This all-inclusive resort very much caters to family needs. The Paradisus resort is divided into an adults-only side (La Perla) and a family side, and each side is nearly identical to the other. La Esmeralda is the family side of the resort and features numerous restaurants, a large pool area with a giant pirate ship in the center, and an option to upgrade to the Family Concierge service, which gives families exclusive access to a family pool, butler service, kids’ welcome amenities, kid-sized robes and slippers, and more.

A modern, open-air vibe flows throughout the resort, which offers countless activities for families. The colorful Kid Zone is filled with games and toys and the attached Baby Club dotes on the tiniest guests. Teens are not forgotten in the game room where there are plenty of screens and video games. And the adults can enjoy some alone time at the spa or an adults-only restaurant.

Paradisus La Esmeralda is an ideal resort for families — especially multi-generational families or extended families with children in different age groups. Families are definitely taken care of here, and the staff, who are ready to accommodate any need, quickly become part of your family.

Cribs and connecting rooms are available upon request. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort and most suites feature their own individual Wi-Fi router, for optimum speed.

Suites and Junior Suites

These are the smallest suites at the resort. They feature a king bed and a sleeper sofa, flat-screen television and DVD player, coffeemaker, a small table and chairs and fully stocked, refreshed daily mini-bar (included with the all-inclusive rate). The balcony or terraces also feature two chairs. A direct swim-out option is also available in these suites. These suites can accommodate up to two adults and two children.

Family Concierge Suites

The one-bedroom Family Concierge suites feature one king or two double beds, an iHome docking station, flat-screen television and a separate living room area with a sleeper sofa and a small kitchenette with a stocked mini-bar (upgraded brands with Family Concierge) and sink. The balcony or terrace features a Jacuzzi tub and two chairs, and a swim-out option allows guests to walk directly into the pool from the terrace. Both a Jacuzzi and a stand-up shower can be found in the bathrooms, where families will also find kid-sized robes and slippers, as well as children's shampoo, toothpaste and other kid-friendly bath amenities. These suites can accommodate up to two adults and three children.

Master Suite

There are one- or two-bedroom Master Suite options. The Master Suite features a king or two double beds (both in the two-bedroom), flat-screen televisions and a Jacuzzi tub on the terrace or balcony. There is a fully-stocked mini-bar, separate living room area with a sleeper sofa and a standup shower in the bathroom. The two-bedroom option can accommodate up to six adults and four children.

Premium Suites

The large Premium Suites feature one king or two double beds in a separate bedroom area and a sleeper sofa and kitchenette in a separate living room area. There is a flat-screen television, and a Jacuzzi tub and standup shower in the bathroom. Some of these suites feature a direct swim-out option, too, and there is a Jacuzzi tub featured on the terrace or balcony.

Kid Zone

The dedicated kids' club space is colorful and modern in its decor. The supervised staff involves kids ages 5 to 12 in arts and crafts, board games, air hockey, mini-Olympics, treasure hunts and more. There are cooking classes, computers and television for movies, and a climbing wall and sports games outside.

The Kid Zone is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and features its own kid-sized buffet, for an included lunch or dinner option. Food allergies can easily be accommodated, too. Activities are always taking place here and parents are welcome to drop kids for a specific activity at any time. No reservation is needed. If parents are looking for a quiet dinner only, they are welcome to drop the kids at the Kid Zone prior to dinner, too.

Baby Club

The supervised baby room is connected, but separate from the overall Kid Zone. Baby Club is designated for children ages one month to 4 years. Soft toys can be found in this room; it has the same hours as the Kid Zone.

Game Room

Teens will love the game room with tons of video games like Wii, Playstation and xBox.

Pools

Several pools are located throughout the resort. The large main pool features a giant pirate ship in the center with spray fountains and slides. There are swim-up bars for the adults and some guestrooms feature a direct swim-out option.

The exclusive Family Concierge area features its own pool where families don't have to feel guilty about kids running around and having fun. This pool is smaller, but it is also heated. Pool floats and toys are available here as well. Lounge chairs and umbrellas surround all of the pools and there are Bali beds to lounge on as well, which are an additional cost or upgrade. Pool towels are provided and lifeguards are always on duty.

Beach

The beach is only a short walk away from the pools. Lounge chairs and palapas are available there for shade. Lifeguards are also on duty.

