If you are looking for the best all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean for families, you are in luck. One of the easiest destinations for American families to travel to, particularly those on the East Coast, is undoubtedly the Caribbean. Due to its close proximity to the United States, this region is especially attractive to those relatively new to international travel since it caters to American travelers. They provide you options which eliminate the stress of decision making and unexpected expenses which allows you to concentrate on your time together. Many of these resorts have the added bonus of Kids Clubs giving you and your partner an opportunity to connect which is not always easy to do when you are back home living your hectic lives.
Discovering the right resort for you can be overwhelming because of the endless choices so here is a well-researched list of the 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean for Families to help you narrow down your options.
Table of Contents
1. Necker Island – British Virgin Islands
All that needs to be said about Necker Island is that it is Sir Richard Branson’s family vacation home. It is a private island and very secluded. Everything is included here because it has to be, there is nothing else around. To get here, you must fly from Puerto Rico or Antigua to Tortola Airport, then take a 30-minute ride in a private water shuttle to access the island. Of course, it also can be reached by private jet, yacht, or helicopter if that is more your speed.
For ultimate seclusion, the whole island can be rented for up to 34 guests and 6 additional children who can stay in the specially appointed bunk room in the main house filled with toys books, and video games. Since it is a vacation home and can be rented by groups, special dates called Celebration Weeks are set apart on the calendar for those looking to book individual rooms at Necker Island.
Obviously, Necker Island falls into the category of ultra-luxury resorts, yet it was truly made for families. There are actual home movies of the Branson family enjoying the island over the years in this touching About Us video which tells the story of Necker Island. Sir Branson wanted Necker Island to be a place where his entire family could recharge together. He also wants his guests to feel at home on Necker Island. Children are encouraged to travel to the resort and can participate in kid excursions and enjoy the Necker Island Kids Club. A special experience for little guests is the Mini Spa which pampers children four through twelve with kid-friendly spa experiences. Parents do not need to worry about bringing their baby and child related gear as everything is provided for them on site.
Necker Island is indeed luxurious and is designed in a way to optimize the nature that surrounds the resort in an eco-chic way. Many native species have been reintroduced to the island thanks to the dedication of Necker Island. No detail is overlooked here at this oasis that truly allows guests to disconnect from the stresses they have left behind. Necker Island is not just one of the ten best all-inclusive resorts for families, it is one of the best private island resorts in the world.
Interesting Fact: Sir Richard Branson and his family were staying at the Necker Island in 2011 when an electrical storm set the main house on fire. Kate Winslet was also staying there at the time and met her husband, Sir Branson’s cousin, while escaping the fire.
2. Spice Island Beach Resort – Grenada
Need a little spice in your life? Then look no further than Spice Island Beach Resort. The name is a throwback to the days when Grenada was the world’s largest exporter of Nutmeg. Located on breathtaking Grand Anse beach, Spice Island Beach Resort proudly balances the needs of their guests with the needs of nature creating an eco-friendly resort that caters to all guests needs, even children. The Nutmeg Pod Children’s Activity Center provides children 3 through 12 a place to be entertained and gives parents the time to enjoy the luxurious amenities of the resort or activities which range from leisure to active adventure.
Like Necker Island described above, Spice Island Beach Resort is owned by a Sir, so you can rest assured that your stay will be every bit as luxurious as you imagined. Sir Royston Hopkins is one of the world’s leading hoteliers and has his own house at this resort, so clearly, Spice Island Beach Resort is one of a kind. Guests are made to feel like family. The cuisine here is out of this world, fresh and varied each day. Powder white sand and calm turquoise waters coupled with perfect weather are what brings people to Granada, and the 64 beachfront suites, many with private plunge pools, take full advantage of the surroundings.
Many describe Spice Island Beach Resort as a haven which could not be more accurate. It is paradise re-imagined and thus has to be included on your list for the best all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean for families.
