Dreaming of an unforgettable all-inclusive family vacation? Look no further than Club Med Cancun! Nestled on the tip of the iconic Riviera Maya, this magnificent resort offers something for everyone, from thrilling water sports and ancient Mayan wonders to luxurious relaxation and gourmet dining. In this ultimate guide, we’ll dive into everything Club Med Cancun has to offer, complete with my recent Club Med Cancun photos to fuel your wanderlust.
The Genesis of an Idea: A Brief History of Club Med
To truly appreciate Club Med Cancun, it’s essential to understand the rich history of the Club Med brand itself. It all began in 1950, when Belgian entrepreneur Gérard Blitz envisioned a utopian escape where people could reconnect with nature and each other, leaving behind the divisions of the recent war.
- Blitz started a simple summer colony of tents on the Spanish island of Majorca, followed by another on the island of Djerba, Tunisia.
- In 1954, the first official Club Med was built in Palinuro, Salerno, Italy. These original villages were rustic, with members staying in straw huts and sharing communal facilities.
- Gilbert Trigano, Blitz’s tent supplier, took control of the club in 1953 and built the first Club Med in Palinuro, Italy in 1954.
- Winter villages were introduced in 1956 at Leysin, Switzerland, offering skiing and winter sports.
- In 1965, Club Med expanded beyond the Mediterranean, opening a resort in Tahiti, and in 1976, the Club Med Cancun resort.
- The concept of Mini Clubs for children was introduced in 1967, solidifying Club Med’s appeal to families.
However, the Club faced challenges in the 1990s as competitors emerged and holidaymakers sought more sophisticated experiences. After a period of decline, Henri Giscard d’Estaing took over as CEO in 2002 and spearheaded a successful strategy to refocus on upscale vacations.
In 2015, Fosun International Ltd. acquired Club Méditerranée S.A., paving the way for further expansion and innovation. Today, Club Med operates 71 resorts worldwide, with a focus on providing upscale, multicultural, all-inclusive holidays for international visitors.
Learn more about Club Med’s history here!
Club Med Cancun: A Jewel in the Riviera Maya
Located just 15 minutes from Cancun airport, Club Med Cancun enjoys a privileged location on a private peninsula surrounded by three pristine beaches and a natural lagoon. It is renowned for being one of the first resorts in the Cancun area. The resort boasts a unique blend of Mexican culture and Club Med’s signature all-inclusive experience. With direct access to ancient Mayan wonders and the world’s second-largest coral reef, Club Med Cancun offers a vacation that is both enriching and exhilarating.
Accommodations: Your Home Away From Home
Club Med Cancun offers a variety of rooms and suites to suit every family’s needs:
- Superior Rooms: Comfortable and well-equipped, these rooms offer a relaxing retreat with views of the Caribbean Sea, lagoon, or tropical gardens.
- Deluxe Rooms: With enhanced amenities and stylish décor, Deluxe Rooms provide an extra touch of luxury for a memorable stay.
- Family Oasis (Aguamarina): These spacious two-bedroom Deluxe rooms are ideal for families, featuring an oceanfront pool and an all-day snack and mocktail bar.
- Exclusive Collection Space: For the ultimate in luxury and privacy, escape to the brand new Exclusive Collection space and enjoy customized services.
The Aguamarina section, added in 2018, is particularly well-suited for families with young children, offering rooms with separate spaces and bathrooms for kids.
Activities: Endless Fun for Everyone
At Club Med Cancun, boredom is simply not an option. With more than 33 included activities, plus additional options available on demand, there’s something for every age and interest.
- Water Sports: Dive into the world’s second-largest coral reef, swim with sea turtles, or explore Yucatan’s cenotes. Enjoy sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling.
- Land Sports: Stay active with tennis, pickleball, archery, and fitness classes.
- Flying Trapeze School: Experience the thrill of the circus with flying trapeze lessons for all ages.
- Yoga by Jonah Kest: Elevate your wellness journey with transformative yoga sessions designed by world-renowned Yoga master Jonah Kest.
- Kids’ Clubs: Club Med Cancun is a paradise for families, with dedicated kids’ clubs for ages 4 months to 17 years.
- Excursions: Discover the natural beauty and fascinating culture of the region with excursions to nearby historic towns and archaeological sites.
Club Med Cancun also offers an “Amazing Family” program that encourages families, including grandparents, to “share good times and have fun”.
Check out the gallery below to see a selection of the different activities you can enjoy.
Dining: A Culinary Adventure
Prepare your taste buds for a delightful journey at Club Med Cancun’s diverse restaurants and bars.
La Hacienda
La Hacienda: The main buffet restaurant offers a wide variety of international cuisine, with dishes cooked to order.
Here are a few more photos of the delicious food at La Hacienda:
Taco Arte
Taco Arte: This restaurant offers elevated Mexican cuisine in an open-air setting. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style, with dinner service offering delicious starters, mains, and desserts served “family style”.
