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Wintertime is a great time for many families, especially for those who live in true winter climates, snow and all. Lots of kids love the snow, the winter sporting activities, and the different holiday events and happenings for which winter is famous.
But during this cold season, there is a lot of time spent indoors too and for many moms and dads, that can get old, plain and simple. Kids get bored, especially when the weather is bad or is just too cold for outside activities. Tensions rise as parents try to cope with their busy lives while trying to keep their kids occupied. So what are parents to do? Take the family on a warm, tropical getaway to the Caribbean!
There are 26 different island nations in the Caribbean region and most have varying numbers of hotels and resorts which range from inexpensive to very expensive and from no frills a la carte to all-inclusive. Some are great for families and others are for adults only. When randomly searching online for Caribbean best all inclusive family resorts, the choices can be overwhelming. Many islands offer their own unique specialties from incredible beaches with diving and water sports to lush mountain landscapes with hiking and adventure-filled excursions. We will help to sort those out for you!
Photo Credit: Mappr.co
In our research, we have identified 10 of the best all-inclusive Caribbean resorts for families. We have 5 for you in this post (Part 1) and another 5 in our next post (Part 2). While carefully reviewing everything we could about each resort, we discovered that many travelers know very little about the island on which they are staying or where they are actually located with the Caribbean. Many people have heard of places like “the Greater Antilles” or “the Leeward Islands” but they have no idea where these places really are. Here at Cerulean Bay, we are all about geography and understanding the basics of a country, including its location, prior to setting foot on a plane.
Photo Credit: Mappr.co
Many people will probably be surprised to learn that countries like the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands aren’t technically part of the Caribbean islands. They form the Lucayan Archipelago as shown in the map above. But due to their proximity to those islands, they are considered to be Caribbean destinations for the purposes of travel.
As mentioned earlier, this post is about 5 awesome locations in the Caribbean and focuses on the best all-inclusive resorts for families. All-inclusives are simply the easiest and the best way to plan trips when traveling with children because regardless of what you do, you simply have a fixed price (for the most part) for your stay with which you can plan your full travel budget and daily activities. You don’t have to worry about who is going to eat what because food is included.
While meals are almost always included with the occasional exception of a specialty restaurant here and there, alcohol may or may not be included. So be sure to double-check this when choosing your resort. This is important because a great cocktail during adult time is a great thing. But drinks can rack up a bill when you have to pay for them separately! Also, things like excursions and spa treatments are typically not included so you will be paying separately for those as well.
Many of these tropical escapes have lots of things for kids to do. Some even have a kids’ club where there are a ton of supervised activities including arts and crafts, various games, sports and swimming, and even junior cooking classes. These are perfect for keeping the kiddos busy while parents grab a bit of time to enjoy a spa treatment, relax quietly on the beach, or simply enjoy a great cocktail and a great book in a quiet corner. On to our first stop!
Beaches Turks & Caicos, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos
The Turks & Caicos Islands are located southeast of the Bahamas and feature some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, particularly Grace Bay Beach. Only 8 islands in the Turks & Caicos are inhabited, the remaining 32 islands and cays are not. The island of Providenciales is the main island and is home to the country’s entry point, Providenciales International Airport (PLS).
Photo Credit: Beaches
Beaches Turks & Caicos has taken everything that a family would need for an all-inclusive tropical vacation into consideration and created a truly amazing family getaway. Located on Grace Bay which has been voted multiple times as the #1 beach in the world by Trip Advisor Travelers, this resort has a huge variety of options for activities and fun. In fact, this resort is so big and offers so much, we could write a whole separate blog post about it!
But to get you going with some of the most important highlights, here are a few features and things to consider when deciding if this resort is right for you and your family. It is home to:
- 5 amazing villages which showcase the architecture and ambiance of the Caribbean, Key West, Italy and France, and the local seaside
- 758 rooms, suites, and villas
- 19 specialty restaurants
- 14 bars including a swim-up bar
- A 45,000 square-foot waterpark
- 10 beautiful pools
- A 12-mile sugar white beach with clear turquoise waters
- Supervised kids’ clubs for toddlers, preschoolers, preteens, teens, and children with special needs
- The Caribbean’s first certified Autism Center
Photo Credit: Beaches
The kids’ clubs have certified nannies and these clubs are perfect for kids of all age groups. Each group is divided by age so they can hang out with other kids who are all within a year or two of their own age. There are Sesame Street-themed activities such as a dance party with Elmo and baking with Cookie Monster for the younger kids and a pirate-themed water park with water slides, a surfing simulator and a lazy river for the older ones. Kids can even enjoy a swim-up soda bar. While the kids enjoy days packed with fun, parents can enjoy spa treatments and simply relaxing on the beach or by the pool. Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort.
