Best family resorts for everyone
The *best* family resorts. We know parents deserve medals for daily survival, so here's the consolation prize: the ultimate family resort list that makes everyone happy. We've curated resorts where chaos meets comfort and "I'm bored" becomes extinct. See which family resorts actually deliver for everyone.
From mastering the art of being everywhere at once to having to re-learn high school math to help with homework, parents deserve more than just a vacation – they deserve a medal. But since we can’t (officially) give you that, here’s what we can give you: a getaway where “I’m bored” is enough to get a mouthful of soap! We’ve curated the ultimate list of family resorts where chaos meets comfort and everyone actually has fun – yes, even you.
Channel your inner pirate at Riu Palace Aquarelle
Ahoy sleep-deprived ‘rentals! Trade the minivan for a pirate ship at Riu Palace Aquarelle in Montego Bay. The splash park features mini-water slides and water features for kids, plus slides for big kids and grown ups at Splash Water World water park. Give those swashbucklers-to-be a taste of the real thing with complimentary catamaran rides around the coast – you’ll have to sing your own sea shanties, though, no swapsies. There’s plenty of fun for landlubbers with a packed daytime activity schedule hosted by the resort’s entertainment team, beach volleyball, therapeutic treatments at Renova Spa ($) (hey, fun looks different for everyone) and wonderful golf courses ($) nearby.
Head to the sprawling on-site water park at Royalton Splash Punta Cana
Stay just steps from the action at Royalton Splash Punta Cana Resort and Spa. The family-friendly property is located just a short shuttle ride from the beach and is next to one of the Caribbean’s largest on-site resort water parks that’ll make you completely forget about the backyard 1980s sprinkler. Conquer the Space Bowl and Black Hole slides or practice or body surf in the wave pool while the little ones splash around in their own aqua kingdom. Beyond the water wonderland, check out the arcade with VR Gaming (the only screen time they’ll even want on vacation!). Plus, activities like cooking classes, pool Olympics and water sports will have everyone too busy to ask for the Wi-Fi password.
Meet your favourite characters at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya
Ever wanted to hang out poolside with PAW Patrol or visit Bikini Bottom with SpongeBob SquarePants? OK, maybe not you but at Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Riviera Maya, your kids will be able to meet their favourite Nickelodeon™ characters without the commercial breaks! This flashy resort offers meet and greets and special appearances, including at Nickelodeon™ Place. Make sure to head to the six-acre Aqua Nick water park where you can get slimed, test out daring water slides, visit PAW Patrol Adventure Bay and explore Bikini Bottom Beach. After a day of fun in the sun, enjoy Gourmet Inclusive® dining experiences that even the pickiest of eaters will love with a delicious burger joint, oceanside Bikini Bottom Bar and Gourmet Corner, and the Nick Bistro with character-filled meals.
Build sandcastles on Cuba’s famous shores at Iberostar Daiquiri
If you want to take your family on a beach vacation without dipping into their college fund, Cuba’s got you covered at Iberostar Origin Daiquiri. Located on a breathtaking beach in Cayo Coco, it’s perfect for families with tiny humans – think gentle waves and sand soft enough to lie on all day long. The resort has an on-site kids club for ages four to 12, in addition to a separate kids pool area. While the mini-mes are busy in the club, you can snorkel the coral reef just off the resort’s beach or kayak along the calm waters. Plus, the rooms are big enough to fit your whole crew without feeling like sardines – because a vacation should feel like an escape, not a test of your patience.
