When more than 30 Macaroni KID publishers traded their minivans for margaritas on a trip to Margaritaville Island Reserve® Resort Riviera Cancun, we expected palm trees and pretty pools.
What we didn’t expect? To fall this hard for a resort that balances luxury, fun, and full-on family magic — the kind that has you counting the days until you bring the kids back.
Here’s what really surprised us, straight from the moms who went.
Margaritaville Island Reserve® Resort Riviera Cancun hosted our publishers for the purpose of their reviews.
Want to go? Macaroni KID readers can save 10% with the exclusive code ISLANDTIME102025.
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Hurry! Discount is good through Sept. 1, 2025.
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🏖 “Our Kids Would Lose Their Minds … In the Best Way”
The second we walked in, it was clear that this resort was made with families in mind. The Parakeets Kid's Club is fully staffed and packed with activities for kids ages 4 to 12, and it immediately felt like a place where our kids could be kids ... and we wouldn’t have to hover.
Add in the beautiful beach, family-friendly shows in the evenings, and a staff that genuinely seems to love having families there, and suddenly everything just felt easier.
And then there’s the fun stuff our kids would go wild for: swim-up rooms, an ice cream bar, and even a float-up taco lunch in the pool.
💬 What Real Moms Had to Say
My kids would have been in line for the ice cream bar every single day!
— Amanda Janke | Macaroni KID West Morris, NJ
Loved that the Parakeets Kid's Club was tailored to children ages 4-12. For older kids, the beach volleyball, paddleboarding, and the live entertainment are perfect.
— Xochitl Loza | Macaroni KID Modesto and Macaroni KID Mountain House, CA
Ready to trade your minivan for a margarita?
Check out Margaritaville Island Reserve® Resort Riviera Cancun and start planning your escape.
Don't miss this: Macaroni KID readers can save 10% with the exclusive code ISLANDTIME102025.
Book now!
Reservations must be made by Sept. 1, 2025, to receive discount.
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🍽 “The Food Was Too Good to Be All-Inclusive”
Let’s just say we didn’t expect to care this much about guacamole. Or to find ourselves planning our days around the buffet lineup. And we definitely weren’t prepared for the floating taco bar or swim-up bars — it was the kind of over-the-top fun that makes you forget what day it is (in the best way).
With four restaurants and six bars — from beachfront bites to Latin-Asian fusion — this all-inclusive resort delivers gourmet options for the whole family. Bonus: Room service PB&J and chicken fingers hit just right after a day in the sun (we might know from experience...)
💬 What Real Moms Had to Say
The tacos were so delicious, but the guacamole was OUT OF THIS WORLD!
— Sam Filler | Macaroni KID West Bethlehem, PA
I didn’t expect to become emotionally attached to a resort burger... but here we are.
— Laura Lui | Macaroni KID McKinney and Macaroni KID Frisco, TX
🎉 “There’s Something for Every Age”
Whether it was crafts for littles, paddleboarding for teens, or giant Connect Four for everyone, no one felt left out. The Parakeets Kid’s Club offered engaging programming for ages 4-12, while the resort also offered babysitting services and thoughtfully designed shallow pools that made it easier to relax — even with little ones in tow. From morning crafts to nightly concerts, there’s always something happening — and always something for every age and interest.
💬 What Real Moms Had to Say
I was able to envision my oldest playing video games while I could play in the play area with my toddlers.
— Kelly Fitzpatrick | Macaroni KID Northern Westchester and Macaroni KID Southern Westchester, NY
Teens and tweens would enjoy the live music, fire pits, and even the fitness center.
— Jen Anderson | Macaroni KID West Chester, Macaroni KID Media, and Macaroni KID Kennett Square, PA
This resort gets families.
From the food to the fun to the built-in downtime, it’s everything you need in one gorgeous spot. Book your family’s all-inclusive getaway now and save 10% with a Macaroni KID exclusive code:
ISLANDTIME102025.
Book now!
Reservations must be made by Sept. 1, 2025, to receive discount.
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🎶 “It Was a Vacation for Us, Too”
Most of the time, even on “vacation,” we’re still the ones packing the snacks, watching the clock, and managing meltdowns. But here? Between the Parakeets Kid’s Club, the amazing St. Somewhere Spa, the safe and easy layout of the resort, and the genuinely thoughtful staff, it actually felt like a vacation for us too.
With live entertainment, themed parties, and bars (yes, including swim-up ones), we got a taste of what it’s like to fully unplug — no itinerary-wrangling required.
Thinking about going soon? The resort is in full swing with its seasonal Summer of Music celebration, featuring a vibrant lineup of live performances, themed parties, and immersive events like rock BBQ nights, Caribbean beach bashes, and Mexican fiestas. We got a preview while we were there — and can confirm, it’s just as fun as it sounds. Summer of Music runs through September 15!
💬 What Real Moms Had to Say
It felt like we were the ones being taken care of for once.
— Laura Lui | Macaroni KID McKinney and Macaroni KID Frisco, TX
Let the kiddos party at the Parakeets Kid's Club while Mom & Dad dance to live music at the 5 o’clock Somewhere Bar!