Insider tip: Jamaica gets all the attention for its jerk spice, but in Grenada, you are in the land of spice and the jerk spice does not disappoint, so make sure to order some jerk chicken!
3. Curtain Bluff – Antigua
What makes Curtain Bluff utterly unique is the fact that it has two diverse beaches on site. One lulls you to sleep with the sound of crashing waves. The other is calm and ideal for swimming and water sports. Speaking of water sports, all water sports are included in the price at Curtain Bluff. Most all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean only include non-motorized water sports, but at Curtain Bluff all of it is included – sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, paddle boats, water skiing, tubing, and two snorkeling trips per day that last an hour and a half – the perfect amount of time to keep the kids interested. For those that are Scuba certified, all scuba trips and all necessary equipment is included in the rate.
Curtain Bluff does not limit activities to water sports. Yoga, pilates, water aerobics, pickleball, shuffleboard, bocce, tennis, and many more activities are included. On certain dates, Creative Camp and tennis clinics are also included for kids. Cee Bee Kids Club is available five days a week and guests as young as three can enjoy time at the Kids Club. Babysitting services are also available, and the rates are quite reasonable.
The menu at the open air restaurant The Sea Grape features nightly specials, while the Tamarind Tree in the main building treats guests to a different menu each night and nightly entertainment by bands from Granada. The charm of the West Indies is on full display at this resort, and it is this charm that makes Curtain Bluff one of the ten best all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean for families. Notice that the word resort does not appear in the title. Curtain Bluff is more like a club with members who return year after year and are truly connected to this place. There is a sense of family here, which is why you should bring your family to this all-inclusive destination.
Insider Tip: If you like hot sauce, Susie’s Hot Sauce is the bottle you need to pick up before you head home. It is the island fave, but you might want to avoid the tornado edition. Trust us!
4. Club Med La Caravelle – Guadeloupe
Possibly the Caribbean’s best-kept secret, Guadeloupe is an overseas department of France. It is less developed than the other French Caribbean islands which allows for a more authentic experience. Travelers to Guadeloupe can experience the Creole culture of the island while visiting the shops and markets in Point-A-Pitre, the region’s largest city, and economic capital.
Club Med is known for being the original all-inclusive concept hotel and has a reputation of being one of the best all inclusive resorts brands for families. The corporation is headquartered in France and since the island itself is French there may be a little bit of a language barrier for Americans here. However, many feel that this adds to its charm. To help you communicate easier, the staff wear name badges with stickers indicating which languages they speak. Also adding to the charm of the resort is the tree-lined beach which provides plenty of shade, allowing for the whole day to be spent enjoying the sand and sea. There are better pools at other resorts in the Caribbean, but the sea is so calm and clear here that the pool is not as important. What families will particularly appreciate at this Club Med is the kids club, one of the largest in the Caribbean. The club divides children into age groups and even has a Petit Club Med for ages 2-3. Many kids clubs do not allow for children under five, thus Club Med La Caravelle is an excellent choice for families with small children.
What really sets apart Club Med La Caravelle from the rest is the fact that it boasts a trapeze school. Yes, you heard correctly, a trapeze school! Group lessons are included with your stay and there is even a Little Circus program for ages 4-6. If actually flying on a trapeze does not sound appealing, you can still enjoy the trapeze and rope artists during the resorts nightly entertainment.
Insider tip: Since this is a European resort, the peak summer dates correlate with European summer holidays which tend to start later than those in the United States. Aim to stay May through June before the resort fills up.
5. Moon Palace Jamaica – Ochos Rios
Jamaica is a favorite destination for American tourists. English is the official language, but you still get to experience a different culture, including jerk cuisine and reggae music. In fact, because of Jamaica’s relaxed vibe, reggae music is now associated with being on vacation all around the world! The Jamaican people are warm, friendly, and happy to share their paradise with tourists.
