Blue Parallel reports that it’s seeing strong demand for more adventurous experiences from families with children. Blue Parallel Founder Emmanuel Burgio says that as a result, his team has added new opportunities for access, say, to the Mayan ruins before or after hours, excursions to private sinkholes and private yachts for snorkeling.
Of note is the company’s very new private aerial sightseeing tour on the Yucatán Peninsula; it has a focus on seeing wildlife of the Riviera Maya, Las Coloradas and the Río Lagartos biosphere from above. Tours are provided in a Kodiak 100 nine-seater airplane, which flies over the Caribbean coastline and over Isla Mujeres and Holbox; both are rich with marine wildlife that's visible from the air. The air tour continues over Las Coloradas, a lagoon that’s actually pink, thanks to its high salinity level. The ride circles back over Río Lagartos, for views of pink flamingos, which sometimes number into the hundreds. Reach out to Megan Turner ([email protected]) for more details on this and on customizable opportunities throughout Mexico.
After some time up in the air, clients can return to the Grand Velas Riviera Maya, which has a new “floating sound bath” program that’s available to small groups. The resort launched this in response to requests for wellness programs and says that clients are looking to incorporate unique wellness experiences into their vacations more and more.
Those 16 and older can partake in the program, which is held at the resort’s Zen Grand pool, so, basically, you’re just steps away from the Mayan jungle. Grand Velas is promoting this as a great opportunity for small groups, family and friends, bachelorette trips and mini corporate retreats. Six people can participate in the 30-minute program, which works like this: One guide stays in the pool to help guests move freely on their floating mats while another instructor walks guests through a sound bath and meditation. The vibrations of Tibetan bowls, breathing exercises and the guided meditation help participants enter a state of mental fullness, peace and serenity.
Other wellness offerings at the all-inclusive resort include hydrotherapy ceremonies at the SE Spa, treatments inspired by local Mexican culture, annual wellness retreats and fitness classes.
If this has you working up an appetite, there’s good news. The resort’s Cocina de Autor Restaurant has received a Michelin star (along with its sister property in Los Cabos). Good to know: The multi-course dinners at both resorts is included in the all-inclusive resorts’ nightly rate.
Do reserve this and the sound bath well ahead of time; this can be done with the clients’ personal concierge, who is assigned at the time of booking.

Palladium Hotel Group, which has properties in Riviera Maya, Cancun and Riviera Nayarit across its global portfolio of 40 hotels, is stepping up its guest experiences by creating formatted programming across its brands. For families, there’s the “People of Palladium,” also known as “POP Entertainment” at Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts. There’s actually a dedicated POP Entertainment team that creates experiences for those with kids in tow, including live performances and interactive games, as well as workshops focusing on the creative arts, and themed parties.
For the adults, the “Live Music and Themed Nights” program brings in local and international artists for live performances. Themed entertainment nights also aim to deliver the local culture, with salsa dances, “Caribbean Rhythms” evenings and white-out parties.
On the Other Coast
On the west coast of Mexico, the newly opened, family-friendly Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort is located inside the exclusive Estrella del Mar gated community, six miles from the Mazatlán International Airport and 20 minutes from the city center. Its location makes it super convenient for families that don’t want a long transfer from the airport but perhaps its most attractive kid-friendly amenity is its waterpark with a lazy river (the first in the destination). There are also three oceanfront pools, and dedicated kids’ and teens’ clubs, with daytime and nighttime entertainment for all ages.

That makes it easy for parents who want to enjoy the adults-only section with its own private pool and swim-up bar. When they’re ready to team up with the kiddos again they can all play together at the resort’s two tennis courts, six pickleball courts or four paddle courts. Want more? The resort is home to one of the most highly acclaimed golf courses in Mexico and was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. The resort’s Dreams Spa, meanwhile, provides guided hydrotherapy, a salon, bridal suite and the area’s only Turkish bath. Luxury travel advisors can reach out to Chief Concierge Hector Humbert ([email protected]) to make special arrangements.
Mazatlán itself provides plenty to do for families and is ideal for travelers looking to explore trending cities that tout their own local flair. The Mazatlán Malecon is a 4.3-mile-long oceanfront seawall promenade that runs the length of the main bay in Mazatlán. The wide walkway is home to several significant monuments, but even better, cliff divers usually perform in the afternoon until early evening. There are bicycle sharing stations here as well, and a bicycle path on the Malecon.

Other family time can be spent at Mazatlán’s iconic lighthouse, which stands as one of the highest working lighthouses in the Americas. The Centro Histórico has colonial buildings and cobblestone streets while the Observatory offers great views and lovely sunsets. Another option is the Gran Acuario Mazatlán, acclaimed as the largest and most significant aquarium in Latin America. And, because it’s the world’s largest shrimping port, Mazatlan has taco stands and markets serving a variety of shrimp dishes. Tip: Mazatlán is known for its annual Carnival, the third largest after Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans.
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