The Caribbean islands are perfect for a tropical sun kissed family escape, where relaxing white swathes of sand and tranquil waters blend with exhilarating adventures both on land and at sea.
An all-inclusive resort is the way to go if you’re yearning for limitless indulgence to make the most of your surroundings.
To help you decide which resort is best suited to your brood, we’ve compiled some of the best all-inclusive family hotels in the Caribbean where boredom simply doesn’t exist. From complimentary scuba-diving and swimming with dolphins, to joyful kids’ clubs and world-class dining, everything is included in one price so you can enjoy an entirely carefree island escape in the most incredible Caribbean destinations.
1. Jumby Bay Island, Antigua
Touch down in Antigua and board the resort’s private catamaran for a speedy trip across turquoise waters to the 300-acre private resort of Jumby Bay Island. As a much sought after all-inclusive retreat, all you need to bring is yourself and your family, and the rest will be taken care of in true 5-star style.
Sublime dining is all part of the carefree inclusive experience. The Pool Grille serves delicious snacks at the water’s edge that will fuel your cohort for many hours, while The Veranda welcomes families for alfresco dishes steps from the sea. Their new kids’ menu is extensive, serving delights including Watermelon Pizzas and Spongebob pancakes. For a special treat, head to the fine dining Estate House which was once the centrepiece of the island’s sugar plantation, bound to get your taste buds tingling.
Days can be filled with as much or as little as you desire at this all-inclusive playground. The island has a no-car policy which makes it extremely safe for kids to explore; set off on complimentary bicycles around the two kilometres of palm fringed-paths and catch glimpses of wildlife, splash about in the three pools or enjoy a chilled-out family day at the beach.
There’s also nature walks, where you’ll pass by free ranging ducks, sheep and the odd tortoise, along with three tennis courts offering children’s clinics and a pop up Cinema on the Beach, complete with pillows and popcorn. And with complimentary sailing clinics for beginners and snorkelling trips around Antigua’s Bird Island from the Jumby Bay Water Sports Centre, you’ll be kicking off your shoes and embracing island life in no time.
Jumby means ‘playful spirit’ and The Jumby Explorers programme for three to eleven year olds promises plenty of educational fun. Your brood can enjoy daily programmes comprising visits to the island farm to feed chickens and hang out with charming tortoises, Pirates of the Caribbean days and meeting endangered hawksbill turtle hatchlings as they make their way to the sea for their very first dip.
Available at an additional cost, you can take up the nanny and babysitting service for when you want to put your feet up, or treat your little ones at the mini spa with an Island Bliss mani-pedi or Tides Teen massage.
2. Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, Dominican Republic
The incredibly family-friendly resort of Casa de Campo Resort & Villas on the Dominican Republic‘s quiet southern coast is perfect for both the young and the young at heart, with a plethora of activities available from sunrise to sunset.
With the hotel’s all-inclusive package, you’ll enjoy unlimited horseback riding, tennis, and non-motorised water sports at Minitas Beach. There’s also three Pete Dye-designed golf courses and one of the best-equipped shooting centres in the Caribbean, while the choice of ten restaurants allows enough variety to please even the fussiest of eaters.
Set in thousands of acres, Casa de Campo’s grounds are sprawling, so families will be glad that every room comes with a complimentary golf cart to help navigate the property. When youngsters aren’t racing around the complex on wheels, they’ll love spending time at the three pool areas, movie theatre and the kids’ club with an array of programmes to enjoy whilst making new friends. For older offspring, a supervised teen zone hosts parties and pool tournaments and a professional nanny service is on hand for for parents who want to enjoy some worry-free quiet time.
If you need a break from all the golfing, pony riding and poolside lounging, spend an afternoon at Altos de Chavón, an on-property “village” with shops, souvenirs and places to grab a snack for all the family. For a day on the water, join an excursion to Isla Catalina just six-square miles in size. Snorkel the clear, shallow waters to see the tropical fish and coral reefs and soak up the beautiful beach scenery.
Of course, one of the main draws of Casa de Campo is the stunning private beach, with towering palm trees reaching toward the sky, exceptional white sand and the stunning blue hues of the sea. Have piña coladas bought to you in a fresh pineapple while little ones build sandcastles or go kayaking and paddle-boarding in the warm, shallow lagoon.
If you suddenly feel overcome with beach envy, head over to our breakdown of the best beaches in the Caribbean!
3. Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Mexico
Spread across a 200-acre plot on the edge of the Caribbean Sea, Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers some of the most extensive all-inclusive activities for guests. There are three packages to choose from and we recommend The Ambassador Experience for those travelling with children. Stay in a spacious suite that features a jacuzzi, living area and home-style amenities and savour breathtaking ocean views from your private terrace and optional plunge pool.
Dining-wise, the impressive all-inclusive experience goes above and beyond traditional meal plans: in addition to all of your gourmet meals at three restaurants, you’ll be able to enjoy premium drinks at the onsite bars, as well as 24/7 in-suite dining and a well-stocked minibar with delicious drinks and snacks.
Spend hours luxuriating at the immense beachside Ambassador pool, or hit the beach for a game of family volleyball. The hotel’s white-sands are stunning and offer safe swimming areas and plenty of shaded spots to cool off under the palms. You can also make a lifetime of memories together with one of the Ambassador Experiences, embarking on kayak and snorkelling tours around the coastline, swimming with dolphins and tropical fish and biking around the hotel’s extensive grounds.
For supervised fun and games, there’s the kids’ club for 4-12-year-olds and a teens’ club with pool tables, cinema screens and high-tech gaming areas, plus a non-alcoholic bar lounge. There’s even a baby concierge service for the tiniest members of your group.
4. Curtain Bluff, Antigua
Renowned for its excellent service, two stunning beaches and all-inclusive amenities, Curtain Bluff has long set the standard for the perfect all-encompassing escape.
Located on the southern tip of Antigua, its two private beaches, 20 acres of lush tropical gardens and Caribbean Sea views from every room are just the tip of the iceberg.
There are more than a dozen exciting activities fully included in your room rate. Whether you want to hit the tennis court to improve your serve, discover the incredible marine life while scuba diving or snorkelling on the reef or take an invigorating class at the fully equipped fitness centre, it’s all taken care of under the impressive all-inclusive umbrella.
Headquartered in the shade of the palms on the calm-water beach, the CEE BEE kids’ club for ages three to 12 offers a daily programme of activities to keep even the most energetic youngsters entertained. From crafting to crab races, and more active pursuits like Hobie Cat sailing, waterskiing and court sports, this is easily one of the Caribbean’s best places for families.
And as the sun sets you can forget wrist-bands and long buffet lines; dinners at Curtain Bluff are of the fine dining, Ã la carte variety. Enjoy daily changing menus at Tamarind Restaurant, and alfresco fare at Seagrape Restaurant at the far end of the bay.
Looking for more ideas beyond these all-inclusive options? See our list of the best Caribbean resorts for families.
If you’re dreaming of a Caribbean island escape, let our Travel Specialists create the best experience for you and your family – or, visit our list of our top luxury family friendly holidays elsewhere in the world.
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