Best All Inclusive Resorts For Families
Family vacations don’t need to be an overwhelming, cortisol spiking, event. The nice thing with all-inclusive resorts is the food, drinks, activities, and logistics are paid for. You just need to show up and have fun!
But not every all inclusive is created the same. Everyone knows the stigma they have about bad food and poor service – and trust me, those are out there. So we made it our mission to set out to find the best all-inclusive family resorts that are absolutely worth it.
Overall, my favorite all-inclusive resort for families in 2026 is Beaches Turks & Caicos because of the newly renovated accommodations, plethora of kid-friendly activities, excellent dining options, and world famous white sand beach. That said, it depends on your budget, the occasion, and if you have a preferred destination.
We are the recognized authority on Caribbean resorts as Certified Travel Specialists. Our first-hand experience visiting dozens of all-inclusive resorts, along with feedback from over 3,000 families that we’ve planned vacations for guide our decisions. The primary ranking factors include average nightly price, included amenities, level of service, resort location, and safety ratings to create a comprehensive list of the best family friendly resorts.
6 Best All Inclusive Family Resorts
Top Rated All Inclusive Family Resorts
1. Beaches Turks & Caicos
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS
Cost Per Night/Per Adult:
$299 Per Night
Number Of Rooms:
758 Rooms
Distance From Airport:
5 Miles
Number Of Restaurants:
26 Restaurants
Resort Mood:
Social
Number Of Pools:
10 Pools
Having been to Beaches Turks & Caicos three times now, I can safely say this is my top pick for a family all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean. The beach has soft white sand, the water is warm, the rooms are top notch, and the restaurants are amazing. You get so much bang for your buck!
If you’re anything like us, setting off on a family vacation takes a lot of effort. We want to ensure the resort we’re going to can absolutely deliver and make it as stress free as possible. That’s why I love Beaches. You can rest easy knowing that you’ll actually be able to kick back and relax.
The property is situated on a 93 acre estate that features 5 different “villages” to stay in (Italian, Seaside, Caribbean, Key West, and Treasure Beach). Our favorite so far is the Italian Village because it’s centrally located, has a wonderful pool with a swim-up bar, and the rooms were renovated earlier this year so they’re like new.
Treasure Beach Village opens on March 1st, 2026, which adds 101 more suites, a lagoon style infinity pool, and a cinema lounge. We’re staying in this village for our next visit and will report back!
Don’t forget about the 26 different restaurants to choose from. I love that you can have a family dinner at a variety of restaurants like Bobby Dee’s Diner and Kimonos Teppanyaki, or you can have a date night at one of the more upscale restaurants with a 12 years or older age requirement like the Sky Restaurant. I also found myself at Yoyo’s quite a bit, the DIY froyo shop 😋.
When it comes to activities, there’s endless fun for children of all ages, from tots to teens and everything in between. Pirate’s Island is a massive 45,000 square feet waterpark. I definitely went down the slide a couple of times and enjoyed the lazy river! Additionally there’s Sesame Street characters, scuba diving, fitness classes, live entertainment, pickleball, and so much more!
Critically, they offer Kids Camps for all ages from 0 – 17 years old that are supervised by certified nannies. The day care operates daily from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with some options open until 11:00 PM for teenagers.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the beach here because it’s my favorite in the entire Caribbean. It stretches for 12 miles with pristine white sand! The crystal clear water is very warm, and it’s fairly shallow along the shoreline so it’s perfect for the kids to splash around in.
The best part is it’s all inclusive! Right from the time your plane lands, you get a free transfer to the resort. Then unlimited food, drinks (including mocktails for the kids), activities, and everything in between. And there’s a no tipping policy!
Why We Love Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort:
- A perfect white sand beach that stretches for 12 miles with calm crystal clear water.
- Plenty of activities like the waterpark, scuba diving, snorkeling, beach volleyball, game lounge, sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, tennis, and more.
- Kids Camp for ages up to 17 years old with certified nannies. This is perfect because they have age appropriate activities for the different groups so they actually enjoy it!
- Sesame Street characters around the resort that are amazing for the kids to interact with. I recommend doing the breakfast where you can enjoy a breakfast buffet while hanging out with Elmo and friends!
