Riviera Maya Family Paradise: Catamaran, Aqua Nick & ALL-Inclusive Fun!
Buckle Up, Buttercups! My Chaotic Adventure at Riviera Maya Family Paradise (or: Why I Need a Vacation from My Vacation)
Okay, folks, lemme tell ya. I just got back from the Riviera Maya Family Paradise, and my brain is still trying to unscramble itself. This place…it’s an experience. Like, a full-body, senses-overload, "did I really eat that many tacos?" kind of experience. So, grab your sunscreen (and maybe a therapist), because here's the truth, warts and all:
The Good (Mostly):
First off, this place is huge. We're talking sprawling resort, endless pools, and enough activities to make your head spin faster than a kid on a sugar rush. But hey, that's kinda the point, right? This place is all about the "all-inclusive fun" – and they deliver.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You): Aqua Nick? Absolutely bonkers. My kids, bless their little, chlorine-soaked hearts, spent hours on those slides. I, um, might have joined them for a few. Okay, several. Don't judge. The adrenaline rush is real, people. They have a babysitting service, too, so I saw other parents able to enjoy the other things. This is a lifesaver, especially if your kids are like mine, and you need to rest or relax.
Catamaran Time!: Okay, this deserves its own subheading. We booked the catamaran excursion, and it was, in a word, glorious. Picture this: turquoise water, sunshine beaming down, a gentle breeze, and a cooler full of…okay, several coolers full of drinks. The snorkeling was incredible, the staff was super friendly (and patient with my tendency to get seasick…sorry, guys!), and the included lunch on the boat was actually delicious. It was the closest I got to actual peace the entire trip. Seriously, book this. Seriously.Do it.
Pools Galore: Seriously, you could spend a week just pool-hopping. They have pools with swim-up bars, pools with waterfalls, pools for kids, pools with… well, you get the idea. Finding a lounge chair can be a bit of a Hunger Games situation, but hey, that's the price of paradise, right?
Cleanliness & Safety: I was genuinely impressed with the cleanliness. This made a really a difference knowing the staff and the Hotel takes cleanliness seriously, especially with the current concerns in the world. They had hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff was masked up and diligent. They even had room sanitization opt-out available if you preferred. Good on ya, RMFP.
Food, Glorious Food: The buffet was…well, it was a buffet. Lots of choices, and you will overeat. But hey, that's also part of the all-inclusive deal, right? (Don't even ask me how many tacos I devoured.) The A la carte restaurants were much better, but you sometimes have to make a reservation. The Asian restaurant was actually surprisingly good, and the Western cuisine had options for everyone.
The Not-So-Good (and the Hilariously Messy):
Accessibility, Kinda: The website says it's accessible, and they do have some facilities. However, navigating a resort this size with mobility issues could be a challenge. Definitely double-check specific needs before you go, because this area is a bit messy.
Finding the Wi-Fi…and Keeping It: Free Wi-Fi is advertised everywhere, but the signal can be spotty. You might find yourself wandering around, arms raised, trying to catch a signal like a lost satellite. I'll be completely honest, if you're a workaholic, you'll still probably struggle with this at times. Luckily you can use the hotel's internet service if you need it.
The Room Situation: The rooms are… functional. Clean, yes. Spaciousish, yes. But they're not exactly the height of luxury. You get what you pay for, and the focus here is on the fun, not the fancy. Our room had all the provided amenities and features such as a coffee/tea maker, a desk, and a mini bar.
The Crowds. Look, it's a family resort. There will be kids. Lots of kids. Screaming kids, running kids, kids who've just smeared themselves with melted ice cream. Embrace the chaos or retreat to your room (with the dodgy Wi-Fi).
The "Spa": (I put this in air quotes 'cause…well, it wasn't exactly the most relaxing spa experience. The massages were okay, but the atmosphere felt a little…rushed. If you are looking for deep tranquility, you might want to consider outside options. They have a steam room and sauna. If you want more, you could try the local spas.
The Verdict:
Riviera Maya Family Paradise is a whirlwind. It's loud, it's busy, and it's not perfect. But it's also a whole lotta fun. If you're looking for a place to let the kids run wild, relax (kinda), and soak up some sun, this is a solid choice. Just go in knowing it's going to be an experience.
