10 Family-Friendly Caribbean Resorts That Cater to the Whole Crew
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The Caribbean is probably one of the most appealing destinations for a family vacation. For starters, there's sunshine, warm weather and beautiful waters; plus the air travel is a lot easier than going to, say, the Mediterranean. I've been to several Caribbean destinations, both with and without my two children, and am here to report on my favorite stays, as well as a few others that have received high reviews from happy travelers and PureWow editors alike. Without further ado, here are the ten best family-friendly Caribbean resorts. Pick the one that's right for you and get ready to have the time of your life in the tropics.
17 Amazing Affordable All-Inclusive Resorts Vetted by a Travel Editor
1. Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe (Cancun, Mexico)
Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe
When it comes to luxury resorts in Cancun, you'll be spoiled for choice. That said, this is the only all-inclusive that I can personally vouch for, having stayed there just last year with my 10-year-old for a mother-daughter trip that we won't soon forget. I highly recommend upgrading your stay to the 'enclave' level, which allows for special VIP privileges, including exclusive access to rooftop pools with stunning views and a bar that serves some of the best ceviche I have ever tasted.
Other highlights include the pristine beach and the pool layout, which is designed with the needs of families in mind. (There's a mini water park with multiple slides and a fun, bucket-dumping feature that kept my daughter entertained for hours, while I watched from the comfort of the neighboring adult pool and swim-up bar.)
Aside from the aforementioned splash pad, my daughter says the best part of the stay was the kids' club. The warm and caring staff were amazing—the engagement was genuine, the activities were fun and exciting and she made close friends after only visiting the club a couple of times. For all these reasons and more, the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe gets a 10/10 from me and my tween when it comes to all-inclusive resorts that cater to kids and adults alike.
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2. Viva Miches by Wyndham (Miches, Dominican Republic
Viva Resorts By Wyndham
You'd be hard pressed to find a better deal in the Caribbean than this all-inclusive resort in the remote (read: under-the-radar) region of Miches. The hotel is one of very few in the area and it's a trek from the main tourist hub of Punta Cana, which means that you can expect a truly tranquil tropical stay with unspoilt beaches and plenty of opportunities to escape the hubbub of the resort. My children and I actually just returned from our five-day stay at Viva Miches, so I'm in a very good position to provide an authentic review of this brand new and very promising resort. Read on for the highlights and areas for improvement.
Needless to say, when planning a family vacation the all-inclusive aspect (including unlimited alcoholic beverages) is a major bonus. Viva Miches does it right by including family-friendly water activities, like kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkeling in the package, a kids' club that my own children have deemed as 'the best one ever,' as well as nightly, family-friendly entertainment. (Note: The entertainment team does a truly stellar job, but the programming starts a tad late, so if you're traveling with younger kids, you will need to disrupt bedtime a bit in order to enjoy it to the fullest.)
The pool is wonderful and the beach even better—I highly recommend you take advantage of the remote location and wander beyond the resort boundaries and walk the mile of untouched and blessedly quiet coastline. As for the food, there are real winners and a few things that are meh. (Guests do also remark on having difficulties booking a la carte restaurant reservations.) Nevertheless, I appreciated that, although there was no room service available, there was always somewhere to eat at any time of day or night. That said, the resort would do well to streamline the dining side of things and increase its staff so that wait times at the buffet and pool bar are less.
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3. The Cliff Hotel (Negril, Jamaica)
The Cliff Hotel
The Cliff Hotel is an award-winning and very well-appointed resort that boasts amazing pools, cliffside swimming, sweeping views of the Caribbean, a five-star restaurant and spa, and a decidedly calmer atmosphere than other nearby options. It's typically a top choice for honeymooners, but I have it on good authority (having stayed there myself) that it's well-suited to low-key family vacations, too—particularly if you're traveling with teenagers or slightly older kids. The property itself has adjoining suites to accommodate families, and the kid-friendly pool has a shallow end that starts at only one foot deep. Perhaps the best part of this property, however, is its location, which is central to any and all family-friendly activities that Negril has to offer. I also think it's a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a little romance and wellness after a busy day with the brood. Bottomline: this is the place to stay if you're looking for a family-friendly resort in Jamaica with more grown-up appeal than most.
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4. Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba (Oranjestad, Aruba)
Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba
I spent four wonderful days at the Renaissance Wind Creek last spring and it was one of the most memorable resort experiences I have ever had and probably one of the very best in Aruba. The sprawling property consists of two different hotels—one only for adults and another family-friendly one—but guests have access to the amenities at both. My suggestion? Drop your brood off at the kids club and walk over to the other hotel to do some shopping, play some blackjack at the casino or luxuriate in the adults-only rooftop pools. Then, reunite for a scrapbook-worthy beach day at Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba's island, a whimsical and truly magical private beach escape where flamingos roam freely and other native wildlife can be spotted under the lush tree cover of the winding footpaths. The island's private beach is immaculate and there's always ample seating, though I highly recommend booking one of the private cabanas, which are stocked with every amenity under the sun and provide direct access to the crystal clear Caribbean waters below.
