Bring on the heat: Spring for a family fiesta south of the border

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula might not be top of mind for family forward vacationing, coming as it does with the image of spring breakers, bachelorette parties and overserved couples.But look beyond the all-inclusives lining the shores and you can find hidden gems where multigenerational travel is taking a front seat.One such brand is Vidanta, which started as a brain wave of Daniel Chávez Morán in 1974, who saw the value of vacation club ownership and promptly opened his first timeshare hotel.

Now celebrating 50 years, Grupo Vidanta has over 30 resorts, and is rolling out bold expansions under the banner VidantaWorld.VidantaWorld consists of resorts in Riviera Maya and Nuevo Vallarta — next year, an elegant mega yacht will be added to the portfolio.According to executive vice president Iván Chávez, “we redefine family friendly ultra-luxury hospitality, ensuring kids and adults can truly relax and reconnect.”Taking in VidantaWorld Riviera Maya, one thing becomes immediately obvious: you’ll never feel crowded.

The 1,000 acres sprawl along a half-mile of white sand coast on the Caribbean Sea, and contain a number of timeshare lodgings surrounded by landscaped foliage and a golf course.You’ll also find 40 bars and restaurants (including a cevicheria and a high-end Italian, Tramonto, worthy of any city), two spas and fitness centers, 14 pools and a cabana-ringed beach club, so there’s ample space to spread out.And while VidantaWorld’s vacation club program accounts for the bulk of the rooms, there’s a standard hotel option at Jungala Park.

(All suites, from $1,099 per night.) Families will love the spacious king suites, with a lounge area that closes off with sliding doors to sleep two adults and up to four children.There’s also a functional kitchen — a small shop on-site provides essentials, although savvy travelers stop at Walmart on the way down from Cancun airport.But don’t forget that luxe bit.

There’s no kids’ decor or motel vib...