For the ultimate family beach vacation, nothing beats the clear blue water, white sand beaches, and cooling tropical breezes of the Caribbean. The best Caribbean family resorts know how to cater to families with spacious rooms, kids clubs, kid-friendly activities, inclusive packages, and fun-filled water parks.
But with so many options to choose from, how do you narrow it down to just one Caribbean resort for your family trip? Often it comes down to what you want from your vacation. Beachfront location? Swim-up rooms? Free babysitting? All of the above?
The best Caribbean resorts for families
When you’re ready to make your family vacation ideas a reality, choose from one of these bucket list-worthy Caribbean family resorts with something for everyone in the family.
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1. Ocean Club and Ocean Club West
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
At Ocean Club Resorts in Providenciales, you can stay at either Ocean Club or Ocean Club West (both of which rank among the best Turks and Caicos all-inclusive resorts) and enjoy all the perks of both Caribbean family resorts. That means plentiful water sports and access to both properties’ pools, tennis courts, and restaurants. And with baby packing list amenities like beach toys, strollers, cribs, high-chairs, baby monitors, and a video library, you know you’re in family-friendly territory.
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At check-in, kids get the lowdown on the resort’s educational SEAFARI program, an exploration game where they’ll have the opportunity to learn about indigenous plants and species found on the property (and, as a bonus incentive, there are prizes at stake).
When the kids aren’t out treasure hunting, you can all chill on Grace Bay Beach, often recognized as one of the world’s best. Water activities here include snorkeling the shallow reefs or scuba diving with hawksbill turtles and eagle rays. Horse-loving kids will leap at the chance to enjoy horseback riding on the beach, too. For the adventurous, switch things up and explore the ancient Conch Bar Caves, where you can expect bat encounters, crustaceans, and who knows what else!
The whole family will get a thrill at Little Water Cay, home to a legion of hardy iguanas who are not remotely intimidated by you. And if your Caribbean family vacation keeps you on Turks and Caicos for a Thursday night, try the Island Fish Fry at the Kids Park in the Lower Bight, where the restaurant and souvenir vendors, live music, and cultural performances make for great memories.
2. Half Moon
Montego Bay, Jamaica
With two uninterrupted miles of private beach, you and your family will feel like royalty when you stay at Half Moon in Montego Bay. While not a fully all-inclusive family resort, Half Cay does offer an inclusive meal package and other perks that should land it squarely on your post-pandemic bucket list.
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Kids can challenge themselves and others with a sandcastle building competition, take golf lessons, ride a horse or pony along the pristine white sand, or just relax with s’mores on the beach. Adults are likely to be psyched about the mixology classes, 18-hole par-72 championship golf course, and tennis and squash facilities, not to mention the 10 restaurants and bars, including one with more than 100 different varieties of rum.
Wile away the rest of your time at the resort’s three swimming pools and natural swimming cove. With private villas, chefs, and butlers, it’s easy to relax and leave your worries at home. And for an extra dose of luxury, pamper yourself with a stay at the latest addition to the Half Moon family, the 57-room uber-luxe Eclipse at Half Moon.
3. Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts
Riviera Maya, Mexico
One of the most kid-friendly Caribbean family resorts, the five-star Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Riviera Maya in Mexico brings all things Nickelodeon to life in a way that even older kids and skeptical teens will appreciate. SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explore, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles all feature prominently in the resort’s design aesthetic and its six-acre Aqua Nick water park, which include single and double rider slides, themed river rides, and splashpads.
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The oceanfront swim-up suites and views of the Caribbean are all part of the resort’s appeal too. And when all of the water park action puts you in the mood for food, even the picky eaters will find something to like among the resort’s themed dining options. A second resort in the Dominican Republic, Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana, is an equally good all-inclusive family resort option for families.
4. Lighthouse Pointe at Grand Lucayan Resort
Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas
Comfort and convenience are a winning combination for families, and a kids stay free all-inclusive resort deal doesn’t hurt, either. That’s exactly what you get at the Lighthouse Pointe at Grand Lucayan Resort, where kids from newborn to 12 stay free when they share a room with parents. Teens aged 13 to 17 only a pay a nightly per room service charge and resort fee. The on-site kids club is all about arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, and beach games that will keep the little ones entertained for hours.
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There’s more good news, too. This Caribbean family resort sits on 7.5 acres and boasts four restaurants, a white sand beach, an infinity pool, fitness facilities, and a 25,000-square-foot spa. Water sports are complimentary, and there’s an 18-hole championship course for golf vacation aficionados. The fishing is plenty good here, too. Weekly champagne brunches and poolside movie nights round out the entertainment options. When you’re not relaxing, take advantage of opportunities to bike historic trails or birdwatch at the Rand Nature Centre.
5. Turtle Beach by Elegant Hotels
Dover, Barbados
In Barbados, the people are chill, the vibe is cultural and classy, and the island as a whole is just a thoroughly welcoming destination. To say that the beaches are fab is yesterday’s news, because while the beaches are outstanding, there’s a lot more to this island and its Caribbean family resorts that’s worth talking about as well.
