20 Best Caribbean Resorts for Families to Visit in 2023
These family vacation spots offer fun and sun for everyone.
With stunning beaches, tons of culture and a boatload of resorts with family programs, the appeal of Mexico and the Caribbean is obvious. Plus many top spots in this area have direct flights from major U.S. cities, and airfare costs a fraction of a plane ticket to Europe. All-inclusive resorts, plentiful in these vacation spots, tend to be a good buy for families as well. Winter and spring are usually the most expensive times to visit. Summer brings more deals, but the hurricane threat is higher. No matter when you go, purchasing travel insurance is a good idea.
Where exactly is the best place for your crew to take a break? We rounded up a list of 20 family-friendly beach resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico, and some spots recently won a 2023 Good Housekeeping Family Travel Award. Whether you're in the mood for non-stop activities or just want somewhere to chill, one of our picks is sure to match your vacation vibe. Peruse these possibilities and lock in your pick as soon as you can. A tropical drink and supervised programs for the kids are waiting for you!
Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas
This famously family-oriented resort is home to one of the largest water-themed attractions in the world: the 141-acre Aquaventure, featuring more than 20 million gallons of water, 18 water slides and a mile-long river ride with waves, rapids and tunnels. Winner of a 2023 Good Housekeeping Family Travel Award, Atlantis Paradise Island also offers a variety of experiences featuring its marine life. "My kids loved the dolphin encounter," said our staffer who visited last summer. A massive supervised club for kids ages 3 to 12 has themed spaces offering the likes of Lego construction, a giant doll house and a wizardology room. New this summer: Chef Michael White, whose restaurants have earned Michelin stars, will join a legion of other celeb chefs with restaurants on-site. His concept, Paranza, will specialize in Italian coastal cuisine (yum!).
Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Bahamas
At the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, families can hang with flamingos, nurse sharks, stingrays and sea turtles at the on-site sanctuary and explore a marine cavern inspired by one of the world’s deepest saltwater sinkholes. After a day of fun at Nassau’s Cable Beach, your crew can relax with casual beachside dining at colorful, kid-friendly Airstream food trucks. And when parents need a break, the Explorers Kids Club welcomes children from ages 3 to 12 in full-day and half-day sessions. Some themed sessions include Kids Carnival, Jr. Scientist and Kids Got Talent.
Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa, Jamaica
There's something for the whole family at Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa. Kids won't want to leave the Sugar Mills Water Park, packed with cascading waterfalls, a 280-foot waterslide, a lazy river, three terraced pools plus daily activities and games. And for the adults? Picture yourself at the swim-up bar, in a private cabana or at the Radiant Spa while your kids are in one of the supervised clubs. The club for 4- to 12-year-olds features shell searches and glass-bottom boat rides while teens have their own space with air hockey and other games.
Franklyn D. Resort & Spa, Jamaica
An under-the-radar gem on the island's Runaway Bay, the all-inclusive Franklyn D. Resort & Spa knows exactly what separates a family trip from a real vacation — someone to help out with the kids. That's why a CPR-trained vacation nanny stays with every family during the day for the entire visit. If you want to play a round of golf, get a massage or soak in the blissful quiet, the nanny will take the kids to the beach, pool, playground or whatever their little hearts desire. When you just want to hang out as a family, the nanny will stay behind to tidy up your space and stock your fridge. Sweet!
Club Med Miches Playa Esmeralda, Dominican Republic
On a 93-acre oasis between the beach and jungle, the five-star Club Med Miches Playa Esmeralda feels like paradise. Explorer Cove, one of the resort's four boutique villages, rolls out the red carpet for families. An array of supervised clubs, for babies through teens, will wow kids with next-level experiences, including trapeze lessons. While the kids are having the time of their lives, you can enjoy a yoga class, get a facial or just take a nap. La Perla family suites sleep six and have a shaded terrace, private pool and easy beach access.
Amanyara, Turks & Caicos
Amanyara translates to "peaceful place," and the resort's name lives up to the experience. Situated on the island of Providenciales, with a white-sand beach and rocky coves near some of the best diving in the world, the resort is a haven for holistic experiences. While you dive into the wellness programming, your mini-mes can participate in an adventure camp that aims to inspire the next generation of environmental conservationists. Broken into two groups for ages 5 to 10 and 11 to 14, the camps provide hands-on science activities and experiences, such as kayaking and snorkeling guided by science educators.
