We had such a fabulous time at the Westin Resort & Spa in Cancun, Mexico. The view of ocean and palm trees even before we entered the lobby beaconed us to explore the property.
We love to see palm trees and iguanas on the hotel’s property. It’s even more enjoyable when you find out the hotel takes an active role in the iguana’s health and welfare. I will explain that a bit later.
The lobby is beautiful and spacious, ready to greet all its guests. One of the features I was thrilled by, is the addition of outlets and USB jacks in all the couches in the lobby. Since my family is so connected (read about it here) all of our electronic devices needed charging upon arrival. What a nice little touch in the lobby to offer people while they are traveling.
The Resort
Contents
The Pools
Let’s talk pools, first. There are 5 on the property plus a FlowRider for anyone who is game. We liked all the pools but I’d say our favorite is the main pool with its swim-up bar. The girls love being able to ask for a pina colada (virgin, of course) or strawberry smoothy and just give our room number. Such freedom. Sitting at the bar enjoying the ocean view and talking about what we will order for lunch suited us just fine.
Each of the 5 pools has a bit of a different feel. There is the “L shaped” pool over by our room which was always quiet and relaxing. There is the Lagoon pool which is shallower for the younger kids and had a great view of the lagoon. The main pool is large and accommodated all the games the kids played as well as the adults. The other 2 pools are quieter although right in the middle of the action. Then there is the spa whirlpool which is so relaxing especially with a view of the ocean.
The FlowRider
The only time I tried surfing was when I was 16 years old and in Hawaii. When trying the FlowRider, first you use a boogie board then if you are good enough -haha – you can try the surfboard. We tried the demonstration session but didn’t go for the full 1-hour lesson. We were all able to kneel and let go of the board. I have to admit I was pretty impressed with both the girls for being able to do it. Ainsley enjoyed it more than Evelyn but they had fun during their turn. Clint and I tried the following day. Clint was able to get up and was working on throwing the board out in front of him, rolling over 360 deg. then grab the board again. Honestly, I was happy I knelt up on the board and let go.
The Beach at Westin Resort & Spa
The beach at the Westin Resort & Spa was lovely. The resort has plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas for guests to enjoy. There is also a full-size volleyball net and course set up for all who wish to enjoy. It’s funny to watch 9 and 11 yr olds trying to get the ball over a full-size net. The resort also has a fulltime lifeguard on duty for the guest’s safety. Although the beach is lovely the surf was rough during our stay. Clint, however, still went in and enjoyed it for a little while. We did see many people enjoying a walk along the beach as well.
Sports and WORKOUT Fitness Studio
The Westin Resort & Spa has 2 full-size astroturf tennis courts for guests to enjoy. The WORKOUT Fitness studio has everything one would need for a full workout or just a light bit of exercise during your vacation. The staff I met were very helpful with anything I was interested in using.
The Spa
The spa was right next door to the fitness studio and has many treatments for guests to enjoy during their stay. One of the features I think guests enjoy is a massage outside. There were massage tables set up under thatched huts for an enjoyable massage.
Outdoor Grilling Stations
Westin Resort and Spa also offers Club Membership which is similar to a timeshare. For those guests, they have an outdoor grilling station and lounge area overlooking the lagoon pool.
Lagoon Beach
The resort has a very nice sandy beach with lounge chairs and thatched huts overlooking the lagoon. However, you can not go swimming in the lagoon but the area is lovely and spacious and quiet.
Westin Resort Family Kids Club and Playground
The kids club has many different activities for the children to enjoy from theatre to arts and crafts to an outdoor play area.
Westin Resort Family Activites
The Westin Resort & Spa has a very lively and fun group of young people that are the activity gurus. They run all the family activities from yoga to volleyball to Aguagym to Spanish lessons. Ainsley and Clint took part in the bingo contest one day and Ainsley won a gold and silver necklace from the gift shop on the premises. It has the letter A in Inca writing on a pendant. It’s a lovely necklace. All these activities had prizes you can win which is only a bonus.
