Summer. The very word conjures up images of carefree days, endless sunshine, and a blissful break from the routine. As May rolls around each year, I, like many parents, start dreaming of those long, lazy days. No more frantic school mornings, homework battles, or the relentless juggle of after-school activities. Just… peace.
But for me, a single working mom of two with no family support nearby, summer fantasies often collide with the reality of, well, still being a single working mom of two. There’s no magical shift in responsibilities just because the school year ends. I remain the chief cook, bottle washer, laundry operative, pet caretaker (two dogs and a cat!), chauffeur, and breadwinner. Multi-tasking isn’t just a skill; it’s my baseline existence.
“I just need someone to take care of me for once,” I half-joked to a friend, lamenting the never-ending to-do list. Her suggestion? A vacation. But not just any vacation – a family all-inclusive resort. Somewhere I could bring the kids, yes, but also, crucially, catch a break from them, too. The concept of an all-inclusive resort in Mexico started to sound less like a luxury and more like a necessity.
Mexico: My Destination for Family and Rejuvenation
Mexico, with its seemingly endless coastline dotted with family all-inclusive resorts, became the obvious choice. After some research, I booked a suite at the Family Selection at Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa, a resort specifically designed for families within the larger Grand Palladium complex. What drew me to this particular resort amidst the plethora of all inclusive resorts in Mexico? It was the promise of dedicated family-friendly amenities: personalized butler service, restaurants catering to kids’ palates, and comprehensive childcare options – all bundled into the nightly rate. This wasn’t just a vacation; it felt like a strategic move for survival. The goal was simple: for someone else to handle the daily kid-wrangling so I could finally crack open that book that had been gathering dust on my nightstand for months.
Even before we arrived, the experience felt different. Our assigned butler, Yari, emailed me proactively, inquiring about our preferences for food, drinks, toiletries, and any other room provisions. She even pre-booked all our dinner reservations, a small gesture that lifted a surprising amount of weight off my shoulders.
A Simple Question: “What Do You Need?”
Yari greeted us upon arrival, her first words were a revelation: “Please let me know if you need anything or if there is anything I can help you with.” She escorted us to our stunning suite – two bathrooms (a luxury!), a separate master bedroom, and a sprawling balcony complete with a hot tub overlooking the turquoise ocean. While the room was undeniably gorgeous, it was Yari’s simple question that truly resonated. It had been an eternity since anyone had asked me what I needed.
That first evening, we dined at the resort’s American-style steakhouse. For the first time in… I couldn’t remember how long, I didn’t have to stress about dinner plans. Reservations were made, decisions were simplified. And here’s the real magic of a family all-inclusive resort: when your kids inevitably decide that steak, or even $20 chicken nuggets, are suddenly repulsive, you don’t feel that familiar pang of parental guilt and financial wastefulness. It’s… included.
Relaxation and Rejuvenation: More Than Just Activities
Our days unfolded in a blissful rhythm of beach, ocean, and pools. The Family Selection area, exclusively for guests of our section, offered daily kids’ activities, thoughtfully designed to entertain them and, crucially, allow parents to actually unwind. I quickly claimed a favorite beach bed, which Yari ensured was reserved and ready for us each morning. The kids happily spent chunks of time at the resort’s Kids Club, granting me precious pockets of freedom to hit the gym. One glorious afternoon, I even indulged in a massage at the spa – pure, unadulterated bliss.
Then, on day four, something shifted. After a solid eight hours of uninterrupted sleep (no nighttime wake-ups!), I woke up at 7 a.m. feeling… different. My mind was clear, a sensation I hadn’t experienced in ages. The birds seemed to sing louder, the ocean sparkled a brighter blue, and even my children appeared more radiant than I remembered.
The Realization: I Deserve to be Taken Care Of
Initially, the Kids Club was the main selling point of this vacation – the promise of childcare, of a break. But by the end of our stay, the realization ran deeper: I simply needed help, period. At the resort, the constant mental load of daily life vanished. No laundry, no dishes, no bed-making, no grocery runs, no school pickups, no meal prep. All those mundane tasks that perpetually occupy brain space? Gone. I was being taken care of, and in that space, I could finally breathe.
Vacations, I realized, are more than just escapes. They are opportunities to step back from the relentless demands of daily life, to reflect, to assess, and to recalibrate. They offer a chance to identify what’s working and what isn’t, to acknowledge your own needs and happiness, and to figure out how to move towards a better balance.
While a permanent move to a family all-inclusive resort in Mexico (or hiring a full-time butler!) isn’t realistic, the experience was transformative. I am worthy of investment, and prioritizing my own well-being isn’t selfish; it’s essential. My new resolution? To actively seek help and remember to put my own oxygen mask on first, so I can be a more present, patient, and joyful parent. And perhaps, plan another trip to a family all inclusive resort in Mexico next year.
