For many reasons, all-inclusive resorts are among my favorite vacations. They offer so many amenities, activities, dining options and more. And they’re located in some of the most beautiful places in the world.
The locations – beaches, mountains, deserts – typically determine the type of all-inclusive experience you’ll have. But with so many to choose from, which all-inclusive is the right one for you? Do you prefer beaches? Wellness resorts? Need lots of activities? Or maybe the Wild West and horseback riding is more your thing. Wherever you go and however you decide to spend your vacation, something is sure to strike your fancy in this list of the best all-inclusive resorts for families, couples, single parents, solo travelers and just about anyone.
Another great reason to choose an all-inclusive vacation is they’re easy to plan. One price typically includes accommodations, food, activities and entertainment — sometimes even the flight. In addition, many offer off-site excursions (for a fee) that provide ways to safely explore the surrounding region with a guide.
From casual to luxurious, here are the best all-inclusive resorts in locations from the Caribbean to Florida.
Read More:
- Best all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean for adults only
- Best all inclusive resorts in Puerto Rico
- Best all inclusive resorts in Key West
- Exotic Luxury: Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Belize
What are the Best All-Inclusive Family Resorts in the Caribbean?
Tamarind, Barbados
An intimate all-inclusive island getaway, the Tamarind is a 101-suite beach resort on the platinum west coast of Barbados. Part of the Elegant Hotels collection, the Tamarind includes motorized and non-motorized water sports, themed dining and beach and pool ambassador service. Plus, free WiFi.
For kids, the Flying Fish Kids Club features arts and crafts, baking and an introduction to Barbadian culture. At Tamarind’s Teen Den, teenagers can try water sports and stand-up paddleboarding at the Aqua School.
For adults, there’s a gorgeous spa, an adults-only pool and dinner at the award-winning Daphne’s restaurant located next door.
Club Med Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
From intimate to mega-sized, the Dominican Republic has numerous all-inclusive resorts.
Club Med Punta Cana has a great beach location with lots of activities for all ages. Since my family’s first visit here, the resort has expanded with new accommodations and family activities. In addition to classic guest rooms, The Tiara luxury family suites feature a separate bedroom and bathroom for kids. The Zen Oasis is a sophisticated adults-exclusive hideaway.
Club Med’s kids programs for babies through teens offer an array of land and water activities. In addition, families can experience Club Med Circus School, a creative playground inspired by the world-renowned acrobatic shows.
The resort’s complimentary Baby Welcome service for kids (ages 2 and younger) includes a stroller, diaper-changing mat, baby bath and a pack ‘n’ play. You must request this service in advance.
Grand Palladium Resort and Spa, Dominican Republic
Located on the pristine Bávaro Beach in the Dominican Republic, the five-star Grand Palladium Resort and Spa is a massive complex. The jam-packed resort has everything from a swim-up bar to kid-friendly shows.
With numerous amenities, activities and sports, the laid-back luxury resort is so big that you can hitch a ride on roving golf carts and a train if you don’t feel like walking.
Dining is a treat! Options include five buffet and eight a la carte specialty restaurants that serve a variety of cuisine, including Brazilian, Spanish, Japanese and Mediterranean. A beach hut whips up tasty burgers, chicken and pizza. Plus, guests with dietary restrictions carry a Palladium Dietary Card to each restaurant so chefs can accommodate their needs.
Spacious suites pamper families of all sizes. Some suites have private Jacuzzis and lofts, others a private pool entrance. Room amenities include free WiFi, and room service.
For adults, the Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness is a welcoming getaway. Children’s programs for tots to teens offer age-appropriate activities.
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana
If your kids go gaga over Spongebob Squarepants and other Nickelodeon characters, then this resort is for you. Just be ready to get slimed! Daily slime events take place at the Aqua Nick water park, which has water slides, splash pads, spray grounds and a lazy river. Throughout the resort, kids will meet Spongebob Squarepants, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Paw Patrol.
