Azul Sensatori Family Dining

Since the Azul Sensatori is all-inclusive, all your meals, snacks and drinks (including alcohol) are included in the price. All but one restaurant at the Azul Sensatori is open to children. The beauty of dining at Azul Sensatori is that a la carte menus are the rule, not the exception. This means guests are rarely standing in line with a crowds at a large buffet (here, self-serve items are called 'interactive stations') Meals just feel more civilized when you are ordering off the menu.

That's not to say the restaurants aren't kid-friendly; in fact, it's just the opposite. At any of the restaurants open to children (a total of five), youngest diners can order off of a "Food & Fun" children's menu, with offerings such as pasta, grilled cheese, chicken nuggets, cheeseburger and pizza. (You should be offered this paper menu at Spoon restaurant, the most kid-friendly eatery; if not, ask for it.) Meals are served with fruit, vegetables or French fries, and kid-sized desserts include a mini brownie, cheesecake or ice cream. Another huge bonus for families traveling with babies: Jars of Gerber baby food are available at no extra cost at all the restaurants or through room service.

Here's a peek at the restaurants open to children, all of which have Fisher-Price high chairs for young diners:

Spoon: The largest restaurant serves "world cuisine" and is open for three meals daily. You can order off the a la carte menu for breakfast, lunch or dinner, or choose items from the "interactive cooking stations" (aka buffets). The dinner offerings change nightly, but might include New Orleans, Mexican, International, Asian or Italian foods. Families with young children are typically seated near chafing dishes with self-serve items such as chicken nuggets, quesadillas and French fries (quick and easy if your kids are 'dying of starvation'. Here, you'll also find mini Fisher-Price DVD players with preschool-age animated movies already loaded. This is a brilliant amenity for families with young children who would like to keep kids occupied while parents finish eating, enjoy a glass of wine or relax over coffee!

Tapaz: This air-conditioned restaurant in the main lobby building focuses on small plates served family-style with a set menu. It's a long dining experience, with at least five courses, but very enjoyable. My children ages 7 and 9 enjoyed some of the tapas offerings -- mushroom tempura, roasted chicken, salmon bites with avocado sauce -- but also ordered plain pasta and chicken nuggets to fully satiate them. I recommend eating one dinner at this eatery, which has a cave-like feel, with faux rock on the walls.

Siena: We didn't get a chance to eat at this Italian restaurant, but it came highly recommended by other guests. A variety of antipasti starters, soup and pastas, pizzas and main courses are offered. Order the house red or white that is included in the price of your vacation, or from an extensive wine menu for an additional fee.

Zavaz: We ate at this Caribbean-themed eatery for breakfast each morning, as it was the restaurant closest to our suite. We liked choosing a few menus from the buffet (with items like made-to-order omelets, French toast, bacon, sausage, cereals and fruits), and also sampling the a la carte menu. Kids were partial to the chocolate chip pancakes they ordered, while my husband raved about the eggs benedict. It is also open for lunch and dinner.

Zocalo: This Mexican restaurant has a large open-air, shaded terrace that I liked for lunchtime. Authentic menu items include shrimp tacos, fried turnovers stuffed with beef and tostada platters to share.

Room Service: Available 24 hours/day with a vast array of menu items, including breakfast foods, salads, burgers, sandwiches and more.

Beach Barbecue: Burgers, fish sandwiches, grilled chicken, plus sides and dessert on the beach every day for lunch.