A Caribbean getaway can be the perfect way to escape routine, try new things, relax, and make lifelong memories. When there's fun for the whole family, it's even better.
Many Caribbean resorts have already welcomed back travelers of all ages with enhanced safety protocols, and more reopening dates loom on the horizon. With reservations still wide open, customers may even be able to save money on their much-needed holiday through special deals and promotions by working with a travel agent.
The Bahamas is one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean, and Atlantis, Paradise Island is one of its best-known resorts. Set to reopen before the end of 2020, families can stroll along five miles of beaches, see breathtaking marine life up close at the world’s largest open-air marine habitat, and meet dolphins and sea lions face-to-face with special interaction experiences.
At the 141-acre Aquaventure waterpark, you can shoot down high-speed water slides, go for a dip in 11 swimming pools, lounge in the quarter-mile-long lazy river, or take an adventurous float down a mile-long river ride with waves, tunnels, and surprises.
Hit the links at the oceanfront golf course, relax at the spa, or try your luck at the casino. Don't worry about the kiddos. They'll have their own fun with Atlantis Kids Adventures.
Cost: $$ | Rooms From $219
With five Caribbean resorts that both children and adults can enjoy, there’s no shortage of options when planning a trip to an all-inclusive Dreams Resorts & Spas location.
The same holds true of activities. These resorts provide unlimited dining and spirits, beach access, theme parties, swimming pools, live entertainment, land and water sports, and more. Depending on the location, you might also take Spanish or dance classes, go snorkeling, spend the day at an on-site waterpark, or play at a casino. Kids can enjoy supervised activities, like watching movies on the big screen, camping on the beach, or going on a treasure hunt.
Dreams Resorts & Spas has implemented new protocols for quality and cleanliness. Its safety and hygiene system is backed by third-party certification from Cristal International Standards, and the properties also earn the Safe Travels designation from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
Cost: $ | Rooms From $124 (Breakfast-Only Plan)
A stay at Club Med can be the indulgent escape you’ve craved. The company runs six different family-friendly all-inclusive Caribbean resorts, five of which are already open or opening soon, and three of which are located in countries open to tourists from the U.S.
Activities vary by location but typically include all-day dining, an open bar, beach access, unlimited land and water sports, a club for children, and daytime and nighttime entertainment. Whether you prefer to spend your vacation lounging on the beach, sipping a drink by the pool, perfecting your golf swing, or learning a new skill like tightroping, trapeze, scuba diving, or kitesurfing, there’s a Club Med for you.
Cost: $$$$ | Rooms From $875
Hard Rock Hotels operates three all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, each with luxurious amenities, entertaining activities, and indulgent dining.
You might play a round of golf, recharge at the spa, take a tour, and/or shop while your little ones participate in a theme day at the kids club. Depending on the day, they may snorkel, build sandcastles, or do karaoke.
Families staying at the Hard Rock Riviera Maya can also cool off at the Rockaway Bay Waterpark, which is home to eight slides for children, nine slides for children and teenagers, and six high-speed slides for teenagers and adults.
Cost: $$ | Rooms From $288
Just a glance at its name will probably be a tip-off that the Nickelodeon Resort is like a child’s dream come true. The all-inclusive destination is full of kid-friendly thrills like movies, magic shows, dance parties, musical performances, character meets, a kids program, a waterpark, and more.
What adults might not anticipate is that there’s just as much for them to enjoy. Stop by the Spa & Fitness Center for some pampering, or indulge in unlimited food and drinks. Need a break from the kids? Kitchen 23 by Le Chique is just for adults.
And yes, your family can get slimed if that’s on your bucket list.
Cost: $$$ | Rooms From $381
Located in the heart of Aruba’s bustling Palm Beach Strip, the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino is a playground for kids and adults alike. Children can participate in daily activities like jewelry making, scavenger hunts, and tie-dye, while their parents visit the casino or relax and refresh at the spa.
Families can also participate in a wide variety of exciting adventures including sightseeing tours, watersports, and more.
Each room also meets Hilton’s CleanStay standards.
Cost: $$ | Rooms From $280
Billed as an “all-fun inclusive” vacation, a stay at the Hotel Xcaret grants you access to one-of-kind adventures and experiences, including visits to seven affiliated parks and two special tours.
You and your family can go ziplining, explore cenotes and underground rivers, ride in an amphibious vehicle, enjoy a floating Mexican fiesta, visit ancient Mayan sites, and so much more. It’s the perfect destination for families interested in ecotourism.
When you’re back at the hotel, relax at the spa, indulge in Mexican cuisine, lounge on the beach, or go for a dip in one of the resort’s infinity pools.
Hotel Xcaret has developed a 360° Xafety model for hygiene and safety and has been awarded the Travel Safety Stamp by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
Cost: $$$$ | Rooms From $542.40
Some standard offerings may not be consistently available due to safety protocols and phased re-openings. That’s why it’s recommended to communicate with the resort and work with a travel advisor. They can not only talk you through your options and plan your travel, but also provide the best deals. Who knows? They may even be able to hook you up with upgrades at no extra cost.
Then it’s up to you to make the memories your family will cherish forever.