Photo Credit: Beaches
The resort features a full service spa that has multiple combinations of Caribbean-inspired massages and treatments for couples, for moms and daughters, for fathers and sons, and for those guests who want to simply be on their own. Spa services are available for an additional cost.
Dining includes a wide array of options and dining styles from poolside casual to slightly dressier “resort casual”. International cuisine from Caribbean to Japanese and from classic French to Indian is available as is seafood, British pub fare, and pizza. Some restaurants require reservations and others do not.
Many activities are available including pickleball and tennis. Water activities include Hobie Cat sailing, kayaking, paddleboards, snorkeling and scuba diving. There are also regularly scheduled daytime and nighttime entertainment events including live music and shows.
How to Get Here
After arriving in Providenciales, the resort’s complimentary shuttle service will provide roundtrip service to and from the resort. The airport is only 15 minutes from the resort.
Contact Information
Phone: (649) 946-8000
Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort, Dominica
Dominica is a small island located in the eastern Caribbean between the islands of Guadalupe and Martinique, in the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles. It is a lesser known vacation destination and should not be confused with the Dominican Republic which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti and lies just west of Puerto Rico in the Greater Antilles.
It is one of the least traveled Caribbean islands but it should definitely be on any nature lover’s list. It is known as “Nature Island” and is home to lush mountains and rainforests, canyons, waterfalls, and natural hot springs.
The Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort is the only all-inclusive resort in Dominica and bills itself as the “All-Inclusive Island Included Resort" because packages are available which allow guests to explore the entire island. It is located on the water in the town of Roseau which is on the island’s southwestern coast.
Photo Credit: Trip Advisor
This resort prides itself on being a full-service, heritage hotel where “the city, reef and rainforest converge on the Caribbean Sea”. It features 100 comfortable and well-appointed rooms and suites. Children of all ages are welcome, however, this resort is best suited for active preteens and teens who love to get outside and would be excited to take part in some challenging excursions. Also, as the resort is located on the rocky coastline, the closest beach for swimming and walking is 20 minutes away from the resort. This is something to consider when traveling with younger children.
The only seaside restaurant in Roseau is located at this resort. Al-fresco dining with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea create the perfect scenario for enjoying highly rated culinary dishes that highlight the island’s natural bounty of seafood and locally sourced produce from nearby farms. In addition to this amazing outdoor dining experience, the restaurant is directly accessible from the resort’s private jetty. This allows yachts and other boats to dock for a wonderful lunch or dinner. In-room dining is also available. There is also an outdoor bar for enjoying cocktails with spectacular views of the water. Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort.
Photo Credit: mywaymore.com
The resort features an infinity-edge pool, a full service spa, yoga classes, and has a full service fitness center. Spa services are available for an additional cost.
Activities include hikes to Trafalgar Falls and soaking in nearby hot springs, rainforest walks, and world-class scuba diving. Amazing excursions are available such as swimming at Titou Gorge and treks to Boiling Lake for experienced hikers. Many of Dominica’s natural attractions are unparalleled when compared to other destinations and they allow for guests to be truly immersed in nature itself.
Photo Credit: Lonely Planet
Titou Gorge means “little throat” in Creole and when you visit it, you will see why. It is an absolutely stunning long and narrow canyon with its own hidden waterfall. It looks like one of those place that you can only imagine when trying to visualize what one of the most beautiful places on earth must look like.
This location was actually in the movie Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest. When the movie was filmed, a road was created to get to it as the gorge was previously only accessible by a long, hot and sweaty walk through the rainforest. Now with the road, it is very easy to get to.
