to spread out, or a solo traveler seeking luxury, Barcelo Mayan Riviera Resorts has the perfect room for you. Choose from:

• Premium Level Oceanfront Suite: Pure bliss with stunning views.
• Superior and Family rooms: Spacious and convenient, often with connecting options.
• Premium Level Junior Suites: Elevate your experience with exclusive perks and access.
• Premium Level Oceanfront Junior Suite: The ultimate oceanfront indulgence.

Adventure is Just a Step Away

At Barceló, we understand that family vacations are all about creating unforgettable memories together. That’s why we offer a wide range of activities and amenities designed to delight guests of all ages, 365 days a year:

For the Little Ones

• Indoor Play Zone: A vibrant, air-conditioned space filled with toys, games, building blocks, and arts & crafts supplies.
• Outdoor Playground: Kids can burn off energy on the slides, swings, and climbing structures while making new friends.
• Kids’ Pool Area: A dedicated shallow pool with playful water features and small slides, perfect for safe splashing and fun.
• U-Kids Spa: Introduce your little ones to the joys of relaxation with gentle massages, colorful manicures, and playful pedicures.
• Movie Nights: Cozy up for special kids’ movie screenings with popcorn and snacks.
• Barcy & Friends: Your kids will love meeting our friendly Barceló mascots, Barcy the Turtle and his pals.

Teen & Tween Excitement

• Non-Motorized Water Sports: Explore the turquoise waters of the Riviera Maya with kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, and sailing.
• Social Hub (seasonal): Our dedicated teen club offers a vibrant space for socializing, making new friends, and chilling out.
• DJ Workshops: (Seasonal) Aspiring DJs can learn the basics of mixing and beat-matching from our resident DJ.

For the Whole Family

• Pirate’s Island Water Park: Experience thrills on our larger slides and attractions at Pirate’s Island (additional fee applies).
• Swimming Pools: Choose from a variety of pools, including options with swim-up bars for adults and zero-entry pools perfect for toddlers.
• Miniature Golf: Enjoy a friendly round of mini golf on our 18-hole course.
• Bowling: Have a fun family bowling night at our four-lane alley.
• Eco-Tours: Explore the natural beauty of the Riviera Maya with family-friendly eco-tours, such as snorkeling in cenotes or visiting a turtle sanctuary.

Usually our family favors small properties to avoid crowds and noise, but Barcelo uses its size to great advantage. Guests can choose to participate in a myriad of organized or individual activities or head off by themselves and usually find a quiet place to rest and relax.

Dining Experience

And rather than offering only a few dining choices, guests have a choice of scores of restaurants, snack bars and bars, serving steak, seafood, Asian, Italian, Mexican and more. And while not all of the food hits the high water mark, the quality and variety clearly are a step above many other all-inclusive places (in particular the seafood buffet). Note that two of the resorts are priced about 15% higher than their neighbors because of the larger room size and other amenities, therefore, families who dine around may have to pay some “up-charges” at various restaurants.

In two huge amphitheaters available to all the guests at the four adjoining resorts, Barcelo stages evening musical reviews that can be quite entertaining, depending on your taste in music. Barcelo also offers two of our least favorite activities at oceanfront resorts: karaoke in the amphitheater and noisy poolside games of Trivial Pursuit.

Barcelo’s Mayan Riviera resort complex – the Colonial as well as the Maya Beach, Maya Tropical Beach and the Maya Caribe – pampers guests with a large variety of high quality offerings.

Ready to start planning your dream getaway? Let’s chat about making your Barcelo Mayan Riviera Resorts vacation a reality!

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