Emerging from the Yucatan's interior jungle, we arrived at the JW in our dust encrusted rental car, hot and disheveled. A wink from the doorman and we were whisked into the cool interior of the resort. Marketed as a business and conference facility, the hotel provides unparalleled service. Ranking one of the top resorts in the world by Conde Nast and Travel & Leisure has not precluded the resort as a top destination for families.

It's the vibe - kicked back, quiet, perhaps serene - without the forced fun factor found at so many Mexican resorts. Families gravitate to the white sand beach to dig or grab a siesta inside a cool cabana stocked with extra towels, water, and other thoughtful indulgences. That's really what the JW Cancun is all about - thoughtful service. From the band of water at the foot of the stairs for dipping sandy feet, to the thick beach towels, it's the little things that stand out.

Kids love the freeform infinity pool with varying depths, which stretches across the front of the resort. I spent a windy afternoon happily ensconced in a extremely cushy lounge chair, Pina Colada in hand, one eye on the turquoise sea, the other on the kids' nonstop pool action.

All of the resort's 448 rooms and suites offer views of the ocean. Spacious, with lots of extra amenities like robes, evening turndown with chocolates, and fine linens make the JW a luxurious treat. Families should consider the Caribbean Suite, with bedroom and living room with sofa bed, for a bit of privacy. Pool level rooms are also a plus, with their own patio and easy access for kids to and from the room to pool - pool to room - room to deli - deli to pool....

The resort shares many amenities with the CasaMagana Cancun Resort right next door. The "Marriott Kids" program offers daily programs for kids with such enticing activities as sand castle contest, treasure hunt, coconut bowling, even Spanish lessons. Reservations are suggested.

If you can tear yourself away from the infinity pool - and believe me, it's tough - the resorts offer plenty of other activities. At the JW you can take scuba diving lessons; they even have their own 20' freshwater dive pool with interconnecting lagoon that spans the property. We were tempted by golf and tennis, but extreme family boogie boarding won out - the turquoise seas was just too tempting: gentle waves pounded soft sand. The water was warm - just incredibly warm.

After a heavy set of boogie boarding, a bit of spa action completes the soul. The JW's spa is expansive (35,000square feet), picturesque (looks out to the Caribbean and the lagoon), and exquisite (rates one of the best spas in the world). With Mayan inspired treatments, the Zen-like calm envelopes you as the elevator door opens. Engulfed in the calming effects of scent, sight and touch - this spa experience, with scenic overload, is beyond memorable. With a spa menu that offers 27 pages (no kidding) of exotic treatments, I was paralyzed at the juice bar - sipping cucumber mint water - taking in the view. Unable to make a decision, I just wanted to absorb the calm - to stockpile it for the rest of my stay.

The spa also offers special mother-daughter treatments (think pedicures and mini facials); full fitness center and classes; aqua fitness in the rooftop pool; plus beauty salon. A destination or a diversion, at stop at the spa needs to be on your Cancun itinerary.

Cancun offers a myriad of dining choices. Best bet for families? Something loud, Mexican, and affordable. The JW's Cafe Salsa is a good bet, offering a buffet dinner with numerous choices for picky kids. For lunch we enjoyed excellent fare poolside at the Beach Walk - didn't even have to wear shoes. In the morning it was convenient to grab a bagel and coffee at the gourmet deli right in the hotel.

While the JW's streetside façade depicts yet another hi-rise Cancun hotel, it hides the elegance and comfort that emanates from within. A palatial lobby, complete with grand piano and jazz - the infinity pool - the service, all add up to a little enclave of paradise.

Next door at the CasaMagna, the rooms are a bit smaller, but it's the architecture that stands out. Romanesque arches and hanging gardens frame the views out to the Caribbean. Voted the no.1 Family Resort in Mexico by Travel & Leisure - it's no wonder families feel at home here. Take care in booking rooms - not all rooms at the CasaMagna have ocean views. Splurge for the Caribbean or Magna suites - it's worth it!

CasaMagna guests have full use of the JW's amenities including restaurants, pool, fitness center and spa, though some additional charges can apply. Whichever resort you choose, the exceptional Marriott service will enhance your stay.

For more see JW Marriott Cancun or Casa Magna Cancun.

More family adventure at Destination Mexico.

...... Tammie Thompson, mom of two adventurous kids, lives in Truckee, California. Spending long winters on the slopes, Tammie is happy to escape to Mexico as frequently as possible.

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For photo in Tammie folder for photo in Kidznfun