The family friendly all-inclusive

I sell many different destinations and lifestyles, but by far the most popular remains the family friendly all-inclusive tropical beach resort.  Here’s a basic overview for those considering an all-inclusive stay for the first time.


All-inclusives are so-named because your stay includes meals, drinks, snacks, onsite activities and entertainment.  Depending on the resort, it may also include some offsite activities (such as golf or scuba) or tours, a kids’ club, and 24 hour room service.  And in the top-of-the-line resorts and categories you can find butler services.

There are family-friendly resorts where there are kids’ clubs, kiddie pools, and special activities and amenities just for kids.  Some resorts such as Azul and Club Med even offer baby programs at select locations.
The great thing about a family friendly all-inclusive is that the resort is designed for everyone to enjoy their stay at the property.  That doesn’t mean you can’t go offsite to shop or take a tour (or two or three).  But it is nice to know that you can stay onsite and not be bored.

Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort

 You’ll find family-friendly all-inclusives at many top beach destinations:

  • Playa del Carmen/Riviera Maya Mexico
  • Cancun’s Hotel Zone
  • Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
  • Cabo, Mexico
  • Cozumel, Mexico
  • Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
  • Jamaica
  • Turks/Caicos
  • Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast
  • Aruba
  • St. Lucia

​Some of my favorite resort brands for families include Dreams, Beaches, Azul, Now, Palace, Hard Rock, Barcelo, and Paradisus.

Barcelo Bavaro Palace Resort


Hawaii and Tahiti do not offer any all-inclusive resorts (family friendly or otherwise).  Fiji does offer some resorts that include meals and select activities, but they are not true all-inclusives.  

Family friendly resorts are also great options for group gatherings or destination weddings with families attending. Many of the 4 and 5 star resorts have onsite wedding coordinators and event planners for your special event needs.

Resort quality can range from a moderate 3 star to a luxury 5 star, and sizes from small boutique to some of the mega campus styles found in Punta Cana.  Most popular is something in the middle:  4 star upscale, and mid to large in size.

~Happy Travels! Cindy Grant, travel consultant with Expert Family Travel.  Located in the Dallas Fort Worth metro area (Texas) Near Frisco, Plano, Little Elm, and The Colony.  972-625-6200.  [email protected]