ArcaMax

The three Goenka kids are splashing in the pool with their dad, while their mom sits poolside in the sun, a big smile on her face. "A real vacation," sighs Kelly Goenka, noting that it is the first resort vacation for the Toronto family since before the birth of their 4 year old.

The family had chosen Azul Beach Resort the Fives, a Karisma Gourmet Inclusive Experience, just outside of Playa del Carmen, for their getaway, because it seemed to offer all they needed. There were spacious condo-like accommodations with a kitchen that holds juice and snacks ("staying in one room is no vacation," Goenka said) to a kids' club (they could drop the kids off after feeding them an early dinner for a few hours of adult time). There were numerous food options at eight restaurants and 24-hour room service, everything from a bountiful buffet, Mexican, sushi, Italian, seafood, French, something that would satisfy the kids and her vegetarian husband when they didn't want to eat the same thing.

While the condos weren't beachfront, each had its own pool and bar and the expansive beach and pool area featured several restaurants, as well as water sports. Kids were thrilled they could see so many tropical fish in knee-deep water. "Hundreds!" declared one 10 year old. There were also delighted by monkeys that tended to come out at dusk in some of the trees.

Sure families paid more than if they'd rented a condo or a house on the beach, but that wouldn't have been a real vacation, parents said. "I'd be thinking about the next meal, scoping out grocery stores, cooking and cleaning, like at home," said Kelly Goenka.

As vacation planner-in-chief in my family, I knew exactly what Goenka meant. I realized an all-inclusive resort can de-stress the vacation experience for adults too -- no arguing about who is paying for dinner or a cab; no need to get consensus on where to go when there's only one rental car.

"You can waste a lot of your vacation doing chores," explained John Daniels, vacationing from Winnipeg with his wife, two kids under three and his parents. With young kids, his wife April added, convenience -- not having to get the kids in and out of the car for a meal, being able to walk everywhere -- "is a big deal." And worth paying extra for.

Karisma currently has some deeply discounted Leave Winter Behind deals at its three Azul Beach resorts (starting at $30 USD per child, per night gourmet inclusive. Kids under three are free.) At the group's Riviera Maya all-butler all-beachfront Generations Riviera Maya (starting at $1,023 USD per night, 4 pax, gourmet inclusive), grandparents get a free one-bedroom when their family books a two-bedroom unit -- a savings of up to $4,000 on a four-night stay. Adult rates start at $132 per night.

Certainly Mexico is known for its all-inclusive resorts at various price points. Some are adult only, others offer family friendly amenities. They offer all sorts of wedding and anniversary packages too. Just like booking a cruise, though, it's important to know what you want and need when booking an all-inclusive resort and most important, what vacation value means to you. Jessica Kosempa, for one, grew up going to all-inclusive resorts with her extended family. Her husband Damien prefers exploring. But here they were from Wisconsin with their three kids for a family reunion -- 13 adults and eight kids, eight and under. "I think he feels a little contained," she said. "I have to be patient."

It's more than the value of all the food and frothy drinks you can manage, especially for families. Do you prefer a small beachfront resort that's quiet? A large resort with more activities and a party scene? (Karaoke, anyone?) Are you a foodie who hates buffets, or do you find buffets where kids can each get what they want vacation nirvana? (I especially loved the woman stationed outside at the Azul Beach Resort The Fives, who made fresh tortillas and served up different varieties of tacos all morning.)

Is a big spa important? Fitness center? What about a kids' and teen club -- so you get some alone (and maybe romantic) time. Do you need elevators for strollers or for those with mobility issues?

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