Overview
by Amanda Geronikos
Opened in 1976, Club Med Cancun Yucatan was one of the first all-inclusive hotels to launch in Cancun. It also catered to affluent adults; in fact, it operated as an adults-only resort for several decades.
Times have changed, just a bit.
In 2005, the resort closed after it was devastated by Hurricane Wilma. When it reopened in 2006 — following $20-million enhancements — Club Med Cancun Yucatan began to welcome families with the brand’s signature Mini Club, Junior Club Med and Passworld Teen Club.
In 2014, the resort completed another renovation — this time to the tune of $14 million — bringing with it 60 Family Suites, accompanied by a new playground; Petit Club Med, the chain’s signature program for toddlers; Maya Lounge, with new entertainment; and La Estancia, an Argentinian restaurant.
Visit Club Med Resorts for more information about the brand, which offers more than 65 resorts worldwide.
Our Editor Loves
- Family Suites
- Flying trapeze
- Kids' programs
Family Interests
- All Inclusive Rates
- Beach
- Sailing
- Water Sports
Family Amenities
- Babysitting
- Children Programs
- Connecting Rooms
- Cribs
- Family Room 5+
- Kids' Pool
- Onsite Dining
- Pool
- Refrigerator
Room Information
Find the Best Price for Your Stay
All guestrooms offer air-conditioning, coffee machines, in-room safes, mini-fridges, hairdryers, irons and ironing boards, and phones. They also offer desks which double as vanities -- simply flip the mirror up to make it a vanity or down to designate it a desk. Note: Toiletries, -- such as shampoo, body wash, lotion, shower caps and cotton balls -- are provided, but conditioner is not; be sure to bring your own.
Aguamarina
In 2014, Club Med Cancun Yucatan welcomed the addition of Aguamarina -- an oceanfront building with 60 Family Suites in two categories: Club and Deluxe (30 of each). It also welcomed a new playground, adjacent to a series of tennis courts next to the building. Family Suites feature balconies or patios with comfy loungers and outdoor showers -- perfect for rinsing sand off little fingers and toes. Rooms on the first floor also include heavenly outdoor cabanas, just steps from the beach. Because Aguamarina is located a short distance from some of the resort's main facilities, this also provides families with peace and quiet at night (though you'll still be able to hear music in the distance on select nights).
Club Family Suites
Club Family Suites are 538 square feet in size and sleep up to six people in one king bed, one sofa bed and two twin beds. The twin beds (which can be connected) are housed in a separate bedroom for kids, while the king bed and sofa bed are located in a master bedroom -- both beds can be privatized by a curtain. Bathrooms are large enough to be separated into three spaces, with a room for the toilet, another for the shower and bathtub, and another for two sinks.
Deluxe Family Suites
Deluxe Family Suites are very similar (though larger at 678 square feet), except they offer two full bathrooms. In the suites, the area with twin beds has a private shower-bath combination, plus a sink. Just outside the bedroom door, there's a small room with a toilet. The large bathroom found in Club Family Suites is the same in Deluxe Family Suites.
Suites 5 Trident Space
These rooms are designed in four variations: Deluxe Room 5 Trident Space, Deluxe Two Bedroom 5 Trident Space, Family Suite 5 Trident Space and Suite 5 Trident Space. The Family Suite 5 Trident Space is a spacious choice for families -- it spans 720 square feet. Plus, all Suites 5 Trident Space Rooms feature continental breakfast, laundry service (additional fee), turn-down service, bathrobes and slippers, mini bars (restocked daily), deluxe toiletries and priority housekeeping.
Jade
Jade offers exclusive features to guests, such as an infinity pool, private cabanas, and a pool bar.
Deluxe
Deluxe Rooms include Deluxe Room Oceanfront, Deluxe 2 Bedroom Oceanfront and Deluxe Family Room Oceanfront. Some have connecting capabilities, and all include nightly turndown service, bathrobes and slippers, deluxe toiletries and welcome amenities. Deluxe Rooms also have mini bars.
Club
This group encompasses six designs, including accessible accommodations: Club Room Ocean View, Club Room Private Terrace Sea View, Club Family Room Oceanfront, Club Room, Club 2 Bedroom and Wheelchair Accessible Club Room. These are ideal for families (especially multi-generational travelers), as many units can be divided into two bedrooms. Mini-fridges are also available upon request.
Reviews
by EllyAlenka
My older one just declared that it usually takes him at least a month to get back to reality after the mind-spinning magic of another clubmed vacation. Boy, I can relate: the activities, the food, the comfort, the sheer beauty of this paradise all leave quite an impression... but it is the people, the incredible GOs who can take full credit for the lasting memories that this place creates.
This year two particular teams made this trip absolutely unforgettable for us: the Circus team and the Water Skiing team.