Once you have made it to Titou Gorge, you can continue onward to the Boiling Lake. Just know that it is not an easy hike and that this lake is not for swimming as it is truly very hot (176 to 194 F or 80 to 90 C) due to it actually being a very large volcanic hydrothermal pool. It is the second largest lake of its kind in the world and is definitely something to see - if you can make it there.
Photo Credit: Just Go Dominica
Getting to Boiling Lake is not easy and the 6-plus mile hike should only be made by those in good physical health, preferably with previous hiking experience. The trek takes about 7 hours across the incredibly scenic Valley of Desolation. Once you have crossed the valley, you will encounter steep and muddy sections which are a challenge. Tour groups are available as are private guides. Either of these are recommended as it is very easy to get lost along the way which is definitely not something anyone wants to experience while on an awesome vacation!
If this is of interest to you, then you will need to contact the resort for current details about how long it takes to get to the lake and back and how the tours or use of guides works.
How to Get Here
At the time of this writing, American Airlines has a daily nonstop flight from Miami (MIA) to Charles-Dougles / Melvin Hall Airport (DOM). The car ride to the resort takes over an hour and the resort can assist with hotel transfers. Most flights from the US connect to Dominica through neighboring islands including Antigua, Barbados, Martinique and Puerto Rico. The resort will assist with all airport transfers, just be sure to call them before arriving in Dominica for details.
Almost all flights into Dominica arrive at Charles-Dougles / Melvin Hall Airport. Smaller charter and private flights are able to land at the much smaller Roseau Canefield airport which is only 15 minutes from the resort.
If traveling by sea, a 300-seat catamaran is operated by L’Express des Île’s and takes passengers between Dominica, Martinique, Guadeloupe, and St. Lucia.
Contact Information
Phone: 767-448-5000
Toll Free: US/CAN: 1-833-283-8457
Email: info@fortyounghotel.com
Website: www.fortyounghotel.com
Franklyn D. Resort & Spa, Runaway Bay, Jamaica
The Franklyn D. Resort is located in Runaway Bay on the northern shore of Jamaica in the Greater Antilles and is about an hour east of Montego Bay. This resort is a great choice for families who are looking for a more basic and budget-friendly, all-inclusive vacation which doesn’t offer a lot of frills yet still has everything you need. This resort is more practical rather than luxurious. But for families with small children, it is perfect. They can immediately feel at ease in a very kid friendly environment which is priced as a mid-range hotel and is not fancy.
Photo Credit: Trip Advisor
The suites have all of the amenities found in most hotels. All of them except for the honeymoon suites have full kitchens. They all feature large patios or balconies with garden or ocean views. The suites are spacious and the kitchen amenities are a big plus for many families. The resort as a whole is smaller than many other all-inclusive either on the island or elsewhere in the Caribbean but that is a plus for those with younger children because they are always close by.
The resort has a small beach of its own with lounge chairs. There is a larger beach close by which guests can easily walk to.
Photo Credit: Trip Advisor
One of the best things about this resort is that CPR-trained nannies are available from morning to late afternoon and are included in the daily rate. They are there for as little or as much as you need them. They can do everything from watching the kids at the pool while you enjoy a spa treatment or spend a few hours of quiet time at the beach, to restocking your personal fridge with snacks and drinks while putting the little ones down for a nap. Nannies are available at an additional cost in the evenings so parents can enjoy dinner on their own or an evening away from the resort if they so desire.
Several water sports and activities including glass bottom boat rides, kayaking and snorkeling are available. There are water slides at the resort’s pools including a large 100 foot slide for the older children and adults, as well as a smaller “toddler friendly” slide and waterfall for the resort’s smaller guests.
Photo Credit: Trip Advisor
The resort has 4 restaurants, one of which is for adults only. Several different international dishes are available in addition to a barbeque buffet and many different a-la-carte and kid-friendly options.
The spa is open on specific days and offers wonderful European and Asian and techniques and treatments. Spa services are available for an additional cost.
A fully equipped open-air gym is also available for guests 16 years and older. Various yoga and aerobic classes are available and are included as part of the vacation package. Pickleball and basketball are also available.
