So Whats The Best All
The Caribbean is full of spectacular views, powdery sand, and mouth-watering dining. All-inclusive resorts on the Caribbean islands offer convenient amenities to help you get a feel for island life.
Ensure you prepare ahead and choose the resort that best fits your needs to get the most of your Caribbean getaway!
Grand Memories Splash Punta Cana
The whole family will make grand memories at this four-star resort in the Dominican Republicand parents will have plenty of opportunities to pamper themselves, too.
Whats included? Put the resorts bartenders to the test by ordering your favorite drinks, then see if you can sample all the fare at five dining venues. Dont be shy, because its all included. If you prefer to stay in, the minibar is free to enjoy. Dont hide out too longyoull miss complimentary live performances, classes and lessons, and lots of activities.
Why its great for families: Take a short ride to the water park, which includes a wave pool and seven water slides. If you want some alone time, bring the little ones to the kids club, where theyll try out lots of fun, supervised activities.
Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa Puerto Morelos Mexico
Endless beachside activities for the kids, adjoining rooms, multiple pools, and attentive staff help this all-inclusive resort on Mexico’s Caribbean coast rack up the glowing reviews from families. A kids club with an indoor romper room, plunge pools, and delicious food help, too. It’s a short drive from the Cancun airport to checking in here for some tropical R& R.
A version of this article first ran in 2016 by Allison Tibaldi, but it has since been revised and updated.
All photos courtesy of the hotels and resorts.
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Grand Solmar At Rancho San Lucas Mexico
With sweeping vistas, infinity pools, swim-up bars, and spacious suites that allow plenty of room for the whole family, the Grand Solmar starts out strong as a top all-inclusive resort. All the rooms have full kitchens, like your very own beach house rental, so you can always have snacks nearby, and you can enjoy a pristine private beach and watch migrating whales pass. But what puts it over the top for families is the mini water park and saltwater lagoon with rope swings and waterslides that will keep the kids occupied for hours you can even paddle a kayak around in the lagoon. In addition, the property has a kids club for ages four to 12 , so Mom can go the spa and Dad can play golf at the new Greg Norman Signature golf course.
There are also multiple restaurants, cooking classes, movie nights, and a weekly market with live Mexican music and crafts. Plus, theres a 24-hour tacos and tamales menu in case you get a late-night craving!
Pros:
Divi Little Bay Beach Resort Philipsburg Sint Maarten
Set on a stunning private peninsula on the Dutch side of the island, Divi Little Bay Beach Resort has one of the best locations for an all-inclusive resort in Sint Maarten. It will be hard to tear your family away from the hotels pristine beach, but when you do, there are three ocean-view pools, a water sports center , and a shopping promenade to explore.
Adults will love the swim-up bar, whirlpool, and hot tub, and kids will be thrilled to meet Divi Little Bays resident parrot, Gizmo.
If you want to explore Sint Maarten, there are plenty of off-property trips you can book through the resort, including an adventurous expedition to The Flying Dutchman, the worlds steepest zip line.
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Family Resorts That Cover Everything
If you have kids, chances are youre busylike, really busy as you attempt to balance school, work, and home. Who has time to add planning a vacation, and coming up with the perfect kid-friendly activities and restaurants to your to-do list? Thats where the magic of the best all-inclusive resorts for families really starts to shine. Its one-stop shopping for all your vacation needs. Book a room and it includes all your meals, snacks, drinks, activities, and entertainment as long as you stay on the property. And depending on the resort you choose, were talking fun family activities like water parks, archery lessons, kayaking, campfire smores, and more. While the amenities will differ depending on the resort you choose, these options do existand youll find plenty of them on this list for a weeklong trip or a mini family vacation on a budget.
Even better? Since the full price of your vacation will be clear when you book, youll know exactly what to budget for in advance. One important note, though: Since things may still be in flux because of the pandemic, be sure to check with the property before you visit since some amenities might not be available.
Stolentime By Rendezvous Castries St Lucia
All-inclusive and adults-only, StolenTime by Rendezvous was designed around a simple concept: a place for couples to steal away together. In fact, you can even custom-build your trip with a StolenTime specialist who will help you pre-book and schedule romantic activities to make the most of your all-inclusive vacation experience.
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The resorts layout keeps the stolen time concept in mind, with a secret garden filled with private nooks for two, loveseat loungers by the pool, and hammocks on the beach. In addition to a spa and fitness center, StolenTime offers Pilates and Tai Chi classes for those looking to slow down their bodies and minds. For couples keen to seek adventure, the resort offers many off-site options, including hiking, climbing, farm-to-table experiences, and rum-tastings. This five-star resort recently underwent a $15 million renovation, making everything look fresh and brand-new.
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Grand Velas Riviera Maya Mexico
Perched on the edge of one of the widest beaches on the Mayan Riviera, the 85-acre Grand Velas Resort is one of the best all-inclusive family resorts in the Caribbean. Enormous, plush guestrooms all at least 1,100 square feet are spread between two family-friendly areas and feature private terraces.
