Property
Zahra is a cluster of bungalows located between two gorgeous sandy beaches on the Mayan Riviera south of Cancun. The bungalows are rustic, but very comfortable and provide an authentic and unique experience perfect for families…think Robinson Crusoe with room service! Each bungalow is located within steps to a private beach lined with cabanas and hammocks where life passes at a pace that allows plenty of time for family bonding.

Location
Zahra is located just minutes from Tulum, an ancient Mayan pyramid complex. Just a bit further abroad is Coba (an even bigger pyramid complex) and Xel-ha, a marine ecological park.

Sleeps
Bungalows sleep 2 – 6 people with fun features like bunk beds and swinging beds…like a hammock with a giant mattress.

Highlights
With no TVs or phones, the kids imaginations went wild…we played pirates all day and hunted for lizards in the evening. But if you start to go stir crazy, there is plenty to do near by…giant Mayan pyramids, eco-marine parks, local craft markets.

Good to know
Make sure you get a beachfront cabana. There is no air-conditioning so the ocean breeze is key to happy vacationers. We stayed here while filming Travel With Kids Mexico: The Yucatan and Mayan Riviera (more information at TravelWithKids.tv) and I was skeptical at first because it was so hot, but the breeze really did keep it cool.

Contact
http://www.zahra.com.mx/

Written by Carrie Simmons

Property
Dreams Puerto Aventuras (until recently a Sunscape resort) cuddles up against a white sand beach and Caribbean lagoon frequented by tropical fish. Families can find comfortable options for dining throughout the day and will feel at home in the beach-side pool and spa, while those who seek an adults-only reprieve (perhaps even you while your kids enjoy the Explorer’s Club) will find suitable options as well, including an adults-only pool and candlelit seafood dinners on the harbor.

Location
In the heart of the Riviera Maya, this Dreams (not to be confused with others nearby) has a prime location in the gated Puerto Aventuras complex, sitting on its own beach and backing the yacht-lined harbor. If you’ve got an itch to swim with dolphins (or watch other people give it a try), it’s just a short walk to the Dolphin Discovery Center. A short drive away are the attractions of Xel Ha, Xcaret, Hidden Worlds Cenotes, and Tulum. The more adventurous can easily catch the local bus (a system of vans) on the main highway outside the entrance to Puerto Aventuras and zip to these popular destinations right along the main highway. Or keep things simple and let the hotel’s concierge book you a taxi or shuttle.

Sleeps
2 to 8 with options of suites and connecting guest rooms. Cribs (like oversized cradles) are provided on request—but only when available.

Highlights
Just wade into the lovely clear water with your snorkel (provided by the hotel) and drop in among schools of tropical fish. Meanwhile, your mate and children romp in the sand and sip fresh pineapple juice just a few yards away. The sea trampoline is a big hit with grown ups and kids alike. Outdoor movies are shown right on the beach. All-inclusive inclusions: Dining in six restaurants with no reservations (or wristbands) required, daily watersports gear, drinks (try the “Happy Donkey”), supervised activities for children ages 3 to 12 years.

Good to know
Frequent promotions allow kids to stay (and eat, and play) for free. Single parents also get a price break certain dates of the year. “The Explorer’s Club for Kids” welcomes children from 3 years to 12 years with a supervised playground, arts and crafts projects, video games, organized treasure hunts, and loads of activities that change by the day—just check the schedule posted outside. You can check in your child, and check out a pager to be called in case you are needed. Ground level rooms facing the family pool will simplify your comings and goings (time for a fresh swim diaper—or a margarita on your patio), though you won’t want to stray too far from the room since you can’t lock your patio door from the exterior.

Contact
http://www.dreamsresorts.com/drepa/index.html

Written by Shelly Rivoli

Property
The Shangri-La Caribe is closing April, 2009 for renovations–more details soon. Dozens of simple rooms, suites, and bungalows spread out over beautifully landscaped grounds on one of the prettiest beaches in Mexico. All rooms have patios or porches (complete with hammock), ceiling fans, screened windows, and very comfortable beds. Some have air conditioning. The property has 2 restaurants, a poolside grill, 3 bars, 2 pools, and a hot tub. The resort also offers sports equipment rental, babysitting, and laundry service. There is also a Laundromat one block away. Dinner and breakfast are included, drinks are not.

Location
Charming Playa del Carmen is about fifty minutes south of Cancun by car. While it may not be the sleepy fishing village it once was, it has managed to avoid the hyperbole of other bigger Mexican resorts. Shangri-La Caribe is set slightly apart from Playa del Carmen on a peaceful sugar sand beach a half-mile north of the town center.

Sleeps
2-4.

Highlights
Walking to town on the beach. Homemade ice cream at dinner. A few resident cats for children who are missing their own pets. Hotel security discourages vendors on the beach–paradise!

Good to know
Shangri-La Caribe is v-e-r-y unplugged and laidback. If you are looking for a five-star experience with valet parking, flat screen televisions, and room service, it might not be for you. If you are looking for a barefoot experience with palapas, blindingly white sand, and turquoise water however, you won’t be disappointed.

Contact
www.shangrilacaribe.net

Written by Jamie Pearson