Lots of other age-appropriate, supervised activities are offered for children from 2 to 11 years old. These include arts and craft lessons, educational games, shell collecting, tie dye lessons, scavenger hunts, and even pizza making lessons.
For preteens and teenagers, they have their own supervised activities such as beach and pool volleyball, bike tours, tennis, kayaking, and treasure hunts. Live music is featured nightly and dance parties for kids are a part of the fun. Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort.
How to Get Here
After arriving in Montego Bay, the resort’s complimentary shuttle service will provide roundtrip service to and from the resort. The airport is about an hour away from the resort.
Contact Information
Phone: 1-876-973-4124
Toll Free: 1-800-654-1337
Email: salesandreservations@fdrholidays.com
Website: Franklyn D Resort
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
While there are many Hard Rock Hotels located around the world, this hotel and casino is located in Punta Cana on the east coast of the Dominican Republic in the Greater Antilles. Hard Rock Hotels is an international brand that is well known for its consistency in quality and experiences.
In 2023, for the 4th time in 5 years, Hard Rock Hotels was named as the top brand for guest satisfaction among Upper Upscale Hotels by J.D. Power. In 2022, Hard Rock Hotels received multiple awards in the US News & World Report’s Best Hotels Rankings. So for families who prefer to stay at a hotel with a trusted name, this location is a great choice.
Photo Credit: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana
This is another very large resort property that offers so much, we could write a whole separate blog post about it too! But again, today we are only providing information about the biggest deciding factors. For some families, the Hard Rock might be perfect. For others who might be concerned that it is too big or that children can stray too far away, a smaller resort might be a better choice. Here are some of the highlights which we hope can help you with your decision. This resort features:
- 1,775 rooms and suites
- 11 specialty restaurants which offer dishes from around the world
- 23 bars, each with a difference ambiance
- 13 very large pools with swim-up bars and different genres of music
- An 18-hole golf course
- A water park with 26 world-class water slides
- A 45,000 square foot casino, the largest in the Dominican Republic
- A music lab in which the resort encourages families to choose from one of two experiences: You can play in a band in front of a live audience or you can star in a music video. Rock Specialists are there to help you choose and to get you ready!
The rooms and suites range from standard hotel sizes to extravagant multi-room suites. Every room has its own free minibars, furnished balconies or terraces, and jetted tubs. Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort.
As the resort features 11 different restaurants (at the time of this writing), guests are sure to enjoy everything from Caribbean-inspired cuisine and the best possible seafood to awesome Asian-fusion and other international culinary delights. Premium wines, top shelf spirits, and a wide range of beers await those who enjoy an adult beverage or two.
Activities for adults and children are available through a variety of tours, each of which has its own separate cost. Tours include zip lining, driving dune buggies, dolphin encounters, horseback riding, and even half-day safaris out to see how cigars, chocolate, and coffee are made.
There is a full service spa and yoga studio, a full service fitness center and a beauty salon. These services are available at additional costs.
Photo Credit: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana
There is a large kids’ club available which offers more things to do than we can list here! Activities are nearly endless and involve sports, arts and crafts, food and cooking, and of course music including karaoke, dance, and other music-themed options. There truly is something for everyone.
For kids who just want to play, there are playgrounds, a dollhouse, and games of all kinds. There is even a separate group of rainy day activities which the club makes available as it does rain in the Caribbean! All kids club activities take place in modern facilities which promote safety to ensure everyone can participate in a safe, fun, and engaging environment.
Photo Credit: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana
Most activities are for children aged 4 through 12 with teens having their own group of age-appropriate things to do. Activities are grouped by theme and by age group and are sure to keep your kids as occupied as you would like them to be. Children under the age of 4 are welcome in the kids’ club but must be with an adult. This resort does not have a separate activity area or playground for toddlers.
How to Get Here
After arriving in Punta Cana, private transportation is available and must be pre-arranged through the resort. As of this writing, shared vans and buses are available for USD $40 roundtrip. Private van service for up to 6 guests is available for a total cost of USD $110 and then private luxury SUV service is available for USD $195 for a maximum of 4 guests. The Hard Rock Punta Cana does not offer complimentary airport transfers. The resort is located approximately 30 minutes from the airport.
