Destinations Mexico 19 Best All-inclusive Resorts for Families From dude ranches in the U.S. to beachfront properties in the Caribbean and Mexico, these are the best all-inclusive resorts for families around the world. By Evie Carrick Evie Carrick Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on December 15, 2023 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Courtesy of Sandos Hotels & Resorts Vacations are meant to take you away from the demands of daily life so you can relax and reset — but that's almost impossible when the kids are begging for an expensive excursion and you're already over budget. If you want a truly carefree vacation, it's best to pay upfront for an all-inclusive family resort so your crew can enjoy all the food, drinks, entertainment, and activities you want, worry free. At an all-inclusive resort, it won't matter if you order another round of drinks or your kids can't seem to get their fill of the water park — it's already been paid for. The result is less stress and more quality family time. The best part is that all-inclusive family resorts can be found all over the world. Whether you picture your family sprawled out in a cabana on a white-sand beach or taking in the sunset by horseback under the big Montana sky, there's a top-notch all-inclusive resort waiting to welcome you. To get you started, here are the best all-inclusive resorts for families from Kenya to Vermont to Turks and Caicos. Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana, Dominican Republic Courtesy of Hyatt This property on the shores of Cap Cana's Juanillo Beach is a wonderful tropical getaway with incredible amenities and a great option for those who want an all-inclusive Caribbean resort for families. Kids will love the water park — complete with lazy river and slides — while adults can explore the resort's sprawling infinity pools and swim-up bars. Guests also have access to the adults-only Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, the Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana's sibling property, making the resort perfect for groups with a range of ages and interests or multi-generational families. "I was super impressed from the moment I entered the property's expansive lobby, with its lush greenery hanging overhead and bamboo-lined ceilings," Brad Japhe, T+L contributor, said. "My suite was just as dazzling; sleekly appointed with local cultural accents, unobstructed in its seaside panorama. I enjoyed more of the same from the pools and hot tubs, seated at the edge of the playa. There are several dining options on property, including the beachside Chinola. I found the best dishes at El Mercado, where a daily buffet focuses on Caribbean flavors." Included in one, flat all-inclusive rate are unlimited food and drink at the property's 13 venues (including top-shelf liquor and wine), all non-motorized water sports, and dedicated beach butlers ready to refill that cocktail or drop by another round of chips and salsa. Bluefields Bay, Jamaica Courtesy of Bluefields Bay Villas This resort invites families to experience the island's less-visited South Coast. The all-inclusive property delivers spacious villa accommodations and plenty of family-friendly bonuses — like a 24-hour butler, a chef, and private pool and beach access. If that isn't enticing enough, what about up to nine hours of daily child or adult care? At Bluefields Bay, it's all included under the all-inclusive rate. "First opened nearly 40 years ago by an American couple, the all-inclusive property features six luxury villas ranging from two to six bedrooms," Kristin Braswell, T+L contributor, reported after a stay with friends last year. "Much of the staff first hired decades ago still remains, a testament to the welcoming energy of the property. My group’s home was the four-bedroom Hermitage Villa, situated on a hilltop suspended over a jungly mountainside that framed the Caribbean Ocean below. Ahead of arrival, we were sent menu options for our stay what would be prepared by an in-villa chef. During our stay, we feasted on lionfish in curry sauce, citrusy ceviche, tender oxtails, plates of fiery jerk chicken by the pool, and of course, rum punch. Though we barely left our villa, below, a beachside staff was available to pour drinks, set up kayaking, paddleboarding, and other water sports, or just to share a little bit more about their beloved Jamaica." T+L Backpack Quiz Beaches Turks and Caicos, Turks and Caicos Courtesy of Beaches Turks & Caicos If you're looking for a beachy, Caribbean experience, head to this all-inclusive resort. Kids will be entertained for hours in the water park’s 650-foot lazy river, water cannons, and surfing simulator, while adults can enjoy resting along the 12-mile beach or in their private villa with butler service. "My kids often ask when we will return to Beaches Turks & Caicos, a family favorite trip we took in April 2022," said Erinne Magee, a T+L contributor. "It’s no wonder they continue to relive our experience. With a mother-daughter scuba course, and Cookie Monster visiting our two-bedroom townhouse suite to wish our 5-year-old goodnight, the vacation was a dream." Included in the rate is unlimited food and drinks (with snacks and premium liquor), a well-stocked mini bar, kids camp, airport transfers, and activities like PADI-Certified scuba diving and daily live entertainment. Plus, you can bundle your flights with your stay and save (they offer nonstop flights from major cities like New York, Boston, and Miami). Magee noted that in addition to "bouncing between the waterpark, 10 pools, and the crystal-clear ocean, another highlight was volunteering with the property’s nonprofit, The Sandals Foundation, where our family of four visited a local elementary school