Sometimes, you just want a vacation where you can just relax, the kids and teens are kept occupied, and everything is taken care of for you.  You don’t want to feel like you have to be on the go all the time (but can if you want to), you don’t want to worry about where to eat dinner, where to get a snack, how much drinks will cost.  Sound good?  If that appeals to you, then there is no better vacation than an all-inclusive resort.

But, where to go? Not all resorts are created equal – some are adults-only, some are very family-friendly, and some lie in-between.  I would like to introduce you to some of the best family-friendly all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, ones that will appeal to all ages and families of all types.  When you are ready to book your next vacation, you surely will find something here.

Beaches Turks and Caicos with Pirates Island Waterpark

BEACHES TURKS AND CAICOS – Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

Beaches Resorts are the Caribbean’s premier Luxury-Included, and the world’s most awarded all-inclusive, family resorts.  They operate three properties in Ocho Rios, Negril, and Turks and Caicos.  They are all outstanding, but Beaches Turks and Caicos tops the list.

This resort is a place you can go to over and over again, and still discover something new.  It is spread out over 75 acres and has 758 rooms that are divided into 5 villages, each with a different vibe.  Families of all sizes can be accommodated in 2, 3, and 4 bedroom options. There is no lack of food and beverage since this one resort has 21 dining options plus 2 food trucks and 15 bars. Even the pickiest of eaters will have no problem finding something tasty to eat.

Divers will LOVE the fact that diving is included in the price.  Enjoy up to 2 dives per day (except departure day) in some of the Caribbean’s most gorgeous and interesting waters. In fact, all motorized and non-motorized watersports are included.  Kayaks, windsurfing, hydrobikes, snorkeling, Hobie Cats, paddleboarding – it’s all there at no extra charge.

Enjoy a good pool?  Beaches Turks and Caicos have 10 of them PLUS the Pirates Island waterpark.  You can drift down the lazy river, race down the waterslides or experience the thrill of surfing on the SurfStream® Surf Simulator.

Adults wanting time alone can take comfort knowing their kids are safe and happy with age-appropriate activities at the kids’ camp.  Tweens and teens even have their own hangouts – no adults allowed.

BONUS:Beaches is the first resort chain in the Caribbean that is certified asautism-friendly by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Services (IBCCES). Its kids’ camps are Advanced Certified Autism Centers which means team members have the requisite knowledge, skills, temperament, and expertise to cater to all children and offer age-specific and appropriate programs for infants, toddlers, pre-teens, and teens. Staff continuously receives competency training in sensory awareness, motor skills, autism overview, program development, social skills, communication, environment, and emotional awareness and bullying.

NICKELODEON RESORT PUNTA CANA, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

If you’re good with vacationing with Spongebob Squarepants, then head to the Dominican Republic for endless fun at the Nickelodeon Resort and the BEST DAY EVER.  It’s managed by Karisma Resorts which is known for its Gourmet-Inclusive ® dining, so you can be assured that all your food will be quality with only the freshest ingredients and prepared by world-class chefs.  Guests can choose from 8 restaurants a gourmet center, 2 bars and lounges, a coffee shop and 24/7 room service.

The accommodations here are suites for all – 209 of them in 7 styles to accommodate small or large families. Kids will love the swim-up suites, while large families will feel right at home in the 2 bedroom/3 bath The Pineapple (sleeps up to 8), a one of kind experience inspired by Bikini Bottom (tastefully) with private butlers and infinity pool.

Activities are endless.  Between character meals, daily slimings (did you expect a Nickelodeon property to not have slime?), and Aqua Nick waterpark with lazy river, no child shall be bored.  The Sports and Entertainment complex is where both kids and adults can enjoy tennis, archery, soccer, basketball, and more.

But don’t worry, there is plenty for parents to do.  While your little ones are living it up at Club Nick, you can relax at the 14,000 square foot Vassa Spa.  Karisma Hotels has designed the spa to be a sanctuary for wellness and relaxation. It features five al fresco treatment areas where you can enjoy a massage overlooking the Caribbean Sea, or have a moonlight couples massage.  Or take a dip in arctic and warm water pools.

BONUS: Like Beaches, the Nickelodeon Resort is also an Advanced Certified Autism Center.

