An all-inclusive resort is a family vacation where the costs are relatively easy to determine in advance and which includes three meals a day, beverages, and most activities, which makes for convenient vacation planning and budget tracking. In addition, all-inclusive accommodations often have Kids Clubs, daily activity schedules, water sports, and other child-friendly amenities that make these destinations perfect for families with children of all ages. Our recommendations have been personally reviewed and hand-selected by parents who understand that traveling with children is an investment and often a difficult and onerous endeavor. We recommend these destinations because they meet families’ needs and criteria, cater to children, and provide enjoyable adult experiences as well. The following pages include our favorite all-inclusive resorts as well as our favorite providers of all-inclusive accommodations.
There are also many places where it is possible to stay at a non-all-inclusive resort that offers budget convenience. Different circumstances exist for everyone’s family and budget, so the offerings include different prices, in addition to the various destinations that cater to a wide variety of interests. Nevertheless, the leaders in hosting families in all-inclusive comfort are especially noted for their superlative offerings. In this guide, parents will find vacation options that let them relax. They can watch their kids have fun and create lifelong family memories at all-inclusive resorts worldwide.
What Makes a Family Resort All-Inclusive?
One of the greatest benefits of an all-inclusive vacation is the value. Pay one price and all of your accommodations, meals, and activities are included and laid out for you to enjoy.
But all-inclusives have come a long way from the buffet line. Today’s resorts cater to kids (and kids at heart) in each and every way.
For example, many properties offer special kids clubs where children age 12 and under can play and program, often with qualified counselors. There are no doubts about what activities are coming up in the day because of the activity planners or times listed right in the kids and family section of the website.
Resorts also add water parks, tropical garden playgrounds, and other special amenities just for the kids. And even if you stay at a larger resort, the service is typically fantastic and it is often a notable aspect of a family all-inclusive.
Definition and Features
What constitutes the best all-inclusive resorts list is the question this column tries to answer. The definition of all-inclusive resorts may vary from one to another. However, according to our working definition, all-inclusive resorts offer essential components of a holiday package that include three meals a day, including lunch and dinner, and beverages including soft drinks, beer, wine, and spirits. They may have extra features such as unlimited water sports, beach facilities and equipment, children’s activities, special dinners or brunches, WiFi, or room service.
Especially, when they are promoted as such in the brochure, on the internet, or in the ad, they must offer a certain number of elements in accordance with the tradition stipulating at least three daily meals for the family resorts and at least five daily meals for the city resorts, and a number of different soft and alcoholic drinks with no payment at all.
Benefits for Families
Undoubtedly, the biggest motivator for choosing all-inclusive family resorts is the guaranteed peace of mind that everything you could possibly need or want is included. When you have paid for your holiday, you can completely relax and treat yourself to absolutely anything and everything. No holiday is relaxing if you spend all of your time and money worrying about shopping for food, or if your teenagers are spending an absolute fortune playing on the latest games consoles, or if your children always need drinks and ice creams! With all-inclusive family resorts, you won’t spend a penny once you are there unless you want to – or if you like to tip a member of staff who is very helpful. You can eat and drink exceptionally well, too. There is no doubt that this can also make a huge difference to both the pleasure and the relaxation of your family holiday.
Families with older children can let them practice a certain degree of independence too without constantly worrying about their safety. These types of holidays provide security for the whole family while allowing teenagers to safely manage their own budgets, make mealtimes and choose their own entertainment. Families with younger children will be impressed with the practical benefits the best resorts have to offer – a holiday that adequately caters for young children with a high level of fun, and where adults do not constantly feel as though they are babysitting in a hotel. The inclusion of good equipment, knowledgeable and reassuring staff venturing to make meals an enjoyable and smooth process, and comfortable sleeps make a big difference.
