Best known for its towering, dramatically lit Mayan pyramid/waterfall, the iconic, desert-themed Cancun Resort is right on Las Vegas Boulevard just three miles south of the Strip,. The palmy pool/pyramid oasis is at the heart of the resort, entertaining kids (and those who boldly venture to ride with them) on four waterslides that spill into the newly-renovated Mayan Cove. If you can’t convince your crew to head up to your villa for lunch, grab tacos poolside at the homestyle Mexican-inspired Caribe Lounge with views of the cascading waterfall pouring into the main Mayan Lagoon (no complaints on that suggestion!). Plan to make your escape to the day spa in the Yucatan Tower at some point, and until then, peruse the treatment menu until you land on your final decision (Warm Desert Stone Massage maybe?). Up early and feeling inspired after coffee on your balcony or terrace? Hit the fitness center. You may be back before the rest of your sleepyheads make an appearance in search of breakfast.

Inviting Mission-style furnishings and plenty of living space make the the villas an ideal home away. One- and two-bedroom vacation residences are a comfortable 700-1600 square feet, and both have two full baths (jetted tub in the master!). There’s a full kitchen plus DVD player for low-key evenings in, and a balcony, patio or terrace ideal for gathering later at night after one last trip to the hot tub – who’s in?

The waterslides alone have been known to keep kids deliriously happy for an impressive number of hours, while you work on your tan and best-seller from a lounger within viewing distance of your splashers. But when you’re ready to venture outside the pool area, the concierge is your go-to for tips and ticketing. Whether you’re intrigued by the shows, or want to do something more sporty, the options just don’t stop. Pick a category, and leave the rest to the experts. The world’s fastest zip line? Golf lessons from the guy who taught Tiger Woods? Defer to your crew for the final verdict, or wow ‘em with a surprise.