The Water-Ski team - two Hugos, Elias, Pablo made sure we had the most hilariously fun and challenging part of the day! The leader of the team, Hugo - greats every newcomer with the sweetest smile and creates an atmosphere of a fun party out of every moment of our stay. Yet, it was him explaining for the first time I ever heard it, what are all the hands signals these guys use - he made sure to go over those helpful hints quite a few times. Those, doing their first ride, would get a wild round of cheer and applause once they come back. It would be Hugo, who inspires and helps during the ride to figure out the best timing to try a new trick, it would be him to insist on a safest conduct. He was the one to convince me to try wakeboarding for the first time; driving the boat, he was the one constantly gesturing for the new things for me to tackle - moves, that really made this experience super exciting!!!
All the skiers are thrilled for a ride with another Hugo (from Canada): those trying out the new skill or just learning - would find the smoothest ride!! Yet, Hugo knows precisely, how to get the right speed and excitement to those, craving for more challenging round!!
Pablo, with his sweetest smile, would gently and patiently explain newcomers over and over again how to get started with the sport.
Elias would take it to the next step by stopping the ride, running to the edge of the boat or even jumping into the water to help adjust the position and form.
And the show these guys put together was a wild mixture hilariously comical skits and mind blowing remarkable tricks!!!!
Another team that absolutely blew our minds away with their professionalism and devotion - were the Circus guys. In all the years of Clubmed we haven’t met one like it. Every one of them is special to me and my kids to the point of a heartbreak: Patrick, Eduardo, Hannah, Charly.
Patrick. Wow, what a professional, what an artist!!! His teaching style is precise, detailed... and amazingly flexible. He is strict and firm when it comes to safety of people eager to learn the new trapeze skills AND his own team; he is remarkably attuned how to adjust the trick in a way to help us grasp it and succeed with it.
But even greater effect is left by the performances Patrick puts together: these are not just a beautiful displays of strength and skills; it is so much more than just an acrobatic performance... to me - the emotional charge, the stories he creates, the philosophical component or the comical elements of each number - puts him in one row with the world greatest modern ballet choreographers that I love so much back in NYC.
His right hand - flexible and graceful Hannah. She is not just an stunning performer; she is the cement that holds the group together, running things cheerfully, yet highly organized and efficient overall, allowing Patrick and the guys address each of us individually and in such a great detail.
Eduardo - is a strength and skill powerhouse. His routines are so impressive, his explanations- detailed and helpful; communicating with him is a special gem. He put together a number for my kid’s performance in their mini-teen-clubs show - and what an incredible experience and show it turned out to be!!!
Charly: where do I even begin? My children have been waking up with his name for the last three years! “Charly, Charly, Charly” - is all I hear from all three of my boys, from the youngest to the teens, for three visits in a row... At every place he worked during each one of our visits - he always managed to make it extra unforgettable. But it is with the circus team where his true calling comes out: Charly is unbelievable when it comes to catching!! No matter what mistakes every one of us makes, how horrible the timing or execution - Charly will still manage to pull everyone out of the air to complete the catch.
My kids asked me to add a few more special GOs to the list: Obed, Julio (well, and Charly again, haha). In addition to the Circus team, those were their favorite people.
Uniquely professional, every single one of these guys created a deeply heart-warming impression. Yes, a piece of our hearts gets left behind, as we do our best to stay in touch... and start planing our next unforgettable trip.
by Valeriy K
Our third time in ClubMed resort this year with my daughter has been as pleasant as previous two years.
What I love about ClubMed:
Beautiful big campus with two-three store buildings. We have been kindly accommodated in the same room as previous year, in Opalo building. Not luxury, but a nice, comfortable room, with a balcony that overview the quiet internal lagoon. Check in and check out were quick and flawless, the room was cleaned well and broken hairdryer was replaced quick. We are grateful to the accommodation department for a nice work, and specially to its head Patricia Motta for the attention to our needs.
The food in the buffet and restaurants is very good. I recommend Argentinian restaurant Estancia, but need to reserve for couple of days beforehand. Try chocolate mousse! Mexican restaurant Taco Arte is ok, but might be better. Service are very good everywhere, we never had any issues. The main buffet during the dinner time competes with restaurant by quality and overpass by diversity of the food. Every week day there was a new menu, and gala buffet with duck and fois gra was just excellent!
What puts ClubMed over other resorts it’s an excellent program of sport and entertainment activities during the day and till late of the night. Nice lagoon protected from waves allows for great sailing and water activities, I think, the best in Cancun and Riviera Maya. ClubMed provides wide array of good gear: windsurfing boards, catamarans, kayaks and paddle boards. All of the sailing team (Paul, Biscuit, Guillermo, Estefania, Reginald and Carlos) are very nice and welcoming, and make a great job of servicing the gear and supervising safety on water.
