A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated on Aug. 14, 2024
From an all-inclusive Dominican oasis to a ritzy St. Barts hotspot, the best Caribbean resorts for families offer something fun for everyone—and they're available at any budget too
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With its white-sand beaches, sunny skies and crystal-clear waters, it’s no wonder the Caribbean is lauded as one of the best destinations for fun and sun. Those searching for the perfect family vacation ideas need not look any further than this idyllic region, which is filled with the best Caribbean resorts for families craving a warm-weather getaway any time of year.
From Saint Lucia and Antigua to Barbados and the Bahamas, the best Caribbean destinations are within convenient proximity to major East Coast cities (with most flights clocking in at just a few hours) and direct access to other major international airports across the country. This means you and your family will be soaking up the sun in (almost) no time. And whether you’re looking for a family-friendly mini vacation or budget-friendly all-inclusive Caribbean resort, you don’t need to blow your entire bank account on a fun-filled vacation: The Caribbean is home to a handful of affordable hotel options, including a variety of all-inclusive family resorts situated on some of the world’s best beaches.
Not sure where to stay? We’ve got you covered: Keep reading for our top picks of the best Caribbean resorts for families.
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via TripAdvisor.com
Turks and Caicos is a tropical hotspot. Ideally situated along one of the world’s best beaches (Grace Bay), the Beaches resort is a one-of-a-kind oasis comprised of five distinct “villages,” which is why we consider it one of the best all-inclusive family resorts in the Caribbean.
Amenities here include a 45,000-square-foot water park, a whopping 21 restaurants, 10 pools (including a kids-only swim-up bar) and a seemingly infinite amount of activities, including video games, teen discos, scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, paddleboarding and kayaking. After a day well spent in the sun, families can grab a snack from one of two gourmet food trucks that dish out mouthwatering macaroni and cheese and refreshing ice cream.
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via TripAdvisor.com
This Holiday Inn resort is one of Aruba’s best all-inclusives for budget-conscious travelers learning how to travel cheap. As such, this affordable beachfront hotel is among the best family resorts in the Caribbean, and the complimentary kids club is especially worth highlighting. Keep in mind that it’s impossible to be bored here, thanks to a family-centric activity center that features live entertainment, plenty of crafts, video games and Ping-Pong. And when it comes to accommodations, it’s worth noting that even the smallest rooms here can comfortably sleep up to three people, so there’s plenty of space at this cheap beach destination.
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The 93-acre Club Med resort in Dominican Republic is the first all-inclusive resort in the stunning region of Michès, known for its unspoiled beaches and secluded setting. This property has family-friendly experiences, including pancake parties, baking workshops and paddling, along with special facilities and activities for children of all ages. Color and paint at Baby Club Med, try group archery and flying trapeze lessons at the Mini Club Med, or dance the night away at beach parties as part of Club Med Passworld (for teens).
And while the kids are at play, adults can check out the spa for some well-deserved pampering—it is vacation, after all. Don’t miss the Secret Chocolate Room, a hidden spot chock-full of delicious candy and chocolate fountains. And for a worth-it splurge, book one of the oceanfront family suites or penthouses in the La Perla area of the resort, which includes access to a private family pool, family bar and private cabanas.
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via TripAdvisor.com
Swanky St. Barts (also known as St. Barth or Saint Barthelemy, the country’s French name) is home to its fair share of the best luxury hotels, including Rosewood Le Guanahani. The posh property is among the best Caribbean resorts for families looking for intimacy, offering just 66 accommodations, some of which have private pools (although there are two regular pools as well). Larger families can jump on a multi-room suite, which can sleep up to seven guests.
Activities run the gamut. Designed for children ages 4 to 11, the Rosewood Explorers Club is decked out with games. And since the resort is set along a private peninsula and surrounded by shallow, wave-free waters, families will especially love partaking in calmer water sports, such as paddleboarding and kayaking. The property’s state-of-the-art tennis programming may also entice sports enthusiasts. Older children can take windsurfing and scuba diving lessons, while adults can indulge in a massage at the incredible spa (followed by a round of drinks at the on-site Bar Mélangé). Parents who want to hit the town sans kids can take advantage of the on-site babysitting services at an additional fee.
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via TripAdvisor.com
We love that the Renaissance Wind Creek Curacao Resort offers both a la carte and all-inclusive packaging. For added value, look at budget airlines, then book the latter and enjoy access to more than 10 restaurants, premium beverages, daily breakfast, lunch and dinner and complimentary room service. Plus, each guest will receive one $25 dinner voucher to use at one of the participating restaurants in the Renaissance Mall & Rif Fort (a historic shopping and restaurant destination). Those who stay five nights or longer will receive two $25 vouchers per person. Other package highlights making this a great cheap place to travel include cooking classes, sunset picnics (one of each per stay), guided walking tours of the colorful Willemstad and snorkeling excursions.
