Family Places to Stay
By Charity De Souza July 12th, 2018 Family Places to Stay
Offering the perfect combination of sun-kissed beaches, outdoor adventures and amenity-packed resorts, the Caribbean is the perfect destination for a family vacation. Traveling with teens is tricky though—they’re not old enough for adults-only adventures and not quite entertained by younger kids clubs activities. That’s where these luxurious, teen-approved Caribbean resorts come in.
Boasting a wide array of teen-friendly activities, these Caribbean resorts have discovered the winning formula for ensuring the entire family has a blast. Even the pickiest of tweens will be spoiled for choice with sailing and snorkeling excursions, beach volleyball, arcade games, live entertainment and movie nights.
1
Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort
Jamaica
Courtesy of Playa Hotels & Resorts
Boredom is simply impossible at Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort in Jamaica, no matter your age. Surrounded by acres of lush landscaping, this all-inclusive family resort boasts a Lagoon Water Park, three pools and access to a pristine stretch of beach with adrenaline-pumping water sports activities. Teens are particularly cared for at the Teens Club, where organized snorkeling, photography, laser tag and sushi-making classes are available. Active teens will love the basketball, beach volleyball and nearby golf course, while the Red Ruby Ranch is perfect for activities for the whole family with Beach Olympics, glass-bottom boat rides, beach bonfires and dive-in movies.
2
Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa
Turks & Caicos
It’s hard not to be lured in by the one-of-a-kind Beaches Turks & Caicos Villages & Spa, boasting a 45,000-square-foot waterpark, five accommodation villages and a 12-mile beach fringed by bright turquoise water. Everyone in the family, from tots to teens, are catered to at this resort. Teens will find the arcade games at Trench Town and teen-appropriate nightclub and lounge a popular place to hang out, while the entire family can enjoy the lazy river, surf simulator, water cannons and water slides at the on-site water park. Indulge in unlimited scuba diving and water sports like hydrobikes and ocean kayaks or try lawn chess and croquet before catching a live storytelling performance at Voila.
3
Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort
St. Lucia
Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort
Windjammer Landing in St. Lucia has a packed calendar of events for everyone in the family, but especially teens. You’ll find a mix of themed, on-site and off-site events and daily activities such as sailing and windsurfing lessons, tube rides, karaoke and movie nights. Teens can lounge at one of the six pools or head to the private stretch of beach on Labrelotte Bay to soak up the sunshine. There’s even an oceanside ping pong table, a giant chess board and resort-wide wifi. The whole family will love the tacos, sandwiches and burgers at Embers restaurant before heading to the ice cream shack right next door. The resort’s spacious two, three and four-bedroom family villas offer ocean views, private plunge pools and plenty of space for rejuvenation.
4
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
Aruba
Nestled on the heavenly Palm Beach in Aruba, Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is an oceanfront hotel with modern guest rooms and suites. Families love the spacious accommodations with views of the ocean from private balconies and high-speed Wi-Fi that ensures your teens can brag about the impressive views to their friends. You’ll have easy access to the largest Starbucks in Aruba and Gelato & Co—treats enjoyed by all ages! Snorkel in the crystal waters right outside the hotel on world-renowned Palm Eagle Beach or if you’re looking for a day indoors, head to Paseo Herencia for shopping, movies and a nightly fireworks show. At night, arcade games and air hockey in the entertainment room show teens a good time while parents try their hand at blackjack in the Stellaris Casino.
5
Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall
Jamaica
Courtesy of Playa Hotels & Resorts
Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall in Jamaica offers an extensive list of delightful activities for families with teens, including a massive pool, eight restaurants and luxury rooms with flat-screen TVs and furnished balconies overlooking the ocean. Swim in the sparkling pool or relax on a plush lounger, then sign up for one of the resort’s daily activities like beach volleyball, bingo and shuffleboard. Play tournament-style cornhole, join the Z crew for a dance lesson and catch the nightly music and entertainment at the outdoor theater. If you’re looking for a day of adventure, head to the concierge desk to arrange boat trips, zip-lining adventures and more.
6
The Royal at Atlantis
Bahamas
Courtesy of Atlantis
Home to the iconic pink towers in the Bahamas, The Royal at Atlantis houses over 1,000 spacious rooms along a picturesque stretch of beach on Paradise Island. Book a room in the Royal Towers and you’re within walking distance to all the action, like thrills at the 141-acre Aquadventure Water Park. Teens can spend their days riding the waterslides and floating in the lazy river, while the entire family can marvel at the largest outdoor marine habitat in the world. Marine Adventure Camp is for kids ages 10-14 and Crush—a teen nightclub with pool tables, air hockey, foosball and games—is perfect for teens to mingle.
More Info
7
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Mexico
Courtesy of Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Nestled on 80 acres of mangroves with a backdrop of a postcard-perfect beach, Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Mexico offers teen-approved family accommodations. After you’ve strolled along the stunning Caribbean coast, savor local specialties at the resort’s five signature restaurants or swim in the infinity pool with poolside food and drinks. Parents will love the private whirlpools, fish pedicures and traditional Mexican treatments at one of the top spas in the world, while the Teens’ Club boasts video games like XBox Kinect, pool tables, air hockey, karaoke and teen-friendly drinks and snacks—they can even sign up for a leisurely spa day for pampering with manicures, pedicures and a hydrotherapy treatment.
8
Moon Palace Jamaica
Jamaica
Courtesy of Palace Resorts
Family-friendly Moon Palace Jamaica is a sprawling all-inclusive resort with luxurious facilities that are sure to impress the tweens in your group, and it’s just a short walk from downtown Ocho Rios. You’ll find beach-inspired Family Deluxe Rooms with balconies offering water views, four restaurants, four pools and a FlowRider surf machine that blasts out crashing waves. With unlimited access to snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing and kayaking excursions, the entire family is sure to enjoy the beach and sunshine. When teens need a break from the family, there are gaming stations, relaxation spaces and social areas in the lounge.
