Sandos Caracol Eco Resort

This property does a bang-up job combining what makes Mexico special: a natural cenote, Mayan history, jungle grounds with roaming animals, and a white sand beach, with the comfort and style that travelers seek on vacation. The grounds are spread out, but golf carts are on hand to make traversing the property faster. Indoors, the lobby's centerpiece is an elephant statue presented on a bed of sand. Worn wicker furniture and blue cushions add places to sit and use the free (but spotty) Wi-Fi. The ceiling is made of traditional thatch and decorated with enormous metal chandeliers. Due to Sandos Caracol's massive size, the public spaces are often bustling, though there are separate parts of the property for families and couples. For adults who want a truly kid-free space, check rates at The Royal Playa del Carmen.

Sandos Caracol is located right on the beach in Playa del Carmen, and the large grounds add an air of seclusion and isolation. There isn't much within walking distance other than neighboring resorts -- the Viceroy Riviera Maya and Hotel Paradisus Plaza Playa del Carmen La Perla flank the property. Expect a 45-minute drive to Cancun International Airport. Parking at the hotel is free.

There are 738 rooms and suites spread out among 46 three-story buildings at Sandos Caracol. Three categories of rooms -- Superior, Deluxe, and Penthouse -- only allow couples without kids. Families can choose from six remaining room categories ranging from Standard to a Royal Elite Penthouse. The most expensive rooms include whirlpool tubs and ocean views. Air-conditioning, satellite flat-screen TVs, and minibars with free water, soda, and beer that's replenished every two days come standard in all rooms. There's an extra charge to use the in-room safes, and some rooms won't pick up the free Wi-Fi signal.Decor includes tile floors, white walls, and brown wicker headboards. Some rooms include small gray couches that face large mirrors. Some bathrooms include whirlpool tubs, double sinks, and private water closets. A brown shuttered window in each bathroom can be opened or closed for privacy. There's also a small, furnished private patio or balcony attached to each room. Past guests have complained about odors, dampness, and being too far from the pool in some rooms.

For active families and couples, it doesn't get much better than the features at Sandos Caracol. The on-site spa offers beauty treatments, body treatments, an outdoor hot tub complex, and a sauna. This is also where the spacious and bright fitness center is located. The space is complete with LifeFitness cardio equipment and strength-training machines. Yoga is available.For little kids, the expansive water park includes 17 different waterslides and a fun variety of shallow water play areas. Kids over the age of six probably won't be interested though. There's a super fun kids' club with everything from a movie screening room, to video games, to a small rock climbing wall. Staff organizes nightly shows to rave reviews, and also schedules family-friendly activities like guided walks, dance classes, and beach activities throughout the day. Guests can use the well-maintained tennis courts throughout the day and night, with free balls and rackets, though the proper shoes and attire they require aren't provided.The on-site cenote is an excellent spot for snorkeling and learning about Maya culture. There's a deck with patio furniture where guests can relax facing the clear water. Another cool feature is a guided rowboat river cruise, where guests (it's mostly couples who choose to partake) can take photos of monkeys in the trees and hear about the ancient way of life in Mexico.

Guests at Sandos Caracol Beach have private access to the white sand public beach. The water is blue, clear, and calm -- excellent for snorkeling with the colorful fish, but jagged rocks demand water shoes and extra caution. Staff provides free boogie boards, sailboats, kayaks, and windsurfing equipment, though lessons cost extra. Scuba diving and jet ski rentals can be arranged for an added cost. On the sand, there are plenty of white beds in the sun, as well as blue sun loungers under umbrellas. There's a separate area just for adults.

There are nine restaurants at Sandos Caracol; six of them are a la carte and three offer buffets. However, guests are restricted to how many times they can visit the a la carte restaurants depending on how many nights they've booked. Further, these restaurants require reservations one day in advance. La Laguna does an international buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner until late. La Toscana serves an Italian-style buffet for breakfast and lunch, while Las Mascaras does a casual Mexican buffet for dinner only. The six a la carte options do dinner only and range from Japanese (sushi gets good marks), to Brazilian, to Mediterranean.Nine different bars serve mostly free alcohol, though there are extra charges for premium booze and wine. The snack bar, El Nido, serves drinks 24/7, and there's a nightclub open late for those over 18. Two pool bars and a beach bar don't stay open past six.

There are two swimming pools at Sandos Caracol, but one of them is only for adults who booked adults-only rooms. It's definitely quiet and calm. This freeform pool has a dark blue sun design on the bottom and is surrounded by thatch umbrellas and blue sun loungers. There's a nearby bar, but not the swim-up kind.The second pool is available to everyone staying at the resort, and it gets crowded with kids and staff members who organize (occasionally rowdy) activities like volleyball and water polo. This pool has a swim-up bar and blue sun loungers under thatch umbrellas. Towels are free at both pools and the water is shallow.