The Hacienda Tres Rios: Where the Mayan Heavens Kiss the Sands

   Also included are unlimited excursions in the resort's Nature Park. Of the property's 326-acres, 150 are untouched, so that the natural eco-systems flourish. It is the only resort on the Yucatán that contains three distinct eco-systems: jungle, mangrove forest, and coastal dunes. Featuring 90 animal species, 120 plant species, and three rivers (tres rios), there are many ways to experience the park. Snorkel and swim down the Rio Selva, kayak on the Rio Pajaros, bike through the grounds, or take a guided walking tour with a botanist. Kids will love to replant mangrove that have been damaged by hurricanes or snorkel the reef just off the one-mile stretch of seacoast. Check out the Botanical Garden and Nursery to learn more about all of the protected species of life found on the grounds. 

   The most sacred way to experience the nature is to swim in the Cenote Águila, one of the 10 on the property. Led by a guide in a kayak, groups are given a floatation device to wrap about their waists and then they simply float down the cold, fresh-water stream. In ancient Mayan legend, cenotes, spring-water-filled sinkholes formed by collapsed limestone bedrock, were thought to nurture human life. They are a connection to the underworld, and immersing in one cleanses the soul. The float down the cenote ends where the fresh water meets the ocean; afterwards, dip in the warm seawaters and head back to the pool.

   The Nature Park is still developing. Coming soon will be a Mayan Cultural Center, an educational museum that will celebrate the cultural aspects of Maya. Here families will find a typical Mayan pueblo, a garden of fruit and vegetables, as well as a milpa or cornfield. Other future additions will include a canopy tour and a bird sanctuary.

   Although there are a ton of activities in the Nature Park, there are plenty more back at the hotel. Included in the Endless Luxury Package is a supervised club for kids and teens as well as other daily activities for the entire family. Open from 10am-2pm and then 3pm-5pm, the kids club offers a wide variety of fun-filled programs. Kids can create masks, watch movies, play in the Mini Olympics, color or paint, participate in a treasure hunt, or complete eco-puzzles.

   Upon check-in, make sure you receive the weekly family activities calendar that runs everyday from 7:30am-7pm. Head out for a morning jog down the beach, do yoga and meditation, play bocci ball and beach volleyball, or take a Spanish class. There are also educational opportunities to learn about the history of Mexican and Mayan culture, as well as the importance of environmental conservation. While the kids play games and do arts 'n' crafts, adults can participate in wine tasting and cocktail-making lessons.

   If a lazy day in the sun sounds more appealing, head to the beach or one of the two swimming pools. With a wait staff taking orders, food and drinks can be brought to your poolside chaise longue. Before you pick your spot around one of the organic-shaped pools, make sure you scout out the nearest restroom. Since the area is so large and was purposely constructed around the river as to not interrupt its flow, a family might find themselves with quite a walk to the nearest facility since there are no direct paths.