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via TripAdvisor.com
Punta Cana is often considered an inexpensive spring break destination, thanks to its affordable flights and variety of experiences. As one of the best Caribbean resorts for families in the Punta Cana area, the Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana stands out for its excellent on-site drinking and dining venues. Here, culinary connoisseurs of all ages can feast on everything from Italian comfort classics to authentic Caribbean fare and beyond—even the pickiest of eaters will find something delicious here.
Beyond the cuisine and the cocktails, the resort features some seriously incredible amenities, such as sparkling infinity pools, water sports, a 14,000-square-foot fitness center and nightly family-friendly entertainment in the outdoor amphitheater. The on-site kids and teens club is also outfitted with state-of-the-art tech, such as interactive tablets, VR simulators and more. And best of all, this Hyatt even has its own water park with a lazy river and slides, making it a great alternative to Altantis for those looking for a beachy Caribbean vacation with all the bells and whistles—plus plenty of added value, thanks to the all-inclusive pricing.
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via TripAdvisor.com
Dorado Beach is located along Puerto Rico’s Atlantic coast (about 23 miles from bustling San Juan) and offers a true sense of seclusion, making it great for both families and parents looking for a romantic resort. Set on 1,400 acres of the former Laurance Rockefeller estate, this luxurious property has just 96 accommodations, adding to the intimate ambiance. Families will love the spacious rooms and suites, which clock in at 900-plus square feet and feature amenities such as soaking tubs, outdoor showers, furnished terraces and picturesque sea views. The gourmet drinking and dining venues are equally impressive, as is the on-site spa. Oenophiles will especially love the 3,200-bottle wine cellar, which just so happens to be Puerto Rico’s largest. In between lounging by the beach and swimming on the rooftop and infinity pools, families can set sail aboard a private yacht, enjoy the on-site water park, go horseback riding or take a chef-led cooking class.
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via TripAdvisor.com
For a fun-filled vacation for the entire family, reserve a room at this beachfront Park Hyatt in the dual-island nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Considered one of the best Caribbean resorts for families, it features suites ideal for larger groups, and this ocean-facing property has an abundance of activities that’ll appease everyone, including bonfires and camping on the beach, and movie nights under the stars. During the day, while the kids are at play—games include basketball at the kid-friendly lagoon pool, croquet, life-size Jenga and beach soccer—parents and grandparents can book a spa treatment or relax by the adults-only pool. For something more adventurous, register the whole family for a jet-ski tour. Or bring children ages 3 to 12 over to the Island Fort Kids Club, where little ones can craft, go rock climbing or play video games. And don’t forget to streamline your trip with the best travel apps, which help you with everything from activity booking and itineraries to airline deals and hotel upgrades.
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via TripAdvisor.com
While the Lopesan Costa Bávaro is located near popular Punta Cana, you won’t want to leave this 1,042-room oceanfront oasis—it’s a destination in and of itself. The on-site water park offers thrills for children of all ages, especially older ones. And while the beach here is absolutely beautiful, families can also hang by one of seven freshwater pools. The property’s Vibe Teen Club is a popular spot for those ages 12 to 16 seeking some fun away from the grown-ups, and so too are the bowling alley, arcade, ice cream parlor and candy shop. Plus, there’s even a kids club for younger tots.
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via TripAdvisor.com
Capping off our list of the best Caribbean resorts for families is the Royalton White Sands Resort. This Autograph Collection hotel is located in magnificent Montego Bay, Jamaica, and guests at this upscale all-inclusive are privy to some major perks and amenities. Here, young children can zip down water slides (at the pirate-themed water park), float down the lazy river and splash around in the water playground. At the on-site kids club, little ones can play in the outdoor garden and learn about the ocean—and the importance of caring for the planet—with its adorable mascot, Turbo The Turtle. Families can also participate in water sports, such as kayaking, snorkeling and introductory diving classes. On-land activities include beach volleyball, Ping-Pong, tennis, cooking, trivia and dance classes. And finally, while the Royalton White Sands is especially ideal for families with young kids, the property also has a dedicated space for teens to play video games, practice pool, watch movies and try kayaking, sailing and diving.
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To narrow down the best Caribbean resorts for families, we hand-selected properties with a minimum of four stars on trip-planning sites. We also ensured that each hotel selection had hundreds—if not a couple thousand—positive reviews. And since the Caribbean is famous for its postcard-worthy stretches of sand, it was essential for us to select properties located along the water. As such, you’ll find that all the best Caribbean resorts for families on this list boast beautiful beachfront locations—some even offer extra perks like free land and water sports, live entertainment and all-inclusive drinking and dining.