Ochos Rios and Negril are both one and a half hours from the Montego Bay airport. While the Negril area of Jamaica is stunning, there are many cliffs in the area which make it hard to visit with children, especially young children. The sandy beach and calm, clear waters at the Moon Palace Jamaica in Ochos Rios make it the better choice for families. When not enjoying the beach, families can take advantage of one of the three large pools on the property.
With unique extras like a wave simulator and swimming with dolphins, Moon Palace Jamaica ensures that there is plenty to keep families busy if that is what they want. Parents wanting a little rest and relaxation can take advantage of the Kids Club which has plenty of activities to entertain kids young and old. It even has its own water park. Moon Palace is consistently ranked as one of the best all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean for families, and it is easy to see why.
Insider Tip: If you are comfortable allowing your children to swim in the dark, a trip to the Glistening Waters Bioluminescence is a bucket list experience that does not disappoint. Watch the waters glow as you move your arms and leg under the water. It is not to be missed!
There is still more of the best all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean for families to explore!
6. Beaches – Turks & Caicos
Grace Bay Beach in Turks & Caicos is consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the world. The beaches here are pristine and the water crystal clear, which can be enjoyed by the traveler looking to relax, as well as the traveler looking for adventure. Families staying at Beaches will enjoy the use of Hobie Cats, paddle boards, and kayaks, as well as all scuba diving and snorkeling equipment.
If you want to visit Turks & Caicos and are a traveler that prefers all-inclusive resorts, you will quickly realize that there are only two in Turks & Caicos, one of which is Beaches. A lack of all-inclusive options is not an issue because you will yearn to stay at this Beaches resort which is one of the best all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean for families.
The Beaches brand itself has been voted the World’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort Brand for 21 straight years, and with good reason. Nannies are available to care for children up to 24 months old. There are also programs for toddlers, pre-teens, and teenagers, including a nightclub for teens. However, what truly sets Beaches apart is its Special Needs Program. All nannies and Kids Camp staffers at Beaches Resorts are members of the International Nanny Association and have completed International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) training and Autism Certification. This is an amazing service to offer to parents who cannot just leave their special needs child with just anybody. Beaches will even provide One-on-One Beaches Buddy on request for special needs children.
Families can also enjoy a water park, lazy river, and the Caribbean’s only surf simulator. Add in gourmet dining, premium drinks, and entertainment to the mix and you have yourself one of the best all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean for families.
Fun Fact: If you are missing your furry friends that you left at home, you can check out shelter dogs from local non-profit Potcake Place and take them to the beach for the day!
7. Coconut Bay – St. Lucia
St. Lucia may be the most photographed island in the Caribbean. The southwest corner of the island is known for The Pitons, the pair of iconic volcanic peaks highlighted in every article written about St. Lucia. This article is no exception!
Photo by Daniel Hjarmarsson on Unsplash
There is much more than just beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise water here. Seventy-seven percent of the island is covered in forests making it a unique Caribbean destination. Ziplining through these forests is one of the many adventurous ways that the inland can be enjoyed.
Coconut Bay caters to families with more than just a kids club. There is an entire section of the hotel dedicated to families called CocoLand. CocoLand features its Kidz Klub, an entire water park, a splash pad, and a program that teaches children about sea turtles. CocoLand Turtle Watch teaches children how to identify species of sea turtles, identify and protect the nests, and even witness the hatchlings begin their journey of survival. This program is available March through November which is the season when the hotel’s beach becomes the nesting ground for three species of endangered turtles. While there are many amenities that put Coconut Bay in the running for one of the best all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean for Families, it is the opportunity for your children to become little conservationists that secures its place on our list.
Fun Fact: St. Lucia has more Nobel prize winners per capita than any other nation!
8. Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts – Punta Cana
If your kids would rather meet The Paw Patrol pups than Mickey Mouse, then this resort is a no brainer! Do not worry, there is also plenty to do for older children. Your kids will not be the only ones impressed, you will be charmed by the amenities that come with staying at a Karisma Gourmet Inclusive® Resort which includes gourmet meals, premium spirits, and unparalleled service. However, what really sets this resort apart from the rest is that it caters to families. Unique Nickelodeon extras include the orange carpet experience, character meet and greet, and of course, family slimings! Add to that a massive free play area appropriately named “Just Kidding”, four pools, the Aqua Nick water playground, and a private beach, it is clear to see why Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana was voted the #1 on TripAdvisor’s 2019 Travelers Choice Awards in the category of Top 25 Hotels for Families – the Caribbean and why it is one of the best all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean for families.
Insider tip: Spring for a swim up room. It gives mom and dad a place to relax while keeping the kids entertained all day (so they will hopefully crash at bedtime!)
9. Royalton – Punta Cana
The Dominican Republic is basically the mecca of all-inclusive resorts. Thus, they are getting two spots on the list for you to consider one of the best all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean for Families. Like most of the all-inclusive resorts previously mentioned, there are kids clubs, teens clubs, and water sports included in your stay. Guests rave about the friendliness of the staff and quality of the food. All guests have access to the water park of their sister hotel. However, what sets Royalton apart is their “Seaside Camp | Discover Culture” which runs from June 24 through September 2, 2019, and again December 23, 2019, through January 3, 2020. Many times at all-inclusive resorts, guests lose touch with the place they are actually visiting. Many of the best all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean for families on this list give an authentic feel for the destination, but Royalton is the only resort on the list that makes a concerted effort to teach children about the culture of the destination.
The Royalton Kids Club Seaside Summer Camp gives your children the chance to embark on a cultural expedition which teaches them about the language, cuisine, art, music, history, and dance of their destination. Your kids will become cultural experts and will earn stamps on their Activity Passport for each day of camp they complete. A resort that embraces its culture instead of leaving guests feeling like they could be at any resort in the Caribbean makes Royalton Punta Cana one of the best all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean for families and guests wanting to teach their children the diversity of the world around them.
Insider tip: There are no elevators here, so if you are traveling with a stroller or with guests who have difficulty with stairs, make sure your request a ground floor room.
10. Small Hope Bay Lodge – Andros Island, Bahamas
The Bahamas is one of the most popular destinations for American tourists, yet there are not as many all-inclusive resorts here as on other Caribbean Islands. There is one all-inclusive in the Bahamas that has been around for over fifty years and many guests have a nostalgic love for this property that keeps them coming back time and time again. Small Hope Bay Lodge originally started as the Caribbean’s first dive resort. That is because it is located by the world’s third largest barrier reef. There is plenty to occupy yourself with even if you do not dive, including fishing and nature tours of the four national parks located on Andros Island, including the blue hole tour.
The rustic beachfront resort features one and two bedroom cottages which gives families plenty of room to spread out. The resort is very casual, but this is part of its charm. Casual does not mean that there are not organized activities for families, some of which include:
- Complimentary Babysitting for 2-7-year-olds between 6 and 8:45
- Young Ranger and Young Naturalist programs
- Games Room, Swing Set, Ping Pong, and Bikes!
- No service charge for extra cots or cribs
- Free intro lessons to scuba diving, snorkeling or swimming
- Guided tours and Batik lessons at the Androsia factory
Small Hope Bay Lodge is not a place to be pampered. It is a place to rediscover yourself. It’s a different type of all-inclusive resort, but one very worthy of its inclusion in our list of 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean for Families.
Fun Fact: Small Hope Bay Lodge is included in the book 1000 Things to See Before You Die.
As you can see, there really is something for everybody in the Caribbean. Whether you want a villa or a room, to relax or experience adventure, quiet evenings or nightly entertainment, kids clubs to entertain your children or activities for you to experience with your kids, there is a resort in the Caribbean that caters to your needs. Due to the wide array of resort choices in the Caribbean, it truly is a perfect destination for all types of travelers.
A final insider tip for readers, consider using a travel advisor to book your vacation. They are members of consortia with buying power that often result in extra amenities at no extra charge to you for things such as room upgrades and resort credits.
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