Visiting Cancun with the family, your lover or your girlfriends

"Do you know of any hotels in Mexico that cater to larger groups, offer luxury without nosebleed prices and maintain the Mayan flavor of the region?" We get asked this question a lot and we finally have an answer for you – the Casa Magna Marriott Cancun Resort.

There’s no denying this hotel was built for groups. Everything here is big – even the name means Big House. What’s more, pricing packages make it easier for large families and groups to stay and play on a budget. GoGirlfriend recently visited the CasaMagna (and its sister resort: JW Marriott) and we’ve got the 411 on the best eating, sleeping and playing during your visit.

Sleeping at CasaMagna

At first blush, arched walkways, marble floors, elegant chandeliers and small sculptures scattered throughout the lobby set an ambiance of luxury. But you won’t find any attitude here. Laid back, relaxed and friendly are the vibe you’ll hook into from the moment of check-in – you’re a welcomed guest.

The more than 400 expansive rooms include expected amenities as well as private balconies, perfect for late night tête à têtes or sunshine salutations at dawn. I stayed in an ocean-view room, which gave me privacy from the pools in the center courtyard and a round-the-clock symphony of waves to wash away stress.

CasaMagna caters to families and allows up to two children to stay free – when they travel with their parents. For groups traveling together, hook up with adjoining rooms or book a corner of the wing so you can all be together. If you’re traveling on business, WiFi is available in the rooms for a fee. You’ll have to sit inside your room rather than on the balcony as the service doesn’t reach beyond the balcony doors.

Playing at the CasaMagna

Visiting Cancun might conjure images of teens traveling for the first time without their parents (think drunken, late-night parties) but Cancun has cleaned up its act. While the hotel is a short ferry drive away from La Isla de Mujeres (Island of Women), Tequila Herradura Sensorial Museum and Mercado 28 (open air market) there’s plenty of flavor on the resort too.

• Miles of beach – I walked the beach at sunrise each day. Glorious, simply glorious.
• Outdoor pools – With plenty of chairs close to the pool or further away for privacy.
• Wedding chapel – The gardens and beachfront gazebo seem like the perfect backdrop for a night of “I do’s” with your lover.
• Fitness center – If you really feel the need to exercise and get sweaty on vacation. Shudder.
• Two outdoor bars – Swim-up and walk-up, because choice is always good.
• Cocktail service at the pools and hot tub – Do I really need to explain the value of this?
• Kids programs – The kids club is a $35 fee per day and includes lunch, supervised swimming and cultural programs.
• JW Marriott spa – For an extra $30 per day, you can enjoy the neighboring spa at the JW Marriott.

Eating at the CasaMagna

Food is always an adventure I say YES to when I travel. My only disappointment at the CasaMagna, was that I couldn’t enjoy more of it.

• Sasi Thai – We dined here the first night and as a vegetarian, it was the perfect choice. This outdoor restaurant is on the street side of the resort but dramatically enclosed by palm trees and exotic foliage. We snagged a table in the corner and enjoyed an intimate meal that stretched out for hours.
• La Capilla (steakhouse) – We dined here our second night and thoroughly enjoying their sizeable wine list – too many wines to try for just one evening. While La Capilla’s menu offers even the pickiest eater choice, it’s their salad bar that stole my heart. I could have moved in there for life…
• Champions Sports Bar – This is where the fun happens after hours. Some of our group made a late-night visit after dinner and enjoyed a massively fun evening of karaoke. What’s a vacation without karaoke, right?
• Mikado – Sadly, I didn’t get a chance to dine here and I’ll forever regret not experiencing the chef cook a meal at my table. Unless I make a return visit, which I might…
• Room service – Ordering room service is one of my favorite guilty pleasures when traveling. I love sipping coffee to a sunrise, gently letting the day make itself known to me. Thankfully, the folks at CasaMagna understood my need for peace and made their deliveries quickly and quietly.

If your travel curiosity's peaked, visit CasaMagna Marriott online for more information. You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter or on Booking.com. Out of almost 1,500 reviews, TripAdvisor ranks it at 4.5 stars while VirtualTourist says 93% of guests enjoyed their stay and 88% FamilyVacationCritic gave it a thumbs up.

The Return of the Vacation Package at CasaMagna

Get back to the basics of vacation. Lounge on the white sand beach, relax by crystal clear fresh water pools, pamper yourself at the spa or indulge in room service with a view, with the Return of the Vacation package, which includes:

• Deluxe accommodations
• $50 daily beverage credit
• $50 daily spa or restaurant credit
• Daily internet access

Rates for the Return of the Vacation package start at $189 at CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort and is valid through December 31, 2013. To book, please call 1-800-228-9290 or visit CasaMagna. Use promotional code: ES7.

  Have you been to CasaMagna? I’d love hear what you love about them! Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook – and let’s continue the conversation!

To comply with the long list of regulating bodies, possibly even Geneva Conventions and in the interest of transparency, our trip to Cancun was sponsored. Commentary and perspectives are those of GoGirlfriend.