The 16 best all-inclusive family resorts

Whether your upcoming family getaway is on a pristine beach with turquoise Caribbean waters or a cultural journey through Europe, all-inclusive family resorts are an excellent option to enhance time spent with loved ones—and for your own relaxation.

All-inclusive resorts can cater to every family member's desires, offering a variety of amenities and activities designed for children, teens, parents, and even grandparents.

Here’s a curated list of the 16 top all-inclusive family resorts worldwide. I’ve thoroughly reviewed each to ensure they provide an exceptional family vacation experience.

1. Hotel Xcaret Mexico, Playa del Carmen

For adventurous families like mine, Hotel Xcaret Mexico in Playa Del Carmen is the perfect getaway.

This expansive all-inclusive family resort boasts exceptional dining options, renowned guest chefs, and a wellness center nestled in the stunning Riviera Maya. The highlight, however, is the unlimited access to its seven exclusive parks. With roundtrip transportation provided, thrill-seekers can explore underground rivers, zip-line through the treetops, snorkel in cenotes, and even indulge in driving a monster truck.

After a day filled with exhilarating activities—whether together or apart—families can reunite aboard one of Xcaret’s boats to Isla Mujeres, a tranquil island famed for its pristine white-sand beaches and gentle, shallow waters.

2. Finest Playa Mujeres by The Excellence Collection, Cancun

Introduce your family to luxury at Finest Playa Mujeres, a stunning beachfront resort that blends modern design with a rich historical backdrop. The resort features three drop-off kids' clubs tailored by age, where your children can make new friends and enjoy a variety of age-appropriate activities led by attentive staff.

Adults can indulge in their own fun, whether it's playing a round at the nearby Greg Norman-designed Par 72 golf course, taking a cooking class, enjoying a game of tennis, or simply unwinding by one of the 12 pools and hot tubs. When it's time to reconnect with the kids, the spa offers family-oriented treatments, including mini pedicures, massages, and princess hairstyles.

3. Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana, Punta Cana

For families searching for premier all-inclusive resorts, Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana deserves a top spot. This Dominican Republic resort is situated right by the water, featuring swim-up rooms and semi-private pool access. If that's not enough, guests can enjoy the on-site water park, complete with a lazy river and three thrilling slides for all ages.

Young crafters and tech enthusiasts will love the supervised kids' club, which includes a dedicated pool with fun play structures and kid-friendly slides. Hyatt Ziva also boasts a Teen Club with virtual reality simulators and Formula 1 racing games. Not to mention, there's nightly live entertainment at the outdoor amphitheater, showcasing vibrant dancing and lively music, alongside a diverse selection of dining options at twelve restaurants, bars, and lounges.

4. Moon Palace Jamaica

If your kids are anything like mine, their hearts belong to the ocean. Luckily, Moon Palace Jamaica offers stunning turquoise shorelines right outside your window, beautifully framed by the Ocho Rios mountains.

This all-inclusive haven is designed with food lovers in mind, featuring a delightful array of global and local dishes, plus unlimited snacks and beverages throughout the property. Even the littlest guests can indulge with a gourmet baby purée menu delivered right to your room.

Kids (and parents!) can catch some waves on the FlowRider double wave simulator, in between lounging by the expansive pool. Inside the kids' playroom, children can explore an indoor jungle gym, strut their stuff in a fashion show, or get their faces painted to look like their favorite action heroes.

5. Grand Residences Riviera Cancun, a Registry Collection Hotel

For those seeking a resort that embraces the essence of Mexican culture, Grand Residences Riviera Cancun is the perfect choice, featuring hacienda-style architecture that infuses the all-suite property with local charm and vibrancy.

Accommodations here can comfortably host your family, with options offering up to four bedrooms and fully equipped kitchens. If dining in isn't your style, three on-site restaurants provide a diverse menu, featuring a rotating selection of themed offerings.

Families can soak up the sun on the pristine white-sand beach or relax at the infinity pool, where attentive concierges are ready to assist. Kids can be dropped off at the kids’ club, which offers activities like treasure hunts, Lego challenges, and face painting, while adults can enjoy a mixology or cooking class. Cheers to that!

6. White Stallion Ranch, Arizona

For every child who has ever dreamed of becoming a cowboy or cowgirl, White Stallion Ranch in Arizona brings that fantasy to life. This family-owned dude ranch emphasizes reconnecting families with the great outdoors and each other amidst its pristine desert and rugged mountains.

Families are encouraged to unplug and enjoy an organic environment that fosters social interaction. From buffet meals to group horseback rides and relaxing dips in the heated pool, there's no shortage of fun or companionship. Your kids are likely to quickly make new friends and head off to play basketball or visit the petting zoo, only to reunite later for a movie night recap.

7. Casa Conde Beach Front Hotel, Costa Rica

If large resorts aren't your style, consider the charming 50-room boutique hotel, Casa Conde, located in Costa Rica's northern region. Nestled along the Pacific coastline, this all-inclusive family resort epitomizes a laid-back tropical atmosphere, complete with local monkeys, sloths, and other wildlife roaming across its 9-acre grounds.

Savor meals at the two on-site restaurants: a buffet featuring Costa Rican dishes and a charming à la carte venue, all nestled beneath a lush canopy of jungle trees.

Enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking trails, ping pong, pool games, a playground, and two swimming pools, along with the beach just a few steps from your room. For those looking to explore, the nearby town of Playa del Coco offers a family-friendly beach and a vibrant nightlife scene.

8. Hacienda Altagracia, Auberge Resorts Collection, Costa Rica

Hacienda AltaGracia adds a unique touch to family vacations by emphasizing a connection with nature, known in Costa Rica as 'Pachamama.' The adventure starts right away, as families board a charter prop plane from San Jose Airport (SJO) and arrive at the resort's private airstrip.