to read books and interact with the kids." How to Plan an Unforgettable Trip to Turks and Caicos, Including Where to Stay, What to Eat, and Things to Do C Lazy U Ranch, Colorado Courtesy of C Lazy U Ranch This year-round resort in Colorado's Rocky Mountains has welcomed families to its dude-ranch style property for over 100 years. Here, you can escape the grind of daily life on a lengthy trail ride or hole up in your cozy cabin at the end of a long day under the bright Colorado sun. Included in your stay at C Lazy U Ranch are three daily gourmet meals (think dry-aged ribeye, fresh trout, and homemade bread) and enough activities to make your head spin — you can join a trail ride, go fishing, visit the spa, or play tennis. In winter, activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating are added to the agenda. The Ultimate All-inclusive Resort Packing List Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa, St. Lucia Courtesy of Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa It doesn't matter if you imagine chasing your kids up and down endless water slides or relaxing in an adults-only oasis — you can have both at this two-in-one all-inclusive resort. The island's largest water park provides endless fun, while the adults-only wing delivers peace and quiet. The property is located on 85 acres along St. Lucia's south coast and provides guests with all-inclusive access to the property's nine restaurants and seven bars (including top-shelf liquor), nightly entertainment, and activities that range from dance class and yoga to paintball and kayaking. Woodloch Resort, Pennsylvania Woodloch Resort Consistently rated as one of America's top all-inclusive family resorts, this Poconos property has been family-owned since 1958. The all-season resort is nestled on a mountain lake, and delivers fun for the whole family — including more than 30 activities scheduled daily, a giant rock climbing wall, indoor and outdoor pools, water sports, and nightly entertainment. Finding an affordable wellness retreat that will satisfy multiple people is no easy task, but when my three college friends and I decided to go away together a few years ago in the fall of 2019, this 59-room lodge which opened in 2006 in Hawley, Pennsylvania, fulfilled all our requirements," reported T+L contributor Devorah Lev-Tov. "We could’ve easily spent the whole weekend inside the 40,000-square foot spa complex, which boasts an indoor pool with a cascading waterfall, an outdoor infinity Jacuzzi, saunas, steam rooms, and a snow room, various relaxation lounges, and 27 treatment rooms that host therapies including facials, massages, scrubs, wraps, float therapy, reflexology, and reiki. Still, we also joined some of the wellness workshops, fitness classes (we will never forget trying the rope wall yoga class), and activities like hiking, archery, kayaking, and cooking demonstrations." All bookings at the main Woodloch Resort include a daily meal plan, while guests staying at the Woodloch Springs campus can either dine around the area or add a meal plan onto their stay. Included in any Woodloch stay are daily excursions like snow tubing, fishing, water skiing, and boating. Paradisus Playa del Carmen, Mexico Courtesy of Paradisus Playa del Carmen If you're searching for an all-inclusive Mexican resort for families, this oasis set in a protected mangrove forest right on Mexico's Caribbean Sea is a great option. The giant, all-inclusive property boasts 24 restaurants and bars (some for adults only) and a water park with multiple pools and slides. The littles can spend the day in the Kids Club — with workshops, activities, and crafts — while parents enjoy a spa treatment or take a dancing class. Reservations at Paradisus Playa del Carmen include food, drinks, water sports, and entertainment, as well as activities like wine tastings and dance lessons for adults, and water park access for kids. This Coastal Destination Is Home to Some of the Most Iconic Mexico Attractions — Here's How to Plan the Perfect Trip Mohonk Mountain House, New York Courtesy of Mohonk Mountain House If you — or your kids — have ever wanted to stay in a castle, this is the property that will make your dreams come true. Founded by the Smiley family in 1869, this iconic Victorian castle property welcomes families to enjoy its farm-to-table cuisine and the 40,000 acres of forest that surround it. Every booking includes three meals a day (plus afternoon tea and cookies and a weekend brunch) and unlimited activities. In the winter, activity highlights include more than 30 miles of cross-country ski trails and ice skating in the open-air pavilion, while the warmer months are all about exploring Mohonk Lake by paddleboard or kayak. Rancho de los Caballeros, Arizona Universal Images Group via Getty Images This dude ranch sits on 20,000 acres of Arizona desert with views of the Bradshaw Mountains. With a history that dates back to 1948, this stunning property brings families together through activities like horseback riding, tennis, and guided nature programs. There's also a Kids Club where anyone 5-12 can participate in daily crafts and activities. Keep in mind that Rancho de los Caballeros isn't a one-size-fits-all destination — here, you can select the all-inclusive package that works for you. All bookings include three meals a day, but some packages come with perks like a round of golf or an activity credit you can redeem for a day of horseback riding, skeet shooting, or spa time. The ranch is closed in the summer when the temperatures spike, but the golf course and spa are open year-round. Tortuga Lodge and Gardens, Costa Rica Stephen Saks Photography / Alamy Stock Photo Everything about Tortuga Lodge and Gardens is designed to reflect the natural surroundings, so you won't