by: Barb Strait
If you have been searching for that perfect balance between a high-energy family vacation and a sophisticated luxury retreat, I have a secret to share. While many travelers flock to the newest “shiny” resorts in Cancun, those of us who live and breathe travel know that some of the best experiences are found tucked away in the lush jungles of the Riviera Maya.
I recently returned from a trip to the Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa, and let me tell you, the newly renovated Family Selection suites are a total game-changer. As a specialty travel agent, I’m always looking for those “hidden gems” that offer more value and better experiences for my clients, and this “hotel within a hotel” concept hits the bullseye.
The $40 Million Transformation
You might know the Grand Palladium name, but if you haven’t visited Kantenah lately, you haven’t seen its new face. Palladium recently invested a staggering $40 million to renovate this property, adding over 160 brand-new Family Selection suites.
This isn’t just a fresh coat of paint. They have completely reimagined what it means to travel as a family. When you book a Family Selection suite, you aren’t just getting a room; you’re getting an elevated, VIP experience that starts the second you step onto the property.
A Hotel Within a Hotel: What Makes it “Specialty”?
As one of the best travel agency for vacation packages, we often get asked: “Is the upgrade really worth it?” At Kantenah, the answer is a resounding yes. The Family Selection concept is designed to give families the perks usually reserved for adults-only luxury, but with the kids right there in the middle of the fun.
Here is what sets it apart:
- Private Check-In: Skip the main lobby crowds. You’ll be whisked away to a private lounge to start your vacation in peace.
- The Family Host (Your New Best Friend): Forget traditional concierges. You’ll have a dedicated Family Host and butler service to handle everything from dinner reservations to packing and unpacking your bags.
- Welcome Kits for the “Family Boss”: Upon arrival, the kids receive a special welcome kit with mini-robes, slippers, and fun surprises. At Straight Away Travel, we love how this makes the little ones feel like the most important guests on the property.
Barb’s Personal Favorite: The Beachfront Swim-Up
I’ve seen a lot of suites in my time, but the beachfront swim-up suites at Kantenah are something special. Imagine walking out of your bedroom, onto your terrace, and straight into a pool that overlooks the Caribbean Sea.
But here is the “insider” secret: unlike many other resorts where you have to hike to a bar to get a drink for your swim-up, at the Family Selection in Kantenah, you get bar-served drinks right at your suite. Sitting in the water with a cold drink in hand, watching the waves crash on the shore? That is exactly why we do what we do at Straight Away Travel.
Sports Central: More Than Just a Pool Day
If your family likes to stay active on vacation, Kantenah has a major advantage that many Riviera Maya resorts simply cannot match: a true sports complex with options for every age and energy level. Recent updates to the resort’s sports offerings include 8 pickleball courts, 6 tennis courts, 2 artificial-turf soccer fields, 2 basketball courts, 2 paddle courts, and an archery range, along with the Xtra Time Sports Bar, which stays open from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. for post-game snacks, drinks, and a fun place to regroup.
As a specialty travel agent who has sent more people to the Caribbean for pickleball than anyone I know, and who even helped Sandals with their court-building process, Elizabeth Higginbottom with Straight Away Travel and Pickleball in Paradise knows quality sports facilities when she sees them. That matters when you are choosing a resort where the courts, fields, and activity spaces are not just an afterthought, but a real part of the vacation experience.
What makes this especially appealing for families is that the resort offers daily tournaments and organized activities across these sports, giving kids, teens, parents, and even grandparents a chance to jump in at their own pace. You can spend the morning at pickleball, let the kids head to a supervised activity, book an afternoon by the pool, and still make it to dinner without the day feeling chaotic.
At Straight Away Travel, this is exactly where our concierge-style planning makes a difference. We can help you coordinate sports schedules with dining reservations, kids’ club programming, and downtime, so your vacation feels seamless instead of overpacked. For active families who want a blend of relaxation and action, Kantenah delivers a well-rounded experience that is surprisingly hard to find in one resort.
I get this question all the time: “Barb, should we go to the newer Costa Mujeres property or Kantenah?”
While the beach at Costa Mujeres is stunning, my personal experience is that Kantenah wins on food and pools. The $40 million renovation has brought a level of culinary excellence to Kantenah that is hard to beat. Because the resort is more established, the landscaping is lush and tropical, giving it a true “jungle paradise” feel that the newer, more concrete-heavy resorts lack.
The pools at Kantenah are also more varied and spread out, meaning you can always find a spot that fits your vibe: whether that’s the high-energy main pool or the exclusive, quiet Family Selection pool.
Exclusive Access: The Nest and Es Niu
When you stay in the Family Selection, you gain access to areas that other guests don’t.
- The Nest: This is an exclusive restaurant just for Family Selection guests. It offers a more intimate dining experience with high-end menu options and a dedicated area for kids to play while the adults finish their wine.
- Es Niu Pool Bar: This is the private pool bar located within the Family Selection area. It’s never crowded, and the service is incredibly attentive.
The Best of Both Worlds: Access to TRS Yucatan
One of the biggest perks for the parents? If you are over 18 and staying in the Family Selection, you also get full access to the TRS Yucatan Hotel. This is the ultra-luxury, adults-only side of the complex.
You can drop the kids off at the state-of-the-art kids’ club (which they will love, by the way) and head over to TRS for a quiet lunch, a sophisticated cocktail, or a romantic dinner at one of their world-class restaurants. It truly is the best of both worlds.
Why Book With Straight Away Travel?
Planning a trip to a massive resort complex like Grand Palladium can be overwhelming. There are dozens of room categories, multiple lobbies, and a hundred different ways to spend your time.
As Travel Professionals(serving clients nationwide!), we don’t just book your room. We make sure you are in the right building. We know which suites are closest to the beach, which ones are quieter for naps, and how to navigate the complex like a pro.
When you work with us, you aren’t just a confirmation number. You’re part of the Straight Away family. We manage every detail: from the first conversation to the moment you return home: so you can focus on making memories.
Ready to Find Your Hidden Gem?
If you’re looking for the an agency that families trust to turn a “good” vacation into an “unforgettable” one, look no further. We’ve been there, we’ve tested the swim-up bars, we’ve tasted the food, we have sent many many families here and and we’re ready to help you plan the perfect escape.
Contact Straight Away Travel today to start planning your luxury family getaway to Grand Palladium Kantenah!