Top All-Inclusive Family Resorts in North America
Location, location, location. The same maxim applicable to real estate holds true too when you’re selecting an all-inclusive resort for your next family trip. With that in mind, we scoured North America – outside of the U.S. and Mexico – to bring you the best of all-inclusive family resorts. They’re here in Canada, the Caribbean, and Central America. Interestingly, there aren’t many all-inclusive resorts in Canada to consider – perhaps the succoring shoulder of the country’s private healthcare system is taking the place of its public healthcare system for now. Still, we did manage to unearth three unique properties: a dude ranch in British Columbia’s Cariboo region and two all-inclusive vacation resorts, one in Gaspé, Québec, and another in Lac Delage near Québec City. Further south in the Caribbean, divers’ heaven awaits in Bonaire, and Hawkesbay Beach in Turks and Caicos offers just about the best of both worlds – relaxation, they have it. But whether you’re all about getting back to basics at an eco-rainforest lodge in Costa Rica or just soaking up the sun and Senor Margaritas at a Honduran hotspot, we’ve got you covered. And yes, we even found a few spots in the United States that we really do think are the best all-inclusive family resorts, despite the glut of buffets, throngs of tourists, and unlimited land and watersports offerings to absolutely no one’s surprise. Bet you wish you thought of some of these earlier!
A favorite with European families, Brown Bear Lodge is located in Canada’s most western province, British Columbia, which borders with the Pacific Ocean to its west. A nature lover’s paradise, Brown Bear is set amid the majestic wilderness of BC’s Cariboo region, with the Coast Mountains to the west and the Rockies in the east. Families feel at home on the 70 four-square kilometers, where bald eagles and over 200 grizzly bears live, let alone ancient trees and thousands of salmon. Adults love the romance of it all and cannot help but marvel at Brown Bear’s gourmet cuisine and fine wines and scotch. Think how you might want to blog about it when you get back to civilization! And really, with only eleven suites, they need to take you seriously. So does Harald, the owner. He’s thought of everything: guided bear-watching excursions–and yes, you will be equipped with bear spray–tours to Tweedsmuir Glacier, biking, fishing, horseback riding, river rafting, kayaking, hiking, nature walks, and gold-panning, the province’s traditional pastime.
Be sure to check out the preceding link ‘Be Bear Aware’ with especially young children and those who have never encountered bears before you even think of ten great reasons to go. Brown Bear Lodge is only open for about eight weeks, during the time that the bears are at their most active in order to pack on the extra pounds they needed for their long winter’s hibernation. The locals congregate along the Chilcotin and Bella Coola rivers in search of migrating salmon in order to breed and lay their eggs. Bear viewing activity is limited to the kind of folks who really do appreciate the wilderness and points west and east. They come in the first place to watch the bears while they gorge themselves with salmon. Yummy! But you’ll be taking lots of memories–and photos–of your stay, well after you have returned home. Of the four square kilometers you once called home. It’s the bear necessities that make Brown Bear extraordinary. And it’s tantamount to the sun dancing on the moon that children never forget their stay the entire lives long!
Resort A
Resort One is located on the paradise island in the Bahamas. This resort’s Instagram account makes their place look like heaven on earth. The beach looks beautiful, the private pools are insane, and the food looks super yummy!
They have a ton of things to do on-site, from a challenging golf course, water park, spa, fitness center, swim-with-the-dolphins experience, beach volleyball, art gallery, and many water sports such as banana boat, paddleboards, kayaks, water bikes, and more! Although most of their activities are an additional cost not included in the all-inclusive package. They have a dozen restaurants to eat at that all offer very different options, so you never get bored with the same food. The resort offers an after the Kids Camp for children 3-12 with fun and adventure while parents can take some much-needed time off.
Resort B
Located in Antigua, the all-inclusive Starfish Jolly Beach Resort introduces children to the laid-back Caribbean lifestyle with kid-friendly activities like beanbag toss, reggae lessons, and swimming and sailing classes. Fun for the whole family can be had at the inflatable waterpark, where you can challenge each other on the assault course before joining most of the guests at the beach bar. A lumberjack-themed bar sits high above the pool where cocktails are creatively made to order as well as ice cream avalanches for children. Numerous restaurants offer international cuisine in buffet style. Plus, you can also head out used the free bikes, free kayaks and free snorkelling gear.
Escape the stress of daily life with a surfside getaway for the whole family at Starfish Jolly Beach Resort. Children will love the kid-friendly activities, the Red Parrot Beach Club for Teens and the supervised Kidz Club. You can enjoy the swimming pools and lounging area along with varied food options, unlimited beverages, plus entertainment options like beach barbecues, evening cocktails, and reggae DJ shows. Experience the ultimate in relaxation with a family trip in the tropics. Starfish Jolly Beach Resort is a family-friendly, all-inclusive resort located right in paradise.