Contact Information
Reservations: 855-537-4129
Front Desk: 1-809-687-0000
Website: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana
Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, Vieux Fort, St. Lucia
St. Lucia is one of the more widely known island nations in the Caribbean, mainly because of the 2 iconic Piton Mountains (Petit Piton and Gros Piton) and its beautiful beaches. The island is part of the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles and is located south of Martinque, north of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, with Barbados to the southeast. Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa is located near the southern tip of the island and is only about 5 minutes away from Hewanorra International Airport in Vieux Fort.
Photo Credit: Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa
The resort is home to the island’s largest water park and has won the Good Housekeeping's Family Travel Award twice. There are 3 sections of this resort:
- The SPLASH wing is for families and guests of all ages
- The HARMONY wing is for adults 18 and older.
- The SERENITY suites are a group of luxury suites with specific amenities including private butler service designed for couples.
This resort is an excellent choice for families. Grandparents will love it here as well because they can hang out with their grandchildren as much as they would like while having a room booked in the adult wing so they can escape to some peace and quiet whenever they want!
Accommodations range from standard size rooms to suites of various sizes, many of which are connecting rooms. This is great for larger families and their friends! Most rooms have views of the water part or excellent ocean views. Wi-Fi is available in all rooms and throughout the resort.
Photo Credit: Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa
The adults-only wing includes fridges stocked daily with sodas, water, and beer. Personalized in-room bars include premium liquor or the guest’s choice of wine (one bottle per room), and concierge services which include dinner reservations at any of the resort’s restaurants or on the pool deck for themed dinners.
For families traveling with couples who want some time to themselves, they can book a luxury suite. There they can enjoy unlimited wine and premium spirits stocked in their rooms. There is also poolside service with cocktails and beverages, full poolside cabana service and small bites and snacks served at Serenity’s pool bar. These suites offer personal butler service as well.
There are several dining options from casual to fine dining at the resort’s 9 restaurants and excellent drink service is available at any of the 7 bars. The range of dining styles is much more pronounced here than it is at most other resorts. Not all restaurants are part of the all-inclusive packages.
As of this writing 3 of the restaurants are very casual and kid friendly. The rest are more upscale with 2 of them being for adults only. Several restaurants have specific “resort smart” dress codes for guests 12 and older. These are fine dining atmospheres that might not be the best choices for younger kids. Check the resort’s website for the most current information about which restaurants will be requiring a dress code.
Spa services include a number of wonderfully relaxing and rejuvenating treatments from a wide range of massages to facials, restorative body wraps and scrubs. Couples’ massages are available in private oceanfront cabanas.
Photo Credit: Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa
The resort features its own mile long uncrowded private beach. Onsite activities include kayaking, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, basketball and tennis courts. Excursions are available for zip lining at the Pitons, whale and dolphin watching, and rainforest walks. There are 5 separate pools throughout the resort.
There is a kids’ club for children from toddlers to preteens that offers a lot to do. All club programs are grouped by age beginning with 3 and under (this resort is one of the few that provides infant care), 4 to 7 years old and 8 to 12 years old. Teens 13 and older can participate in specific activities of their own including sandcastle building, lazy rivers races, and paintball for up to 10 players. All staff are CPR-trained.
Kids club activities include arts and crafts, a variety of games, nature walks, and hands-on culinary adventures. Historical information about Saint Lucia is also presented. Topics include its pirate past, ecology, and native wildlife. All presentations are provided in fun and interactive settings.
Kids can also enjoy the water park which has a mini rock wall for climbing, a pirate ship, and a mini zip line. They can also observe the rescued animals at the Coco Corral and during nesting season, they can watch turtles being released from the beach!
How to Get Here
Saint Lucia has two international airports but Hewanorra International Airport in Vieux Fort (UVF) is recommended because it is only 5 five minutes away from the resort. Complimentary airport transfers are provided.
For those who happen to be traveling to George F. L. Charles Airport (SLU), it is about an hour north of the resort. Taxi services is available but guests should call the resort to before arriving to get an estimated cost as this service is not provided by the resort.
Contact Information
Resort Phone: 758-459-6000
North America Reservations: 877-252-0304
Website: Coconut Bay Beach Resort
