Think romance and kids are mutually exclusive? The Ritz-Carlton Cancun begs to differ. The centerpiece of its "Love & Family" package is a five-course candlelit dinner for two on the beach, while the kids get their own dinner and have age-appropriate fun in an evening camp. The 365-room resort, which made Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List in 2007, features a 1,200-foot white-sand beach, two pools, tennis center, gym and, during the summer, a Turtle Camp program, in which guests can witness and even assist in the local sea turtles’ annual nesting and release. Kids 4 to 12 can attend Ritz Kids’ “Mayan Adventures” program, featuring nature programs, beach games and face-time with “Blama”, the resort’s jaguar mascot (priced at either $15 for an hour, $45 for a half day or $65 for a full day). Rooms are loaded with luxurious niceties, such as espresso machines, 400-thread-count linens, and rainforest showerheads.
The "Love & Family" package starts at $489 a night and requires a three-night minimum stay. It includes:
- lodging in an oceanfront room (regularly $289/night, so $867 for three-night stay)
- second room at half price (saves $145/night x 3 nights = $435)
- daily breakfast for two at the El Café Mexicano or room service (worth $58/day x 3 days = $174)
- kids' meal plan for up to two kids (worth $49/day per child x2 kids = $98/day x 3 days = $294)
- kids' welcome amenity (beach toys, night light, stuffed animal or a first-aid kit)
- one five-course dinner for two with wine (valued at $280)
- one Kids' Night Out for up to two kids (regularly $55/child x 2 kids = $110)
If you book an oceanfront room at the package rate, you'll spend $1,467 for a three-night stay, compared to $867 for the room-only rate. The upshot: In order for this to be a deal, the additional elements must be worth at least $600 over three days to break even.
Deal or no deal? Love is most definitely in the air. The free kids’ meal plan one is a great value on its own: it covers all kids-menu items from the hotel’s six restaurants (or room service), as well as all snacks, drinks and ice cream from the pool area. Three days of free breakfasts for parents and free meals for kids is worth $468 over a three-day stay. Add in that romantic five-course dinner and Kids' Night Out (worth $390 in total), and you're looking at $240 worth of gravy. If you book the second room at the 50% discount, you'll spend an additional $435 but also save another $432 over three days.
The package is available for travel through December 20. You can book online (use booking code P42) or call the Ritz-Carlton toll-free reservations line at 800/542-8680. Note: To book a second room at half price, you must call the hotel directly at 52/998-881-0808.
