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Long a happy destination for the international set, resorts on Yucatan peninsula bring joy to kids, too
By Betty O'Neill-Roderick
Special to the Beacon Journal
Published on Sunday, Apr 12, 2009
Imagine the look of wonder on your child's face as he releases a sea turtle into the ocean. The turtle release is just one of the environmental programs for children at the CasaMagna Marriott in Cancun.
This establishment and its sister resort, the JW Marriott Cancun Resort, offer families the chance to enjoy a beach vacation, including activities for every family member, on the beautiful Yucatan peninsula.
In the past 35 years, Cancun has become known as a vacation destination for the international set, but today it also offers many family activities as visitors bask in the sun and enjoy the white sand beaches. Water sports abound, and guests can rent jet skis or parasail over the beach. The JW Marriott has constructed a pool with an artificial reef where youngsters and adults learn to snorkel and scuba dive before heading out to dive on the Great Mayan Reef, the world's second largest barrier reef.
Visitors can find plenty to do at the resorts, or go on excursions to the marketplace, to play golf or to see ruins.
Located at the tip of the Yucatan peninsula, Cancun was occupied by the Mayans for hundreds of years, beginning about 1500 B.C. During their Classic Period, they developed a complex calendar and an elaborate form of hieroglyphics.
The Mayans were noted for elaborate ceremonial architecture, including temple-pyramids, palaces and observatories, all built without metal tools. Remnants of their building can be seen today during trips to the ruins at Chichen Itza, but some ruins can be seen on golf courses around Cancun.
The Spa at the JW Marriott nods to ancient times with Mayan treatments using traditional herbs. Spa Director Wdsom Brum and his staff have put together treatments using ancient methods so guests can enjoy an achiote hydrating envelopment, a Mayan hydrating vichy treatment, a Mayan purity facial, or balche, the sacred drink of the Mayas. There's even a Mayan god dispensing steam in the steam room. Massage tables are set up overlooking the sea for the ultimate in relaxation. (As with any resort, spa treatments cost extra.)
At the CasaMagna Kids Club, youngsters set up a sand restoration project, where they assist with sand replacement using a pipe system that dredges it up from the bottom of the ocean. In fact, the beach becomes one big classroom where kids build sand castles, take classes in Mexican art and learn a few words of Spanish throughout the day.
Kids also learn about conservation at this resort where preservation of the sea turtles is most important. The sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach from July through November. All nests are protected and eggs hatch in 45 to 50 days. Then the young turtles are returned to the sea by the youngsters, as they contribute to conserving the marine species.
A favorite class at Kids Cuisine includes baking and decorating cookies and making pinatas.
Adults aren't left out, either; they can show their artistic side creating pottery or arranging for a group cooking class specializing in ceviche or Thai food.
Richard Sylvester, executive chef, works with local fishermen and farmers to serve the resort's restaurants, including Simply Seafood, where he's famous for creating smoothies. Sylvester features unusual ingredients in his smoothies, including one made with cactus, parsley and celery — it sounds awful but tastes great.
Guests can enjoy the sunset overlooking the Nichupte Lagoon while dining outdoors at SASI Thai restaurant, or order Japanese cuisine at the Mikado, try Italian cuisine at Gustino or sample the international wine cellar at the Capilla Argentina Steakhouse.
Destination weddings are a specialty at the CasaMagna. The outdoor wedding chapel overlooking the sea is the only chapel in Cancun authorized to conduct a Catholic wedding; however, any religious or civil service is available, including a traditional Mayan wedding.
Each resort has about 450 rooms, and they are large, with two double beds available and plenty of room for kids.
Safety is on everyone's mind these days with stories of Mexican drug wars on the news every day. However, the Cancun resort area is a world away from the borders where most of the violence has been reported, and the resorts employ their own security to ensure guests' safety.
Also, contrary to what many travelers believe about Mexico, there is potable water at the resorts and bottled water is not necessary.
Air Tran Airways offers daily service from Akron-Canton Airport to Cancun; for details, call 800-247-8726 or visit http://www.airtran.com.
Both resorts feature an Escape Family Package through December, which lets kids under 12 stay free with paying adults, along with other benefits. Other specials are also available. For information and reservations, call 800-834-7261 or visit http://www.marriott.com.
Imagine the look of wonder on your child's face as he releases a sea turtle into the ocean. The turtle release is just one of the environmental programs for children at the CasaMagna Marriott in Cancun.
Get the full article here.
Comments
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Canton, OH
Posted 03:25 PM, 04/12/2009
I WANNA GO !!!!!! I dunno if it is a family delight , though. . .Aren't there topless beaches there ??? C'Mon. . .
Posted 10:02 AM, 06/23/2009
I love this Vichy Massage Table! The epitomy of relaxation.