The well-thought kids clubs play host to both young ones and the teen set alike, offering daily activities like piñata making, storytelling and karaoke, while an award-winning spa, built around one of the resorts eight natural cenotes, offers blissful relaxation for adults. Nannies can be arranged to care for little ones and the onsite baby concierge allows parents to pack lightly. Gourmet dining, an array of activities and 24-hour butler service round out the resorts upscale amenities.
Club Med Columbus Isle Bahamas
Club Med Columbus Isle on San Salvador in the Out Islands of the Bahamas makes for a carefree vacation with the kids. Among the many reasons to choose this colonial-style, all-inclusive on Bonefish Bay are its incredible white-sand beach, Club Meds justifiably celebrated gourmet cuisine, bungalow-style guest rooms, and the Junior Club Med experienceincluded in rates for kids ages 11 to 17that features thrilling activities like windsurfing and beach volleyball.
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Sonesta Maho Beach Resort Casino & Spa St Maarten
Set on 10 acres of beachfront property, the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa is the largest all-inclusive family resort on the charismatic island nation of St. Maarten. The vibrant resort is one of the islands primary entertainment hubs, with the biggest casino and nightclub on the island for adult diversions. It also features an extensive array of dining and activity options, including the Oasis Pool with a swim-up bar. For the kids, theres the Beach House Kids Club, an Aqua Park, a pizzeria, play areas, and a separate media-equipped hangout for teens with everything from a pool table to a PlayStation. For something a little closer to home, these are affordable beach vacations in America.
Pros:
- Tons of entertainment and diversions for every age
- Direct access to Maho Beach
Cons:
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana
If youre in a rush to get away, head to Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana and have no fear if you left something important behind. The resorts Got You Covered amenities include complimentary baby food, strollers, cribs, baby bottle warmers, monitors and more for infants and toddlers . Kids will love the character dining experience, where they can meet SpongeBob, Dora or the PAW Patrol, or swim in the Aqua Nick water park, complete with a Mass Sliming event. If you want to cool off indoors, kids can head to Just Kidding, a state-of-the-art indoor playspace that has everything from a slide to a ball pit to an arts and crafts studio. This place is seriously a kids dream come true. Rates start at $464 per person.
What Reviewers Are Saying: It was a great time, the whole family loved it. Resort, staff, food was perfect. Rooms were a great size, balconies were a great hangout spot for the kids. The resort staff really went above to include the kids. Just awesome.
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Sugar Bay Barbados All
Nestled on a pristine beach steps away from a secluded ocean lagoon, Sugar Bay Barbados feels like a remote oasisyet the property is within easy walking distance to Brigetowns bustling South Coast Boardwalk and the UNESCO World Heritage Historic Garrison.
Back at the resort, there are separate kids and teens clubs , along with the world-class Karma spa for the adults to relax in.
Theres a huge variety of bars and restaurants to choose from on the property, including our favoriteColins Rum Shop.
Reason #: Limitless Meals Limitless Flavors
Leave the cooking and sinks full of dishes behind. Family all-inclusive resorts are ideal for parents with picky eaters , as dozens of restaurant options to choose from mean even the choosiest kids are sure to find something theyll like.
Case in point: You can feast quite literally! at 12 different dining spots at Hilton Cancún, an All-Inclusive Resort. Taste your way across Mexico at Maxal fill up on wood-fired pizza at La Luce or savor tacos al fresco at Maxal Taqueria. Spots like La Churrería may be geared toward kids, but theyll be a hit with the whole family. And if the gang cant agree, theres always Vela, an international buffet restaurant with a smorgasbord of options. You always have the choice of room service, too, and its included with your stay.
Oh, and dont forget to grab extra snacks for the kids from the buffet before heading out for the day. This way, you arent losing precious beach time running back and forth to the cafe when hunger strikes.
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Dreams Tulum Resort And Spa Tulum
The Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa is a stunningly beautiful property on 44 acres of lush, blooming gardens with a sugar sand beach.
Its located in Tulum, which means guests have easy access to the ruins of Chichen Itza and Cobá, cenotes , and the Xel-Ha aqua park.
Dreams Tulum shares a beach with sea turtles who hatch seasonally from July through December and the resort is committed to educating guests on the safety precautions that should be taken during the sea turtles nesting period. If youre there during this time, you might just spot a turtle or two while snorkeling in Tulum!
The Mayan themed Explorers Club is perfect fo children ages 3-12. Theres a water park, weekly campouts, and daily activities based around nature, science and exploration. The Core Zone teen program allows teenagers ages 13 to 17 to meet new friends, try new sports , and even snorkel.
Tortuga Lodge & Gardens Costa Rica
Price point: Affordable
Everything about Tortuga Lodge and Gardens is designed to reflect the natural surroundings, so you won’t find a blaring TV in your bedroom or background music in the lodge. The property sits on the Caribbean coastline in its own private nature reserve, making it a nature and adventure lover’s dream destination.
Every booking at Tortuga Lodge includes an a la carte breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the highly regarded Green Turtle Restaurant. Drinks are not included, but they are available at an additional fee. If you book the Tortuguero Jungle Experience Package, your stay also includes boat transportation from La Pavona and two special experiences think boat and kayak tours, hiking trips, or a twilight tour of the private reserve.
