A family vacation is an adventure in creating memories, and all-inclusive resorts allow you to enjoy this with minimal frustration. With beaches in the Caribbean and rainforests of Costa Rica to Northern California, the perfect destination for your family is out there. From kids clubs to waterparks, gourmet restaurants, and safari experiences, it can be hard to narrow down your options when you are stepping out for a family-friendly beach resort. In this guide, we reveal ten of the best all inclusive resorts in Europe and beyond that cater to families with features such as babysitting services, snorkeling lessons, and rooms specially designed for little ones. From tanning-prone teenagers lolling on balmy beaches (often with cocktail… Here, you will find the best family-friendly retreats with pure relaxation and excitement that many parents can create lifetime memories for their children.
1. Grand Velas Los Cabos – Best All Inclusive Resorts
Located on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, Grand Velas Los Cabos checks all the boxes for a luxury family vacation in Sunny Cabo. The 307 oceanview suites are perfect for whale watching from the comfort of your room during winter months while gray whales migrate to their breeding and birthing lagoons in Baja, California. The refurbished kids club caters to the under-12s (open daily from 9 am until 10 pm), and is sure to give parents a much-needed respite while children are entertained through an array of activities, including cooking classes, foam parties, surfing lessons and beach parties.
At Grand Velas Los Cabos, the all-inclusive plan also includes deluxe spirits plus gourmet dining at five signature restaurants specializing in Mexican, French and Italian-Mediterranean cuisine. Dedicated family concierge who can coordinate activities that cater specifically to the young ones, such as Mexican cooking and taco-making for children or even take a dinner sunset cruise on your own private yacht then go snorkeling with sea lions in Cabo San Lucas. This perfect mix of luxury and family play make Grand Velas Los Cabos a great destination for all families looking to enjoy an unforgettable vacation in the Baja region.
2. Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana
Located a mere 15 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport, and stretching out across the shores of Juanillo Beach, the Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana is the perfect playground for a family vacation. Its 375 oceanfront suites include those with swim-up pools, suitable for children 13 and older. As for dining, guests can choose from Caribbean specialties, a wellness-themed eatery dishing up smoothies, and vegan dishes, along with 24-hour room service – perfect for midnight snacking.
The waterpark, which features exciting waterslides for older kids and parents, a splash zone with smaller slides for the little ones, and a lazy river for the whole family’s enjoyment. After, parents can find refreshment in private cabanas while their progeny traipses through the kids’ club, which features an indoor treehouse, or the teen club, designated for ages 13-17.
The cost of a night-stay for a family of four at the Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana amounts to roughly 630 US dollars, or 35,000 World of Hyatt points.
3. Jumby Bay
For families seeking tranquility, Jumby Bay in Antigua offers an idyllic escape on a private island, reachable only by boat. Recognized as a World’s Best Award winner, this resort spans 300 acres, providing ample space for children yimusan to explore safely and for families to enjoy activities without disrupting other guests. The resort offers a variety of water activities such as wakeboarding, sailing on Hobie Cats, and snorkeling. Camp Jumby Pavilion is a highlight for kids, featuring engaging activities like relay races, water sports, bake-offs, and music lessons.
Families of all sizes are welcome, including extended family members like aunts, uncles, and cousins. Accommodations at Jumby Bay range from cozy rooms and suites to expansive estates. This variety ensures that every family, whether it’s a small group needing an extra bed or a large multi-generational gathering seeking ample space and privacy, can find suitable lodging. The resort seamlessly blends the privacy of a villa with the services and amenities of a luxury hotel, catering to all your needs.