There is a great tennis program, free morning classes and evening tournaments. There are 8 courts available all day for playing or private practice. The tennis team, Javier, Octavio and Mathew, are good tennis professionals and very nice people whose company we enjoyed in and out of tannins courts.
There is a reef with a lot of fish just at the campus. Take the provided snorkeling gear from the station, step into water and enjoy it.
There are so more activities - trapeze, volleyball, arching, games and exercises in the pool, fitness and yoga classes, Zumba and dance classes. If you are lazy enough, there is a beautiful wide sand beach with a lot of shade and easy entrance to water.
What is may be considered not perfect is the quality of alcohol, it’s good but choice is a little bit less than you could find in 4-5 star resorts, and you have to pay for higher end alcohol.
The house white and rose wine is ok, but red wine might be better. You can purchase good wine for acceptable price at Bodega, they have a good choice. Still, the general quality is good, I had no issues with my stomach or headaches, and you do not see really drunk people as in some other resorts.
For me, it’s a best resort in Cancun, and I hope to return there again!
Family Activities
Beaches
Aquamarina -- which houses 60 Family Suites -- is perfectly situated at a spot in which the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico meet. It's also situated on a quiet beach that's never crowded, and is supervised by lifeguards during high season. On the other side of the resort, a bigger stretch of shoreline fronts Hotel Zone, with a postcard-perfect view of the Gulf. You can really find a spot to dig your toes in the sand just about anywhere though.
Pools
There's a large, circular pool -- known as the Main Pool -- in the center of the resort. It offers basketball nets for pool games, and many fitness classes are held here; lifeguards also supervise the pool during high season. The best pool, however, is located in Jade, and is exclusive to guests who stay in that facility. It offers private cabanas, loungers and infinity elements -- the pool practically pours into the ocean -- but doesn't feel kid-friendly (even though Jade offers family-specific rooms). Luckily, kids enjoy their own pools via separate children's facilities and programs.
Petit Club Med
Opened in 2014, Petit Club Med caters to ages 2 and 3 with a play room; nap room; pint-sized, shaded pool and "baby gym." While parents are required to provide diapers and formula at Petite Club Med, GO's (Gentle Organizers) take care of all matters in designated rooms. Petit Club Med is open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, except Saturdays when it is closed for cleaning.
Mini Club Med
Children who are between 4 and 10 years old are placed in Mini Club Med, where they enjoy a swimming pool of their own -- complete with a sliding board (added in 2014) -- along with arts and crafts, games and more. Mini Club Med is open daily, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and then 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Club Med Passworld
Club Med Passworld -- which takes on a car theme at Passworld Car Wash -- is geared for the 11-to-17 set. The front portions of real Volkswagon Beetles line the room, providing funky places to sit and relax. There's also a boxing ring in the front of the room -- kids jump on it like it's a ball bounce. And metal drums -- the kind you see in service stations -- function as tables. At these, 'tweens play Connect 4 while others throw their chips in for a lively game of poker. Computers are also available.
Flying Trapeze School and Circus
Flying Trapeze School -- exclusive to Club Med -- is not to be missed. Plus, Club Med Cancun Yucatan provides special morning hours just for kids. How It Works: All guests are set up with a secured harness and given brief instructions (and courage) for use of the trapeze. When it's your turn, you'll climb a thin ladder (probably the scariest part for those who fear heights) to a platform, where an instructor will carefully hook your harness to another contraption, controlled by another [very strong] instructor below. You'll then be launched into the air as the instructor below calls out instructions -- follow the commands and enjoy!
Snorkeling
Club Med Cancun Yucatan touts the second largest coral reef in the world, and snorkel gear is complimentary to all guests.
Sailing, Kayaking and Windsurfing
If you've never been windsurfing, sailing, or kayaking, lessons are available daily (except on Monday and Thursday afternoons) with reservations; reserve in as much advance as possible. Tip: If you've been windsurfing before, or are with someone who has, notify the staff and you'll likely be able to get out on the water without a reservation.
Entertainment
The entertainment at Club Med Cancun Yucatan is absolutely stellar. On Saturdays, trapeze artists, acrobats, and fire dancers put on a spectacular display, which concludes with fireworks and a party that goes late into the night (Saturdays are also White Nights, when guests are encouraged to wear white). The Maya Lounge, added in 2014, also offers entertainment, though it really lacks in comparison.
Spa
Appropriately named Comfort Zone, the spa at Club Med Cancun Yucatan offers a typical array of services, such as massages and facial treatments. It also has a Teen Spa, with deep-cleansing facial treatments for acne-prone skin, plus hand and foot massages and manicures and pedicures. The spa is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily; schedule your appointment in advance. Additional fees apply.