— Kelly Kerr | Macaroni KID Owens Cross Roads - Scottsboro and Macaroni KID Marshall County, AL
I loved relaxing on my porch with a gentle breeze and a good book, feeling completely at peace knowing that everyone was off enjoying themselves in their own way…
— Lori Arbel | Macaroni KID Fort Lauderdale and Macaroni KID Miami East, FL
🧘 “We Actually Slept In. Twice.”
Whether it was a quiet sunrise on the beach, jumping from the dock into perfectly turquoise water, a hydrotherapy treatment and massage at the St. Somewhere Spa, or lounging poolside with drinks in hand, we found moments of peace we didn’t know we needed.
💬 What Real Moms Had to Say
Watching the sunrise on the beach, listening to the waves crashing and feeling the warm sea breeze, with my little espresso from the room ... I haven’t had peace like that in a long time.
— Kari Treat | Macaroni KID Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates, IL
Sitting at the very end of the pier, toes dangling over the water just after sunrise… it felt like I was perched at the end of the earth.
— Erica Alhorn | Macaroni KID Wheaton and Macaroni KID Downers Grove, IL
My ultimate Margaritaville Moment was… lounging in a beach cabana, fruity drink in hand, realizing I could come back with my family and someone else would be in charge for a change.
— Laura Lui | Macaroni KID McKinney and Macaroni KID Frisco, TX
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🤝 “The Staff Remembered Our Names (and Our Orders)”
From check-in popsicles to remembered drink orders, the staff made it personal in the best way. Waiters greeted us by name, bartenders always had a smile and knew our favorite drinks, and resort staff never hesitated to take care of any requests from dietary restrictions to extra pool towels. It felt like they weren’t just doing their jobs — they genuinely wanted us to have a great time.
💬 What Real Moms Had to Say
The waiter at the breakfast buffet learned my name the first day and greeted me daily saying, ‘Good morning, Lisa!’
— Lisa Williams | Macaroni KID Pittsburgh North and Macaroni KID Pittsburgh City, PA
The staff made me feel so welcome from the margarita popsicles to the wonderful service. They were always kind, warm, and had a smile.
— Keisha Martinez | Macaroni KID Southern Prince George, MD
Yes, the resort is gorgeous. It truly looks and feels like a paradise. But the welcoming and friendly staff who always greet you with a smile and seem genuinely happy to help you are really what makes the biggest difference.
— Kara Ault | Macaroni KID Fayetteville and Macaroni KID Rogers-Bentonville, AR
We went for work… and came home relaxed.
If you’re dreaming of sunshine, quiet mornings, and no responsibilities for a few days, this is your sign to book the trip!
Find out more about Margaritaville Island Reserve® Resort Riviera Cancun and book your stay now!
Save 10% with the exclusive code ISLANDTIME102025.
Reservations must be made by Sept. 1, 2025, to receive discount.
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🛟 Safe, Thoughtful, and Family-First
Margaritaville Island Reserve® Resort Riviera Cancun doesn’t just say it’s family-friendly — it proves it, in all the little ways that matter most. From stroller-friendly paths and gated swim-up suites to clearly visible beach lifeguards, the entire resort is designed to put parents at ease.
It goes beyond physical safety, too. Margaritaville Island Reserve® Resort Riviera Cancun is part of the respected Karisma Hotels & Resorts brand, which has partnered with the Autism Double-Checked program to launch the world’s first-ever Autism Concierge — designed to help families navigate specific needs. It’s an extension of a comprehensive three-part training program completed by staff to earn the Autism Double-Checked certification.
Whether you're managing food allergies, rolling with a stroller, or just hoping your kid doesn't escape to the pool unsupervised (we’ve all been there), Margaritaville Island Reserve® Resort Riviera Cancun has clearly put in the work to help families feel welcome and relaxed.
💬 What Real Moms Had to Say
Everywhere we went, the atmosphere felt easygoing and safe, which made it easy to truly unwind as a parent… everything was designed to make families feel comfortable, cared for, and included.
— Xochitl Loza | Macaroni KID Modesto and Macaroni KID Mountain House, CA
As a mom of a daughter with a limb difference, I was actually wildly impressed with the amenities that cater to children and people of different abilities or additional needs.
— Kari Treat | Macaroni KID Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates, IL
I eat gluten-free which can be annoying when traveling, but the wait staff always made accommodations, sometimes without me even asking.
— Jen Anderson | Macaroni KID West Chester, Macaroni KID Media, and Macaroni KID Kennett Square, PA
🌅 One Final Margaritaville Moment…
At some point — maybe after the second swim-up drink or the first time no one asked us for a snack — it hit us: this was the reset we didn’t know we needed.
No lunchboxes. No carpool. No tiny humans interrupting every conversation. Just sunshine, good company, and the rare chance to actually relax.
We came for the palm trees. We left wondering how soon we could do it all again — and maybe bring the kids next time… maybe.
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A HUGE thanks to Margaritaville Island Reserve® Resort Riviera Cancun for hosting our publishers. We made memories and had experiences we will all cherish for a long time to come. ❤️
We found our happy place at Margaritaville Island Reserve® Resort Riviera Cancun...
... and you can too.
Book your next vacation now!
Save 10% with exclusive code ISLANDTIME102025.
Reservations must be made by Sept. 1, 2025, to receive discount.