My Emotional Summary:
I laughed. I ate. I swam. I survived. I’m exhausted. Would I go back? Probably. After a very long nap. Maybe after a few more trips to the catamaran. Overall, the experience itself was fine, but with the price and accessibility, I found myself making a lot of compromises.
Final Thoughts:
The Big Sell (and Why You Should Book Now):
Okay, here's the deal. Despite the chaos, the questionable spa, and the occasional Wi-Fi woes, Riviera Maya Family Paradise offers an unbeatable combination of fun, food, and relaxation. It's perfect for families looking to create unforgettable memories.
- Limited-Time Offer! Book your stay now for travel within the next six months and receive:
- A free upgrade to a room with a balcony!
- One complimentary catamaran excursion per family!
- A coupon for a free cocktail at the poolside bar!
- Why you should book immediately: The family will love it, you will make memories, the hotel is clean, it's all inclusive, and there are so many activities.
Don't wait! Your family adventure awaits at Riviera Maya Family Paradise! This place is a bit of a madhouse, but a good one. They have an on-site doctor if something goes wrong. They have on-site security. The hotel has facilities for disabled guests. This should be your next vacation. They are ready, are you? Book your getaway today!
Escape to Paradise: Hampton Inn Bermuda Run, NC - Your Dream Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this itinerary isn't your perfectly-curated Instagram feed. This is the REAL DEAL. We're talking Generations Riviera Maya, Puerto Morelos, Mexico, and a family… well, attempt at a vacation. Wish us luck, we'll need it.
Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Chaos (Because, Kids)
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: The Hell Before Takeoff. Ah, the airport. A beautiful symphony of screaming kids, delayed flights, and overpriced coffee. Little Timmy decided now was the perfect time to discover the existential dread of airplane travel, which consisted primarily of him clinging to my leg like a baby koala begging for eucalyptus. Bless.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Flight. (Survived. Barely.) Snacks everywhere, sticky hands, and the constant threat of a toddler tantrum that could rival a Category Five hurricane. Did I mention the air conditioning was blasting so hard I considered wearing a parka mid-flight?
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Arrival, Customs, and the Great Luggage Hunt. Found the bags! Woohoo! Except one rogue suitcase decided to go on a solo adventure, probably to Belize, or wherever it wanted to be besides with us. This is a sign.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Check-in, and the First Glimpse of Paradise (Kind Of). Generations is… stunning. REALLY stunning. The beachfront suite? To DIE for. My jaw actually dropped when I saw the view. But then, the kids discovered the infinity pool, and the serenity evaporated faster than sunscreen on a hot beach.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Initial Pool Assault. The sun, the water, the screams of joy (and occasional tears when someone's favorite rubber ducky drifted away). Honestly, it was pure, unadulterated chaos. I think I spent most of the time either retrieving plastic toys or rescuing a small human from the depths of the shallow end. You know, the usual.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Lunch, and the Battle With the Buffet. So many choices! Which meant so many opportunities for little hands to get covered in questionable sauces. The kids' menu? Essentially a collection of beige, deep-fried things. But hey, they ate SOMETHING. Victory!
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Unpacking and inevitable search for the missing suitcase. Found the missing suitcase!!! Turns out the lost suitcase had gotten stuck at the bottom of the hotel stairs. Crisis averted.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Sunset drinks at the beach bar. This was supposed to be idyllic. It wasn't. Half-way through my margarita, little Susie decided she was suddenly terrified of the ocean and wanted to be held… at all times. So, I was on the beach with a screaming toddler.
7:00 PM: Dinner. I ordered the steak, which was a solid 10/10. I wish I could have enjoyed it more. Little Susie was still screaming.
