The pool is great for little ones because it has the zero entry area, like at a beach. My then 18 month old loved it because he could sit and play in the water without me having to hold him. We just stayed at the CR and we really missed having the zero entry, it was really nice. It also has a water slide and pool games conducted by the lifeguards for the older kids, my then 5 year old loved it.
Don't miss the breakfast buffet at Boma. It is the best I have ever had. My family couldn't believe how much food there was.
And as for Mara, the food there was so much better than any food court food I have ever ate. I swear my DH and my SIL were addicted to the sugar cane chicken. LoL Even the breakfast food was pretty good. And they give you so much. I wanted to eat outdoors by the pool but it was just too darn hot and the air conditioning felt wonderful. We just loved everything about AKL.