4. Jade Mountain
Information:
Location: Soufriere, St. Lucia
What’s included: Wi-Fi, private in-room infinity pool, daily guided walks and hikes
Number of dining locations: 1
Closest airport: UVF
Starting rates: $2,420 per night
Architecturally, Jade Mountain in St. Lucia is truly a work of art and considered one of the top splurge-worthy destinations. This has been my dream five-star resort to stay in since I became a travel writer and staying there was an accomplishment! Stunning views of the Pitons and open-air suites, called Sanctuaries, lend an air of drama to every element in this resort — from its individualized lagoon-entry pool rooms with a roof missing that gets you one step closer to nature (without sacrificing privacy) — right down into your welcome massage therapist who greets guests upon arrival.
These breathtaking moments are broken up by dining at the spectacular Jade Mountain Club. Surrounded by the stars and with views of The Pitons etched into the night sky, guests are treated to a signature dining experience planned by James Beard Award-winning chef Allen Susser. Guests staying at Jade Mountain are also able to dine at sister resort Anse Chastanet, located a short drive down the road. Don’t miss the Anse Mamin Jungle Grill with feet-in-the-sand dining and an array of tasty burgers. Photo: Every last detail of Jade Mountain is designed to provide an unforgettable experience that luxury travelers will want (or must visit).
4. Alila Ventana Big Sur
Perched high on the hills of California’s spectacularly rugged coastline, Alila Ventana Big Sur (which switched to an all-inclusive model in 2020) is an adults-only luxury retreat that blends serenity and adventure. Resembling one of the great lodges of Europe, this exquisite Hyatt property includes 59 tastefully furnished rooms and suites with a private balcony or deck that offers stunning views in addition to creature comforts such as amenities including complimentary stocked mini-bar, walk-in shower with separate soaking tub. Most units also have a fireplace or hot tub for extra rest and relaxation.
Ventana is an all-inclusive experience with a focus on locally harvested organic garden-to-table California cuisine at The Sur House. Please note that this package does not include alcohol. This includes yoga, daily hikes and reserved access to either indoor or outdoor wellness studios. Offering a range of relaxation choices from simply lounging in the sun by one of five pools to stepping through an otherworldly Zen garden into Japanese hot baths. For an opulent retreat, the Spa Alila is a U.S. first with a Body Renewal Ritual starting at $330.
Alila Ventana Big Sur, nightly rates for two start at $1,300 and include meals as well as activities. World of Hyatt members can redeem points for free nights at this Category 8 property, with award stays priced from 35,000 to 45,000 per night.
5. Woodloch Pines
winter seems an unlikely season for a family all-inclusive vacation – but not at 160-room Woodloch Pines in Pennsylvania’s Poconos Mountains. While the package rates are steep (about $200+ per person, per night), all-inclusive pricing means that you can enjoy as many activities as you wish throughout your type of year. In the warmer months, families can water ski and participate in canoe, kayak, and archery events. Winter guests are treated to complimentary resort fees that include snowshoeing, snow tubing, and ice skating.
Woodloch Pines also has a full complement of entertainment designed to keep the good times rolling, with acrobats and magicians for kids every weekend, DJs in one lounge or hall most nights, and close cover bands on Saturday night. The expansive property features a wealth of things to do, from indoor and outdoor aquatic options like both pools to land-based pursuits such as go-kart racing and fishing at the dock (you might need patience since it is called “fishing,” not catching). The indoor forest playground is the perfect place to seek refuge on rainy days. Family-friendly amenities such as boat tours, tennis, and hiking trails are also available on the premises.
A resort that makes every season come alive with a never-ending schedule of things to do, and it’s at the top of our list of places for making family memories. Whether you happen to be seeking warmth in the summer or fun out on frozen ice within the winter, Woodloch Pines will not disappoint.
6. Beaches Turks & Caicos – Best All Inclusive Resorts
Beaches Turks & Caicos is an expansive island resort that incorporates five of its own “villages,” each one a nod to different locales like the Florida Keys, Italy’s Riviera, and France. Spread over thousands of acres, the resort houses 21 restaurants on its grounds along with a dozen miles of white sand beaches and ten pools and an extensive waterpark covering close to fifty thousand square feet. As such, you will have access to these facilities all over the villages, meaning there is always a pool nearby or somewhere which serves great food.
