A Mexican Beach Resort
just a short flight away
In March, Travel + Leisure posted the article, The Best Destinations to Take Your Kids at Each Age — From Infants to College Graduates, and — as a mom of two young boys — it really resonated with me and inspired me to take a deeper dive into these destinations. Even as a travel advisor, I struggled to decide on vacation destinations when my oldest son was first born. There’s a saying that vacation with kids is not a vacation for the parents. You’re just moving the whole show to a prettier destination. And if you thought you were an over-packer before, just wait until you see how much stuff a 10-pound infant needs for a weekend away.
Traveling with kids at any age has its obstacles, but there’s something different about traveling with an infant. For first time parents, it can be downright terrifying. The unknowns of how the baby will sleep in a new environment, making sure you bring all the necessities and knowing you can buy more if you run out can be overwhelming. While you can’t control if your baby cries on the airplane on the way there, you can control where you choose to vacation and choose a resort that is well-prepared for you and your little one.
suggestions for your first family vacation together…
01. Rosewood Mayakoba
Embraced by emerald lagoons, mangrove jungle and a pristine white-sand beach, Rosewood Mayakoba offers a private world of rarefied beauty along Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Twenty-eight miles from the Cancun airport ensures a short trip for you and baby. Available accommodations include various suites and villas. The resort opens to a beautiful stretch of powdery white sand, where loungers, umbrellas, and cabanas are ready for you. There are four pools on the property, with options to overlook the lagoon and the beach. There are family activities year-round at Rosewood Mayakoba, including the following items offered for use during a guest’s stay: Erbaviva baby skin care products, wireless baby monitors in-suite, crib and sheets, security service for babies inside the room, diaper pail, baby tub with non-slip map, railings and bottle warmers are provided in-room. Babysitting or nanny services are also available.
02. Four Seasons Punta Mita
Located on the Pacific Coast within a 400-acre nature reserve on a private peninsula, Four Seasons Punta Mita is just a 45 minute drive from Puerto Vallarta. Accommodations range from casita-style bedrooms to private villas. The resort offers pristine, secluded beaches, an infinity pool, a family Lazy River, and an adults-only pool. Reserve a private cabana at one of the pools to nap with your baby in a shaded paradise. With five restaurants and 14 bars, you won’t need to worry about planning your next meal. While there are many family amenities available for kids of all ages, those specific to infants include baby care basket upon arrival, cribs upon request, and reliable babysitting services. If you stay in a room or villa with a private pool, pool fences and baby proofing are available.
03. Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Where the Caribbean Sea meets the Yucatán jungle, Grand Velas Riviera Maya is a AAA 5 Diamond Luxury All-Inclusive resort. With three different suite options (choose the Ambassador Suites for the family-friendly option), these spacious accommodations include 24-hour suite service. The all-inclusive resort grants you access to each of the eight restaurants and six bars. Lounge chairs, umbrellas, and cabanas are available on the Grand Velas beaches, and there are three pools on property. Their award winning family program features Baby Concierge Services, which include bottle sterilizers, high chairs, cribs, strollers, baby bath tubs, baby bouncers, pacifiers, rattles, teethers, bottles, and bottle brushes. Babysitting services are also available.
Booking these resorts with K. Heitman Travel, you’ll enjoy exclusive amenities including complimentary room upgrade (based on availability), complimentary daily breakfast, resort or hotel credit, and more. Let’s VIP your travels.
What to look for when selecting a resort for your baby’s first vacation
- Direct flight to destination
- Resort near airport for short airport transfers
- Excellent beach with full chair- and food/bar-services (for when baby falls asleep on you and you need a cocktail and a snack)
- Mini-fridge for milk and snacks included in room
- Option to pre-stock groceries or located near a grocery store (snacks and diapers!)
- Family-friendly inclusions, such as high chairs, cribs, baby bathtubs, etc.
- Babysitting services and qualifications/certifications
- Close proximity to medical care (I always include the nearest hospital/medical facility and pharmacy in my clients’ itineraries. I also highly recommend a Medjet membership for worst case scenarios where you would need a medical transport home.)
Personal Experience: Baby Sleep Locations While Traveling
While my sons were young enough to still sleep in a crib or Pack ‘n Play during travel, my husband and I have gotten creative in order to avoid booking a suite or two rooms. We always traveled with a baby monitor (or Nest cam) to keep an eye on them, but these sleep locations offered us parents a bit of privacy and let us stay up after their 7:00 bedtimes.
- Crib in bathroom in Bermuda
- Pack ‘n Play in walk-in shower in Seaside, Florida
- Pack ‘n Play in large closet in North Georgia
- Pack ‘n Play beside our bed in Toronto, Canada (last resort)
Have your own creative sleep locations? Drop them in a comment below.
