There are lots of benefits to having a large family, but when it comes to family vacation ideas there are definitely some drawbacks, too. Putting five or more people in a standard hotel room is a recipe for disaster. Fortunately, some of the world’s top all-inclusive resorts are built for large families and multigenerational groups with five or more people to accommodate.
Best all-inclusive resorts for families of 5 or more
If you have a big family, you want an all-inclusive resort that actually caters to large families. Here are my picks for where to stay in the best family vacation spots in the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, and beyond when you need a little extra space.
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1. The Fives Beach Hotel and Residences
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Is the Fives Beach Hotel and Residences called Fives because it’s an ideal choice for bigger families? I hope so. What I can say for sure is that it’s located on a beautiful Mexican beach and has everything you’ll need for a tropical family vacation. Two- and three-bedroom suites offer space for everyone, and in-room kitchens give flexibility and convenience. The inclusive resort offers flexible meal plans and menu options designed with kiddos in mind. Plus, there’s a kid’s club for children between four and 12 years old, gear for water sports, shuffleboard and tennis courts, nightly entertainment, and multiple pools.
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Families with babies won’t have to lug all the extras along, either, since The Fives provides baby monitors, bottle warmers, strollers, and baby food. With personal ambassadors to help shepherd your stay, fine dining options, a spa, and immersive cultural experiences, adults can rest assured this resort isn’t just for the little ones. An added bonus: The kids will love watching the resort’s resident monkeys swinging from tree to tree.
2. Beaches Turks and Caicos
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
The largest of the three Beaches Resorts in the Caribbean, Beaches Turks and Caicos has villas that can accommodate 14 people. If you have a large family group, this is the place to be. Multi-bedroom villas have fully equipped kitchens as well as butler service. Don’t need a villa? Suites can also sleep multiple guests. Themed neighborhoods around the property make it feel like you are staying in five different locations as you move from the European-styled lodging cluster to the more Carribean-themed area.
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The resort offers a kids club geared to specific age groups as well as an Xbox lounge, golf and scuba diving lessons, and more dining options than most all-inclusives: 21 on-property eateries, from the Jerk Shack on the beach to elegant fusion restaurants. Younger kids will enjoy the Sesame Street characters who roam the property and regular entertainment at the biweekly family buffet. It’s a win-win for everyone! Families may also appreciate that the kids’ club has on staff, trained autism-spectrum counselors.
3. Melia Caribe Beach Resort
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
You’ll never feel crowded in the pool at Melia Caribe Beach Resort, because this all-inclusive resort has nine of them to choose from! You’ll also be able to stretch your legs in the Family Junior Suite. A king bed, two twins, and a sleeper sofa give big families a place for everyone to rest comfortably after a day of fun in the sun.
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You’ll also find children’s bath tools, a step stool, extra drawers and beach toys in the suite. On the property, enjoy myriad dining options, craft workshops, rock climbing, and a zip line. Kids of ages will have a blast here. And, if rest and relaxation is on the agenda for the grown ups, Melia Caribe Tropical’s YHI spa has something for everyone.
4. C Lazy U Luxury Dude Ranch
Granby, Colorado
Enjoy gourmet meals after a day of hiking, biking, skiing, horseback riding, or fly fishing. With a variety of cabins that can accommodate anywhere from two to 11 people, C Lazy U Luxury Dude Ranch offers a space that’s right for families both large and small. Don’t be dissuaded by the seemingly rustic nature of this ranch; while families will certainly get a taste of the outdoors at C Lazy U, the resort certainly merits the word “luxury” in its title.
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One of the best dude ranches for families in North America, the resort has programming year-round, and activities shift with the season. No matter the weather, the Ranch’s Kids and Teen Program caters to the needs of the young travelers in your group while adults can take advantage of the time to enjoy a wide variety of sports and activities, the spa, or a quiet midday meal. At night, live entertainment and s’mores by the campfire provide all the ingredients for an unforgettable family trip.
5. Binniguenda Huatulco All Inclusive Hotel and Beach Club
Huatulco, Mexico
Looking for a smaller, boutique atmosphere? Binniguenda Huatulco on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is for you. The resort features 77 rooms and personalized service at inclusive rates. The resort’s master suites can sleep up to six people comfortably. The junior suite has a king and a double bed while the master suite has a king and two doubles.