Recreation

Tennis courts, volleyball courts, water polo, beach soccer, a climbing wall and trampoline can also be found throughout the resort.

There are a total of 14 restaurants and 16 bars between both the family and adults-only sides of the Paradisus. Dinner reservations are required. Kids' menus are available at all of the family-friendly restaurants and include things like chicken fingers, pizza and quesadillas. Food allergies are always accommodated. Also, outside many of the restaurants are designated "parking spots" for strollers. Just look for the VIK (Very Important Kids) area by the door.

Sunrise Grill

This open-air restaurant/snack bar is located poolside and is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. No reservation is required. Poolside and beach services are also available here.

Olio

Located within the exclusive Family Concierge area, Olio is exclusively open for lunch for Family Concierge guests. However, Olio turns into an Italian restaurant for dinner and is open to all guests.

Vento

Located next to Mole, this Mediterranean restaurant features food from Turkey, Greece and Morocco. Open for dinner only from 6 to 11 p.m., this restaurant offers a modern dark décor with plenty of pops of red. A private room is available here for no additional charge and is a great place to celebrate a birthday or special occasion.

Mole

Located next to Vento, this Mexican restaurant features traditional Mexican recipes. Guacamole is made tableside, of course, and if you dare, try the grasshoppers!

Blue Agava

This tequila and mezcal bar is situated between Mole and Vento and is a great spot for adults to enjoy a before- or after-dinner drink.

North Avenue Bar

The open-air bar is more of a lounge and all are welcome. Nightly shows, like circus or tumbling acts, usually take place here or there is live music or a DJ.

Naos

This international buffet restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. No reservation is required.

The Market

This large buffet restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and offers salads, grill items and wood-fired pizzas. Seating outside on a terrace is also available. No reservation is needed here.

Bana

This Asian fusion restaurant features sushi and hibachi tables to watch your food being made. Bana is open for dinner only and is located on the adults-only side of the resort; however, families are welcome during the early part of the evening. Reservations are required.

All About the Extras

Family Concierge
This upgraded area at the resort is designed specifically for families. Families are taken to their own lobby by golf cart to check in, where kids receive a welcome backpack with fun things inside like a water bottle, hat and activities book. This dedicated lobby lounge, open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., features beverages and snacks all day and the lobby even has its own scent, different from the main lobby. Room service, 24/7, is included at this level.

The Family Concierge suites are mostly in their own dedicated building and the room amenities include kid-size robes and slippers, kid shampoo and other bath amenities and a dedicated Wi-Fi router to the specific room. A beach bag filled with sand toys and shovels can be found in the rooms, too.

Family Concierge guests also have a dedicated area on the beach and an exclusive pool area they can enjoy. A personal butler, who is happy to schedule dinner reservations or set up excursions, is available to the family for the duration of their stay. Make sure to mention your children's ages when booking because everything will be tailored specifically for your child's age!

Wi-Fi
Excellent complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort. Most of the suites even feature their own individual router so all devices can be accommodated.

Fitness Center
The large and modern fitness center features cardio and weight machines. Fitness classes like yoga, Pilates, spinning, salsa dancing and aqua fitness are also available.

Babysitting
Babysitting services can be arranged for an additional cost. Or parents are welcome to drop children at the Kid Zone in the evenings at no additional cost.

Parking
Complimentary parking is available.

Shops
Located off the lobby area, guests will find boutique shops with clothing, diapers and other sundries.

The Art of Smart Timing

Playa del Carmen is at its busiest from about November through January and the Paradisus is busy most of the year.

Getting There

Cancun International Airport is located about 45 minutes from the hotel. Airport transportation can be arranged by the hotel for an additional cost.

Getting Around

The beach, pools and restaurants are a short walk from most guestrooms. There are plenty of paved pathways for strollers as well. The adults-only and family sides of the resorts are clearly separate; there are points where guests can cross over to the other side. It is clearly marked once you enter the adults- only La Perla side of the resort.

For Mom and Dad

Spa
The adults can find relaxation at the spa by enjoying a massage, facial, wet or dry sauna and other treatments.

Adults Only
La Esmeralda is attached to the adults-only side of the resort, La Perla. If you are vacationing with extended family, it is easy for the adults to mingle between both sides of the larger resort. Several adults-only restaurants and bars are located on the La Perla side, including Passion, a world-renowned adults-only French restaurant.