find a blaring TV in your bedroom or background music in the lodge. The property sits on the Caribbean coastline in its own private nature reserve, making it a nature and adventure lover's dream destination. The Full Board rate at Tortuga Lodge includes daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner (drinks are not included) at the highly regarded Green Turtle Restaurant. If you opt in for the Tortuguero Jungle Experience Package when booking, your stay includes daily a la carte breakfast, lunch, and dinner, roundtrip boat transportation from La Pavona or Caño Blanco, and two special experiences — think boat and kayak tours, hiking trips, or a twilight tour of the private reserve. Sandos Finisterra Los Cabos, Mexico Courtesy of Sandos Hotels & Resorts Just because a property is dubbed family friendly doesn't mean it can't be modern and chic. At Sandos Finisterra, you can kick back in the luxurious spa, put up your feet on your private balcony or terrace, or enjoy a meal at one of the three on-site restaurants. All meals and drinks are included, as is the kids club and live entertainment. Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach, The Bahamas Courtesy of Viva Wyndham Resorts Nestled on the south shore of Grand Bahama Island is the Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach. In addition to 26 acres of wild nature, the all-inclusive resort has plenty of activities for the whole family, including kayaking, snorkeling, and a robust kids club. The inclusive rate also includes food and drink, entertainment, and nightly accommodations (each with its own balcony or terrace). Moon Palace Cancun, Mexico Courtesy of Moon Palace Cancun Moon Palace's elevated take on an all-inclusive offering includes 24-hour room service, top-shelf drinks, fine dining, in-room whirlpool tubs, and plenty of kid-friendly activities (for the latter, don't miss the FlowRider Double surf simulator). The resort is split into two sides — the Nizuc side offers a more tranquil feel and the Sunrise side scratches that active, lively itch. Either way, you'll have access to the entire property so you can hop around depending on your mood. The Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana Courtesy of Rock Creek Resort This upscale, all-inclusive property in Montana delivers an authentic western feel with five-star amenities. You can book a stay in a suite, luxury home, converted barn, or sleep nestled under the stars in a high-end cabin. The all-inclusive nightly rate includes farm-to-table meals, drinks, airport transfers, and two daily activities on the property's 6,600 spacious acres. Activity offerings include guided fly fishing, horseback riding, shooting sports, and sapphire mining. Lewa Safari Camp, Kenya Courtesy of Elewana Collection The Kenyan property where William and Kate stayed before he proposed treats every visitor to the all-inclusive resort like royalty. Guests stay in large tented bedrooms with verandas and en-suite bathrooms, and have access to 65,000 acres of private protected wilderness that's home to lions, leopards, zebras, and black and white rhinos. All meals and drinks (excluding Champagne, private cellar wines, and premium spirits) are covered in the all-inclusive rate, while the Game Package also includes scheduled game drives, guided walking safaris, and airport transfers. Sandpiper Bay Resort, Florida Courtesy of Trademark by Wyndham You don't have to travel to the Caribbean for a dream getaway. Located along the St. Lucie River, Sandpiper Bay Resort treats families to endless food and drinks, water and land sports, and entertainment. The resort’s family programming offers options for kids of all ages, from the Infant Club to teen club Altitude 27, so the ‘rents can enjoy their deep tissue massage in peace. Every stay includes all meals and drinks, the kids clubs, a splash water park, and activities like sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, beach volleyball, a basketball court, and pickleball. Migis Lodge at Sebago Lake, Maine Courtesy of Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake You can step away from it all at this retreat on Sebago Lake in southern Maine. The inclusive Full American Plan covers all meals and activities — except motorboats. This family-oriented retreat has its own private island, tennis courts, kayaks, sailboats, and an on-site outdoor fitness center. Family time is encouraged, but parents looking to get away for an afternoon can send their kids to the supervised programs for children. Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa, Mexico Courtesy of Dreams Riviera Cancún Resort & SPA This property sits on a white-sand beach south of Cancun in the Riviera Maya. By booking an Unlimited Luxury package, guests have access to unlimited food and drink at 15 restaurants, day and nighttime entertainment, and personal service at the pool and beach. Families can team up for a game of beach volleyball, hang by the pool, or check out one of the resort's excursions. Every room has a view (be it garden, ocean, or pool), an indoor hot tub, and a private balcony or terrace. The Tyler Place Family Resort, Vermont Courtesy of Tyler Place Family Resort The Tyler Place Family Resort has been dedicated to families for over 90 years, and it shows. The lakeside property boasts award-winning kids programs — think wilderness hikes and rock climbing — that will make your family vacation feel like summer camp. Included in your stay are all meals — plus, adult candlelight dinners — infant and toddler care, kids' programs, and what seems to be an endless number of activities — from mini golf and water trampolines to ice cream socials and kayaking trips. Just keep in mind the property is only open between late-May and early-September.