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Beaches Turks & Caicos
Beaches has taken its all-inclusive model to another level, becoming the first resort company to complete The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards' Autism Certification to provide extra support for children with autism. Beaches Turks & Caicos, Winner of a 2023 Good Housekeeping Family Travel Award, recently released sensory guides that feature resort maps with public areas – such as pools, its 21 dining spaces and sports hubs – rated on a 1-10 scale for sensory stimulation. Other stand-out features of the resort include Sesame Street activities like shows, parades, baking with Cookie Monster and treasure hunts with Abby Cadabby, plus a massive pirate-themed waterpark with slides for kids of all ages.
Jumby Bay Island, Antigua
Two miles off the coast of Antigua, this all-inclusive private island resort wows vacationers with luxe accommodations, including suites, villas and even private residence rentals. Catering to all skill levels and ages, Jumby Bay Island's Sailing Academy is a memorable activity for multi-generational groups. Of course, kids and teens have their own space too. Supervised kids' programs include Jumby Bay Explorers, which takes 3- to 11-year-olds on a bike or boat ride to discover the island's unique wildlife. Teens can partake in activities like volleyball on the beach, mocktail mixology class, paddleboarding lessons, tennis clinics and nighttime constellation explorations. While they're off having fun, you can schedule an island-inspired spa treatment. May we suggest the Soul Surrender?
St. Kitts Marriott Beach Resort & The Royal Beach Casino
For a trip with a great mix of resort time and island exploration, the St. Kitts Marriott Beach Resort & The Royal Beach Casino delivers. The private beach, three pools and championship golf entertain families on resort days. The property's concierge can help arrange island excursions like volcano hikes and zip-lining through a lush forest canopy. Just 4 miles from the airport, the resort's location is super-convenient as well. A promotion running through September 2023 offers discounts on stays of five nights or more.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Mexico
Piñata workshops, Insta-worthy cooking classes and astronomy nights are on the lineup of family fun at the all-inclusive Grand Velas Riviera Maya resort. Every family member is treated like a VIP at this resort set on a stunning white-sand beach. Babies get their own concierge who can coordinate a crib, toys, mini floats, gentle bath products and organic foods. The resort also offers a kids' glamping experience and a bubble-bath menu. The dedicated teens’ club has video games, a disco floor, karaoke and a spot for fun drinks and snacks. Adults can book treatments at the region's largest spa sanctuary, known for its authentic Mexican treatments, offerings from around the world and signature seven-step water journey. New fun for all includes eco-tours and honey tastings at Meliponario, a sanctuary to protect the local Maya Melipona Bee.
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Located on the iconic Seven Mile Beach, this upscale resort seamlessly blends fun and learning. In its Ambassadors of the Environment program developed by Jean Michel Cousteau, families can take eco-tours, like a mangrove forest adventure, a nature photography class and a nighttime snorkel expedition, led by trained naturalists. An array of accommodations, including two- and three-bedroom suites, provides plenty of space for extended families. There is truly something for every generation ranging from a toddler water-play area to a Greg Norman-designed golf course.
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino
With newly remodeled rooms and a three-level pool complex with waterfalls and slides, the Hyatt Regency Aruba provides the perfect home base for family fun. A supervised camp entertains 3- to 12-year-olds with arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, tennis, sandcastle building, water balloon relays and lessons in the local language. And don't miss the wildlife feedings that take place daily at 1 pm! A farm featuring stunning tropical butterflies from around the world is a short excursion from the resort.
Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, British Virgin Islands
This private-island resort less than 2 miles off the coast of Tortola (the largest British Virgin Island) fulfills every family vacationer's dream. Luxury villas with up to six bedrooms, high-end kitchens and private plunge pools provide all the comforts of home and much more. If you don't feel like cooking, a private chef can do it for you. And the amenities are epic. For instance, the resort built a pool right on its pristine secluded beach, so no more arguing over whether it's a beach or pool day! As part of the Autograph collection, the resort accepts (and dispenses) Marriott Bonvoy points.
