There are lots of benefits to having a large family. But when it comes to family vacation ideas, there are definitely some drawbacks, too. Namely,where will everyone sleep? Putting five or more people in a standard hotel room is a recipe for disaster. And who wants to split up into multiple rooms? That scenario doesn’t exactly lend itself to making memories, and it can get pricey, too.
The Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Families of 5 or More
If you have a big family, you want an all-inclusive resort that actually caters to large families. That means resorts with plenty of activities for large multigenerational families and people of all ages.Here are the top all-inclusive resorts where you’ll have the space you need and the amenities you want for a fun-filled holiday at the best family vacation spots in the U.S. and abroad.
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1. The Fives Beach Hotel and Residences – Playa del Carmen, Mexico
The Fives Beach Hotel and Residences, located on a beautiful Mexican beach, has everything you’ll need for a tropical family vacation. Two- and three-bedroom suites offer space for everyone, and in-room kitchens give flexibility and convenience.
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The inclusive resort offers flexible meal plans and menu options designed with kiddos in mind. Plus, there’s a kid’s club for children between four and 12 years old, gear for water sports, shuffleboard and tennis courts, nightly entertainment, and multiple pools. Familieswith babies won’t have to lug all the extras along, either,sinceThe Fives provides baby monitors, bottle warmers, strollers, and baby food.
An added bonus: The kids will love watching the resort’s resident monkeys swinging from tree to tree.
2. C Lazy U Luxury Dude Ranch – Granby, Colorado
Enjoy gourmet meals after a day of hiking, biking, skiing, horseback riding, or fly fishing. With a variety of cabins that can accommodate anywhere from two to 11 people,C Lazy ULuxury Dude Ranch offers a space that’s right for families both large and small.
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One of the best dude ranches for families in North America, the resort’s “family season” runs from June to August. Families eat breakfast and dinner together, then the kids go off to have funwith their camp counselors, leaving the adults free to enjoy outdoor activities, the spa, and lunch. At night, live entertainment and s’mores by the campfire makes provide all the ingredients for an unforgettable family trip.
3. Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa – Vieux Fort, St. Lucia
Home to the largest water park in St. Lucia, Splash Water Park, theCoconut Bay Beach Resort and Spais the perfect spot for an all-inclusive family vacation. The Splash Wing of the resort caters to families, while the Harmony Wing is strictly adults-only.
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Adjoining rooms sleep up to six and feature sitting rooms, sleeper sofas, and private balconies. Kids will love the whimsical play area, Cocoland, which has a petting zoo, zip line, paintball, and a kids’ club. Adultswill enjoy fitness classes, themed nights, and unlimited food and drink. Plus, the resort offers free airport transfers.
4. Beaches Turks and Caicos – Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
Villas atBeaches Turks and Caicoscan accommodate 14 people, so if you have a large family group, this is the place to be. Multi-bedroom villas have fully equipped kitchens as well as butler service. Don’t need a villa? Suites can also sleep multiple guests.
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The resortoffers kids’ clubs geared to specific age groups as well as an Xbox lounge,golf and scuba diving lessons, and loads of dining options. Younger kids will enjoy the Sesame Street characters who roam the property. It’s a win-win for everyone!(Read our full Beaches Turks and Caicos review.)
5. Melia Caribe Tropical – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
You’ll never feel crowded in the pool atMelia Caribe Tropical, because this all-inclusive resort has nine of them to choose from! You’ll also be able to stretch your legs in the Family Junior Suite. A king bed, two twins, anda sleeper sofa give big families a place for everyone to rest comfortably after a day of fun in the sun.
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You’ll also find children’s bath tools, a step stool, extra drawers and beach toys in the suite. On the property, enjoy myriad dining options, craft workshops, rock climbing, and a zipline. Kids of ages will have a blast here.
6. Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana –Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Designed with kids in mind, Nickelodeon Hotel and Resorts Punta Canahas a two-story slide into a ball pit, slime-making classes, and a water park, what kid wouldn’t have a blast at this all-inclusive resort?
Family groups have the option to stay in a suite or villa. Suites accommodate up to five people, and some have direct access to a swimming pool. Two-bedroom villas sleep up to six and feature a private pool and butler. With loads of family friendly amenities, what’s not to love?
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The similarly themed Nickelodeon Hotel and Resorts Riviera Maya brings the same kinds of thrills to families staying in Playa del Carmen. Head there for spacious swim-up oceanfront suites and one of the biggest outdoor water parks in Mexico.
7. Woodloch Pines Resort –Hawley, Pennsylvania
Rejuvenate your mind and body at the all-inclusive Woodloch Pines Resort in the Pocono Mountains. For big families, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained, including pools, bumper boats, mini golf, water skiing, seasonal snow tubing, and archery.Adults will enjoy the resort’s spa and social activities, theater and comedy acts, wine tastings, art classes and other special excursions.
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From traditional hotel rooms to five-bedroom houses, WoodlochPines offers a wide range of accommodations that are good for larger family groups. You can opt for an inclusive meal plan or select a la carte meals.
8. Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake – South Casco, Maine
With 35 lakefront cottages and a lodge offering multiple styles of rooms,Migis Lodgeon Maine’s Sebago Lake is the perfect spot for a family vacation. Enjoy sailing, exploring the resort’s private island, water skiing, or just watching the sun sink over the lake.
