I recently had the opportunity to check out the incredibly beautiful Gourmet Inclusive® experience at Azul Beach Resort in Riviera Cancun. And, it was ah-maz-ing. Spectacular beaches, stunning views and refreshing pools? Check. Luxurious rooms and spa? Check. Activity packed kids club? Check. Incredible foodie-worthy food? Double-check.
However, the best part is something that a fellow traveler shared with me when we first arrived "If everything else is wonderful, what makes a family vacation really perfect is being able to be that mom that can just say yes!" We have to say so many no's, make so many decisions, and stay on top of so many things every single day, that a break from all of that is such a relief and makes for truly relaxing vacation. So this mom says yes! Bring on the Gourmet Inclusive® Experience at Azul Beach Resort in Riviera Cancun!
Mom, can we swim in the pool all day? Yes, we can swim in any pool you would like! Azul Beach Resorts offer six sparkling pools, including an adults-only option with cabanas and swim-up suites which allow for a pool right outside of your sliding glass door. Azul Beach Resorts even includes the service of the poolside butler! Yes, I will have another pina colada, please!
Mom, can we spend the day at the beach? Yes! Unlike many other resorts in Cancun, at Azul Beach Resort, you are just steps from the surf and sand. And, what gorgeous surf and sand it is.
Mom, can we play with our new friends in the kids/teen club? Yes! The newly elevated Azulitos Kids club is as cool as your kids are, with themed hands-on, science-y, artsy and cultural programs that are fun and unforgettable. There is also a My Gym Children’s Fitness Center in the Azulitos Playhouse for kids ages 4-12 to enjoy daily classes and programs.
For teens, there is an Extreme Breeze Teens lounge geared just for 13- to 17-year-olds. Teens will be thrilled with what awaits them: movies, music videos, Xbox, Playstation 3, Wii, billiards and air hockey. There are also daily activities organized just for them, like a rock-climbing wall and volleyball.
Babies and toddlers are covered, too and traveling with them in tow could not be easier. As part of the Gourmet Inclusive® Experience, “Toddler Inclusive” amenities have all your baby gear needs covered, including strollers, cribs, pack 'n plays, bottle sterilizers, a toy-lending menu, and organic baby food, freshly made by their superb chefs. Gerber baby food is also available in all restaurants and from room service too! Natural baby food can also be prepared by request.
Mom, can we have more food? Yes, you can have as much food as you like! And speaking of food, the dining experience at Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancun is spectacular and truly exceeded my expectations. I am not talking about some regular resort food, every meal is an elevated experience and was seriously delicious. There are six restaurants covered as part of their Gourmet Inclusive® Experience -specialty restaurants including Italian, Caribbean, Spanish, Mexican, and World cuisine. Also included is an ever-changing diverse and fresh “food display” of international cuisines from Asian, to Mexican, to Mediterranean and everything in between.
The only restaurant not a part of the Gourmet Inclusive® program is a food lovers' dream come true, and it is well worth the splurge. The 14-course dinner at Le Chique is so much more than a meal, it is an experience. This exciting culinary roller coaster offers surprises with every course and I didn’t want it to end. Nothing was what it seemed! Everything was exceptionally unique, exquisitely prepared and presented. This avant-garde spot is a once in a lifetime experience - it has even has been voted the #1 restaurant in Mexico and #34 in Latin America by Travel + Leisure’s Best of the Best Gourmet Awards.
Can we jump in the hot tub in the room? Can we eat in the room? Yes and yes! The rooms are not only spacious, luxurious and clean, but each room has an in-room hot tub! So staying in to enjoying the view and taking a soak in the hot tub is a no brainer! But wait, the kids are hungry but you are enjoying the view and they are enjoying the hot tub and you don't want to leave? No problem - their spectacular food is included and available from room service - 24 hours a day!
Have I talked about service yet? I found Azul Beach Resort to have the friendliest staff of any resort at which I have ever stayed. Every single staff member I encountered said "hola!" with a huge smile as I passed. And you will find staff everywhere, with the highest staff to guest ratio in the industry of 1:2, they are ready to help with anything you might need. In fact, one of your favorite amenities will be the service of the professional concierge, there to make life easier, so you can plan less and play more.
Truly stellar food, lovely and spacious rooms, a top-notch spa and amenities, non-stop kids activities, gorgeous pools and beaches, and incredible service? This mom says "yes, please!" to a memory-filled and worry-free vacation at Azul Beach Resort in Riveria Cancun - the most luxurious and mom-friendly family vacation ever!
The author was a guest of the resort for the purpose of this review. However, all opinions are her own!