Park Hyatt St. Kitts
This could be your view if you book a vacay at the Park Hyatt St. Kitts. Located on Banana Bay, this smallish hotel with just 124 guest rooms features sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea and neighboring island, Nevis. The resort also offers adult and family swimming pools, Sugar Mill Spa & Sanctuary and The Island Fort by Camp Hyatt for kids ages 3 to 12. Excursions, including hiking, snorkeling and boat charters, allow guests to explore the island's natural beauty and rich history.
Wyndham Palmas Beach & Golf Resort, Puerto Rico
This boho-chic resort, located in one of the island's most exclusive residential communities, just got a glow-up. Remodeled guest rooms give Anthropologie vibes just steps from a secluded beach. A new restaurant from James Beard-nominated chefs, Trova Coastal Kitchen, leans into the flavors of Puerto Rico. Besides the family pool and lazy river, your crew could head to the community's equestrian center and sign up for horseback riding. All skill levels are welcome.
Goldwynn Resort & Residences, Nassau, Bahamas
The Goldwynn Nassau recently opened in February 2023, and this luxury oceanfront resort on Cable Beach gives families a boutique-like experience. It's ideal for families who prefer to make their own fun rather than join organized programs. One place to start: at the heated infinity pool, which is just steps from the shoreline. You might even want to splurge on a private poolside cabana with comfy seating, butler service and a flat-screen TV.
Blue Waters Resort & Spa, Antigua
A family-owned resort on a private bay in Antigua recently underwent a stylish update. Perfect for families, the property's spacious Cove suites feature contemporary Caribbean décor and furnishings. While you relish in some downtime in the room, kids ages 5 to 12 can join the resort's supervised club. In the club's enchanting "secret" garden, kids can catch lizards, fish off the rocks and design Antiguan shak-shak paintings. Plus, the island is easily accessible from several major cities. JetBlue offers direct flights from New York City while American Airlines and Air Canada provide nonstop airfare from Atlanta, Toronto and Miami.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort
The family-friendly brand, known for its value-price suites, recently opened its first location in Aruba. Convenience starts at the airport: More than 100 direct flights daily land at Queen Beatrix International Airport, which is just 6 miles from the resort. Free, made-to-order brekkie is included in the price, and suites sleep up to six guests. Even smaller families will cherish the extra space — you could put the kids to bed on the living room's sleeper sofa and close the door to the master so you don't have to tip-toe around in the dark. The beach is just a short walk from your room. A three-night Family Package, which includes beach pictures, an off-property excursion and a welcome drink for parents, starts at $1,249 and can be booked through December 19, 2023 for stays through March 31, 2024.
Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort
Warm and friendly staff make this a popular family vacation spot and a winner of a 2023 Good Housekeeping Family Travel Award. It's an experience your kids will be talking about for the rest of their lives. "My 5-year-old was on the first-name basis with everyone on staff," says a Good Housekeeping team member who recently visited. "We had a hard time pulling him away from the Kids' Corner when it was time to leave." Yes, the daytime and evening activities at the supervised club for kids ages 4 to 12 are that fun. Teens have their own hang-out spot, too. The fam will be able to choose from 12 dining options, all included with your stay — including a churro and ice cream spot both kids and adults will love.
The Landings Resort and Spa, St. Lucia
An all-villa property, The Landings Resort and Spa recently unveiled new programming for kids, teens and even adults that embraces the island’s culture. Caribbean dance classes, roasting Breadfruit and making Punch like a Lucian, steel pan drum lessons, coconut carving and carnival hat making are part of the all-inclusive fun. Other family perks include an infant program with baby-proofed suites and essentials like feeding sets and mosquito-protective cribs. Round out the trip with outdoor movie nights, on-site botanical tours and sand-sculpting competitions, and you'll have a vacation for the ages.
Karen Cicero is a seasoned journalist who specializes in food, travel, home and new product coverage; she has visited almost every state — look out, Alaska, she's coming for you next! A mom who goes overboard for all the holidays, she lives in the Christmas city itself: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
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