With your older ones, head to the surf simulator, splash playground, and water slides that orbit Pirates Island; they will love even more having their own swim-up bar in this exclusive kids-only part. In the meantime, little ones will have a blast with favorites like “Sesame Street” at Camp Sesame.
Rates at the Beaches Turks & Caicos start at $424 per night for teens and from just $38 per child, so luxury and family-friendly can go hand in hand on this escape.
7. Ikos Andalusia
Information:
Location: Málaga, Spain
What’s included: Wi-Fi, evening entertainment, fully stocked mini-bars
Number of dining locations: 9
Closest airport: AGP
Starting rates: $553 per night
Sun-drenched Costa del Sol is where you’ll find the swish all-inclusive resort Ikos Andalusia. Set between Estepona and Marbella, this striking hotel resort is great for couples, friends or families wanting use of a wide range of facilities. This 15-acre oasis of golden sand borders the Gulf with tiered pools cascading toward the sea. Rooms are done in a minimalist style that wouldn’t look out of place on the beachfront as they eschew color-ups for pale, warm whites and creams against deep browns to emphasize the blues beyond. The hotel belongs to the – restaurant with food from Michelin-starred chefs and a mind-boggling 300-wine premium list are standouts. The resort also features a Dine Out benefit where guests may dine at different Marbella eateries.
8. Hacienda AltaGracia
The best way to describe a stay at Hacienda AltaGracia is with Costa Rica’s own motto: pura vida (pure life). The Auberge Resorts Collection property is set on 180-acres of a vibrant, celebratory culture-one that extends from the surf and hike to imparting restorative vibes all its own in Central America. The all-inclusive rate includes meals and children five and under can stay for free, so it is appealing to families. In addition to the dining, everything from health and wellness programs to high-octane adventures are covered in the rate (with lots for the little ones too). Furthermore, children can take advantage of the summer-exclusive Kids Club that is complimentary on an ongoing basis, offering something for everyone at Hacienda AltaGracia. This sanctuary achieves the right balance between natural beauty and luxury comfort.
9. Tivoli Alvor Algarve Resort
But definitely notable among the stronger and more colorful offers indeed, however, one that looks set to welcome back guests in style from this winter onwards (with a refurbishment program on-going until then) is Tivoli Alvor Algarve Resort. Having an area of almost 28 acres, this resort offers 491 guest rooms with all-inclusive treatment; surely a most extensive offer that stretches beyond its premises to top local restaurants and within walking distance access to theme parks as well endangered Zoo Marine, Slide & Splash in addition Lagos Zoo. A long list of amenities includes six pools (five outdoor and heated with one tiny kids pool featuring slides; four family-oriented, plus a small adults-only option) four eateries, two bars, along with wellness center offering Turkish bathes saunas and various spa treatments.
There also are several more bars situated throughout the property. The kids’ club is for four to 12 year olds and incorporates a fresh playground, mini-golf as well as the games room and teens can play football, tennis along with padel. Of course, there are regular all-inclusive packages or the Cooler Ibiza Package for a slightly higher fee that gets them access to VIP areas on top of private massages and upgraded minibars. One of the loveliest aspects was a free mini-train service available to take guests down to sandy beaches or into the nearby village of Alvor.
10. Club Med Cancun Yucatan
Take your family on an amazing vacation filled with adventures like snorkeling, swimming with dolphins and exploring Mayan Pyramids. This All-Inclusive located on a peninsula comes with three beautiful beaches to choose from. They will also have a vast line-up of game play, like an initiation dive in the session. There are also children’s clubs and child-minding devices, meaning you can bundle off infants as young as four months so that parents can take a brief respite. Expect to pay £694 per person and you’re looking at a total of seven nights for a family of four costs £3072. This deal is for reservations through Club Med beginning 31 August, 2024.