Day 2: Catamaran Caper & Dramatic Seasickness
8:00 AM: Wake Up and Face the Day. Coffee, coffee, coffee! And the inevitable negotiations required to get the kids dressed.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Catamaran Adventure! Yes! We were going sailing! Or, rather, we attempted to go sailing. The water was beautiful, the sun was shining, and I was convinced I was on a movie set. Then, my stomach started to rumble. And then, it didn't stop. Seasickness is a cruel mistress.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: The Seasick Survival Hour. I. NEEDED. LAND. Now. We limped back, and I lay down on the deck of the boat. I am not built for boats.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch. I, mostly, picked at a plate of crackers. The kids, thankfully, were having a blast, which, you know, made me feel a little better.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Pool Time Round Two. Revenge of the toddler tears (this time, because someone took her favorite swim vest). I think I may need to start stock-piling Xanax.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Nap time (for me). Sweet, blissful silence.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Cocktail at the beach bar, take two! I got to enjoy, 10/10, a good drink.
7:00 PM: Dinner. We ate at the Italian restaurant. The pasta was good. Susie was in a better mood, so that was a win.
Day 3: Aqua Nick & the Slime-tastic Revelations
9:00 AM: Breakfast and the pre-Aqua Nick pep talk (Mostly, just convincing everyone to wear sunscreen this time).
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM: AQUA NICK!!! Holy moly, this was amazing! Okay, I had just as much (if not more) fun than the kids. The water slides were awesome, the lazy river was actually relaxing, and the slime? Oh, the slime! Pure, green gooey perfection! I may have gotten slimed… multiple times. No regrets.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Dry Out. A snack, maybe a beer at the Nick Bar.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Pool time
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Nap time (for the kids)
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Beach walk. (This time, no screaming!)
7:00 PM: Dinner. (I have no recollection of what we ate. The memories of slime are still the dominant ones.)
Day 4: The Search for Tranquility & Last-Minute Mayhem
9:00 AM: Breakfast (Again. So much food.)
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Spa Day. Finally. This was my attempt to find some peace and quiet. I actually managed to get an hour-long massage, which was pure bliss.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: A quiet lunch. (I was very content.)
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Pool time
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: The Beach!
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Inevitable meltdown (Susie, again. This time, over a misplaced beach ball.)
5:00 PM-6:00 PM: Packing. Packing is always the worst part of the trip.
7:00 PM: Farewell Dinner (I may have sobbed a little, both because I was leaving paradise, and because I was so incredibly tired.)
Day 5: Departure & the Promise of Sleep (Maybe)
6:00 AM: Wake up. (Why is it always so early!?)
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Airport time: a repeat of "the Hell Before Takeoff," but with a little more experience in my belt.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: The "Goodbye, Mexico!" (for now)
10:00 AM: Back Home, and the endless cycle of laundry, unpacking, and the slow, creeping realization that I haven't slept in a week.
10:01 AM: Planning the next adventure. And there you have it: My brutally honest Generations Riviera Maya itinerary. It wasn't perfect. It wasn't always relaxing. But it was ours. And, in its own chaotic, messy way, it was perfect. Now, time to schedule my next vacation… solo.
Riviera Maya Family Paradise: Catamaran, Aqua Nick & ALL-Inclusive... Uh, What Now? Honestly, Ask Away!
Okay, so, the ALL-INCLUSIVE thing. Is it *really* all-inclusive? Like, should I sell a kidney for snacks?
Okay, buckle up. The "all-inclusive" promise is… a *promise*. It's… a spectrum. Think of it like trying to explain the plot of a Christopher Nolan movie after just one margarita. You *think* you get it, but probably don't. Generally, food and booze are covered. And let me tell you, some booze tasted *amazing* after wrangling my three-year-old out of the ocean. They had a decent selection, but the *good* stuff, the top-shelf stuff, might cost extra. And then there were the "premium" restaurants… sometimes included, sometimes not. Read the fine print, people! Or, like me, just wing it and hope for the best. (My credit card is still recovering, by the way.) Snacks? Yes, *tons*. But my kid, bless her sugar-loving heart, was asking for "the expensive cookies" every five minutes. So… kidney not required, but maybe a few regrets may surface. Also, tips? Those are *highly* encouraged, and trust me, the staff works their butts off!
The Catamaran! My kids think they're pirates. Were there buried treasures? (And was it seasick-inducing?)
