For our recent getaway to Grand Palladium Kantenah, we decided to splurge on the Family Selection Swim-Out Beachside Suite, and it was completely worth it!
From the moment we arrived, the experience felt special. The boys were immediately thrilled with the candy wall and welcome mocktail at check-in, and things only got better from there. Our room opened directly onto a semi-private swim-out pool with a view of the beach, which turned out to be the perfect setup: I could enjoy the beachy vibes while my sand-averse kids stayed perfectly happy (and sand-free) in the water. To top it off, the bartenders from the beach bar regularly came by with virgin mango daiquiris, delivered poolside.
The Family Selection pool was another highlight. Service was exceptional—servers wouldn’t even let me carry my own drink—and there were thoughtful touches like fresh fruit salad and a fun, bright blue lemonade just for the kids. There was a daily water gun fight that was a highlight with everyone! The ongoing pool entertainment for kids really made this pool worth the upgraded Family Selection experience.
One of our favorite amenities was The Nest, the exclusive Family Selection restaurant. It had the convenience of a buffet (ideal when kids are suddenly starving), paired with a full à la carte menu featuring freshly prepared dishes. That balance of flexibility and quality made dining stress-free and genuinely enjoyable. We also enjoyed grabbing quick snacks and playing with the toys in the Family Selection Lounge, which also had an espresso machine available for mom!
A few food highlights:
- The soft serve ice cream at the beach bar was a daily hit.
- Pizza got a thumbs-up from the kids.
- Cheeseburgers, not so much (nacho cheese instead of melted).
- Room service was a bit hit or miss, but included for Family Selection guests. Otherwise, it’s an $18 upcharge. The veggie quesadilla from room service was excellent (shoulda ordered two!).
Our butler was another standout. He was consistently helpful, friendly, and always had a golf cart ready for us when we needed it. The level of service across the board really elevated the entire experience.
Although the kids didn’t attend the kids’ club, I was impressed with the programming. Older kids (4+) had engaging structured activities, including beach and splash pad outings and a Thursday night stage show, while younger ones had access to relaxed free play. The resort clearly puts thought into family-friendly design.
On the adult side, I enjoyed a fantastic massage at the spa. If we’d stayed longer, I absolutely would have returned to the serene adults-only spa pool, which was quiet, lush, and so peaceful.
The setting itself felt like a tranquil jungle sanctuary. We loved spotting iguanas, agoutis, flamingos, and even a massive swarm of butterflies during our stay.
The only downside was that we happened to visit during one of the worst sargassum seasons on record. While the beach wasn’t at its best, we truly didn’t miss it thanks to the variety of beautiful pools and the comfort of our swim-out suite.
Would we go back? Absolutely. Would I recommend upgrading to Family Selection? Without hesitation. It made the difference between a good vacation and a genuinely restful, luxurious one—for both the kids and the adults.
Tips if You Go:
- Family Selection includes room service, upgraded amenities, and exclusive access to The Nest.
- Bring small bills for tipping. The staff are incredible, and a little goes a long way.
- Don’t miss the spa.
- If the beach isn’t ideal, the pools more than make up for it.
- Mango daiquiris. Enough said.
Planning a trip to the Riviera Maya? I’d love to help make it effortless and magical.