Spanning 180 acres, this luxurious all-inclusive resort offers horseback riding, jungle treasure hunts, and canopy climbing adventures. The kids’ club features engaging activities, allowing parents to unwind at The Well, a spa retreat complete with a sauna, steam room, and fitness classes.

Accommodations include 1- and 2-bedroom residences with terraces that gaze over picturesque rolling hills and coffee plantations. Some casitas even boast private pools. The resort also features three pools: a family-friendly one, an adults-only option, and an indoor pool at The Well.

9. Laura Beach & Splash Resort, Cyprus

Two words: Splash Waterpark. At Cyprus’ Leonardo Laura Beach & Splash Resort, families can enjoy a vast array of amenities, with the massive water park being a highlight, featuring thrilling slides, a wave pool, and a splash pad.

In addition to six pools—three designated for infants and toddlers—and a beach just steps from the resort, families can refuel at any of the six restaurants, including a buffet serving up local dishes.

While kids enjoy the supervised club, arcade, movie theater, and escape room, adults can unwind at the spa or nightclub. End the day by gathering the family for live entertainment featuring traditional Greek and Cypriot dances and musical acts.

10. Delphin Imperial, Turkey

Experience a lavish Turkish getaway at Delphin Imperial, a 798-room seaside resort bursting with indoor and outdoor activities for all ages. Highlights include an amusement park with a giant Ferris wheel and six pools, including an indoor pool for children and a seasonal adults-only option. With nine à la carte restaurants and a buffet in the main dining area, families will find plenty of dining options.

Parents can relax knowing their kids are well cared for at the children's club, where English is primarily spoken. The resort offers additional amenities like a cinema for kids, a playground, an age-appropriate disco, and a spa featuring an authentic hammam.

11. Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa

The resort's name includes 'dreams' for a reason. Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa boasts exceptional cuisine and elegant accommodations, which can be upgraded to Club Level for exclusive access to a private lounge and select areas around the resort, not to mention stunning beach views from your room's balcony.

While there’s entertainment all day at any of the three pools, family memories are often made after sunset. Evening activities include outdoor movies, bingo, and live shows. If the adults wish to escape for a bit, Dreams can arrange a romantic beachfront dinner for two.

12. Nickelodeon Resorts Riviera Maya, Cancun

The opening of Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts in Riviera Maya in 2021 revolutionized Mexico’s crowded coastal resort scene, offering families the joy of encountering beloved characters like SpongeBob and the playful touch of green slime in a fresh environment.

As you stroll through the expansive grounds, which feature a 6-acre water park boasting over 20 slides, you might just bump into Blue, Dora, or Cosmo along the way.

With its vibrant Nickelodeon-themed architecture and decor, it’s impossible not to feel the playful nostalgia, especially when dining at the whimsical Good Burger or the pizzeria, famously frequented by the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles—a must-visit spot in the resort.

13. Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive

Known as “One Happy Island,” Aruba truly embodies this spirit at Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive, two neighboring resorts that offer shared perks. Just a 5-minute stroll apart, these beachfront properties allow guests to fall asleep to the soothing sounds of ocean waves, one of their most treasured amenities.

Additional joyful features include a kids’ club for ages 4 to 12, a 30-foot rock climbing wall, and four inviting pools. Divi & Tamarijn also emphasize wellness with their oceanfront gym and complimentary fitness classes.

As night falls, the resorts come alive with captivating performances that families will cherish for years. Keep an eye out for fire limbo and karaoke nights—entertainment that will even encourage grandparents to whip out their phones to capture the fun.

14. Tanque Verde Ranch, Arizona

Tanque Verde Ranch boasts numerous amenities, but its most remarkable asset is its rich history. Established over 150 years ago, this Tucson, Arizona dude ranch spans 60,000 acres of land perfect for exploration by foot, horseback, or mountain bike.

The all-inclusive package offers countless hours of western adventure, including trail rides, horse-riding lessons, and hearty meals served in its dining halls. Additionally, families can participate in cowboy cookouts for an authentic ranch BBQ experience.

A daily program for kids aged 4 to 12 features horse-related activities that transform young ones into budding cattlemen and cattlewomen. After a day in the desert, cool off in one of the pools—indoors or outdoors—where the latter presents stunning mountain views.

15. Pestana Porto Santo, Portugal

If being mere steps from Portugal’s top beach isn’t enticing enough, Pestana Porto Santo also impresses even the toughest critics (i.e., kids) with its two lagoon-style pools and an extensive games room.

During the summer months, the kids’ club provides supervision and features a dedicated pool just for the little ones. Meanwhile, adults can indulge in their own pleasures with a nearby 18-hole golf course and an on-site Turkish bath and hammam.

Families traveling together will find the two bars, like the Sunset Bar offering spectacular sunset views, perfect for gathering. The resort’s three restaurants include Mares, famous for its thrilling live cooking demonstrations.

16. Carlisle Bay, Antigua

Nestled between a stunning Caribbean beach and a lush green rainforest, Carlisle Bay Antigua invites families to enjoy year-round activities and all-suite accommodations.

While your little ones connect with friends at the kids’ club, you can escape to the organic spa or embark on an adventure at the sports center, which features scuba diving facilities. Additionally, find tranquility at the yoga pavilion, offering both private and group classes, or play tennis surrounded by swaying palm trees.

If your getaway includes a Friday, don’t miss the Fireplace Friday event, where soothing Caribbean melodies fill the air as you sip rum punch and watch spontaneous dance performances unfold. Who knows? You might just feel inspired to join in on the fun.