As I walked into Azul Beach Resort located in Riviera Cancun my first thought wasn’t as much a thought as a deep feeling of relaxation. I could literally feel the tension I carry in my shoulders melt away. As I was welcomed with a cold towel and a glass of mango-flavored water from one of the hotel staff, I knew the next few days were going to be exactly what this mama needed. A break from the day-to-day momming I usually do, filled with relaxation, sun and fun.
After getting the lay of the land (this is a pretty large resort) I found my way to my hotel room. As I was taking in the spaciousness and huge soaking tub that was calling my name, I had another feeling. One that sort of crept up on me completely unexpected. I had a “I wish my kids were here with me” moment. You’ve had one of those, right? It’s being glad to have time away but missing your kids and wanting them with you all at the same time. As much as I needed a mom-break, I kept looking around with this feeling of how much my kids would love it here.
It didn’t take long for me to realize that Azul Beach Resort does something amazing. They offer a gourmet inclusive experience that caters to couples, to families, and to mamas needing a break with their girlfriends. And they do it in the most subtle and perfect way that makes everyone feel welcome and included.
Pools for everyone.
I confess I did spend most of my time in the adults-only pool area. Because I was on a mom-only getaway, after all, and the point is sort of to get away from the kids. But, the other pools looked so fun with families hanging out and playing together. My boys would have loved checking out every single pool (there are 6 of them!) and probably would have wished they could hang out in the adults-only area. Sorry kids, this one is just for grown-ups and there are plenty of other options for you!
And, my absolute favorite thing? Which I now think is going to be a "must-have" in any hotel room from now on, is the swim out pool directly from your room. Being able to walk out the door and be in the water is amazing. Want to go for a swim after dinner? Or get in the water first thing in the morning? Sure, no problem! My kids would love this!
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Restaurants for everyone.
Azul Beach Resort is a gourmet inclusive resort and if you’re wondering what that means, because I did, it means the food is spectacular and, well, gourmet. There are several amazing restaurant choices, all serving Gerber baby food by the way, awesome, right? And with so many choices you can basically eat all you want all day long. (My 14 year-olds dream!)
I confess that I’m a pretty simple gal and loved the food display (this is how they refer to the buffet because it’s so much more than any buffet you’ve ever experienced) at Spoons. It’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and casual enough to pop in wearing a swim cover-up and flip-flops (perfect for me!)
My other absolute favorite thing when I’m traveling is ordering room service. It’s something I splurge on and at Azul Beach Resort it’s not a splurge at all. It’s included. This is great news for feeding hungry kids 24 hours a day and I know my boys would have loved ordering room service at 10 pm. Typically I would have said no way but since Azul Beach Resort is gourmet inclusive, you can totally be the "Yes Mom" and order room service whenever the kids (or you) want!
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Activities for everyone.
Whether it’s morning yoga, painting pottery on the beach or taking a mixology class, there is fun for everyone every single day. Azul Beach Resort is eco-friendly and they have kiosks spread throughout the resort so you can easily stop by and see what’s on the day’s schedule.
My favorite? Grabbing a kayak from a beach hut and paddling around on the ocean for a little bit. Kayaking is so relaxing to me and gives you the chance to see an area from a different perspective. And once again, I knew my boys would have loved being out there with me, though they probably would have opted for the stand-up paddleboards!
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A place for everyone.
The pools, beach, restaurants, never seemed crowded and during my recent stay, the hotel was at capacity. This is an amazing feat to have that many people and families around and you could still always find a lounge chair by the pool or beach, a hammock to relax in, or a spot at a swim-up bar. Beyond the pools and beach, there are tennis courts, a fitness center, a spa and Azulitos Playhouse for the little ones. With so many options of how to spend your day, it's easy to spread out and make yourself right at home!
No detail was overlooked and for real, these kid-sized lounge chairs about the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. My kids are way too big for them but I will absolutely make them sit in one when we return. Because we will return. With "I wish my kids were here" moments around every corner, I have to bring them to Azul Beach Resort in Riviera Cancun.
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Azul Beach Resort is a place I want to share with my family and a side of Cancun, Mexico I think everyone needs to experience. And yes, my initial feeling that my time would be filled with relaxation, fun and sun was spot-on and I know it will be the same when I'm back with my family!
To learn more visit azulbeachresorts.com and plan your families next getaway!
The author was hosted at Azul Beach Resort with a complimentary stay. All opinions are her own.
