The Royal Treatment

Palace Resorts serves up all-inclusive fun sure to please everyone.

SITTING AT THE BAR IN LUNA LOUNGE at Playacar Palace, drink master Tonatiuh is blowing smoke into my skull-shaped glass. After adding a mixture of cardamom, cucumber, lime, fresh rosemary and fresh basil to Mezcal (alcohol made from Mexico’s algave plant), he begins to shake the concoction with vigour.

“It’s almost like a dance,” he says. “My grandmother taught me this.”

It’s definitely a family affair at Playacar Palace—even if you’re drinking a smoking cocktail at Luna Lounge. In fact, just steps away, two families travelling together are playing pool; their small kids circling the pool table, watching their every move.

“Hey, where’s the other kids?” asked one of the dads. The question was met with blank stares, shrugs and finally laughter. Moments later, a couple of teens walked through the doors of the lounge.

As any parent can attest, planning a family vacation with teens can be tricky. Suggest a week of togetherness and cue the eye rolls. Yet, at Cancun’s Palace Resorts, there are plenty of activities the whole family can enjoy—from parents to small children and everyone in between.

PALACE PLEASURES

Whether you choose Playacar Palace or Moon Palace or any other Palace Resort (there’s eight in total), you’ll come accustomed to the fine amenities that built the Palace brand to the top-notch destination it is.

Firstly, and this is magic to any parent with teens ears, they are all all-inclusive. That means, if your teen has a bottomless pit, he can eat to his heart’s content and you won’t have to worry about all those late-night nacho trips showing up on your bill at checkout time. More exciting news for parents: every room comes with its own drink dispensary.

In addition to free food and drink, travellers also get free wifi, 24-hour room service and free long-distance calls from your room. Moreover, stay for five nights or more and guests receive a $1,500 resort credit that they can use for the spa, golf course, excursions, tours and more.

PLAYACAR PALACE

If you’re looking for a resort that’s within walking distance to some of the area’s hotspots, Playacar Palace (palaceresorts.com/playacarpalace/ en) is ideal.

Nestled on the white sandy beaches of Playa del Carmen, the resort is just steps away from the famed La Quinta Avenida, also known as Fifth Ave. The hotspot is lined with everything from restaurants and shops, selling everything from high fashion to wrinkle cream, to bars and pubs.

On-site, don’t miss out on dinner at Alkimia. Perfect for a family of foodies, this one-of-akind culinary experience combines haute cuisine with a spectacular audiovisual. Diners will be treated to 12 courses or “scenarios” that use a variety of innovative cooking techniques all brought to life with state-of-the-art technology. A two-hour event for the senses, daring teens will love the blindfolded portion of the evening where you are served in total darkness with only your taste buds in charge.

MOON PALACE

If you’re travelling with a big group or extended family, Moon Palace Cancun (moonpalacecancun. com) is an ideal destination. While the resort is a good 30-minute drive into the city of Cancun, you will have enough activities and fun to never miss a thing.

The four-diamond property, which is enormous (it’s the biggest resort in Latin America), offers 2,400 rooms, 14 restaurants, serving up everything from Mexican, American, Italian and Asian cuisine and 11 bars and lounges.

Ideal for families with teens, the resort is home to fun attractions such as the Flowrider Double Wave Simulator (so your teens can test their surfing skills) and the Wired Teen Lounge, where kids can dance, listen to music, play video games, pool and more.

There’s definitely no shortage of entertainment at Moon Palace, which is also known as Cancun’s entertainment destination. The property has set the stage for many top artists, including Shakira, Usher, Ricky Martin, Chicago and the Beach Boys. This November, Gloria Gaynor is scheduled to perform, along with Kool & The Gang. In addition, Grammy award-winning super group, Duran Duran will take the stage on Thursday, December 29, 2016.

In the New Year, the property’s convention centre (which is larger than Cancun’s own convention centre) will transform into a visual spectacle when Cirque Éloize embarks with a limited engagement from Dec. 22 to Jan. 3.

During the day, lounge by any of the property’s seven outdoor pools or hit the links at the 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Gold Course. Or, simply treat yourself to some R&R at the Awe-Spa.

The great thing about Palace Resorts: once you pick your Palace, the hard work ends there. All that’s left is fun, sun and family time. Isn’t that what a vacation is all about?