Iberostar's newest resort, Paraiso Maya sits next its sister resort, the also new, Paraiso Lindo. Just a few steps down the beach the Paraiso Beach and Paraiso del Mar are also connected via golf cart shuttle and walkways. Guests at all resorts are welcome to use all facilities, including pools, recreational activities and restaurants.

So really - it doesn't matter which resort you choose! Of course each resort offers up their own vibe and amenities, but exploring the other resorts is all part of the experience.

We settled in at the new Paraiso Maya, offering junior suites (2 queens, plus sitting area), palatial bathroom with Jacuzzi tub, mini bar and superb service. After the heat of the drive I was content to hang out in the chill of the air conditioning, but not kids. They were off to discover all the resort had to offer.

And what a selection! Wave pool, lazy river, volleyball pool, not to mention the expansive beach - wow! Navigating the vast resort required a map - really. Weaving in and out of the hotel's buildings, over foot bridges, stopping for directions, then taking a quick dip, getting lost - it was time for an ice cream cone! That is when the kids discovered exactly what all-inclusive meant. "You mean we can just go get an ice cream cone whenever we want?" "Tacos? Pizza? Pina-coladas (the kind without the alcohol)?"

And so it began, an actual vacation for us - the parents. As the kids planned their day using the elaborate Star Friends Animation Day Program, I settled into a lounge chair with my book. After taking in two rounds of water aerobic and Merengue lesson music, I headed to the beach in search of a bit of solitude. The beach was hopping with beach volleyball and beach soccer - but the music was left behind.

The clear Caribbean was calm, a translucent emerald begging for a swim. The kids tracked me down. "Hola! Please come watch us do archery and shoot a BB gun. I'm playing water polo at 3. Do you know how to play water polo? Can you go into the wave pool with me? They give you Popsicles at the pool! There's a funny animal by the bridge to the beach."

Whoa... I was just getting to the good part in my romance novel. "I'll go to the wave pool to watch you ride waves, but how about a leisurely float down the lazy river pool?"

And we were off once again. It turns out the funny animal is the Tlacuaches, a Mexican opossum. They were a main attraction during their morning search for dinner - before they settled in to sleep the day away.

It was time for a scuba intro. Loaded up with scuba gear, we headed into the pool for an underwater foray into the deep. "Cool," said my twelve year old. "I'm getting certified next year."

With a dedicated children's pool with a kid's miniclub, younger children have a place to call their own. I was impressed with the layout, which included gated access, along with the mini pool features.

Our next adventure involved food. Upon arriving at the resort guests check in with the concierge located in each guest building. The concierge sets up dining for your stay. With 16 restaurants at your disposal, you would think getting in at a restaurant of your choice would be easy - wrong. Of all the amenities the resort offered, dining was the most challenging. We had to travel to one of the Paraiso resorts to get a reservation. The next night we had better luck, choosing the seafood restaurant, but it came with a caveat. "Gentlemen must wear long pants." Long pants? My husband never goes on vacation to a warm climate with long pants! The Iberostar had a solution, albeit a bit weird by our California standards. "We have loaner pants."

"Loaner pants? I'm not wearing loaner pants!" So we settled for the poolside buffet where we could dine in shorts. On this balmy evening we settled on the patio next to the pool and took in the Caribbean climate. The full moon rose up over the beach. Good food, great Margaritas and good company. Much better than dining in loaner pants!

Eventually we were able to explore the other restaurants - from French to Japanese - and got a laugh out of those loaner pants. But our favorite was the poolside buffet - where shorts still rule.

After diner the activities continue. With a huge theater and nightly performances ranging from cultural dancers to comedy acts, the day never ends. Factor in shopping at the new mall and you really never have to leave the complex. If in fact you do want to explore the area, the resort offers transportation to Playa del Carmen (more excellent shopping) where you can also hop a ferry to explore Cozumel.

The Iberostar resorts are a perfect destination for the family that likes organized activity, wants to work within a set budget, and wants a bit of culture on the side. Don't forget those long pants!