Tennis Courts
Tennis lessons are available to to all guests; kids must be at least 11 to participate. Classes are divided into three categories: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. Private lessons are also available, and daily tournaments take place at 5 p.m. (and 9 a.m. on Thursdays).
Excursions
Club Med Cancun Yucatan offers opportunities to safely leave the resort and visit popular points of interest, such as Tulum and Chichen Itza. Other experiences include swimming with dolphins or turtles, and exploring "cenotes" -- natural sinkholes. Additional fees apply.
If you're interested in renting a car during your stay, the resort can assist with arrangements.
Family Dining
Club Med Cancun Yucatan offers exceptionally good food at three restaurants: La Hacienda, Las Cazuelas and La Estancia.
La Hacienda
Essentially the main dining area, La Hacienda serves a delicious spread for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It also offers a Baby Corner (one of the brand's signature offerings), complete with assorted formulas, pureed food, yogurt and a blender for self-use. Bibs, bowls and high chairs are also provided. Better yet, La Hacienda offers a "Baby Food of the Day" -- a specialty puree that might include beef, zucchini and potatoes, for example. Note: It closes at 2:15 p.m. in preparation for dinner hours. If you're hungry for a mid-afternoon snack, head to Las Cazuelas, where lunch is served until 4 p.m. Breakfast is served 7 to 10:30 a.m., lunch is served 12 to 2:15 p.m. and dinner is served 7 to 10 p.m.
Las Cazeulas
Similar to La Hacienda, Las Cazuelas serves breakfast (7 to 10:30 a.m.), lunch (1 to 4 p.m.) and dinner (7 to 10:30 p.m.) by the water. It's located just steps from Aquamarina, making it an ideal choice for families. Tip: Try the Chocolate Bread. The chain is known for the White Chocolate Bread, but the Dark Chocolate Bread is just as good, if not better. The bread -- which can also be found at La Hacienda -- is so good and so famous that you can actually request a recipe to take home!
La Estancia
Opened in 2014, La Estancia is a reservation-only, oceanfront restaurant. While it's ideal for a date night, it still welcomes families with a casual atmosphere (you won't find chicken fingers or grilled cheese on the menu though). An Argentinian grill, La Estancia specializes in steak -- though it's the empanadas (flavors rotate daily) and creme brulee that truly stand out. Brunch (10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.), afternoon appetizers (4 to 6:30 p.m.), dinner (7 to 9:30 p.m.) and late-night snacks (10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.) are served.
Planning & Tips
All About the Extras
Outlets
All rooms are equipped with U.S. outlets, though many rooms only provide European outlets in the bathrooms.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is available for an additional fee, and works well in guestrooms. We've found that it doesn't work as well in common areas, however.
Bars
Soluna, Las Velas and the newly added Maya Lounge offer cocktails for parents; Las Cazuelas also has an impressive lounge by the water.
Babysitting and Pyjama Club Med
In-room babysitting services are available, though Pyjama Club Med is the best option in terms of rates (when parents have nighttime plans, that is; daytime programs are included in rates). It's hosted at Mini Club Med for kids between 4 and 10 years old.
Fitness Offerings
Aside from a fitness center, the resort offers fitness classes and programs for every age bracket and skill level (part of all-inclusive rates).
The Art of Smart Timing
High season includes holiday periods, such as Christmas, New Year's, Presidents Week, Easter and Passover, plus the month of August; low season covers May to July and September to October. While September and October are nice times to visit, be aware they're part of hurricane season, and chances of rain or relentless humidity are imminent.
Getting There
Club Med Cancun Yucatan -- located at the end of "Hotel Zone" -- is a 20-minute drive from Cancun International Airport. Typically, Club Med Cancun Yucatan is the first stop for airport vans carrying guests to Hotel Zone properties. Tip: Before arriving in Cancun, we suggest you book a transfer package. If you haven't, buy transfers from one of the many tourism-related vendors who try to corral you as you walk from the airport's baggage claim to the street. Once on the street without a voucher, you can fall prey to some greedy taxi owners.
Tip: Consider booking your flight via Club Med -- you'll receive complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport (a driver will wait for you upon arrival and pick you up for departure).
Getting Around
The resort is so expansive, you'll want to take advantage of the complimentary shuttle service offered. The shuttle runs a constant loop between reception and Las Cazuelas (with stops along the way -- just request where you'd like to go).
For Mom and Dad
While your youngsters play at one of the resort's kids' clubs, head to the Comfort Zone for a Comfort Touch Signature Massage (60-minute, full-body massage) or try a salsa lesson and cocktails at Soluna; lessons are offered at 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m daily. Afterward, enjoy a quiet dinner at La Estancia.