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Kids’ and teens’ camps areoffered, as is a nightly meal service for children, complete with supervised activities. Babysitting services are also available for when parents want to pop into the wellness center for a massage. Dinner is something of an affair at Migis, so plan to bringappropriate evening attire for the meal.
9. Binniguenda All Inclusive – Huatulco, Mexico
Looking for a smaller, boutique atmosphere?Binniguenda All Inclusiveon Mexico’s Pacific Coast is for you. The resort features 77 rooms and personalized service at inclusive rates. The resort’s master suites can sleep up to six people comfortably. The junior suite has a king and adouble bed; the master suite has a king and two doubles.
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The best part for the kids are the activities and playground.A refreshing pool, ping-pong table, and kids’club make this resort memorable. And kids from ages four to nine will love the kids-only pool, complete with kid-sized lounge chairs.
10. Moon Palace The Grand – Cancun, Mexico
Kid-sized slippers and robes. A mini-fridge stocked with chocolate milkshakes. Room for six to sleep comfortably. What more could a big family want on vacation? How about balmy breezes, all-inclusive food and drinks, a water park, spa, and golf.
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Moon PalaceThe Grand in Cancun has all that and then some. There’s an adults-only pool with swim-up bar, a water park, a game room, and non-motorized water sports. The staff will also be happy to arrange an excursion to see some of the interesting sites in the Yucatan.
11. Marival DistinctLuxury Residences – Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico
Spread out in style in two- or three-bedroom villas at theMarival Distinct Luxury Residences, where a kids club runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and is staffed by professional counselors. Kids are also free to participate in activities at the nearby sister resort, Marival Emotions and Suites.
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Adults will enjoy the spa, a chance to tool around on a beach cruiser, and unlimited golf at theFlamingos Championship golfcourse. Plus, there are five different restaurants to dine at, each with its own distinct flavor.
12. Small Hope Bay Lodge – Andros Town, Bahamas
Large families looking to enjoy nature flock to Small Hope Bay Lodgein the Bahamas. While not as luxurious as some of the other resorts on this list, itisextremely family-friendly, where complimentary babysitting and free extra cots and cribs come standard with any stay.
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The resort boasts a game room, a young ranger program, and several two-bedroom cottages situated right on the beach. Located on the third-largest barrier reef in the world, at Small Hope Bay Lodge you can enjoy snorkeling, fishing, paddleboarding, and diving, among other activities. Guest rooms were constructed using hardy Andros pine trees and local coral rock. Your kids may come away as budding naturalists!
More from FamilyVacationist:
- 10 Best Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean
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FAQs
What is the best website to book all-inclusive? ›
- All Inclusive Outlet.
- Expedia.
- American Airlines Vacations.
- Kayak.
- Funjet Vacations.
- Hotels.com.
- Orbitz.
- All-Inclusive Vacation Package Price Comparisons.
Yes, it is worth it to go to an all-inclusive resort, as long as you do your homework. Know what is included ahead of time. Make some kind of plan as to what activities you want to enjoy, and do those activities as they (and the free drinks) are what make spending the extra cash worth it.
What part of Jamaica is best for families? ›Negril is the place to be if you're looking for the best family-friendly beaches. Older kids will love the waterfalls, Blue Hole, White River tubing and Mystic Mountain adventure park near Ocho Rios, which is a good option for a more active vacation with the kids.
What is a good price for all-inclusive resort? ›All-inclusive prices range from around $150 to $430 per night, but vacationers can typically score a standard room for less than $300 nightly.
How far in advance should you book an all inclusive vacation? ›Early or late: Either book very early (nine months or more in advance, especially if you want to stay during peak seasons like Christmas and New Year's) or take a chance on last-minute deals.
Is it cheaper to book a vacation package? ›Package Deals Typically Are Good Deals
Those bundles are almost always a better price, or they offer some additional perk that booking a la carte wouldn't offer.”
This is possible because when you pay for your vacation package, often this includes everything from flights and airport transfer, to luxury accommodation, meals, and entertainment. All-inclusive means different things depending upon where you go.
What's the difference between all-inclusive and all exclusive? ›Variation & Exploration. While all-inclusive resorts can sometimes feel like fishbowls, designed to keep guests in (who needs to leave when you've got beach, a pool, and a bar, right?), an all-exclusive trip is centered on getting out and experiencing your chosen destination.
How much does a vacation to Cancun cost? ›The average price of a 7-day trip to Cancun is $1,116 for a solo traveler, $2,004 for a couple, and $3,758 for a family of 4. Cancun hotels range from $25 to $525 per night with an average of $39, while most vacation rentals will cost $20 to $440 per night for the entire home.
Is Montego Bay better than Negril? ›If short airport transfers and a buzzing nightlife are important to you, Montego Bay is your pick. Looking for a more quaint and laid back destination, with some of Jamaica's best beaches? Negril is the vacation destination of your choice. You really can't go wrong with either of these dream destinations.
Is Negril better than Ocho Rios? ›
Ocho Rios also has lovely beaches like Turtle Beach and James Bond Beach. However, Negril's beaches are more developed than those in Ocho Rios. If you're looking for more of a secluded beach experience, Ocho Rios is the better choice. However, if you want more of a party atmosphere, then Negril is the way to go!
Is Montego Bay or Ocho Rios better? ›Conclusion: Both areas of the island are beautiful and are well suited for a relaxing vacation. Montego Bay is better for families with children and for those who don't plan to explore the island much. Ocho Rios is better for young adults, adventure seekers, and people who don't have children.