One of the activities was feeding the iguanas. The staff member had a full plate of cantaloupe, guava, and honeydew melon. She also had wood skewers for the kids to put the fruit on to feed to the iguanas. The kids learned to be quiet and calm and then the iguanas would take the food off the skewer to eat. There are 22 iguanas at the resort and the staff take note of all of them. They told us the female iguanas do not have the spikes up their backs but he male iguanas do.
Ainsley is what I call an animal whisperer. Even the staff member called her an animal princess at the end. She took her time and made sure the piece of fruit was small enough for the different iguanas. There was one iguana shedding his skin and was quite timid. We learned that this is when the iguana is vulnerable so it makes sense for them to be timid at that time.
Westin Experience
They were also in charge of what they call the “Westin Experience”. Each afternoon at 3:00 pm around the main pool they had a fun adult activity to participate in. These ranged from making mojito Cubanos to a tequila tasting. I participated in the guacamole contest and although I didn’t win I had a fun time with the other guests and staff.
The Restaurants & Palmer Market
The Westin Resort & Spa has 4 restaurants as well as a market on-site. The Westin Beach Club restaurant is open for a continental breakfast with a bar food lunch menu. The Sabor Casual Kitchen is only open for breakfast with a full buffet and a made to order omelet station. The Arena Sports Bar with its many TV’s all tuned to various sports games offers a bar food menu for both lunch and dinner. Finally, if you would like to dine beachside for dinner go to the Sea & Stone Restaurant with its elegant menu and service. We had our first night’s dinner here and really enjoyed our meal.
Enjoying the view and our dinner at Sea & Stones Restaurant Our dessert – gluten free brownies!
The Plamer Market and Starbucks have a variety of items for the guests to enjoy. They have water shoes and sand toys but also cookies and cold drinks. I don’t think a guest needs to leave the resort if they didn’t want to with all there is to choose from.
Check-in
Check-in was done in a snap and the bellman loaded our luggage into the golf cart and whisked us away to the ‘quieter’ club side of the resort. Although I have to say the resort isn’t noisy at all. Plus all the rooms are away from the lobby so they are nice and quiet and relaxing.
Our Accommodations
Our room was much larger than I could have expected, with a vaulted ceiling no less. The balcony overlooking the part of the lagoon and ocean beyond was special. We got to watch several people trying their hand at water skiing on the lagoon. The balcony had 2 chairs and a table for us to relax and enjoy ourselves. Especially in the mornings just listening to the birds chirping was lovely.
Our room included a large desk area that I certainly took advantage of. We also had a dresser, TV, coffee station, small refrigerator, closet and bathroom. In our closet, we had an ironing board and iron along with a safe and shelves.
The Bath
The bath has ‘Heavenly’ towels. I can attest to them being heavenly, large and soft. The girls were thrilled for a soaking tub that was separate from the shower. Both girls enjoyed more than one bath during our stay. We also had an ample supply of bath accessories. One thing we were thrilled with is every day we were given 2 1-liter bottles of water. This is a very nice touch.
Final thoughts
We had a great time at the Westin Resort & Spa. The staff were helpful and kind and oh so friendly. Evelyn had pancakes several mornings for breakfast which they made specially just for her. It really seems that the people who worked here enjoyed their jobs which in turn shows to the guests.
I always love Westin. I am sure this was just fabulous! It looks amazing
Yes, Gina, it was. It was quiet and relaxing. Just what the doctor ordered. I am planning to go back soon.
Animal whisperer eh? That’s a cool calling.
Yes, she is very in tune with others. She has a great soul. I can’t wait to see what she does in life.
My kids would love it here! I’m putting it on the short list for next year’s spring break trip.
It is a great place to visit. I’m sure you will have a great time.