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5. Garza Blanca Cancun (Costa Mujeres, Mexico)
Garza Blanca Cancun
Editor-in-chief Jillian Quint visited this luxury resort with her family and raved about the generously-sized rooms, gorgeous views and relaxed atmosphere. 'Here, the beach is pristine, the pools are abundant (each one calibrated to a different temperature), and the vibe is palm-tree-casual meets penthouse-luxury, with rattan chairs and woven hammocks against marble floors and gold deco flourishes,' she says. Garza Blanca Cancun is decidedly more serene than some of its hotel zone neighbors—think plush daybeds, impeccable service and a general air of low-key indulgence that makes it feel exclusive without being pretentious. As for amenities, families are sure to appreciate the suite-style accommodations (hello, in-room washer/dryer!), the impressive range of dining options and the verifiably awesome kids' club. The TL;DR? If you're looking for a refined but family-friendly escape, this one is hard to beat.
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6. Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana (Punta Cana, Dominican Republic)
Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana
The Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana is my top recommendation in Punta Cana, as the luxe, all-inclusive property boasts breathtaking ocean views and a ton of wellness-oriented activities, including top-notch spa treatments and amazing yoga classes, to boot. When I stayed there last year, the private beach was spotless and the water was blessedly seaweed-free. Best of all, both the beach and pool areas, while very popular among the many guests, aren't constantly blasting club music—a common resort feature that I can't stand because it detracts from the adult relaxation vibes, which are already hard to come by when traveling with kids.
During my stay, the room was comfortable, the food was great and the service was impeccable; plus, the variety of activities on offer ensures that everyone in your brood will have something to look forward to. My only word of caution is to bring bug spray and use it liberally: there are sand flies here and it's not an issue with the resort—you'll encounter this wherever you stay in the Caribbean—but if you're new to the DR, you'd be wise to heed the warning because those buggers can really go to town.
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7. Rosewood Baha Mar (Nassau, Bahamas)
Rosewood Baha Mar
Situated on the white sands of Nassau's famous Cable Beach, this gem stands out for its uniquely serene beachfront atmosphere and lavish amenities. By all accounts, the rooms are incredibly well-appointed and family-friendly amenities, like the kids' club and water park, are a big hit among happy guests. Indeed, our review highlights the abundance of entertainment available: 'There is always something exciting for everyone to do at Baha Mar, even if it's raining. Between the casino, kids' club, The Game Zone and restaurants, there are so many choices on offer. You never have to leave the property!' That said, I'd be remiss not to mention that some reviews complain about the high cost of food and beverage, as well as the spotty service that accompanies it. In other words, your brood will have a blast—but you might still leave with a little bit of buyer's remorse.
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8. Goldwynn Resort and Residences (Nassau, Bahamas)
Goldwynn Resorts
This luxury resort on Cable Beach stands out for its spacious, modern rooms and prime beachfront location within close proximity to local attractions. There's a gorgeous infinity pool that guests rave about and the overall vibe is described as serene and sophisticated. Goldwynn Resort doesn't have a ton of amenities specifically for kids; however, families will certainly appreciate the free water sports on offer, as well as the well-appointed rooms with kitchenettes and full kitchens (depending on which type you book). Indeed, we stayed here recently and really loved the kitchens—you know, because 'having breakfast on the balcony overlooking the ocean is a great way to start your day'—but you can read the full review here.
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9. Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya Resort (Tulum, Mexico)
Hilton Tulum
This sprawling, all-inclusive resort sits right on a secluded bay where families will find pristine, sandy shores and gentle waters. You won't be wanting for amenities, either, since this resort has nine pools, a water park, 13 restaurants and a family zone. The slightly more remote location affords guests a quieter stay than some of the overcrowded options in Cancun, and the property is still within a short drive of many nearby attractions, ranging from caves to amusement parks.
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10. Kimpton Seafire Resort and Spa (Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands)
Kimpton Seafire Resort
Kimpton Seafire Resort gets high marks for family-friendly amenities, including many on-site activities for all ages, a water park and more. The glowing five-star reviews compliment the resort on everything from impeccable service to exceptional rooms and beyond. Honestly, it's very hard to find a resort that has so many five star reviews, since most people can find some flaws wherever they stay when they've shelled out the big bucks. This resort seems to have earned its consistently awesome ratings so they must be doing something (read: everything) right. Oh, and did I mention that its oceanfront location right on the world famous Seven Mile Beach is pretty hard to beat? Let's just say this one checks all the boxes.
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Here's Everything I Pack for a Family of 4 in a Single Carry-On & Backpack (Without Losing My Mind)
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