An All-Inclusive, Family-Friendly Cancun Vacation

First, I considered travel to either Cancun or Cabo as flight times were fairly close. The Cancun area has a much larger selection of resorts at all price points and interests. Price for the vacation was priority for the family. The children wanted a water park, preferably with waterslides and lazy rivers. The adults wanted proximity to Cancun airport, so that travel days weren’t spent driving hours to property. Royalton Splash Riviera fit all of these priorities. The rooms were spacious and offered ocean view suites and a Diamond Club level with swim-up suites to give a bit of pampering and escape from the craziness of the kids.

Oceanfront swim-out suite

The private shuttle is highly recommended. From the moment we got our luggage, we were guided to a luxury SUV with cold refreshments to start the holiday. We were at the property in about 20 minutes. We had overheard a guest complaining about waiting for two hours for their shuttle and arrival. Half of the group had an ocean-view suite and we checked in at the Diamond Club. They had to wait for a couple of hours for their room and did not get the two queen beds as requested. We waited about 20 minutes as it was a busy time for check-in, but the bar offered drinks and a nice selection of snacks and sweets in comfortable chairs, which started our vacation well.

King bedroom

Room amenities

Bath / double shower with rain

We overheard one unhappy guest in the Diamond Club complaining about not getting ahold of their complimentary butler. No judgement, but as in any foreign country, you get much further with honey than you do vinegar. Our butler, Dulce, was incredible for the entire vacation. We gave her a tip upon arrival and another tip after she scored reservations for the entire group of seven every night at our preferred times, keeping in mind the nightly events. Every detail was attended to and coffee was delivered every morning. She checked in on us periodically to see what we needed. The Diamond Club pool bar was much less crowded and if you like premium liquors and a bit more specialized drinks, I recommend you bring a few singles to tip the hard-working servers.

Diamond Club welcome gift

One of two lazy rivers

Our party booked two different excursions midway through the week. Project Expedition offered many options and we selected the Xenotes Tour through Grupo Xcaret. The older kids and their parents did a Xplor pass for a bit more intense experience. The tours were on time, efficient and a blast. The lunch provided with the cenotes was delicious and the ice-cold beer was perfect.

Xenotes tours

The entire group enjoyed the vacation the way we wanted and the property delivered as expected. The food was not exceptional but good with plenty of selections. The staff was at times overworked and showed it. But I give them high praises during one of the busiest and craziest weeks of the year!

Zen Teppanaki - one of the restaurants

Be kind, be patient. Tip butlers and servers for special service and requests. I asked for huevos rancheros in the morning at the buffet and I tipped Ximena each day for this. Reserve cabanas well in advance, and get up early to grab pool lounges with personal items. They are hard to get later in the day. Unfortunately, some people grab more than they end up using. Pack socks for kids joining the kids' club. Bring thermal cups for refills of drinks to stay cold.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Cancun page.