Top All-Inclusive Family Resorts in Europe
Top all-inclusive family resorts in Europe. Butler-fed ski lift wait staff – the next big innovation of the all-inclusive hotel or resource (inspect your life!) We’ve researched a few of the world’s finest destinations to get away and found that all-inclusive hotels in the world will save your family money and stress! You don’t have to think when you get there. A welcome drink is waiting for you, extra towels for hotel rooms – they have them, too! The most convenient valet service in the restaurant in the world, which also serves an exceptionally fine wine list. Keep reading for more information about the best all-inclusive family resorts in Europe! Oceania Kids’ Club at Roca Nivaria Gran Hotel, Santa Cruz, Spain. Children at this elegant property at this resort in the charming village of Santa Cruz have their own cafe. For families, there’s also a junior grand suite. For the Jacuzzi’s central location and stunning sea views, book a room with sea views. Choose from windsurfing, horseback riding on the rocky, volcanic beaches, or hit the dunes in a dune buggy. The food is particularly good and dining at the hotel is a range of international dining. The Mac Polvo Kids’ Club at Baobab Suites, Adeje, Spain. This family hotel has magnificent views of the stunning Atlantic Ocean and La Gomera, and two and three-bedroom luxury apartments for families. At one of the hotel restaurants, Sucas, there’s top-notch gourmet food. Try to date the forum. Local beaches include the luxurious and incredibly beautiful Bahía del Duque beach and the more affordable Sumo Puerto Colon beach. Kid-friendly facilities include a spacious pool and a semi-private pool. On, and bedtime planning in Chipi Chipi is also fully supervised. Bring your kids to the explosive eruption of the Timanfaya National Park, where you can see the cooking of bread in the ground over a vent. Oceana Kids Beach Club at Roca Nivaria Gran Hotel, Santa Cruz, Spain. Roca Nivaria is a smart boutique hotel chain from Santa Cruz de Tenerife. This well-liked property has a pretty pool, state-of-the-art spa, four-poster bed, and top-floor double sea view suite with a private outdoor hot tub to recover your tired muscles in. Horseback riding is a big part of the local culture and the stables in Tenerife’s countryside have tours among the colorful landscape. At the resort, kids can spend the majority of their day with Oceana Kids. The food scene is undergoing a global transformation, and you can choose from the resort’s international gourmet dining options.
Resort C
This popular chain of hotels spans across 10 countries and focuses on vibrant architecture, breathtaking beach locations, and excellent services for everyone, including kids. This beautiful resort has an old Mexican hacienda charm and a lot of activities related to local culture that include an art workshop, traditional games, and a family treasure hunt. There are also four pools, an open-air theater, a playground, and a myriad of water sports available – all so you can do nothing but relax. 146 41 Avenida, Benito Juárez, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, 77710, Mexico, 1-800-990-8250.
Carefully crafted, located in incredibly diverse regions, and with extremely attentive staff, all add up to the ideal family-friendly resort selection. All that’s left for you to do now is book your vacation and start your journey.
Resort D
Resort D presents a unique spin on the common all-inclusive concept. Here, you get a full buffet for meals, local spirits, water, soda, and beer, but not for the price of food or alcohol. Resort D looks more like a grand villa than a hotel. The entire place has a very intimate, almost romantic feel, yet it is family-friendly.
Several of the rooms have a private pool, others have a hot tub. Some can fit large groups of people, a family, or larger families. With a part of the property reserved solely for adults only, Resort D tries to cater to everyone. Their kids club is a bit special too. In addition to scheduled activities, you can have your private family session with optional curriculum at quiet times.
What is not to love: No shows, which your kids might miss, and no access to alternative dining options. Resort D does not cater to the lowest age group, babies, and infants, either. The best age is at least five years old. What is excellent for hotel celiac guests: Apart from a few of the breakfast options, which need to stay separated from the pre-packaged gluten-free fruits, nothing at the buffet contains gluten.
