Multi-Gen Travel: 4 Top Family-Friendly Hotel Pools

Vivian Vassos | August 1st, 2017
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The Surf Rider pool, Barcelo Maya, Mexico

Surf’s up! These family-friendly pools in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean have what it takes to entertain children for hours, while also allowing adults to indulge in some relaxation.

We’re halfway through the summer, but many of us are already of thinking about that pre-winter, multi-generational getaway, that suits all ages. And what says more fun than a resort with fabulous swimming pool, or two, or even three? Especially in easy-to-get-to Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.

Even better, some of these resorts also feature adults-only areas so you can take a break from the kids, as well as more sophisticated water park options.

And, because they’re in wallet-friendly places like Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica, there’s an element of bigger-bang-for-your-buck opportunities.

So surf’s up! These family-friendly pools have what it takes to entertain children for hours, while also allowing adults to indulge in some relaxation.

Click through and take a look at a few of places to make a splash this fall.

Riviera Maya, Mexico

  • Coolest Private Pool: Barceló Maya Grand Resort  – For the ultimate pool privacy, Barceló Maya Grand Resort, above, offers swim-up suites with spectacular views and direct access to the main pool. The swim-up suites are exclusive enclaves featuring lounge chairs and a private lounging deck, allowing guests the comforts of their very own pool and immediate accessibility to the rest of the resort.
  • Barceló Maya Grand Resort is also the Coolest Pool For Catching a Wave: The star is the Pirates Island water park featuring slides, a state of the art FlowRider Surf Ride pool and more.

 Costa Rica

  • Coolest Pool for Wildlife: Barceló Tambor – Whale watching on your bucket list? There is no better spot to whale watch in Costa Rica than Tambor Beach – which just happens to be the location of Barceló Tambor, the all-inclusive resort, surrounded by a lush natural setting. The whales are often visible right from the shore and pool. If you’re lucky, you might see 40-ton humpback males breaching and making a huge splash.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

  • Coolest Pool for the Competitive Family: Barceló Bávaro Grand Resort – Barceló Bavaro Grand Resort has four swimming pools, including semi-Olympic and dedicated water polo pools. Want to trade in the sports for some privacy? The resort’s Presidential Suite includes a private infinity pool.

 

Adults-Only

Need a break from the kids, or looking to enjoy the sun in a more laid-back environment? Here’s an adults-only pool option for when you really need to escape:

Riviera Maya, Mexico

  • Coolest Natural Pool: Occidental at Xcaret Destination– The adults-only saltwater swimming pool at Occidental at Xcaret Destination is located at the very tip of the resort and offers never-ending views of the Caribbean. Separated by a natural rock formation in the ocean, the pool’s unique architecture mirrors that of the surrounding coastline, as if it was created by the sea itself.