Sometimes the best part of traveling is finding places that surprise you in a good way. We’ve partnered with family traveler Kirsten Maxwell from Kids Are A Trip, as she reflects on a recent vacation to Cancun, Mexico and Finest Playa Mujeres resort.
Located an easy thirty minute ride from Cancun airport, Finest Playa Mujeres is a luxury resort in a class of its own. Part of Excellence Resorts (sister adults-only properties Beloved and Excellence are next door), the property is deceptive in a good way. Guests may expect to find a luxury family friendly all-inclusive resort (and they will), but they will also discover much more. Finest Playa Mujeres is family-friendly luxury in Cancun that is second to none.
The Hotel
The resort has 450 guest suites and the property is cleverly divided between the “family” and the “adults only” area. There’s almost an invisible line down the middle of the resort separating the two, and everyone seems to happily co-exist. The only places where the two seem to collide is in the dining areas, but that is to be expected.
There are 12 pools and jacuzzis throughout the property, and a two mile stretch of Caribbean beach front. There are twelve restaurants serving all types of cuisine and 16 bars and lounges. ONE Spa offers signature treatments for adults and kids alike. Those that don’t want to lounge by the pool can enjoy the many activities included such as snorkeling, tennis, archery, and yoga to name a few.
There are separate pool areas, beach areas, and buildings for families and adults-only. There is also a concierge experience called “Excellence Club”. This offers VIP treatment, a private lounge and restaurant, as well as private areas on the beach and at the pool.
Rooms
There are a variety of suites available for families. The junior suite with private pool has a walk out pool for families and 1,600 square feet of space. The junior swim-up suite offers a private pool area and terrace with personal hammock connected to a larger pool area. Families with small children probably would not want this option from a water safety perspective. Larger families will want the space of the family suite, which is more like an apartment than hotel room. This room can accommodate up to 6 people (maximum 3 adults, age 13+) with a king size bed, sofa bed, and separate bedroom with two single beds. There is no bad option for families.
Each room offers a large double rain shower, separate toilet, and double vanity with ample counter space. There is a stocked mini bar with beer, juice, soft drinks, water, and snacks that is replenished daily. A nice treat for parents is the in-room liquor and wine for use during your stay. Room service is available 24 hours a day and is delivered via “X Box”, a box accessed by key outside the room by service staff and by you inside the room. This way you never have to see the staff and they don’t have to interrupt you. Simply put your dishes in the “box” when you finish and they disappear, never to be seen again. Love this feature.
The rooms have ample storage space in the way of closets with shelving and drawers in the room. All rooms have a television, phones with free international calls to the U.S. and Canada, premium coffee machines, and internet service.
The resort offers cribs, high chairs, and any other necessities for young children. They also offer in-room babysitting.
Amenities for the Kids
The Kids’ Club
The Kids’ Club at Finest Playa Mujeres is included for families staying on property, but there is an age requirement. Children between the ages of 3 and 6 years need to have a parent stay with them in the kids’ club, or the family will need to hire one of the staff members to be a “nanny” for their children. This is charged at an hourly rate, minimum 2 hours. Children 7 years and above can be in the kids’ club by themselves, but they will need to be signed in and out by parents. The staff organizes different activities on different days and includes a variety of crafts, games, and entertainment options for children.
There are two separate water play areas for kids. One for toddlers and infants, the other for older children. There is an oversized outdoor chess set, ping pong table, grass area, and covered picnic area for other games. There is a full size outdoor theater where children can participate in activities or watch shows in the evening.
Kids’ Spa
Children might enjoy a bit of pampering on vacation, so the ONE Spa created a menu just for children and families. Kids can try the Jungle Mini Facial, an I Love Fruits Manicure, or the Make Me Sleepy Mini Massage or a few others. It’s recommended to book treatments before arrival to ensure availability, but how fun to experience the spa like mom and dad!
Dining
There are twelve restaurants offering different cuisines. The French restaurant, Le Petit Plaisir, is the only one that requires a reservation and does not allow children.
Next to the restaurants upstairs and downstairs are “Imagine Rooms”. This is where parents can leave their children while they eat breakfast or dinner in peace. The rooms are supervised by hotel staff and have toys, books, and video games to entertain the kids. This is a perfect solution if mom and dad need some alone time.
The main buffet restaurant is The Market Kitchen, and it is THE spot for morning family breakfasts. Arrive early to avoid a wait and have your choice of tables. There is literally enough food to feed an army here, so no one will go hungry any time of day.
For something lighter, try the The Sweet Corner for small sandwiches, danishes, cookies, coffee, and ice cream. Kids line up here all hours of the day for cool treats from the spinning ice cream machine.
Other restaurant choices include a steak house, hibachi restaurant (reservations accepted once it opens in the evening), Italian, Mexican, American sports bar, Spanish tapas, and even an on-site food truck (La Cocinita).
Observations
The property was at 100% occupancy during our stay, but it NEVER felt crowded. There were always lounge chairs available at the main pool and on the beach, and seating at the restaurants seemed readily available.
The property is extremely well maintained. The resort is a year old and everything felt new and clean. There were staff members scrubbing spots on the concrete walkways and trimming plants daily. The maintenance is excellent outside in the common areas and inside the rooms as well.
The staff is stellar. They really go above and beyond in everything they do. Nothing is too small for their assistance and guests are always greeted with an “hola” and a smile. They genuinely seem to enjoy their work and that can be difficult to find in the hospitality industry. Their love for their company and property did not go unnoticed.
I’m not the type of person that likes to return to a destination over and over again, but Finest Playa Mujeres may have changed my mind.
Kirsten Maxwell
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IS there any water aerobics/Zumba. And what would you rate the food?
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