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For now, the newly broadened beach offers space for romping, building sandcastles and for strolling, one of our favorite sand-based activities. Traditionally, along the hotel's beaches swimming can be difficult from December through February because the sea can be rough. However, since the beach reclamation project has an off-shore component, the winter waters may have become calmer; it's too soon to tell. March through June, locals say, remain the best months for swimming, as the sea is relatively calm.
The enlarged beach also translates to more lounge chairs on the sand, which is good since chaise lounges around the pool remain limited. During busy times, guests complain of having to rise early to claim a spot at the pool.
For scuba lessons with or without your kids, follow the gurgling stream to the JW's dive pool, the one with a playful artificial reef. Kids as young as eight years old can learn basics techniques at the resort's Bubblemaker courses.
Ages four to 12, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., use the children's program at the CasaMagna Marriott Cancun next door, which can be accessed by a covered walkway. Despite the kids' club's windowless room, the program engages younger kids and grade-schoolers by making use of the resort's property. A grassy playground with swings and climbing equipment gives little ones some safe running space. Upon registering the first day, each child receives a colorful backpack, a Marriott T-shirt and a Nemo hat. Kids make and break pinatas; learn Spanish by playing Lotteria, a Spanish version of Bingo using cards; swim in the pool; craft bracelets, build sand castles and cook. Currently, the cost is $35 for the first day and $25 for each subsequent day. By the hour, the program costs $10.
Although only those 18 and older can book spa treatments or use the sunlit and soothing indoor pool, you can treat kids six to 17 to a Mayan Princess experience featuring manicures and pedicures and if you want, hair braiding.
For families with "adult children," the spa is a must. At 35,000-square-feet, the spa is big enough to blur convincingly the line between amenity and destination facility. The treatments incorporate elements and rituals of ancient Maya culture. The Balache massage involves a brown sugar- and cinnamon-based exfoliant followed by a massage with a mixture of oils infused with Mayan herbs.
For guests age 18 and older, the spa's indoor pool surrounded by glass walls offers a sunlit and quiet refuge for swimming, especially on rainy days. Alas, children are not permitted.
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