The catamaran... oh, the catamaran! My seven-year-old, bless his heart, was convinced he was Captain Jack Sparrow Jr. throughout the entire trip. Buried treasure? Sadly, no. Unless you count the questionable "treasure" of lukewarm tacos they served. (Just kidding… *mostly*.) The snorkeling was phenomenal, though. We saw more fish than I've seen in my entire life. The younger one, the aforementioned three-year-old, insisted on wearing a life vest for the ENTIRE boat ride. Even when we were safely docked. She was like a miniature, orange-clad, seas-safety dictator. Seasickness? My husband got a little green around the gills. He's been known to get queasy on a *ferry*… so yeah. But the motion sickness tablets helped. The rest of us? Miraculously, we were fine! Just remember to bring some ginger ale or something - you know, for the *ahem* delicate members of your family.
Aqua Nick sounds amazing! Were the lines insanely long? And did you actually get slimed? (Asking for… well, myself.)
Aqua Nick... Okay, let’s talk Aqua Nick. This place is *chaos* in the best possible way. The lines? Yeah, they were sometimes epic. Think theme-park-on-crack levels of waiting. But mostly, it wasn’t *horrendous*. Weekdays definitely helped. Weekends? Run. Just run. We strategically planned our day, hitting the slides early and often. My advice: embrace the chaos, pack a lot of sunscreen, and get a pre-emptive dose of patience. And the slime… oh, the slime! YES! We all got slimed. My kids loved it. My teenagers, who were pretending to be too cool, LOVED it. Even my husband, after a couple of beers, embraced the slimy green goodness. It's a core memory moment, trust me. Just be prepared to shower… a lot. And maybe avoid wearing your favorite clothes. Unless you want to look like you just emerged from… well, a Nickelodeon commercial.
What age range *really* thrives there? I have kids from 2 to 16!
Oh, the age range question. This is the million-dollar question, isn't it? Honestly? It's a mixed bag. My experience? My 3-year-old was perpetually exhausted but also the happiest kid on the planet when in the water. My 7-year-old? He was living his best life, slinging water guns and feeling like a total daredevil. The older kids… well, they went through phases. Some days they were totally into it, other days they were glued to their phones, grumbling about "family time." My observations? The water park itself is generally geared for younger kids and teens at different zones. But the whole experience can be good depending on what you let go of. But don't expect them to love every single activity together. It's about *togetherness* in spirit.
Beyond the headline attractions, what else is there to do? Anything for… the parents?
Okay, let's get real. Beyond Aqua Nick and the catamaran, there's… stuff. Lots of stuff. The resort itself had multiple pools, a kids' club (where you can *maybe* escape for an hour or two), and a spa (which I, regrettably, did *not* make enough time for). There were nightly shows, which are hit-or-miss depending on your taste (and how much tequila you've had). I managed to sneak away for a decent massage while the kids were occupied. It was… glorious. My husband, meanwhile, spent a significant amount of time near the swim-up bar. So yes, there's stuff for the parents. You just have to be *intentional*. Plan those adult-only activities in advance. Otherwise… you might end up spending your entire vacation refereeing water-balloon fights. (Not that I'm complaining… too much.)
Food, glorious food! Was the food actually good? Or resort food garbage?
Alright, let's talk food. Because, let's be honest, food is a MAJOR part of the vacation experience, right? And the food at this resort? Well, it was a mixed bag, honestly. Some restaurants were genuinely impressive. They had some amazing Mexican food and some pretty good Italian. And the buffet? Okay, let's just say… it was a buffet. Sometimes amazing, sometimes… less so. My husband loved it; he's a buffet aficionado. I was more interested in the a la carte places. But for the kids? They had everything they could want. Pizza, pasta, chicken nuggets. It's catered to kids. If you're a foodie expecting Michelin-star cuisine, you might be disappointed. If you’re like me, and just want to eat what you want, when you want it? You'll be fine. My advice? Explore your options, try different restaurants, and don’t be afraid to order seconds, thirds… or fourths! Also, the ice cream was *outstanding*. I may have eaten way too much ice cream. No regrets.
What's the biggest thing you wish you knew *before* you went?
Okay, if I could go back in time and give myself some pre-vacation wisdom, it would be this: **PackSerene Getaways