- Choose from 26 different restaurants with different themes from local Caribbean flavors, Italian, fresh seafood, Japanese Teppanyaki, and so much more! There’s literally something for every craving.
- Live entertainment every day that’s tailored for all ages, like Sesame Street parades, beach parties, live shows, and special events.
- The different room layouts make it ideal for families, groups, or couples. Accommodations range from entry level Luxury Rooms to lavish Butler Suites, with price points for every budget. For example, you can even get suites that accommodate up to 12 people if needed.
- There are 10 big pools and 4 whirlpools, including one adult only pool and whirlpool, with several swim-up bars. There’s also plenty of seating.
- 5 charming villages to pick from including Treasure Beach, Italian, Key West, French, Seaside, and Caribbean. The least expensive rooms will usually be in the Caribbean Village.
- There’s a choo choo train that goes between the villages every 30 minutes that is a fun experience for the kids to cruise around on! It operates between 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and again from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
- Easily register for adventures like catamaran cruises, ATVs, or sight seeing right at the resort’s Islands Routes desk. I highly advise booking excursions in advance if possible to ensure there’s availability though.
- The Casablanca Casino is only about a 10 minute drive and they provide free shuttle service to and from the resort.
- The Club Liquid night club is open for teens from 10:00 – 11:00 PM and then for an adults only dance party from 11:00PM – 1:00 AM with a professional DJ and premium drinks.
- Amazing little details for the kidos like step stools in the bathrooms, a splash deck at the waterpark, face painting, and more that make this place very kid friendly.
Key Considerations For Beaches Turks & Caicos:
- You will fly into Providenciales International Airport (PLS) which is nice because it’s only a two hour flight from Miami and the flights are relatively cheap. The transfer from the airport is only about 15 minutes.
- It’s a big resort so you may have to do a little walking but it wasn’t really an issue for us. You can request a golf cart transfer too. I’ll also add that the overall size pales in comparison to the mega resorts in Cancun or Punta Cana that feel overrun with people! That’s not the case at Beaches Turks & Caicos.
- Turks And Caicos is considered safe and is rated a Level 2 Travel Advisory by the US State Department, which is out of 4 levels. We personally never felt unsafe in the resort area or even when we were walking around Providenciales.
- You can get the best deals during the low season between July to October, which will have the lowest crowds but also higher average precipitation. But there’s still plenty of sun to be had! The high season is December to April which won’t offer as good of deals, but the weather is more consistently sunny.
- The electricity is 120 volts with 60 hertz and the currency is still the US Dollar so it is all the same as the US. You can generally use major credit cards for any other purchase around the island.
- There are adults-only spots like the adults only pool in the Key West Village or the adults only hot tub on the beach between the Caribbean Village and Italian Village if you want some quiet time. A weekly catamaran cruise for adults is also available when you stay in a Concierge and Butler Level room.
- Important: You need to make special dietary requests 1-month or more in advance for things like kosher meals or other off menu items. You can make other special dietary requests and dinner reservations at the concierge desk when you check-in.
- You can get a $135 resort credit if you present a newly issued passport for children under 5 years old at check-in on bookings of 5 nights. Just make sure to register your booking within 48 hours after making it.
Who It’s Best For:
Perfect for families that want an all-inclusive child friendly experience, from tots to teens, but don’t want to sacrifice quality since this is a 5-star resort. Beaches is well known as a top family destination that is sure to make it a stress-free vacation for all ages!
2. Beaches Negril
NEGRIL, JAMAICA
Cost Per Night/Per Adult:
$284 Per Night
Number Of Rooms:
186 Rooms
Distance From Airport:
43 Miles
Number Of Restaurants:
13 Restaurants
Resort Mood:
Relaxing
Number Of Pools:
3 Pools
No shoes, no shirt, no problem – that’s the Negril motto! My family and I have been to Beaches Negril twice now and it seemingly pulls you back in. Located in a quaint fishing village on the west coast of the island, it truly embodies the Jamaican spirit.
The resort recently completed major renovations throughout the rooms so the accommodations are pristine, but they also added two new Butler Villa offerings that are amazing.
