By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
CJ Travel Editor
It takes more than just a playground and a children’s menu to guarantee a good time at a family all-inclusive. Here are the Caribbean resorts where we’d vacay with our own kin – and you should, too.
Beaches
This trio of classic family all-inclusives pairs adult-appreciated perks such as spas and butler service with kid-appropriate features including a DJ academy and Sesame Street character parades. Our favourite, though, is the beautiful property on Grace Bay Beach, which sets the Caribbean standard for a family-friendly all-inclusive.
Coconut Bay, St Lucia
A family vacation at this St Lucia resort needn’t break the bank. Rates start at just $133 per person per night, and amenities at Splash, the hotel’s family-friendly wing, include the island’s largest water park and a mini zip line for tiny adventurers. It even has a delightful petting zoo among other very kid-friendly features.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Punta Cana
Little kids can vacay like big-time rock stars at this sprawling music-themed resort, where Bob The Builder, Barney and Thomas the Tank Engine hold court in the Little Big Club. A rock-climbing wall, mini-golf course, and a video game arcade keep bigger kids (and their parents) entertained.
Dreams Riviera Cancun
This beautiful resort on the Caribbean coast of Mexico is all about luxury, highlighted by its world-class spa. On the family front, it’s particularly notable for its wide-ranging Explorer’s Club Kids Club, with specially-tailored programmes and daily activities based around nature and science, including a once-weekly camping adventure.
The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real, Dominican Republic
Families with a taste (and the budget) for life’s finer things will enjoy this luxe Bavaro Beach, Dominican Republic spread where family concierges handle all the details (such as reserving your beach bed on the private beach), and the kids get their own pint-sized slippers and robes.
St James’s Club Resort & Villas, Antigua
Two beaches, six pools, four restaurants and a kids’ club – this Antigua all-inc doesn’t skimp on the amenities. The secluded location on its own peninsula makes it a good choice for families who really want to get away from it all.
Divi Village All-Inclusive Villas, Aruba
What do you get when you combine the comforts, space and privacy of home with the amenities of a hotel? A good time for the whole family at this villa retreat where rates include access to neighboring Divi Aruba and Tamarijn Aruba resorts.
Riu Palace St Martin
New this year, this Anse Marcel resort melds value (rates start at just $160 per person) with amenities usually found at higher-priced hotels. So go ahead and order from the 24-hour room service menu; leave the little ones at the kids’ club all afternoon; or take an intro to scuba lesson – it’s all included.
Jewel Runaway Bay, Jamaica
This Jamaica mainstay is notable for great golf, a great spa and great food for adults — it also has 62 connecting rooms to allow for more flexibility for families and activities from family laser tag to a beach olympics.
Moon Palace Cancun
Everybody wins at this Cancun getaway. Teens will dig the FlowRider surfing simulator, and small children will love the beauty salon and Xbox set-up in The Playroom kids club. You’ll appreciate the Jack Nicklaus Golf Academy; 14 restaurants; complimentary wi-fi; and Noir nightclub.