The Just Kidding play area for ages 4 – 12 has a mega ball pit, two-story slide and slime-making classes. In addition, there are daily supervised activities.
On the other side of the resort are guest rooms, the beach, an infinity pool and Spongebob’s Pineapple Villa. Consider booking a swim-up suite with a shared pool right off your patio. Dining options include several themed restaurants and a family-friendly buffet, stocked with baby food pouches.
Royalton Splash Punta Cana
Located on the eastern end of the Dominican Republic, Royalton Splash Punta Cana offers two experiences, linked by the largest water park in the Caribbean.
The resort features large rooms, six restaurants (plus a gelato shop!) and nightly entertainment included in the pricing.
Want to splurge? Royalton Splash offers a VIP upgrade to its Diamond Club. You’ll have a butler at your disposal, plus wait service at the beach.
Traveling with kids? Depending on the age of your kids, you can check them into the Kids Adventure Club or Teen Lounge while you spend some time at the spa.
What are the Best All Inclusive Resorts in St. Lucia?
Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa
One of the closest resorts to the airport, the 85-acre resort has two distinct areas: one that is for adults-only and another for families.
On the adults-only Harmony side, there are pools and the Kai Mer Spa (treatments cost extra).
Splash is a tropical playground for families. CocoLand, St. Lucia’s largest water park, features three water slides, a lazy river, and a playground with spilling buckets, water canons and fountains. In addition, there’s a supervised Kidz Club with a mini zip line, mini rock-climbing wall and petting zoo.
Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa
If large resorts aren’t for you, consider the Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa. With fewer than 100 rooms and suites, the hotel has an intimate feel and the beach is literally at your doorstep.
This resort has what might be the best all inclusive amenity anywhere: a daily spa treatment is included in the all-inclusive package!
It’s also a great foodie option, thanks to the Dine Around program that allows guests to eat at nearby restaurants. Or you can stay on property and dine at the two simple but delicious Caribbean-themed restaurants, Or just hang out at one of the three bars.
For kids ages 6 and older, the resort’s all-inclusive package includes access to Splash Island Water Park, a floating inflatable obstacle course with trampoline challenges, climbing walls, slides and swings. The Coral Kidz Club entertains kids ages 4-12,
Visit the hotel concierge for help arranging organized tours, such as horseback riding, and sightseeing.
What are the Best Tropical All-Inclusive Resorts in Jamaica?
Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa
Boasting the largest water park in Jamaica, the Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa sits on a private beach in Montego Bay.
While the resort has many family-friendly features, the main attraction for kids is the Sugar Mill Falls Water Park. Cascading waterfalls, water slides, lagoons, a lazy river, and a suspension bridge make this an island paradise for kids. In addition, there’s a year-round Kids Club, Radiant Spa, and seven upscale restaurants.
It’s one of the best all inclusive resorts in Jamaica for families.
Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort and Spa
Expect attention to detail at the upscale Jewel Grande Bay Resort and Spa, located 15 minutes from the Sangster International Airport. The gorgeous two and three-bedroom suites and multi-bedroom villas come complete with complimentary butler service.
Resort amenities include two pools, and unlimited access to restaurants and bars.
The kids club offers a full itinerary of activities, which include crafts, treasure hunts, games and kite flying. For teens, there’s bowling, foosball and ping pong. In addition, families can enjoy the beaches and non-motorized water sports.
Best All-Inclusive for Families in Costa Rica
Dreams Las Mareas Resort
This resort offers beautiful beaches surrounded by lush mountains and jungles in the Guanacaste region.
And there is plenty to do. Water sports include scuba lessons, kite-surfing, kayaking and snorkeling. The Explorer’s Club is a fully supervised kids’ club. Meanwhile, teens can hang out with peers in the Core Zone. In addition, the resort offers tours (for a fee) to Costa Rica’s famous volcanoes, and rainforests.