Love a good vacation with a view of ocean and palm trees. I would spend all my time on the Flowrider. We have one in AZ and took a session of lessons. It is a great time.
That’s great. My husband wanted to take a lesson because he wanted to stand up but we had other plans. Next time.
That looks like a wonderful place and so relaxing! Is that an “all-inclusive”?
No, it’s not an all-inclusion but they have 4 restaurants on the premises for your convenience. I will say we ate all of them and enjoyed each meal.
It looks like a beautiful place! Our kids have been wanting to go on vacation to Mexico, and this just may be it! I love that the pool is right near the beach. Great info…love all your videos! 🙂
I’m glad you liked my post Vessy. My family really enjoyed our visit. I think you will too.
I really want to visit Cancun! This resort is at the top of the list 🙂 Thanks!
I hope you go, I’m sure you will have a great time. It’s so relaxing being right on the beach even if you only go in the pools.
Looks like a great place for family travel fun!
That it is Joanne. I loved how the hotel put on activities for kids and adults.
Looks like a great trip for kids! I am dying to take my grands somewhere!
This is a great hotel to be grandkids. I’m sure you will all have a great time.
I love that they have gluten free brownies! One of our girls doesn’t handle gluten well, and we grown-ups try to avoid it, so this would make her so happy! This looks like a super fun resort, but I don’t think I would be brave enough to try the FlowRider!
Yes, Evelyn was thrilled by the gluten-free brownies. I have to admit I wasn’t a huge fan either but my husband and kids loved it.
I love Cancun beaches…what a beautiful resort to hang out with your family. So impressed about the FlowRider – you and the kids. Mexico is my happy place and go at least once a year if not twice. Love hotels on the south end of the hotel zone as it means that much quicker to hit the beach and also great for families who don’t want to be in the party zone.
I agree. It was so quiet by this hotel. With 2 young kids, I’m not into the party scene anymore.
Beautiful resort. We love Cancun so much. The Westin is also in a great location.
Agreed.
That looks like a great hotel. Comfy, Fun, and very nice. I love seeing places like this posted because as a travel agent it helps me build my list to know what to book for clients.
I’m glad you are adding it to your list of recommended places for your clients.
That definitely looks like a beautiful place to relax at.
It really is.
Looks like a fantastic trip in a beautiful location. Thanks for sharing!
Looks like this place has so much to offer!! Thanks for sharing all the details! Love the family-freindliness 🙂
My kids would LOVE all the pools at this resort! Thank you for sharing such valuable information!
Yes, my kids went around and had to inspect all the pools to make sure they were good enough. They went in every single one. Too funny.
Thanks for the Westin Resort in Cancun review. Looks like a lot of fun! I need to get there one day!
I’m sure you will love it.
This hotel looks awesome! Love anything by the beach. The flow-rider looks fun too! I’ve never tried one, but it would be fun to give it a shot.
Yes, I love a hotel by the beach too.
I would love to play on the Flowrider all day. Could you get on the FlowRider at any time or did you have to schedule sessions?
The run it after lunch. They start off by giving demos to anyone then they switch to lessons for people that sign up for them.
Looks like quite the trip! The hotel looks perfect. I’m addicted to mastering those flow-riders.
My husband wanted to take the full lesson because he wanted to stand up on the little board.
The flow rider looks like so much fun and the resort looks like a wonderful family resort. Beach and plenty of sunshine, what’s not to love?
The flow rider is a lot of fun and your right, great family resort.
What a beautiful resort! With 5 pools I would have to swim in all of them! Your room looked so peaceful.
Our room was super peaceful. Yes, the girls were reporting to me and my husband as to which pool they liked best. lol.
Here we get to know about Westin resort spa Cancun full resort review information in detail. It helps us to decide which resort is best among its types. I enjoyed reading this article and would suggest others to read it as well. Thank you for this article! This is really very informative for us.
I’m glad this helped you decide where you wanted to take your vacation.