Elevate your next trip: The 14 most epic all-inclusive family resorts in the world
While many of the best all-inclusive family resorts can be found in the Caribbean and Mexico, some of the top options also include a lakefront retreat in New England, a dude ranch in the Southwest, and a remote lodge in Central America. After staying at many of the best family resorts in the U.S. and abroad, these are my picks for the ultimate all-inclusive resorts for families all around the world (with an assist from FamilyVacationist’s expert team of editors and contributors).
1. Beaches Turks and Caicos All-Inclusive Family Resort
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
Beaches Turks and Caicos is a bucket list destination for families, with a pristine location on Grace Bay and a seemingly endless lineup of activities. (Read our full review and resort guide here.) Among the highlights are the 45,000-square-foot Pirates Island Waterpark, 10 different pools, kids clubs for all ages, Sesame Street programming and a dance club just for teens. The resort also features more than two dozen restaurants and bars and a variety of accommodations in five distinctly themed villages. Beaches Resorts also has two locations in Jamaica: Beaches Negril and Beaches Ocho Rios.
2. Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Riviera Maya
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Riviera Maya caters to kids with a six-acre water park (where daily "slimings" take place); the Club Nick kids club for ages four to 12; and character interactions with the Paw Patrol, SpongeBob SquarePants and more. (Read our full review and resort guide here.) For adults, there's a spa and premium drinks, and the whole family can enjoy dining at six restaurants. All accommodations are suites, and options include swim-up rooms and themed villas. Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts also has a location in Punta Cana, and it will soon open outposts in Orlando and Turkey.
3. Club Med Quebec Charlevoix
Quebec, Canada
Given its location, Club Med Quebec Charlevoix is especially fun in the winter. (Read our full review and resort guide here.) This all-inclusive family resort offers unlimited ski-in/ski-out access with lift passes and group lessons included in rates. Other cold-weather activities include ice skating, snowshoeing and sledding. In the summer, go for a hike on one of the scenic trails or try circus lessons, a signature experience at many Club Med resorts. Year-round, you can take advantage of the resort's kids clubs for all ages.
4. Mashpi Lodge
Quito, Ecuador
This all-inclusive family resort is situated in a cloud forest reserve just outside of Quito, and stays here are considered "expedition experiences," with skilled guides available to help you explore the natural wonders nearby. After a day of hiking, wildlife watching, and learning about the local ecosystem, relax in your sustainable room with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide a front-row seat to nature’s show. Meals at Mashpi Lodge are just as impressive, with breakfast and lunch buffets and à la carte dinners served in a stunning two-story dining room.
5. Giraffe Manor
Nairobi, Kenya
The resident Rothschild’s giraffes – known for sticking their long necks into the dining room windows for a snack – are the reason Giraffe Manor is a bucket list resort. A stay here also includes the opportunity to visit orphaned elephants at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, take a guided tour of nearby Nairobi National Park, or relax at the spa. All-inclusive rates cover airport transfers, all meals, beverages (including house wine, beer, and spirits), Wi-Fi, laundry, and entry to the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife Giraffe Center.
6. Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort
Savusavu, Fiji
The ultra-luxurious Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort offers everything you'd expect to find at an all-inclusive retreat—water sports, swimming pools, a waterslide and the like – but it excels at making conservation education fun. The resort staffs a resident marine biologist, and its award-winning Bula Club for Kids offers complimentary nature programming. At the end of the day, head back to your two-bedroom private bure (Fijian for "bungalow"), put the kids to bed, and unwind on a hammock or chaise overlooking the ocean.
7. Divi Aruba All Inclusive and Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives
Oranjestad, Aruba
Guests staying at either Divi Aruba or its sister resort, Tamarijn Aruba, enjoy full access to the facilities and services of both. The resorts’ all-inclusive rates cover meals and snacks at 10 different dining outposts. Rates also include access to four freshwater pools, the Sea Turtles Club for children ages four to 12 (featuring a 30-foot rock wall on the beach), non-motorized water sports and guided e-bike and snorkel tours for guests ages 12 and up.
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8. Tyler Place Family Resort
Vermont, United States
Tyler Place Family Resort takes full advantage of its location on Lake Champlain in Vermont. There are trampolines and slides in the water, and water sports rentals span paddleboats to Hobie Cats. Most activities, as well as accommodations and all meals, are covered in rates. Kids get to participate in age-specific activities in the mornings, while afternoons are meant for family time. In the evening, parents can enjoy a quiet meal alone while the kids reconvene with camp counselors and new friends.
9. Tanque Verde Ranch
Arizona, United States
Tanque Verde Ranch offers plenty of activities and kids' programming in a stunning location adjacent to Saguaro National Park. Like all of the best dude ranches, the experience is centered around horseback riding, but other activities include mountain biking, guided hikes, fishing, archery, tennis, and nature and animal programs. Luxury accommodations and three hearty meals a day are included in rates. Plus, cowboy cookouts twice a week include live music and entertainment prior to dinner.
10. The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa
Playa Conchal, Costa Rica
The eco-friendly Westin Reserva Conchal is situated on a 2,400-acre property between the rainforest and the beach on Costa Rica’s north Pacific Coast. Opt for one of the family suites that come with kid-friendly amenities (think: child-size bathrobes) plus access to the Family Club Lounge. Other family-friendly perks include the Westin Family Kids Club, freshwater swimming pools, non-motorized water sports, tennis courts, table games, and nightly entertainment. Golf, spa treatments, motorized boats, diving, and fishing are available for an additional charge.
11. Pestana Porto Santo All Inclusive
Porto Santo Island, Portugal
Pestana Porto Santo All-Inclusive is a five-star beachfront resort located on the island of Porto Santo, a secluded spot off the coast of Madeira. For the ultimate experience, splurge on the Pool Villa. Set right on the beach, it features a private pool and accommodates up to six guests. All-inclusive rates cover meals at three restaurants, plus access to a swimming pool, kids’ club and fitness center. Families can enjoy water sports, hiking, biking, fishing, and jeep tours, as well as local excursions to historic landmarks.
12. Bocawina Rainforest Resort
Hopkins, Belize
The Bocawina Rainforest Resort is located inside the boundaries of Belize’s Mayflower Bocawina National Park, an ideal location for activities such as ziplining, waterfall rappelling, horseback riding, birding, cave tubing, river paddling, jungle hiking, chocolate making, and visits to Mayan ruins. All-inclusive resort rates encompass airport transfers, accommodations, three meals per day, snacks with local Creole and Mayan flavors, an all-access pass to the national park, and unlimited onsite guided and self-led activities.
13. Emerald Maldives Resort and Spa
The Maldives
While most overwater bungalow resorts cater to adults, the five-star Emerald Maldives Resort and Spa welcomes families. Elegant villas feature separate kids’ bedrooms and baths, a private swimming pool, and either beach and garden access or an overwater deck. Meals and drinks at four distinct restaurants are included in rates, as are activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing. There's also a supervised kids’ club for children ages three to 12.
14. Pinetrees Lodge
Lord Howe Island, Australia
While a stay at Pinetrees Lodge is luxurious, the eco-forward resort places an emphasis on spending time in the great outdoors. It's located on Lord Howe Island, which limits the number of visitors to 400 people at a time, and Wi-Fi and TVs are unavailable. Instead, you can bike, hike, swim, snorkel, surf, kayak and more—every day is about choosing a new adventure. Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and four-course dinners are included in rates, and cozy suites and cottages offer decks for enjoying the scenery.
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The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The 14 top picks for all-inclusive family resorts around the world