More tours include zip lining and white water rafting.
Fiesta Resort All-Inclusive
Located on a dark sand beach with many amenities, the resort is about an hour from the capital city of San Jose. Yet, it feels worlds away with tropical gardens, airy guest rooms, four pools, and unlimited snacks and drinks.
In addition to a daily buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, two a-la-carte restaurants are open for dinner. Daily activities include games, pool aerobics, tennis and volleyball. Also, supervised activities for ages 4-12, and a teens club for ages 13-17.
Best Kid Friendly All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico
Mexico is practically synonymous with all-inclusive family resorts. Depending on the location, some resorts are in the Caribbean and others, like Club Med Ixtapa, on the Pacific Coast.
Club Med Cancún
Located at the tip of the Riviera Maya, the oceanfront Club Med Cancún is one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Mexico. The springboard for beach fun and cultural experiences, the location can’t be beat.
The casual family resort is situated on three white sand beaches adjacent to the world’s second largest coral reef. Snorkel, swim in turquoise water and enjoy unlimited dining (featuring local cuisine) and entertainment. Then head to the Club Med Spa by L’Occitane for a traditional Mexican steam bath.
In addition to top notch kids clubs for ages 2-17, babysitting is available for little ones.
While soaking up the sun, learn about Mayan culture on and off-site. Take an excursion to historic Chichen Itza, a city built by the Maya people.
Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta
One of our favorite all inclusive resorts in Mexico, the Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta offers just the right mix of all inclusive luxury, attentive service and gorgeous beachfront sunsets. The resort caters to English speakers, accepts US and Canadian dollars and is just a short cab ride from the charming Old Town of Puerto Vallarta.
The Hyatt Ziva Kidz Club, which is included in the price, is housed in a happy space, secluded at one end of the beach. The space overlooks the turtle rescue area, has its own self-contained splash pool, a craft corner and a separate area for older kids with the tools they covet: a TV and video games.
Grand Velas, Riviera Maya
Laid-back luxury and long established eco-friendly practices distinguish this family-friendly all-inclusive resort hugging the Caribbean coast. Surrounded by 206 acres of jungle, mangroves and freshwater cenotes, the resort has reforested the surrounding areas with hundreds of thousands of trees. In fact, during my family’s visit, we got to help plant trees that protect native flora and fauna.
We were equally impressed with the resort’s luxury suites and amenities in three elegant buildings. Choose between the beachfront Ambassador Ambiance or the Zen Grand Ambiance in the lush Maya jungle. The oceanfront Grand Class Ambiance is for adults only. The family suites are near the kids program for ages 4-12, and teen club for ages 13-17.
The resort also features several pools, gourmet restaurants, a spa and fitness center.
Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya
With a reputation for cool entertainment, the Hard Rock Hotel offers parents and kids diverse activities. After all, it’s not every resort that has a skate park with activities for all ages or loans Fender guitars to guests. Trampolines, launch ramps, an obstacle course and foam pits are just a sampling of what the facility has to offer. At Hard Rock’s Music Lab program, kids can film all the action on high-resolution cameras or get some DJ experience.
For outdoor fun, there’s snorkeling and kayaking in a private cove. Kids programs include boogie boards for kids, a teen lounge and family-friendly shows.
Adults can get a massage at the spa.
Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
Nestled on a sandy strip between the Sierra Madre Mountains and Banderas Bay near downtown Puerto Vallarta, the oceanfront resort offers beach and cultural activities.
Adults can relax at the infinity pool and at Nosh, the sleek swim-up bar. Also, get the scoop on guacamole making, and join a unique tequila tasting experience led by the resorts’ in-house tequila sommelier. In addition, many treatments at the Ohitl Spa highlight ancient traditions.
The Kid’s Club provides ages 4-12 with Spanish lessons, barro-clay pottery painting, bilingual folktales and Mexican cooking lessons.
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