A couple weeks ago, I was invited to check out the brand new Generations Riviera Maya Resort by Karisma. This family-friendly, gourmet-inclusive destination is conveniently located about 25 minutes from the Cancun airport in Mexico. Here is what families will find when they visit…
If you prefer to read and look at photos (instead of watching the video), I’ve done that too! Enjoy. 🙂
ROOM
I stayed in an ocean front luxury jacuzzi suite that featured a luxurious bathroom with separate stand-up shower, two vanities, separate toilet area and a large jacuzzi tub.
This suite is a perfect size for families with its large L-shaped couch that pulls out to a bed, two queen beds and two TVs. The large dividing wall that closes is ideal for parents who would like to stay up a little later than the kids but don’t want to disturb them while watching TV or having conversation.
I loved that the room includes a mini-fridge that is stocked with beer, soda and a few snacks that is replenished daily. You can see more room interior photos that I took HERE.
Every room at the Generations Riviera Maya has a balcony with an amazing ocean view. Guests have their option of a regular balcony or swim-up option that features pool access right off your balcony. A unique feature of the resort is that you can get a swim-up room not only on the bottom floor that has direct access to the main pool but they have designed the resort to have swim-up rooms on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors as well. It really is amazing sight.
Don’t worry, if you have little ones and are not keen on the idea of a swim-up room, there are always regular balcony options with no water access.
EKOKIDS
Speaking of kids, let’s talk about the kid’s program. I’m one of those parents who appreciates a good resort kid’s program to give me a break from time to time and the Ekokids offers just that. Parents can drop off their 4-12 year olds at “Ekokids” any time during their open hours to play in the kid’s room that is complete with an indoor climbing wall over a ball pit, gaming area, Lego corner, trampoline and much more. Ekokids also has planned activities throughout the day that are listed on their daily schedule. Best thing about it? It is included in your resort stay.
I found that the kid’s room was very clean, well taken care of and had plenty for little ones to do.
*At this point, the resort does not offer a teens program but may in the future.
While Ekokids doesn’t take babies in their general population, there is the option of babysitting either in the Ekokids area or in your room for an additional charge. If you choose the babysitter to watch your baby in EkoKids, there is a room with a pack n play (crib) and a rocking chair for nap time and high chairs for mealtime.
You can watch a sneak peek inside the EkoKids here…
FOOD
Generations Riviera Maya is a “gourmet-inclusive” resort which means that the food is fantastic! This is a step up from your regular “all-inclusive” type of resort when it comes to the food. There are five restaurants on property.
Chef Market
The Chef Market is the buffet restaurant that is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Stocked with a variety of cold and hot foods, as well as cook-for-you options such as omelets in the morning, this buffet offers plenty for adults and kids to choose from. I was also pleased to see that they have a variety of Gerber baby food jars at the buffet so parents don’t have to worry about bringing their own.
Haab
This was the first restaurant we dined in, and let me tell you, it was amazing! This is a Mediterranean restaurant that is open for dinner and has an amazing view.
Jade
This Pan-Asian cuisine restaurant specializes in sushi but I was happy to find out that they have other delicious options for those of us who aren’t sushi-lovers.
Wine Kitchen & Tasting Room
On our last evening, we dined at the Wine Kitchen & Tasting Room. This unique restaurant featured empty wine bottles that lined the walls (we did our best to add to the collection!) and a delicious menu full of wine infused options. Yep, every dish at this restaurant included not only wine served on the side, but in the dish as well. This is a great restaurant to visit after you have checked the children into Ekokids.
Palms Gourmet Terrace
While I didn’t get a chance to eat at the Palms Gourmet Terrace, I heard that if you are looking for authentic flavors of Mexico and the Caribbean, the Palms is it!
POOL
My guess is that if you are visiting a Mexican resort, you’ll want to spend a little time in the pool and at the beach, right?! Well, this resort has you covered. There is a large pool that spans the entire length of the resort (hence all the swim-up rooms!) and features a swim-up bar in the center. That may have been one of my favorite spots to hang out.
Generations doesn’t forget their little guests because there were tiny loungers and umbrellas that surrounded a small splash pool that is perfect for kids!
I do want to mention the pool is shaded from the sun at after about 2pm each day because of the way that the resort is situated on the beach. Looking for more sun after 2pm? No problem, just head down to the beautiful, white sand beach.
BEACH
Whether you are sticking around the pool or headed to the sandy shore, I love that the resort has sun block, magazines, books and sand toys for guests to use at no extra charge. It’s those little things that make this resort so great!
The beach is lined with plenty of chairs and beach beds so there is no need to wake up at the crack of dawn to reserve one like you may have to do at other resorts.
FITNESS CENTER
If you are the exercise-doesn’t-take-a-break-on-vacation type of person, you’ll be happy to know that there is a small fitness center at Generations that has treadmills, ellipticals and a few other gym necessities.
Since we had the most beautiful weather during our visit, I found a better option was to run along the beach to fit in my daily exercise.
EL DORADO
Next door to the Generations Riviera Maya are two beautiful El Dorado resorts – El Dorado Royale and El Dorado Casitas Royale. These are adults-only properties that you can walk down a path to get to. Yes, it is basically attached to the Generations property and a 5-minute walk gets you there. A bonus is that all amenities at the El Dorado resorts such as the spa, pools, fitness centers, restaurants and bars are all open for Generations guests. Adult Generations guests, that is! This is where Ekokids comes in handy. Check the kids into the Generations kid center and hop on over to a show or dinner at El Dorado.
Since we didn’t stay at the El Dorado, I don’t have a full review of that resort yet but I can tell you it looked amazing. The pools were sparkling clean, the grounds were immaculate and it was quiet since it was adults only. We had a chance to eat at two of their restaurants and visit their spa and they were all top notch. You can see some of the highlights in our video review.
WRAP-UP
Overall, the Generations Riviera Maya resort by Karisma is amazing! It isn’t a cheap family vacation but it sure is a luxurious one!
10 Tips for Parents at Generations Riviera Maya
1) If you aren’t afraid that the water outside your room will be a problem with your little ones, book a swim-up room. They are amazing!
2) Take advantage of EkoKids so that you can have a little me-time at the spa, restaurants or pool.
3) Don’t forget your drinks and treats in your mini-fridge in your room. It is re-stocked daily!
4) No need to bring jarred baby food – the buffet has you covered!
5) Leave the sand toys at home, the resort has you covered there too!
6) Make sure you visit the Wine Kitchen for dinner, it was my favorite (great time for the kids to go to Ekokids!).
7) If you prefer to swim in the sun- make sure to hit the pool before 2pm or head to the beach.
8) Remember the Generations staff is amazing! They will go above and beyond to try to accommodate your requests.
9) If you have adventurous kids, take a look at the excursion options. From horseback riding to snorkeling to speed boat tours, they have many options to choose from.
10) Just relax and have fun. This is a family-friendly resort so no need to worry when the kids are laughing, splashing and playing in the pool!
For more information on the Generations Riviera Maya by Karisma, visit GENERATIONS RIVIERA MAYA.
*Disclosure: This trip was a press trip that included travel costs. As always, all thoughts, opinions and statements our my own.