Whether your next family vacation is on a white-sand beach surrounded the turquoise-blue waters of the Caribbean or a culture trip to Europe, all-inclusive family resorts are a great choice to maximize time and comforts with your loved ones – and for yourself. All-inclusive can hit all the right notes for every member of the family, thanks to their range of on-property amenities and activities that cater to the wants and needs of little ones, teens, parents and even grandparents.
Here is a guide to the 16 best all-inclusive family resorts around the globe. I’ve vetted them all to find the best of the best to achieve not just a family trip, but a family vacation.
1. Hotel Xcaret Mexico, Playa del Carmen
For families like mine who are always on the hunt for adventure-filled vacations, Hotel Xcaret Mexico in Playa Del Carmen will hit the spot.
The sprawling all-inclusive family resort features world-class dining, guest chefs, and a wellness center within the coves of Riveria Maya – but perhaps the most popular amenity is unlimited access to its 7 proprietary parks. With roundtrip transportation to these nearby parks, adrenaline junkies can swim in underground rivers, zip-line through treetops, snorkel in xenotes, and even drive a monster truck to their heart’s content.
After a day of wild adventures – either shared or separate – families can reconnect with one another while sailing on one of Xcaret’s vessels to Isla Mujeres, a peaceful island known for its white-sand beaches and warm, shallow waters.
2. Finest Playa Mujeres by The Excellence Collection, Cancun
Give your family a taste of the good life at Finest Playa Mujeres, a luxurious, beachfront resort that brings contemporary design to a historic region. There are 3 drop-off kids clubs, divided by ages, where your kids will find themselves among new friends and an assortment of age-appropriate games administered by friendly attendants.
Grownups can find their own version of fun in the form of teeing off at the nearby Greg Norman-designed Par 72 golf course, taking a cooking lesson, playing tennis, or simply relaxing by one of the 12 pools and hot tubs. When it’s time to pick up the kids, enjoy family time at the spa, which includes family- and kid-specific treatments, like mini pedicures, massages, and princess hairstyles.
3. Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana, Punta Cana
When looking for the best all-inclusive resorts for families, Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana should vault to the top. This resort in the Dominican Republic brings you close to the water’s edge with swim-up accommodations and semi-private pool access. If that’s not enough water, then head to the on-property water park, where guests of all ages are invited to relax in the lazy river, or up the ante by zooming down three tall slides.
For kids who love crafts, technology and games, the supervised kids club has it all. It even features a dedicated pool with play structures and kid-friendly slides. Hyatt Ziva also has a Teen Club with virtual reality simulators and Formula 1 racing games. Other notable amenities include nightly live entertainment at the outdoor amphitheater (think dynamic dancing and upbeat music), and an array of dining choices at the twelve restaurants, bars, and lounges.
4. Moon Palace Jamaica
If your kids are anything like mine, they love the ocean. Good thing there’s no shortage of it at Moon Palace Jamaica, where outside your window you’ll find turquoise blue shorelines running up against the Ocho Rios mountains.
The all-inclusive hotspot has foodies in mind when creating its global and local fares, in addition to unlimited snacks and drinks around the property. Babies even get their share of yummy cuisine with a gourmet baby purée menu that can be delivered to your guest room.
Kids (and parents!) will get a chance to hang ten on the FlowRider double wave simulator in between lounging around by the expansive pool. Inside the kids' playroom, kids are invited to explore the indoor jungle gym, put on a fashion show on the runway, and even get their face painted to replicate their favorite action hero.
5. Grand Residences Riviera Cancun, a Registry Collection Hotel
If you’re looking for a resort that leans into the Mexican lifestyle, look no further than Grand Residences Riviera Cancun, where hacienda-style architecture gives the all-suite property local flavor and rhythm.
Sprawl your family out in accommodations with up to four bedrooms, as well as options with full-sized kitchens. And if you don’t feel like eating in, there are three restaurants that offer plenty of dining variety, particularly with a rotating list of themed menus.