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The best part for the kids are the activities and playground. A refreshing pool, ping-pong table, and kids’ club make this resort memorable. And kids from ages four to nine will love the kids-only pool, complete with kid-sized lounge chairs. Adults will love the varied cuisine at the three restaurants (traditional, modern, and artisanal) and the reasonable, truly all-inclusive rates.
6. Moon Palace The Grand Cancun
Cancun, Mexico
Kid-sized slippers and robes. A mini-fridge stocked with chocolate milkshakes. Room for six to sleep comfortably. What more could a big family want on vacation? How about balmy breezes, all-inclusive food and drinks, a water park, spa, and golf? All that plus nightly turndown service, a bottle of wine upon arrival, and 24-hour room service reflect the careful attention to guests at Moon Palace The Grand Cancun (also sometimes called The Grand at Moon Palace).
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There’s also an adults-only pool with a swim-up bar, a game room, and non-motorized water sports. The staff will also be happy to arrange an excursion to see some of the interesting sites in the Yucatan.
7. Marival Distinct Luxury Residences
Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico
Spread out in style in two- or three-bedroom villas at the Marival Distinct Luxury Residences, where a kids club runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and is staffed by professional counselors. Kids are also free to participate in activities at the nearby sister resort, Marival Emotions Resort and Suites. With a booking of a two-bedroom residence, three kids are free. Options such as full residences, some which include a demi-pool, luxury view suites, penthouses, and villas, offer families many all-luxury accommodation choices.
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Adults will enjoy the spa, a chance to tool around on a beach cruiser, and unlimited golf at the Flamingos Championship golf course. Outdoor adventures, scuba and snorkel options, and visits to local historical sites can keep on-the-move families busy all day. At night, families can take advantage of one of the five restaurants, each with its own distinct flavor.
8. Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa
Vieux Fort, St. Lucia
Home to the largest water park in St. Lucia, Splash Water Park, the Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa is the perfect spot for an all-inclusive family vacation. The Splash Wing of the resort caters to families, while the Harmony Wing is strictly adults-only.
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Adjoining rooms sleep up to six and feature sitting rooms, sleeper sofas, and private balconies. Kids will love the whimsical play area, Cocoland, which has a petting zoo, zip line, paintball, and a kids’ club. Adults will enjoy fitness classes, themed nights, and unlimited food and drink. Plus, the resort offers free airport transfers. With five pools and nine restaurants, every member of your family can find their happy place and favorite foods at Coconut Bay.
9. Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Designed with kids in mind, Nickelodeon Hotel and Resorts Punta Cana has a two-story slide into a ball pit, slime-making classes, and a water park. What kid wouldn’t have a blast at this all-inclusive resort? Family groups have the option to stay in a suite or villa. Suites accommodate up to five people, and some have direct access to a swimming pool. Two-bedroom villas sleep up to six and feature a private pool and butler. With loads of family friendly amenities, what’s not to love?
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The similarly themed Nickelodeon Hotel and Resorts Riviera Maya brings the same kinds of thrills to families staying in Playa del Carmen. Head there for spacious swim-up oceanfront suites (every room in the hotel faces the ocean) and one of the biggest outdoor water parks in Mexico.
10. Woodloch Pines Resort
Hawley, Pennsylvania
Families can enjoy bonding time together or relaxing alone time in small groups at the all-inclusive Woodloch Pines Resort in the Pocono Mountains. For big families, there’s plenty to do together as activities are truly geared for all ages; this includes, pools (indoor and out), a race car speedway, bumper boats, mini golf, water skiing, seasonal snow tubing, and archery. Adults will enjoy the resort’s spa and social activities, theater and comedy acts, wine tastings, art classes and other special excursions.
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From traditional hotel rooms to five-bedroom houses, Woodloch Pines offers a wide range of accommodations that are good for larger family groups. Though the houses are off-set from the main buildings/activities, a shuttle runs regularly around the property. You can opt for an inclusive meal plan or select a la carte meals.
11. Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake
South Casco, Maine
With 35 lakefront cottages and a lodge offering multiple styles of rooms, Migis Lodge on Maine’s Sebago Lake is the perfect spot for a family vacation. Enjoy sailing, exploring the resort’s private island, water skiing, or just watching the sun sink over the lake.
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Largely, though not entirely all-inclusive, food, lodging, and most activities are included (motorboat and adult beverages extra), making Migis Lodge truly a retreat for the whole family. With firewood and fresh flowers delivered daily, your family’s cottage will feel like home, though one you don’t have to clean.
Kids’ and teens’ camps keep young vacationers engaged and include a nightly meal service for children, complete with supervised activities. Babysitting services are also available for when parents want to pop into the wellness center for a massage. To bring a touch of elegance to your experience, Migis’s dress code applies to the dining room after 5:30 p.m., though there is also outdoor dining for a more casual experience.
12. Small Hope Bay Lodge
Andros Town, Bahamas
Large families looking to enjoy nature flock to Small Hope Bay Lodge in the Bahamas. Located on the third largest reef in the world, Small Hope Bay Lodge is an unparalleled rustic eco-resort with all of the benefits of an extremely family-friendly all-inclusive. With complimentary babysitting and free extra cots and cribs standard with any stay, families can hunker down and know they will be treated to island hospitality while being able to take advantage of snorkeling, SCUBA, nature walks, and all beachfront cottages.
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The resort boasts a game room, a young ranger program, and several two-bedroom cottages situated right on the beach. Guest rooms were constructed using hardy Andros pine trees and local coral rock. Your kids may come away as budding naturalists, and the resort promises adults will learn “the fine art of hammocking!”
13. Club Med Cancun
Cancun, Mexico
Club Med Cancun is often rated as the best of the best of Club Med resorts in the world. Though it’s located at the tip of Cancun’s hotel zone, you’ll still feel miles away from anything when you’re tucked in among the palms and sand of this property. Known for its varied activities (everyone should try the trapeze) and careful attention to the needs of kid travelers, this all-inclusive resort will not disappoint large families of five of more.
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A newly added main pool and lounge area provide space for large families to gather for water play and fun in the sun. If dividing and conquering is your family’s MO, send some to try out Club Med’s famous Circus School while others hit the renowned spa. With family suites and/or adjoining rooms, your family of five or more can make the most of both your time for adventure and your time for rest.
14. Lopesan Costa Bavaro Resort, Spa, and Casino
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
It’s no exaggeration to say that everyone in your large family will find something to love at Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa, and Casino. Young guests (and the young at heart) can make a splash at the 16,000-square-foot Splash Island waterpark or one of the resort’s seven freshwater pools. A wide range of food and beverage options means even the pickiest eaters will find something to munch on, especially with buffets and spots serving burgers, tacos, and ice cream among the choices.
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You can spend time together as a family at the onsite bowling alley, navigating the escape room, or kayaking or snorkeling at the resort’s stretch of white-sand beach. Or while the kids and teens are at this all-inclusive resort’s clubs created just for them, the grownups can try their luck at the casino or enjoy a relaxing spa treatment. There are more than 1,000 rooms to choose from at the resort, with options ranging from swim-up suites to two-bedroom suites that work well for larger families of five or more.
15. Grand Velas Los Cabos
San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
Family-friendly Grand Velas Los Cabos earns a spot on many “best of” lists (including our list of the best Los Cabos all-inclusive resorts) for good reason. The AAA Five Diamond all-inclusive resort offers all ocean-view suites perfect for big families, including two-bedroom family suites with in-suite teepees for the kids and a range of baby amenities and gear for the littlest guests. Pools overlook the Sea of Cortez, and the activity schedule includes everything from pool games and ping pong tournaments to art workshops and cooking classes.
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The teenagers in your group might head to the resort’s Teens’ Club, where a nightclub-worthy sound system plays tunes, pool and ping pong tables await some friendly game play, and a bar serves up non-alcoholic drinks. Kids ages four to 12 have their own space too, where they can head for arts and crafts, board and video games, and storytelling sessions. That gives the adults the perfect opportunity to book a massage, work out at the fitness center, lounge by the adults-only pool, or sip a cocktail while enjoying the views at Miramar Bar.
