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With travelers tightening their belts due to the upward spiral in airfares, the rise in multi-generational vacations is set to spike even further. After all, who better to foot the holiday bill than the grandparents?
Finding a destination that appeals to a group with ages from seven to 70 can be a challenge, but resorts are now cross-pollinating their offerings to cater to everyone in the tribe.
Here are two Mexican beauties, one on each coast, that are muy bueno for everyone.
West coast wonder
Don’t set your sights on Baja California Sur’s playtown of Cabo San Lucas, but instead head to San José del Cabo, on the very point of the peninsula where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortés. The town itself is a lively mix of restaurants and shops, including an historic arts district with local galleries and artisan shops, perfect for strolling. It’s authentically charming, too – you may even see a drowsy horse tethered to one of the cantinas patiently waiting to carry its rider home.
Head over to the desert foothills, to Zadún Los Cabos, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (from $1,350 a night), for a luxe stay that ticks all the boxes. For a start, the 87 guest rooms and 27 suites (plus residences and a swish villa) all have private infinity pools overlooking the sea. You’ll also have the services of your own Tosoani (personal assistant) to facilitate your every whim.
Nestled within the desert foothills, the architecture, created by ABAX Arquitectos, is stunning, with dramatic, earth-toned sculpture-like buildings that are aglow at night, echoing the desert around. Inside, there are lots of natural elements too, with a contemporary, sophisticated Mexican vibe.
To decompress, access the serenity of the spa. The resort has teamed with Sensei Wellness, a brand based around the concept of “move, nourish, and rest.” The spa itself is a glorious tropical oasis, with a hydrotherapy pool ringed with palms. Take a wellbeing consultation, or indulge in sound baths or meditational sessions – perhaps even a nutritional reset. Sensei works hand in hand with the restaurants, which have curated specific dishes that will fit the bill.
Be prepared to be tempted, though. Chef Jeffrey Rodriguez “does not follow recipes; he follows intuition” as per the blurb – and the results are delicious, from fresh seafood feasts to breakfasts of pancakes topped with syrup, fruit, and popcorn. (Don’t knock it till you try it.)
The resort also hosts the “Ambassadors of the Environment” program created by Jean-Michel Cousteau to promote ocean conservation. (His oceanographer father, Jacques, famously loved the area, calling it “the world’s aquarium.”) Environmentalists and biologists are on hand to lead desert hikes and educational outings to teach about the diverse ecosystems.
The program includes a Ritz Kids club from 5 to 16, with specific age-angled activities like bird-watching, gardening, snorkeling, and stargazing.
New for this summer, the program is launching the Guardians of Baja, inviting kids to become “Honorary Guardians” of the ocean and desert through a mixture of storytelling and creative play.
According to a spokesperson, “Complemented by wellness and movement sessions, Guardians of Baja will reflect Zadún’s holistic philosophy, creating enriching, family-centered experiences that are both engaging and purposeful, while elevating the Ritz Kids offering to a true Reserve-level experience.”
But if there’s one thing everyone in the family should do together, it’s whale watching. From December to April is the best time, when they migrate.
Take Zadún’s private expedition boat and, accompanied by a marine biologist, head out into the bay to get close to the magnificent humpbacks and watch them spout and breach. It’s a joyous experience no one should miss.
East coast energy
Just a quick three-hour flight from NYC, boasting gorgeous turquoise waters and 14 miles of white sand beach, Cancun has become a well-trodden escape for those north of the border. While there’s a spring break vibe to some of the beach area known as the hotel zone — here’s looking at you, Señor Frog’s – there are places where you can leave the rafia hats and bucket-sized margaritas behind and simply chill.
Paradisus Cancun is one such resort. The bright white Mayan temple-inspired structure, complete with a glass pyramid dome, is a well-known landmark, sitting along the Caribbean sea alongside the Nichupté Lagoon.
Built in 1990 and revamped into a Melia hotel in 2012, the hotel recently closed for a $50 million renovation, opening in April to the meme “the icon is back.” It’s more than a refresh — the resort’s 773 redesigned suites (from $525 per night) are airy and calm with spacious balconies, and the resort has added a plethora of new dining and family-friendly amenities.
Families are well catered for with a dedicated family pool (one of three in total) but there’s a new, fun splash park, Aquazone, and Kidsdom kids club, with a playroom, crafts, and even a special space for baby play.
One for the grandparents: book a room in the Reserve (from $643 per night), an adults-only section at the end of the resort that comes with some big perks, like an extremely attentive, dedicated butler, access to the Bali beds on the beach and by the lagoon swimming pool. You also have exclusive use of the barefoot luxe seafront dining at Sante, which serves up fresh salads, catch of the day, and some fine mojitos.
It would take you a while to experience all nine restaurants and seven bars, but it’s recommended you try, especially since the resort is (hurrah!) all-inclusive.
The sushi at Kao, in a wooden structure in the atrium, is on point, as are the traditional Mexican taqueria flavors at Blue Agave.
There are all sorts of activities on tap, from piñata parties, silent discos, and circus acts for the kids, to a delicious wine tasting in the cellar for the adults. Sommelier Miguel Angel Serrano, whose encyclopedic knowledge of Mexican wine brings the experience to life, is a joy.
Another trip for the grown-ups: A sunset cruise from the harbor across the street. Wildlife is not the primary focus, but rather entertainment from a superb saxophonist who serenades you through the bay (and some potent punch).
How do you finish that up? How about fireworks and that riff from “Baker Street”? Perfecto.
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