At Turtle Beach by Elegant Hotels, among the best Barbados all-inclusive resorts for families, kids become “honorary Bajans” through a course where they learn the local lingo, cook Bajan dishes, and take a deep dive into Bajan life. They can show off their souvenir pin, certificate, and “Bajan passport” to their peeps when they get back home.
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While the little ones are busy, the adults in the family can try beach cricket, calypso dance lessons, and (if you dare) domino challenges. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, ask the beach resort’s party planners to arrange a tailored fete with themed dinners like a lobster and jazz night.
Off property, you can take sailing lessons, hike in the 53-acre Coco Hill Forest, enjoy a catamaran sunset cruises, stroll historic Bridgetown and its Garrison to visit the George Washington House (the only place he ever visited outside the U.S.), and see sites like the Nidhe Israel Synagogue and Museum, the oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere.
6. Jumby Bay Island
St. John’s, Antigua
When it’s time to cross a stay at a private island off your Antigua all-inclusive resort bucket list, look no further than the 300-acre Jumby Bay Island in Antigua. The Caribbean family resort’s private villas and private residences, three beaches, bicycle paths, coral reefs, and abundant wildlife all add up to, quite simply, the good life.
Jumby Bay’s kids club for three- to 11-year-olds includes programs like Little Chefs, Wildlife and Ocean Adventures, Discover Science, and Pirates of the Caribbean. Under the direction of specialist researchers, kids can experience a turtle nesting on Pasture Bay Beach, participate in the release of hatchlings into the sea, and even even “adopt” a turtle.
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Other activities for kids include the “Kiddies Spa Retreat” to give those little hands and feet a treat with a mani-pedi. For the teens, it’s cool stuff like mixed volleyball on the beach, a mocktail mixology class, and pampering with a Tides Teen massage. No doubt it will be music parents’ ears that the beach resort also offers add-on nanny services.
7. Windjammer Landing Beach Villa Resort
Labrelotte Bay, Castries, St. Lucia
One of the best Caribbean family resorts for large families, Windjammer Landing Beach Villa Resort offers spacious two-, three-, or four-bedroom villas or estate villas with full kitchens. Most units come with ocean views and plunge pools, too.
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The resort’s kids club, called The Jacquot Fun Club, is the spot for four- to 12-year-olds. They’ll spend their time hiking, tie-dying, showing off on talent nights, and other kid-approved activities. For teenagers, there’s coconut bowling, waterskiing, and more. And the beach resort’s spa, with all its locally harvested ingredients, awaits the grownups—as do the cocktails at the many on-site restaurants and bars.
8. Zemi Beach House
Shoal Bay East, Anguilla
Anguilla is its own kind of beauty and serenity, and that peacefulness is embodied by the island’s Zemi Beach House. Imagine yourself at one of Anguilla family resort‘s three pools, cocktail in hand, or choose to let go of your stress on the golf course or tennis courts.
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You won’t need to feel guilty about your much-needed adults-only time, as the kids will be having fun at the kids club with mermaid swim lessons, water sports, coconut bowling, and all manner of fun and games. Later, the whole family can come together for paddle boarding, kayaking, hanging out on the beach, sailing, or ATV rides.
9. Kimpton Seafire Resort and Spa
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Location is everything when it comes to family resorts in the Caribbean, and the Kimpton Seafire Resort and Spa has one of the best locations anywhere in the islands. Starting with its prime spot on Seven Mile Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, this resort is perfectly suited to lift your mood the moment you arrive. Winding gardens, secret spots, spacious pools, and water vistas everywhere round out the scene.
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When kids arrive at Camp Seafire, they receive welcome mocktails and fill out personalized registration cards, so the kids club team will know their likes and dislikes. There’s a new theme each day at camp, with activities ranging from smoothie making and watermelon eating contests to body art design and treasure hunts. You’ll all enjoy the family-friendly pool together, too, but when the kids are at play, parents can hit the adults-only pool with a bar serving herbaceous cocktails and elixirs.
A two-hour rejuvenating treatment in the authentic Turkish Hammam (the only one on the island) is a must-do at the resort spa. And when you’re good and relaxed, gather at Coccoloba for some of the best tacos ever. Not only is the coastal Mexican-style cuisine superb, so is the scenery. Time it right and you’ll be right on the beach when the sun is setting.
10. Royalton Bavaro All Inclusive Resort and Spa
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Once you’ve been to a few of the other Caribbean family resorts, the usual kids clubs and teen hangouts may be old hat. That’s not a problem at Royalton Bavaro in Punta Cana, because there’s plenty more to keep the young kids and teens stimulated here. From the nine-hole miniature golf course to the lazy river to the FlowRider surfing simulator, there’s no shortage of fun things to do for the younger set.
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This Caribbean beach resort also has seven restaurants, including Royalton’s first Brazilian steakhouse, Rio Rodizzo. And the action doesn’t stop come nightfall. Evening entertainment includes Michael Jackson tributes, circus performances, beach parties, and silent discos.