The Eventide Penthouse has a sweeping rooftop terrace that overlooks the beachfront which is perfect for indoor-outdoor family living and can accommodate up to 16 people. My personal favorite is the Firesky Reserve Villa that occupies three floors and features a private pool sanctuary set right on the beach with unbeatable views.
Aside from the contemporary accommodations, there’s tons of activities for adults and kids of all ages. The 18,000 square foot Pirates Island Waterpark has 7 slides to choose from, plus a lazy river and splash park for the little ones. I love the lazy river because it cruises right along the beach. There are even motorized water sports like skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing which is not super common amongst resorts.
We cannot speak highly enough about the day care here. The ability to drop off your kids in a trusted environment is priceless. The Kids Club has activities for different age groups and a new 2-story play gym, all supervised by staff that is accredited by the International Nanny Association. This means they all have at least 2,000 hours of child-care experience in addition to safety training.
After working up an appetite, there are 13 different restaurants to choose from. I found myself at the Jerk Shack for top notch jerk chicken several times, but there’s plenty of other options including fresh caught seafood, Italian, French, Peruvian, Mexican, and more. Many kid friendly options like Chick’n Dippers or Cafe de Paris or ideal for midday snacks.
Last but not least, Beaches Negril is located at an elite location along the famous 7 Mile Beach. It is super clean with no sargassum. The water glows shades of turquoise and the white sand melts between your toes. In my opinion, this is the best beach in Jamaica.
Why We Love Beaches Negril Resort:
- The best location on 7 Mile Beach, with glowing blue waters and pristine white sand. Negril is located on the northwest coast of Jamaica so the water is very calm and there are vibrant sunsets.
- A sweeping renovation in 2024 updated all of the suites so they feel like new and added several enhancements through the resort.
- All-inclusive food and drinks, free airport transfers, and no tipping policy means you don’t have any extra expenses after booking your stay.
- Unlimited water activities like skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, and paddleboarding.
- A waterpark with 7 different slides, a lazy river, and splash pad for younger children. This is in addition to three huge pools and three whirlpools.
- The Kids Club has certified nannies that specialize in different age groups and offers different activities custom tailored for all ages so they have plenty to do! It is open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Choose from 13 different fine dining restaurants and 5 bars, including a swim up bar that serves mocktails for the kids. There are no age requirements for any of the restaurants and only two of them require reservations (Yaku and Stella).
- Club Liquid has a dance party for teens between 10:00 PM – 11:00 PM, and then turns into an adults only party until 1:00 AM. However, if you’re looking for an 18+ resort, check out our adults only resort guide.
- Daily entertainment for all ages, from Sesame Street characters to fire dancers and theme parties.
Key Considerations For Beaches Negril:
- You will fly into the Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay which is only about a 1 hour and 45 minute flight out of Miami. The free transfer to the Negril resort takes just over an hour from the airport.
- A pro tip is that you can get a Club Mobay pass for the Montego Bay airport which gets you a liaison to go through customs very quickly and they also have a lounge you can wait in before departing. It costs $85 per person for both arrival and departure.
- For restaurants that require reservations (Stella, Yaku, Kimonos), make the reservation as soon as possible to ensure you get the dates and times you want. Most of the time you can make it the same day, but just to be sure.
- Jamaica is generally considered safe as it is rated only a Level 2 Travel Advisory by the US State Department. Especially around the resort and tourist areas we didn’t ever have any issues or feel unsafe.
- The official currency is the Jamaican Dollar, but most locals actually want US Dollars. You can also use major credit cards at established businesses.
- The electricity is 110 volts with 50 hertz so you can use standard US plugins in Jamaica.
Who It’s Best For:
Sandals Negril is ideal if you want a more laid back experience on the best beach in Jamaica. Negril is the best option because it’s in a more tranquil area of Jamaica and the resort property has only 186 rooms while the service is still 5-stars.
3. Finest Punta Cana
PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Cost Per Night:
$625 Per Night
Number Of Rooms:
455 Rooms
Distance From Airport:
27 Miles
Number Of Restaurants:
15 Restaurants
Resort Mood:
Active
Number Of Pools:
6 Pools
We love Finest Punta Cana for the long white sand beach with calm waters that are ideal for children of all ages to play around in. The amenities are modern but the overall vibe is very laid back and family friendly.