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Rancho De Los Caballeros Arizona
Price point: Affordable
This luxury dude ranch sits on 20,000 acres of Arizona desert with views of the Bradshaw Mountains. With a history that dates back to 1948, this stunning property brings families together through activities like horseback riding, tennis, and guided nature programs .
Keep in mind that Rancho de los Caballeros isn’t a one-size-fits-all destination here, you can select the all-inclusive package that works for you. Most packages include three meals a day and access to scheduled ranch activities, but some come with perks like golf or an activity credit you can redeem for a day of horseback riding, skeet shooting, or spa time.
The property is closed in the summer when the temperature jumps and is currently in the midst of a major upgrade, with work taking place over the summer when guests won’t be impacted.
How Can I Get A Cheap Last
For travelers who want to get the most affordable last-minute hotel room possible, flexibility matters most. If you can be more flexible regarding the exact dates you want to travel, as well as the destination itself, youll have a better time finding the best deals. Thats true even when you opt for places like hotels in Las Vegas or vacation rentals in Myrtle Beach.
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Fowl Cay Resort Bahamas
Ever dream of owning a private island? Fowl Cay, in the Bahamian out islands of the Exumas, is the perfect spot to indulge in castaway fantasies, though with a luxurious spin. Families can choose from one of six ocean-view villas dotting the eastern edge of the 50-acre island, each with its own personal motorboat gas included to explore countless nearby islets and cays.
Prior to your arrival, your villa will be stocked with everything you need to prepare meals or mix a cocktail, though lunch and dinner at the islands Hill House Restaurant are also included the chef will even prepare a gourmet picnic for your daily outings.
On the island, Fowl Cays three sublime beaches await, along with a large selection of kayaks, paddle boards and Hobie Cats, snorkeling gear, tennis courts, beach cruiser bicycles, and a freshwater pool with bar. Theres no onsite kids club, but you definitely wont miss it.
Afognak Wilderness Lodge Kodiak Alaska
What all-inclusive family resorts compare to this breathtaking adventure setting in Alaska? Afognak Wilderness Lodge is in a totally remote atmosphere on the mountainous and densely forested Afognak Island, one of the Kodiak Islands group. This adventure offers sightings of some of natures most magnificent land and sea mammals. The Kodiak Brown Bear can be seen both on the multitude of saltwater beaches and along salmon creeks, in a completely natural environment.
Within a short boat trip from the lodge, theres an island with several hundred sea lions that are happy and a joy to see, both on their island and in the water, surrounding the boats. Guests will have a spacious log cabin, great quality meals, guided boat tours, and plenty of opportunities for lots of outdoor fun! Be sure to bring your good camera to capture the amazing wildlife and unforgettable scenery!
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Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica
Accommodation: Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica
Set behind gorgeous Runaway Bay’s white-sand beach, the Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica is a luxe all-inclusive that is a top choice for families. The resort boasts three lake-style swimming pools, with two separate areas for children to splash around in. There is also a supervised kids’ club on-site. If parents need a night off, babysitting can be arranged for an extra fee.
Bahia Principe is a large resort with more than 800 rooms in four different categories. The ocean-view junior suites are the most posh, but all are modern and comfortable with pillow-top mattresses and Jacuzzi tubs in bathrooms.
There are seven restaurant choices, including five serving a la carte meals and two offering large buffets. Amenities include two tennis courts, a gym, volleyball court, and an activity center where water sports can be booked.
Rocking Z Guest Ranch Montana
Open year-round, Rocking Z Guest Ranch offers an immersive horseback riding experience thats especially popular with teenagers. Since kids ride to their ability, teens can spend six or seven hours in the saddle if they want. Those looking to advance their skills can learn western-style moves and ride bareback.
In addition, guest can groom and care for horses, learn to train horses and help herd cattle. Horse games include soccer and barrel racing. Meals are served family-style and accommodate all dietary needs.
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Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya
No need to worry about your big kid or tween getting bored lying by the pool at Hard Rock Riviera Maya. An on-site Woodward facility means they can spend hours trying tricks at the skate park, launching off ramps on a BMX bike , bouncing on trampolines, leaping into a foam pit or tackling a ninja-themed obstacle course. Kids who are more digitally inclined can film all the action on high-resolution cameras, or get some DJ experience through Hard Rocks Music Lab program. Of course, you cant go all the way to the Riviera Maya without spending some time in the water. The whole family can snorkel or kayak just off the beach in a protected cove, or the kids can swim and zip down the water slide in the expansive family-friendly pool. Need more ideas to keep them busy? Check out the fun at the Roxity Kids Club where little ones can play games and make music . With the kids preoccupied, parents can sneak off to the adults-only side of the resort for a spa treatment, a yoga class or simply some time to lounge by a kid-free pool. Afterwards, meet up for dinneryou have your choice of Italian, Latin American, Japanese cuisine and more at the world-class restaurantsand finish off with a show on the big stage. hrhrivieramaya.com