Top All-Inclusive Family Resorts in Asia
Club Med Cherating Beach (Malaysia) – Club Med Cherating brings out the best elements of an all-inclusive property spilling over the intimate, Zen setting in which it is located. Here, caps take a backseat, the sun is interrupted by the chaos of swooshing palms, sand – well, that is everywhere – coming in all sorts of shades from the darkest beige to whitest brown, and family-decorated wooden rooms that are up-and-coming chic! From November to February, the evening spectacle of giant sea turtles emerging from the sea and laying their eggs on the beach is unmissable. A definite wow factor!
Club Med Bali (Indonesia) – The Balinese culture is rich and robust, and children can learn to dance, to draw, to cook Balinese recipes, or participate in the creation of an Offering, which is deeply rooted in the local culture. The resort has been around for a long time, a favorite among holidaymakers for years. The Jewel Box lies in the location of 40 interconnecting family rooms offering direct beach access and Grand Deluxe Rooms that cater to families of up to two children. Activities are that of an enhanced Club Med pass where the resort offers white water rafting on the Ayung River (with a neighboring SPA package), go on yoga by the beach, elephant safaris, and rice field cycling. There are dozens of meeting activities and seminars that focus on maintaining the quintessential icons of Club Med.
Resort E
This property is an impressive resort situated along the Pacific coast north of Mexico. It offers oceanfront villas and a luxury spa, with free Wi-Fi. It’s very well cared for and has a beautiful lobby, swimming pool, and plenty of butterflies. All have a balcony with either the ocean, the marina, or the garden. Garden Villas come with a private reception. Amenities are widely touted, such as exceptional fast and dependable Wi-Fi, entertainment, children’s activities, loaner strollers, free non-motorized water sports equipment, and most gratuities.
A not so all-inclusive part is the fee for using Temazcalli (sweat lodge), motorized water sports, golf, and laundry service. The dining has a variety of food choices and it is superb. Other facilities and services provided responded to a boutique experience. It is the top lodging in Punta de Mita. Generally, accepted, unwritten rules are daytime dressing down. In great numbers, guests are returning, already loyal to the competent staff who spoil them and adore the place. An exceptional romantic vacation spot. Requesting a villa on the southwest corner can reveal control over the stunning view. Our favorite villa has an address to the south or southeast with the eighth floor as an anchor to the mapping.
Resort F
Resort F is a boutique, all-inclusive, upscale property that is perfect for the most discerning traveler. Each spacious suite has its own private plunge pool. Parents and children will love the variety of gourmet food options on the property. Parents will also appreciate the professional babysitting services offered at Resort F, giving them a chance for a little adult time during their vacation. The planned children’s activities are geared for kids aged two to twelve years and the staff is very warm and caring. The activity room and separate kids’ clubs for two sets of age groups provide fun entertainment and interaction for the children. The main pool and beach will provide hours of enjoyment and relaxation for the rest of the family. This is a great choice for a family that would rather not be in a large, bustling, upscale property, yet wants the simple elegance that a smaller resort offers.
Tips for Choosing the Right All-Inclusive Family Resort
Understandably, choosing a family all-inclusive vacation can be a major endeavor, and if the choice has been made incorrectly, it might become your worst nightmare. Hence, it is very important to ensure that you make the right choice with the right resort so that you will have a good time, and so will your kids, from the moment you set foot on the resort until the moment you need to check-out. Making the right choice of an all-inclusive family resort means that you and your family should be entitled to comprehensive facilities, accommodations, services, and activities for a single price which covers absolutely everything, including taxes and gratuities. It can avoid your need to keep calculating, and calculating, whether you can afford a particular activity.
Remember, different people have different tastes and needs. Hence, while some may prefer a jungle hotel, others may opt for a beachfront resort. Since most families look for some sort of kid’s activities or events, the kids club quality should be carefully examined. The age group of the kids club is crucial for families with smaller kids or teenagers. Some resorts also offer daycare for newborns as well as kids’ pools and kids’ menus at the restaurants. Don’t forget that both the resort and the room are very important and hence should be carefully chosen. And while having enough activities for every member in the family is definitely important, you also don’t want to find yourself in a rundown place since deluxe facilities spoiled you.