The resort has several Kids Club options for all ages. The “Stay & Play” is designed for babies and toddlers but it does require the parents to supervise them. I should also mention they offer a lot of great baby care amenities for your stay like baby monitors, bottle warmers, bottle sterilizer, baby bathtubs and more. This is perfect so you don’t have to lug all of this stuff down in your luggage.
Tots and teens can be dropped off at the “Mini Club” for 3 – 6 year olds, or the “Maxi Club” for 7 – 11 year olds. Each club has its own waterpark and age appropriate activities like beach games, treasure hunts, team sports, and a lot more. There are even a couple of “Imagine Lounges” by the restaurants so us parents can enjoy a romantic dinner or evening drinks while the kids enjoy fun-filled activities of their own.
When it comes to the accommodations here, I need to mention the difference between the regular suites and the “Finest Club” suites. When you stay in the Finest Club Suites you get additional access to the private beach area, the Finest Club Lounge, the Finest Club Restaurant, private pool areas, private check-in, and several room upgrades like a premium mini-bar, upgraded room service, and plenty more perks. The Finest Club rooms cost about $100 more per night. For us it was worth it to have unencumbered access to all of the resort in addition to more dining and bar options.
We stayed in the Finest Club Beachfront Suite With Private Pool, which is perfect because it has a separate room for the kids, but it also has an amazing view of the Caribbean right from your private terrace. I also love the spa style bathrooms that come with a rain shower and separate jacuzzi.
There are tons of activities for family time as well. The huge main pool is right on the beach with games and a splash pool for the kiddos. Unlimited water sports like kayaking, snorkeling, and sailing are always included. For lad sports, there’s fitness class, yoga, tennis, paddle ball, archery and more. That is in addition to the daily entertainment and live music. Plenty to keep busy!
Why We Love Finest Punta Cana:
- There are 15 different restaurants and food trucks to choose from. The food was very good quality overall. Note that some of the restaurants have a dinner casual dress code which pretty much means you can’t wear flip flops or tank tops to dinner. Also note that Melting Pot and Shoji require a reservation and Le Petit Plaisir is adults only.
- The beach is very clean and there are a lot of places to sit with umbrellas. It always helps to get to the beach early if you want to make sure you get a spot.
- There are seven pools around the resort. The main pool has a swim up bar as well. There’s a private pool for Finest Club rooms that is less crowded.
- Day care has several great activities that keep the kids occupied all day. There are different groups for the different ages so they can interact with kids their own age and enjoy age appropriate things to do.
- The employees go above and beyond to make sure the whole family has a fantastic experience.
Key Considerations For Punta Cana:
- You fly into the Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) and the drive takes about 50 minutes to get to the resort. The transfers are not included so you can reserve a transfer from Amstar or another reliable transfer operator.
- Tipping is not included unlike some other resort options like Beaches where everything is included.
- The resort is rather big and getting around was sometimes a little cumbersome with the whole family.
- The Dominican Republic is generally considered safe as it is rated a Level 2 Travel Advisory by the US State Department.
- They have different room categories for the Finest Club and regular suites that allow access to different parts of the resort – a private beach, private pool, and private restaurant and lounge. It costs around $100 extra per night to get the Finest Club access, which I have mixed feelings about.
- The lunch situation leaves a little to be desired because the options are the lunch buffet and the two food trucks. They are not bad by any means, but it would be good to have a more robust offering.
Who It’s Best For:
Finest Punta Cana is an ideal choice for families who want experience the Dominican Republic in an elegant yet laid-back family friendly environment. The pools and beaches at this resort are top notch compared to other all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican.
4. Moon Palace The Grand
CANCUN, MEXICO
Cost Per Night:
$770 Per Night
Number Of Rooms:
1,300 Rooms
Distance From Airport:
8 Miles
Number Of Restaurants:
25 Restaurants
Resort Mood:
Lively
Number Of Pools:
9 Pools
Since I lived in the Mexican Riviera Maya for 6 months scouring the coast for top resorts, I consider myself a bit of a expert in this area.