Families are invited to bask in the sun against the white-sand beach or at the infinity pool, where dedicated concierges will cater to your needs. Drop the kids off at the kids’ club, where activities include treasure hunts, Lego competitions, and face painting, while the adults can opt for a mixology or cooking class. We’ll drink to that.
6. White Stallion Ranch, Arizona
For every kid who’s ever dreamed of being a cowboy or cowgirl, White Stallion Ranch has that fantasy covered at its Arizona-based dude ranch. The family-owned destination brings a focus on reconnecting the whole family with the outdoors and with each other through its unspoiled desert and rugged mountain setting.
Families are encouraged to live digital-free in an organic setting that’s conducive to socializing. From buffet-style meals to group horseback riding to dips in the heated pool, you will surely not feel alone, or bored. Don’t be surprised if your kids quickly make new friends and head off to play a game of basketball or the petting zoo with them, only to meet up with you later that evening for a recap at the movie theater.
7. Casa Conde Beach Front Hotel, Costa Rica
If big-box resorts aren’t your preference, then turn to the 50-room boutique hotel Casa Conde in Costa Rica’s northern region. Hugged by the Pacific coastline, this all-inclusive family resort is the personification of a relaxed, tropical environment – which includes the local monkeys, sloths and more that roam the 9-acre facility.
Dine at the two on-site restaurants – a buffet-style eatery with Costa Rican cuisine and an a la carte option – all underneath a canopy of leafy jungle trees.
Activities include hiking trails, ping pong and pool, a playground, and two pools – in addition to the beach that’s steps away from your guest room. For those venturing off site, there’s the nearby town of Playa del Coco, known for its family-friendly beach and lively nightlife.
8. Hacienda Altagracia, Auberge Resorts Collection, Costa Rica
Hacienda AltaGracia brings a curated touch to vacations, with a focus on bringing families back to nature – what Costa Ricans call “Pachamama.” The fun begins immediately, when families hop aboard a charter prop plane from San Jose Airport (SJO) and land on the resort’s private airstrip.
The luxurious all-inclusive’s 180 acres provide opportunities to ride on horseback, hunt for jungle treasures, and explore and climb a canopy jungle. A kids’ club has engaging activities and while the kids are away, adults can play at The Well, a spa sanctuary with a sauna, steam room, and fitness classes.
Accommodations are 1- and 2-bedroom residences featuring terraces that overlook rolling hills and coffee plantations. Some casitas even have private pools. Speaking of pools, the property has 3 pools including a family option, as well as an adults-only pool, plus an indoor one at The Well.
9. Laura Beach & Splash Resort, Cyprus
Two words: Splash Waterpark. Cyprus’ Leonardo Laura Beach & Splash Resort has a host of enviable amenities, but perhaps the most coveted for families is the massive water park known for its thrilling slides, wave pool, and splash pad.
That’s in addition to the six pools – three of which are infants and toddlers – and the beach that’s steps away from the resort. In between water adventures, families can recharge at any of the six restaurants, including a buffet-style eatery that doles out local fare.
While the fun continues for the youths in the supervised kids’ club, arcade room, movie theater, and escape room, grownups can indulge themselves at the spa and nightclub. After a fun day of activities, bring the family together to watch the live entertainment with Greek and Cypriot dances and musical performances.
10. Delphin Imperial, Turkey
Experience an opulent Turkish vacation at the Delphin Imperial, a 798-room seaside resort hotel filled to the brim with indoor and outdoor activities that all family members can appreciate. Let’s start with the entertainment options, like the amusement park with a towering Ferris wheel and 6 pools, including an indoor children’s pool and a seasonal, adults-only option. Families will have no shortage of food options, with nine a la carte restaurants plus a buffet eatery in the main dining hall.
Parents can vacation in peace as kids are well taken care of at the kids’ club, where English is a primary language. The amenities keep coming with a children’s cinema, playground, and an age-appropriate disco club, plus a spa with an authentic hammam.
11. Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa
Let’s be honest: The resort name has the word “dreams” in it for a reason. Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa is a showcase of notable cuisine and sophisticated accommodations, the latter of which can be upgraded to Club Level, giving guests exclusive access to a private lounge and designated areas throughout the resort. Not to mention unbelievable views of the beach from the balcony of your guest room.
While entertainment is available all day at any of the three pools, it’s when the sun goes down that families tend to make memories. Nightly programming includes outdoor movies, bingo, and live entertainment. And if the adults want to slip away, Dreams can arrange for a romantic dinner for two on the beach.
12. Nickelodeon Resorts Riviera Maya, Cancun
When Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts opened in Riviera Maya in 2021, it was a game-changer in Mexico’s already saturated space of coastal resorts, in part because it gave traveling families the comforts of seeing familiar characters – like SpongeBob, and nuances – like green slime, within a new setting.
As you walk the grounds, which includes a 6-acre water park with more than 20 slides, don’t be surprised if you run into Blue, Dora, or Cosmo along any path.
With its Nickelodeon-themed architecture and decor, it’s hard not to get into the festive and somewhat nostalgic spirit, especially when dining at the playful Good Burger or the pizzeria, known to be a hangout of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle and a definite must visit inside the resort.
13. Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive
Aruba’s moniker of “One Happy Island” seems to emanate from Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive, adjacent resorts that share reciprocal benefits. About a 5-minute walk from each other, the all-inclusives are located on a beachfront strip, making falling asleep to the sound of ocean waves one of the property’s most coveted amenities.
Other “happy” benefits include a kids’ club for 4- to 12-year-olds, a 30-foot rock climbing wall, and 4 pools. Divi & Tamarijn also prioritize self-care with their oceanfront gym and complimentary fitness classes.
The properties come alive at night with dazzling performances that will have families talking for years to come. Be on the lookout for fire limbo and karaoke nights, both programs that will even see the grandparents whip out their cellphones to start recording.
14. Tanque Verde Ranch, Arizona
Tanque Verde Ranch has many amenities on its side, but perhaps the most notable one is history. As a leading Tucson, Arizona sanctuary for over 150 years, Tanque Verde is a verifiable dude ranch with 60,000 acres of land to roam on foot, horseback, or mountain bike.
The all-inclusive package features endless hours of western fun, from trail riding and horse-riding lessons to hearty meals at its dining halls. On top of that, families are invited to join in cowboy cookouts for a down-home ranch BBQ experience.
A daily kids’ program for 4- to 12-year-olds is filled with horse-related activities that will turn youths into modern-day cattlemen and cattlewomen. At the end of a long desert day, cool off in your choice of pool, indoors or outdoors, the latter of which offers a memorable mountain vista.
15. Pestana Porto Santo, Portugal
If being steps away from what’s considered Portugal’s best beach isn’t enough, then Pestana Porto Santo will win over the harshest critics (i.e., kids) with its two lagoon pools and robust games room.
During the summer, supervision is offered in the kids’ club, which has a dedicated pool for the little ones. Adults get just as much out of the trip as the kids do, with an 18-hole golf course nearby and an on-site Turkish bath and hamman.
Families traveling in groups will surely make use either of the two bars as a meeting point, like Sunset Bar, which is positioned for an enviable view of, you guessed it – the sunset. Pestana’s three restaurants include Mares, known for its exciting live cooking demonstrations.
16. Carlisle Bay, Antigua
Sandwiched between a pristine Caribbean beach and an emerald green rain forest, Carlisle Bay Antigua welcomes families with year-round activities and all-suite accommodations.
While the little ones meet up with friends at the kids’ club, you can jet off to the organic spa or take an adventure on open water at the sports center with a scuba diving facility. You can also find yourself meditating at the yoga pavilion, where private and group classes are offered, or play tennis amongst towering palm trees.
If your vacation falls on a Friday, be sure to start your weekend at a Fireplace Friday session, where relaxing Caribbean music plays as you sip on a rum punch and watch an impromptu dance session come to life. Who knows? Maybe you’ll even join in.