Just one of the pools at Hilton Rose Hall

HILTON ROSE HALL, Montego Bay, Jamaica

Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa is a paradise for families on this beautiful island.  While of course, you will want to explore and see everything the island has to offer, you will want to make sure you enjoy this perfect family resort.

Nestled in the Rose Hall Plantation, the resort sits on 400 tropical acres that include a 1,800 square foot private beach and 3 golf courses.  It’s only 15 minutes from Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, which means less time traveling and more time for fun.  The biggest feature, however, is the second-largest water complex in the Caribbean – the Sugar Mill Falls Water Park.  Families will love its lazy river, slides (adults love them as much as the kids), and swim-up bar which is pretty much where the slide delivers you.

Guests can choose from 7 restaurants, bars, and grills ranging from seafood to Caribbean inspired dishes to burgers.  Plus, there are late-night snacks served from 11pm to 2am for the night owls in the family.  Rooms are large and tastefully appointed.  However, the largest room only sleeps 5 so larger families may want to get 2 rooms.

Kids ages 4-12 will delight in the kids club where they can take their own glass-bottomed boat tour. Teens 13-17 have a teen zone from 12:30pm to 11:00pm.  While the kids are all occupied the parents can play golf on one of the 3 courses (extra fees apply) or take in some treatments at the Soothe Spa.

Non-motorized watersports, including catamarans and kayaks, are included in your package.  If you don’t have sailing experience, one of the beach staff will go out with you.

Best of all, kids under 5 stay free and there are discounts for those under 14!

he natural surroundings of Hotel Xcaret

HOTEL XCARET, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Mexico has probably the most all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, over 230 alone along the Riviera Maya.  But few come close to being as fantastic as the relatively new Hotel Xcaret.

The eco-minded hotel is designed to integrate with the surrounding jungle, caves, and rivers making it a visually stunning place.  The rooms are spread out across 5 all-suite, themed buildings, or casas, which include both adults-only and family buildings.  Most of the ground floor rooms are swim-up suites.

What makes this resort so exceptional is that not only are the standard all-inclusive amenities included (food, beverages, entertainment, activities), admission to the area’s 7 ecological theme parks (Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xavage, Xoximilco, and Xenses, plus Xnotes and Xichen tours (tours to visit cenotes and Chichen Itza, a must when visiting the Yucatan) and all their meal plans.  You can spend your days snorkeling, exploring the underground caves, immersing yourself in Mexican culture, or just relaxing. The value of that alone makes the trip here worthwhile.

But, if you really do not want to leave the resort, you can lounge on the white sand beaches or take out a kayak or paddleboard in the resort’s natural river and coves.  There are 2 kids clubs, Club Xiquillos for the young ones ages 4-12 and Xiipal for teens up to 17.

12 restaurants and 8 bars round out the dining.  The Muluk Spa specializes in treatments inspired by ancestral traditions.

Beauty and nature at Dreams Macao

DREAMS MACAO BEACH, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

This gorgeous resort sits on Playa Macao, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic.  It is the only property on this beach which was labeled one of the Caribbean’s top beaches by UNESCO.  It provides an idyllic retreat where the whole family can enjoy a relaxing getaway.

The resort offers family-friendly accommodations and activities without sacrificing luxury.  The 500 rooms and suites include dining and beverages at the resort’s 9 restaurants and 7 bars, resort entertainment, and activities.  Preferred Club guests can also enjoy personalized check-in and check-out with concierge service, a private lounge with daily continental breakfast, afternoon hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, and desserts, a private beach, an adults-only pool, and more.

Pool fans will love the resort’s four pools, including an infinity pool, activity pool, family pool, and the one for Preferred Club guests.  And best of all, there is a waterpark with slides and lazy river.  Family-friendly entertainment rounds out the day each evening.  Parents can get time to themselves as the kids spend the day at the supervised Explorer’s Club or Core Zone Teens Club.  The Spa by Pevonia® offers up some of the most relaxing treatments in the Caribbean.

Dreams Macao is also dog-friendly and welcomes small dogs under 22lbs.  There is a fee of $65, and dog-friendly rooms include a dog bed, food and water bowls, floor mat for bowls, rope toy, small plastic bone, and “dog in room” door hanger, and dog waste bags.

So are you ready to book your next family vacation?  Give me a call and we can talk about booking your dream trip to one of these resorts (or one of the many amazing resorts that I didn’t mention).  I can’t wait to help you!