For families that want an action packed vacation with something for everyone, look no further than Moon Palace The Grand. It is an expansive resort property that’s actually part of a larger complex of Moon Palace. Guests staying in The Grand have access to all of the resort amenities, while guests staying in the regular Moon Palace can only access the additional amenities by paying a fee.
I do love that The Grande is more upscale with premium suites. We stayed in the Grande Swim-Up Suite which has direct access to the pool from your private patio. If you have a larger family or want a separate bedroom for the kids, I recommend the Grande Family Suite or Presidential Suite as those are the only ones that have two separate bedrooms. Regardless of which room type you choose, you will always get 24 hour room service, which is a nice touch.
Being that this resort is absolutely massive, they have a variety of unique activities for kids of all ages. The waterpark has several large slides, a lazy river, and even a wave simulator that we spent a lot of time at.
There’s also a really fun Kids Club Playroom with mini golf, bumper cars, a full arcade, and more. The Playroom is two floors with the first floor being for children from 8 – 17 and the second floor for children from 4 – 7. Children under 8 years and 4 years, respectively, need to be accompanied by an adult but there are trained staff supervising as well. It’s open until 9:30 PM.
When it comes to dining, there are 25 different restaurants to choose from. Note that some restaurants do require a reservation and dinner will have a “smart casual” dress code, which means that you cannot wear athletic attire and flip flops essentially. I like that they have options for all ages. You can have a romantic date with your partner at JC Steakhouse, or you can go to Circus and have fun with the kids. Another highlight is the Ninth Pin, which is a bowling alley lounge that’s quite fun.
Lastly, the beach here is fantastic. It is nice and soft, while the water is relatively calm. There are also so many pools here I lost count. Each pool kind of had its own vibe, while there were some with swim up bars and some shallow pools for children, I really enjoyed the main pool by the beach.
Why We Love Moon Palace The Grand:
- You get full access to the other 2 sections of the property, the Nizuc and Sunrise, when you stay at The Grand. This means you get a lot of variety with the restaurants, pools, and activities around the whole resort.
- There are 25 different restaurants to choose from, including Mexican, Italian, French, International, fresh caught seafood, and plenty more. Most are family friendly but some are adults only like Sky Lounge, Noir, and The Library.
- There are 19 different pools including an olympic pool, huge main pool by the beach, kids splash pools, and swim-up bars.
- The Water Park is very big with different slides, a wave simulator, lazy river, splash pad, and more.
- The beach is long and has plenty of places to sit so you don’t have to worry about finding a spot.
- Unlimited water sports like kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, and snorkeling.
- Free airport transfers when you book 4 nights or more.
- The Unique Nightclub is adults only and open until 3:00 AM. It actually has some good DJs with a cool ambiance. The Dayclub by the pool is also adults only and is open until 6:00PM.
- 24 hour room service no matter which suite type you are staying in.
- Solid entertainment with live music, magic shows, a Michael Jackson tribute, mariachi bands, and a lot more.
Key Considerations For Moon Palace The Grand:
- You will arrive at the Cancun International Airport (CUN) and then the transfer to the resort is about 20 minutes depending on traffic. It is south of the main hotel zone.
- The largest resort on our list, so there’s a lot of walking. You can take golf carts, but it’s so big that you end up waiting a while for the golf carts as well.
- As of now, Cancun is considered relatively safe as it has a Level 2 Travel Advisory by the US State Department. I would say that of all the places we stayed, we didn’t feel unsafe, but it’s wise to exercise increased caution around the city.
- You can get spa treatments or go golfing at the nearby course, but these are not included.
- Tipping is not required, but it is appreciated, unlike some all-inclusive resorts that expressly prohibit tipping.
Who It’s Best For:
Moon Palace The Grand is best for families that want an action packed luxury vacation with plenty to do. It’s a massive resort with tons of options for dining, activities, pools, a Kids Club, and nightly entertainment that is all top notch.
5. Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas
NASSAU, BAHAMAS
Cost Per Night:
$570 Per Night
Number Of Rooms:
3,400 Rooms
Distance From Airport:
12 Miles
Number Of Restaurants:
30 Restaurants
Resort Mood:
Luxury
Number Of Pools:
14 Pools
A stay at Atlantis Paradise Island is an experience unlike any other all-inclusive resort. Here you can swim with the dolphins in the world’s largest marine habitat, enjoy the largest waterpark in the Bahamas, or relax on one of the many private white sand beaches.
Let me start by saying this is not a traditional all-inclusive resort. When you stay here you get full access to all of the Aquaventure Water Park, the pools, the beaches, the aquarium, the casino, and daily entertainment. Food and beverages are not included, but you can purchase meal packages that are $85 per day for ages 12 and older, $20 per day for ages 7-11, and free for children 6 and under.
The property is split up into 5 different areas including, The Cove, The Royal, The Reef Residences, The Coral, and Harborside Resort. I recommend either staying in The Coral towers because they are centrally located by the kid-friendly activities with a “Kid Concierge” in the lobby and is close to the waterpark. It also has rooms that are ideal for families with multiple bedrooms.
Thankfully, they do indeed have a day care called Atlantis Kids Adventure, which is designed for kids between 3 – 12 years old. They have different activities for different age groups like arts and crafts, cooking classes, mermaid adventures, aquarium tours, and more! You can even get a private babysitter to come right to your room for $35 an hour. All sitters are CPA Certified and Health Certified by the Bahamas Government.
Because the resort is so large, there’s plenty of variety when it comes to restaurants and bars. Our favorite restaurant was Fish By Jose Andres. The lobster and fried conch here was the best I have ever had. Aside from that, there are 30 restaurants to choose from ranging from casual beachfront seafood to fresh rolled sushi. A bonus is that kids under 5 eat free!
Perhaps one of the best things going for Atlantis is that the Bahamas are so close to the United States. The flight from Miami to Nassau is just about an hour, which is especially nice when traveling with children. Not only that, but non-stop flights are readily available from several major cities in the US and tend to be pretty cheap!
Why We Love Atlantis Paradise Island:
- The resort has 5 miles of pristine white sand beach that is private for only resort guests.
- The waterpark here is right up there with the best waterparks I have ever been to. They have a huge variety of slides, pools, a rapid river ride, and a kids play zone. For context, a day pass to the waterpark alone is $250, so the price for staying at Atlantis is a pretty good deal overall.
- Choose from 30 different restaurants ranging from Michelin Star chefs to snacks by the pool and everything in between. There are also 19 different bars around the resort including sports bars, beachfront clubs, and more.
- Awesome aqua adventures like swimming with the dolphins in Dolphin Cay, shaking hands with a sea lion, petting a sea turtle, snorkeling with sting rays, and so much more. They have some of the best aquatic experiences around that the kids absolutely love.
- There are 14 pools around the resort that are all unique. There’s the cascade pool that has fun design and waterfalls that are great for families. On the flip side, the cove pool is for adults only.
- The casino here is fun to check out, especially if you’re into table games like baccarat and blackjack.
- CRUSH nightclub is a fun spot for teens between 13 – 17 to dance with solid DJs and mocktails until 1:00 AM.
- You can do snorkeling, paddle boats, and kayaking at the Paradise Lagoon.
- The Bahamas is very close to the mainland US so it’s a pretty easy trip for the family to make. Flights also tend to be relatively cheap.
Key Considerations For Atlantis Paradise Island:
- The main airport is Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) which is then about a 40 minute drive to the resort. The transfer is not included but you can book one with Atlantis in advance which costs about $35 per person.
- Food, beverages, and tipping are not included here, so that will add to the overall cost. You can get meal packages added though.
- The Bahamas are considered safe as they have a Level 2 Travel Advisory from the US State Department. We stayed on the resort property the whole time which is very safe, but if you want to check out Nassau, just make sure to exercise increased caution.
- There are a lot of extras like golf, spa treatments, and excursions, that are available for an additional fee.
Who It’s Best For:
Atlantis Paradise Island is best for families that want an adventure packed Caribbean vacation. The Aquaventure Water Park, aquarium, and pristine white sand beaches are hard to beat. Best of all, it is easy to access since it’s so close to the US and the resort is a short drive from the airport.