Restaurant Guru has Taco Arte’s menu right here.
Club Med also has a nice video overview if you want an in-depth tour!
La Estancia
La Estancia: An Argentinian steakhouse where you can savor roast and char-grilled meats. Check out the amazing salad they put together for me!
If you want a more intimate experience, private dinners on the beach can also be arranged!
What About the Food Quality at Club Med Cancun?
While some have noted that the food quality at Club Med Punta Cana can be “quantity over quality”, Club Med Cancun generally receives positive feedback for its culinary offerings. From what I tasted there, it exceeded my expectations, and the food was genuinely good across the board. Several of my clients, who I know have very high standards for food, are repeat Club Med Cancun visitors.
Club Med Cancun Photos: A Visual Feast
Now, let me indulge you in some more photos and videos here where I can show you some of the different areas of Club Med Cancun!
The main pool is not very big, but there are many sofas and chairs around, plus a bar and beautiful ocean views. All in all it’s a great place to relax. They even have mini loungers for the kids!
The main beach, on the north side, has nice wide sand and it’s quite long with a lot of loungers and umbrellas. In addition, because Club Med Cancun sits on a it’s own island-like “key”, there are additional beach fronts along the eastern and southern side.
The Aguamarina section is perfect for families, featuring a room for the kids, a guest toilet, a big closet, and master bedroom with a king bed, big sofa, flat screen TV, coffee machine, and a nice terrace. This is a newer section of the resort, so it has comparatively nicer rooms that are built with the needs of families in mind. Near this part of the resort there is an amazing kids play area, a splash pad, and a set of new waterslides that we’ll discuss further below!
Jade: An Exclusive Experience
For an elevated vacation experience, consider a stay in the Jade section. Jade offers:
- A dedicated reception area for a personalized welcome.
- Upgraded amenities and services, including premium liquors at the bar and a turn-down service.
- Access to the exclusive Jade pool, complete with attentive poolside service.
The exceptional quality of service in the Jade section truly sets it apart. The Jade GEs (“Gentle Employees”) are known for their hard work and dedication to ensuring a perfect experience for every guest.
The Jade Pool offers beautiful ocean views.
Tennis and Pickleball
Club Med Cancun has been known for its tennis program. However, pickleball has recently become very popular and Club Med has listened the the interests of their guests! The resort currently has six tennis courts and six pickleball courts, and while some guests are disappointed by the change, many others are excited to embrace the growing popularity of pickleball and give it a try for the first time.
What About the New Waterslides?
You may have seen some mention of the new waterslides, which provide a thrilling activity for guests of all ages. Check out the videos below to get an idea, all I can say is that they are seriously FUN!
Here is my trip down the big slide!
Some Unique (and Great) Quirks of Club Med
No discussion of Club Med would be complete without mentioning the GOs (Gentils Organisateurs). These “gracious organizers” are the heart and soul of the Club Med experience, leading activities, providing entertainment, and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Many GOs are multilingual and come from diverse backgrounds, adding to the resort’s international vibe.
The other unique thing is the hype around the “45” logo gear. This phenomenon is a testament to the repeat visits and customer loyalty that Club Med enjoys compared to other resorts. This dates back to some 45th anniversary gear that was created back in 1995 for Club Med’s 45th anniversary. This clothing became sought after by Club Med regulars, and has since become a symbol of Club Med. If you know, you know!
Now the 45 shirts come in many different styles and colors to suit the personalized preferences of every guest, and styles change frequently. So when you make your visit don’t forget to grab one!
Let’s Go! Practical Information for Your Trip
- Health Formalities: Check necessary vaccinations and medical treatments before departure. The use of mosquito repellents is recommended.
- Passports and Visas: Ensure you have the necessary travel documents.
- Currency: The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican Peso.
- Address: PUNTA NIZUC ESTADO DE QUINTANA ROO CANCUN 77500 YUCATAN MEXICO
- Airport Transfer: Club Med can arrange airport transfers for a fee. As a Platinum member, this transfer is private.
- Tipping: The staff provides incredible service, without expecting tips. However, being generous with tips is always appreciated.
- Wifi: The wifi can be spotty.
Club Med Cancun: Is It Worth It?
Ultimately, whether Club Med Cancun is worth it depends on your individual priorities and preferences.
- You’ll love it if: You’re seeking an all-inclusive family vacation with a wide range of activities, excellent kids’ clubs, and a vibrant, international atmosphere.
- It might not be for you if: You prefer a quieter, more intimate experience, prioritize luxurious accommodations over activities, or are a solo traveler seeking solitude.
Conclusion
Club Med Cancun offers a unique and unforgettable vacation experience for families and active travelers. With its stunning location, diverse activities, delicious dining, and exceptional service, it’s no wonder so many guests return year after year. So, pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to discover paradise at Club Med Cancun! Don’t forget to browse through all the available Club Med Cancun photos to get a better glimpse of the adventure that awaits you!
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