For my family, a resort’s pool can really make or break a vacation. When my kids were toddlers, if there wasn’t a good wading area for them, it wasn’t quite as much fun for Mom and Dad, since we constantly had to be “on,” next to them or holding them in the water. Now that they’re older, the more bells and whistles a water-play area has — whether it’s slides or waterfalls or faux cliffs to jump from — the better.
What’s nice about the San Juan Marriott Resort‘s pool area is that it’s got a little something for everyone in the family. First, the kiddie area is one of the biggest I’ve ever seen. It’s 1.5 feet deep all the way around, except for a wonderful zero-depth entry area, where even the littlest swimmers can wade in safely. The kiddie pool also has some fun water fountains to splash in.
For bigger kids (as well as fun-loving adults), there’s the twisting water slide, where you land into the “adults” pool, which is closer to four feet deep. Also adjacent to the adults pool is a swim-up bar. The pools are not heated, so they seem to get the most use during the hottest part of the day — 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (which is also when the water slide is open).
I love that there’s a posted sign explaining there’s no “reserving of chaise lounges.” This is a brilliant policy, as I’ve been to some Caribbean and Mexican resorts, where people get up at 6 a.m. just to reserve primo locations. The San Juan Marriott says that they’ll reassign empty chairs to waiting guests.
Families can borrow board games and beach balls at the towel desk. Activities staff also run various events throughout the day, including water volleyball, poolside bingo and yoga classes.
Another highlight: the pool is just steps from Condado Beach, so you can position lounge chairs to take in the gorgeous green-blue ocean. It’s also easy to toggle between swimming in the ocean and the pool — as my kids like to do. And speaking of the pool, the other Mamas are enjoying the relaxing scene as I type this. I’ve got to go chill out with them and enjoy the view!
The sound of running water has the power to heal what is aching in our souls.