6. Hotel Xcaret Mexico
PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MEXICO
Cost Per Night:
$1,210 Per Night
Number Of Rooms:
1,800 Rooms
Distance From Airport:
40 Miles
Number Of Restaurants:
20 Restaurants
Resort Mood:
Adventure
Number Of Pools:
16 Pools
At first I thought that Hotel Xcaret might be a little cheesy with all of the adventure parks and the classical Mayan design, but let me tell you I was absolutely wrong. It turned out to be one of our favorite trips! This resort has a bit of everything, from the beautiful beach to the unique activities, I highly recommend it.
The property is pretty big, but not overwhelming. It does a fantastic job of blending the natural surroundings with modern amenities. You feel like you are in the middle of the jungle with blue lagoons, lush foliage, and traditional architecture.
We stayed in the Garden Swim-Up Suite, which is highly recommended because it feels like you are tucked into your own private paradise. You have direct access to the lagoon right from your patio. The views are fantastic and it’s a fun option for the kids to play around for hours, so it was definitely worth it for us.
There are plenty of restaurants and bars scattered around the property. The buffets were filled with tropical fruits, and the acai bowls were very refreshing. My wife was in heaven because they even have an oyster bar with fresh oysters right from the sea. I highly recommend the Las Cuevas Steakhouse that’s situated inside the natural caves and the ambiance is unlike anything I have experienced, but the meat selection also exceeded my expectations. The cocktails were also amazing and they used top-shelf spirits which was a pleasant surprise.
Perhaps the most unique aspect of staying at Hotel Xcaret is that you get access to all 10 of the Xcaret parks. There are transfers to all of the parks included as well. We never had to wait more than a few minutes for the shuttle to pick us up.
I highly recommend going to the Xplor Park for at least a half a day, if not the whole day. Zip lining through the treetops of the jungle was so fun! The Underground Expedition that goes through caves and jungle rivers is also worth it, plus there are a couple of slides at the end that the kiddos loved. Lastly, the Toboganxote is a huge waterslide that you go down on a 4 person raft and it ends in a wave pool – this is a must.
Note that at night the Xplor Park turns into Xplor Fuego, where they light a ton of torches (hence the name fuego), and you can zipline through a ring of fire amongst some other cool activities.
I also suggest the Xnotes tour that goes to 4 different cenotes where you can explore, swim around, and repel into a cave cenote. If you have never seen a cenote, they are so cool! It feels like you are in the fountain of youth.
There are plenty of other spots to hit like the ferries out to Isla Mujeres and Cozumel or the Xel-Ha Park where you can snorkel and enjoy the water park. Xcaret really takes “all-inclusive” to a whole new level. This makes staying here an incredible value when you unpack everything that is included. It’s practically a no brainer, especially considering the overall quality is amazing.
Why We Love Hotel Xcaret Mexico:
- You get access to 10 different theme parks and adventure tours with transportation included.
- Catamaran cruises and ferries to Isla Mujeres and Cozumel are included.
- High quality food and beverage options with 20 restaurants to choose from. The food is very fresh whether it’s the seafood, meats, fruits, or vegetables, they all seemed very fresh. Alcohol is also top shelf options.
- Childcare is included at the Xiquillos Kids Club for ages 4 – 11, which is open from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.
- Transfers to and from the airport are included.
- Super unique resort layout that feels like you are transported to a secluded paradise in the jungle. For nature lovers, this is the spot to be.
- Daily entertainment around the resort with mariachis and traditional Mayan performances.
- 5 waterslides in the Casa Vida building at the resort. This is in addition to all of the waterslides at the external parks.
- Paddle boarding and kayaking are available in the river lagoon.
- 16 swimming pools including infinity pools, rooftop pools, and children’s splash areas with small water slides.
Key Considerations For Hotel Xcaret Mexico:
- You will arrive at the Cancun International Airport (CUN) and the transfer to the resort is about 1 hour depending on traffic. The transfers are included when you stay here.
- The Riviera Maya area is considered relatively safe as it has a Level 2 Travel Advisory by the US State Department.
- Tipping is not required, but it’s generally recommended to have some cash for the bartenders or servers throughout your stay.