9
The Fives Azul Beach Resort, by Karisma
Mexico
Courtesy of Karisma Hotels & Resorts
Located just 15 minutes from downtown Playa del Carmen, The Fives Azul Beach Resort is the perfect place to travel with teens. Here you’ll find the Extreme Breeze Teens Club—1,500 square feet of non-stop entertainment both day and night. The gaming area, movie screens, fire pit, rock-climbing wall and bar that serves soda and treats offer teens a fun atmosphere to make friends and kick back. The enormous all-inclusive resort boasts bright and modern rooms with kitchenettes—making it especially family friendly. After the sun sets, dinner on the plaza, live shows and beachfront movies fill the night with memories to last a lifetime.
10
Wyndham Reef Resort Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands
Convincing your teens to stay at Wyndham Reef Resort Grand Cayman won’t be hard—its all-inclusive perks and access to outdoor adventures will be enough to reel them in. In addition to oceanfront suites and villas with beach-view balconies, you’ll also have the opportunity to glimpse sea creatures in one of the best snorkeling spots in the Caribbean. Teens can also get their PADI certification or sign up for a day of jet skiing, sailing or kitesurfing. There’s a packed calendar of daily activities on-site like bird and fish feeding and movie nights, while off-site activities include exploring underwater caves, kayaking Bioluminescent Bay and swimming with stingrays.
Tags: Caribbean, Mexico
Family Places to Stay
FAQs
Which Caribbean island is best for teenagers? ›
Best Caribbean Island for Teens: Cayman Islands
For teens, it's all about high-adrenaline activities—or just lounging by the pool. Our favorite place for both is The Cayman Islands. The Cayman Islands are a scuba diver's paradise, with more than 300 dive sites for teens old enough to dive.
1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Travel + Leisure readers know best when it comes to travel experiences around the globe. Ranking activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness and overall value, the publication's annual World's Best Awards has listed Dominica as the top island in the Caribbean.
What is the most laid back Caribbean island? ›Situated two miles from the neighboring island of St. Kitts with which it shares nation status, Nevis lays claim to being the most laid-back spot in the Caribbean.
Which Caribbean island is most kid friendly? ›Barbados. The safest and most child-friendly island in the Caribbean, Barbados is perfect for family vacations. The tourist industry is a huge part of the island's economy, so visitors of all ages are warmly welcomed by locals.
What is the best Caribbean island for a holiday? ›- ARUBA. Best for: Beach lovers and families. ...
- ST LUCIA. Best for: Adventure seekers and honeymooners. ...
- JAMAICA. Best for: Culture vultures, adventure seekers and foodies. ...
- DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. Best for: Animal lovers, culture buffs and adventure seekers. ...
- CUBA. ...
- BARBADOS.
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
- Trinidad and Tobago.
- St. Lucia.
- Grenada.
- Grand Cayman.
- Aruba.
- Anguilla.
- Cuba.
1. Turks and Caicos. Known for having the best clear water beaches in the Caribbean, Turks and Caicos are home to sparkling white sandy beaches with shimmering blue crystal clear water that laps gently at the shore. The shallows are so clear you can see the undisturbed pearly sands at many depths.
What is the safest Caribbean island? ›The safest island in the Caribbean is St. Barts. But Anguilla, the Cayman Islands, and the Virgin Islands are also comparatively safe Caribbean destinations.
What Caribbean island is the cheapest to visit? ›The Dominican Republic is probably the cheapest Caribbean island to visit if you're looking for affordable all-inclusive deals.
Which island is best to visit with kids? ›- These islands in the U.S. and Caribbean are total crowd-pleasers for the whole crew.
- Kauai's Poipu Beach.
- Atlantis resort in Nassau.
- Anna Maria Island, located on Florida's west coast near Sarasota.
- Family-friendly Grace Bay Beach in Turks & Caicos.
- Aruba's Baby Beach is a perfect spot for families.
What Caribbean islands can you go to without a passport? ›
A Caribbean vacation isn't out of reach without a passport if you stick to the U.S. Virgin Islands: St. John, St. Croix and St. Thomas.
Which is better Bahamas or Caribbean? ›While the Caribbean undoubtedly has more options as far as a destination, you can't beat the convenience of The Bahamas. No matter which itinerary you go with, you're going to see some amazing wildlife, lush vegetation and beautiful beaches.
Which is nicer Bahamas or Barbados? ›The Bahamas Or Barbados: Which Is The Better Choice? Both the Bahamas and Barbados make excellent holiday destinations, and both have gorgeous beaches and vibrant cultures. However if you're looking for more of an adventure, great nightlife, and postcard perfect beaches, then Bahamas could be the better choice.
Which Caribbean island has the best beaches? ›- Turks & Caicos.
- U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Anguilla.
- Bahamas.
- British Virgin Islands.
- Barbados.
- Cayman Islands.
- Aruba.
...
Citizenship / Residence.
It's your choice ! What is more beautiful: Bahamas or Caribbean? The Bahamas and Caribbean are both stunning destinations. Bahamas probably has the most impressive beaches, but Caribbean has a lot more diversity in its landscapes : remote beaches, volcanoes or jungle.
What is the best country in the Caribbean? ›Bottom Line: Dominican Republic. Though the competition is extremely tough, the Dominican Republic comes out on top as the best Caribbean nation island (or, rather, half-island).
Which Caribbean island is most affordable? ›The Dominican Republic is probably the cheapest Caribbean island to visit if you're looking for affordable all-inclusive deals.