The Family Selection at Grand Palladium Kantenah is the all-inclusive that actually makes sense for a family holiday. It's set right on the beach in Playa del Carmen, and the Family Selection wing gives you some nice extras that make the stay noticeably more comfortable: larger rooms with a double bed and sofa bed (extra beds are available on request), a stocked minibar, in-room whirlpool, and access to additional restaurants and the Family Selection pool.

The resort runs on a true all-inclusive model, so food, drinks, and most activities are covered once you're there. There are six restaurants on property, a café, a beach bar, a lobby bar, and specialty dining. They can accommodate vegetarian meals and kids' menus, and the show cooking is a fun dinner option when you want something a little different.

For families, the pool situation is a real selling point. There's a dedicated kids' pool, a waterslide, a hot tub, and a pool bar for the adults. The kids' club keeps younger travelers entertained with a full program, and there's a playground and playroom on site, which is useful if you need somewhere for the kids to burn energy on a rainy afternoon or when nap time goes sideways.

The activity list is long. On the water, you've got kayaking, snorkeling, paddle boating, windsurfing, and catamaran sailing. On land, there's tennis, volleyball, basketball, archery, mini golf, paddle tennis, and bocce. For something lower-key, the spa offers massages, sauna, steam bath, and beauty treatments. There's also live entertainment in the evenings and a nightclub if anyone wants to stay up past 9.

Practically speaking: it's a large resort, so expect some walking between areas. The property handles accessibility well, and the 24-hour front desk, concierge, babysitting, and childcare services mean there's usually someone available to help sort things out. On-site parking is included if you're driving in.