Who It’s Best For:
Hotel Xcaret Mexico is ideal for families that want a ton of variety when it comes to adventures, restaurants, and nature. Because you get full access to 10 different theme parks and excursions, there is practically an unlimited amount of things to do.
Tips To Save On Your Family Vacation
Here are the best tips we have so you can get your all-inclusive family vacation without on a budget.
- Travel Dates: One of the easiest ways to save is to travel outside of the peak season to get the best pricing, which is generally from August to October. I strongly recommend that you add travel insurance if you plan on going in the in September and October specifically. Peak season is from December to late March, where pricing will tend to be higher than average.
- Seasonal Sales: There are seasonal sales like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and more where you can get big savings. The resorts will usually have ongoing sales mentioned on their website so you can take advantage of them. Another sale worth highlighting is the Beaches Resort 777 Sale that updates every Wednesday and you can get an additional 7% off when you simply stay for 7 nights or more.
- Last Minute Deals: Most resorts have last minute deals if you are flexible on your travel dates. They use last minute promotions in order to fill gaps in occupancy so you can use it to get savings!
- Service Member Discount: Several resorts offer service member discounts like military, veteran, first responders, police, and firefighters. Some might also offer discounts for physician, nurses, or teachers. It never hurts to ask before making your booking because you can save a good amount. For example, Beaches Resorts offers 10% off for all service members.
- Room Categories: Depending on your preference, you can choose the lower priced room options as an easy way to save. Some resorts might also have different service level or additional access throughout the resort for different suite levels. I speak with people a lot that figure they won’t be in their room much anyway, so you can spend less on the actual room. And perhaps the additional perks just might not be worth it. Keep in mind that different room levels may be eligible for discounts or perks from time to time.
- Number Of Nights: Sometimes if you stay for 3, 4, 5, or 7 nights, you can get additional perks or discounts added to your booking. Make sure you check to see if you can get things like resort credits, airport transfers, free activities, free nights, etc. depending on the number of nights you stay.
- First Passport Offer: Beaches Resorts offer a $135 resort credit if you show them a newly issued passport for children under 5 years old during your check-in on bookings of 5 nights.
- Credit Card Offers: Depending on the resort, they may have a branded credit card where you can get a sign up bonus for your booking and any additional spend at the resort.
A lot of our clients do not know a lot o these deals exist or how to get them! Feel free to message us to make sure you get the very best deal for your next family vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best all-inclusive resort for families?
The best overall all inclusive resort for families is Beaches Turks & Caicos. Here you can enjoy a massive waterpark, a plethora of dinning options, Sesame Street characters, and one of the best white sand beaches in the world. That said, deciding which resort is best for your family depends on your budget, the occasion, and preferred location. The reason I love Beaches is because they are virtually guaranteed to deliver a stress-free vacation for kids and adults alike because of their reliable 5-star service!
Are all-inclusive resorts worth it for families?
Not every all inclusive resort for families will be worth the cost. When we select the top family friendly resorts, we look at the overall value that’s included in the package. Specifically, what amenities are included like water parks, excursions, restaurants, beverages, airport transfers, and tipping policy. We also consider whether the quality of the accommodations and overall service are top notch. When you add up everything that is included compared to the cost, our top ranked resorts are definitely worth it. Sometimes you may find a resort that’s cheaper but doesn’t include much, and by the time your vacation is over, you will have spent considerably more than with an all-inclusive package. That’s why it’s important to include every potential expense for an apples-to-apples comparison.
Which Caribbean island is most child friendly?
There are several popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean, however, the islands that are best for kids include Turks & Caicos, Jamaica, or The Bahamas. For example, Turks & Caicos has absolutely pristine beaches with calm water that are ideal for kids to play around in. The island is also rated a Level 2 Travel Advisory by the US State Department, which is out of 4 levels and considered rather safe, especially around Providenciales. Jamaica has plenty of family friendly resorts with waterparks and childcare. The beaches have an easy-entry that are perfect for safe play.
BEST BEACHES RESORTS
Our favorite all-inclusive family resort brand.
Beaches Turks & Caicos
Beaches Negril
Sandals Negril
Sandals Grande Antigua
