Mom Knows Best: These Are The 6 Best All-Inclusive Family Resorts

What started as a spring break nightmare turned into one of the best trips ever thanks to finding the all-inclusive The Grand at Moon Palace. Word of mouth brought us to the resort in the first place and now I can happily report that it’s my favourite all-inclusive resort I’ve stayed at to date.

Our three kids, ages 5 through 10, were in heaven at Moon Palace. Resort staff brought bathrobes for the kids and their mini-fridge was stocked with juice boxes and fun, kid-friendly treats. From made-to-order omelets in the morning to brick-oven pizza at lunch and sushi in the evenings, there was something for every palate, including our daughter who has a gluten allergy.

The spa at The Grand is immense, and everything is state of the art. There’s a hydrotherapy pool with various features to help with soothing sore muscles. The pool features numerous activities for kids, and our little ones loved ordering their own pool-side drinks.

You can also sign up for off-site tours. We took a glass bottom boat excursion through the coral reef and there were plenty of options for snorkelling tours as well. Over on the beach, there were giant hamster balls to roll in, and a wave-simulator to “surf” on. Suffice it to say our family would go back in a heartbeat!

A luxury all-inclusive, family and foodie-friendly resort awaits you at the Grand Velas Riviera Maya. It’s an oasis sure to wow you, the kids, and the extended family. I knew I was on vacation the moment we arrived, seeing the stunning views as the road meandered through the jungles of the Yucatan leading into the secluded paradise that I was lucky enough to call home for a few days. If you’re looking for family adventures, delicious meals, a bit of romance and relaxation, look no further. I have yet to stay at another all-inclusive resort that offers the same luxurious experiences.

Enjoy the main pool with the kids while sipping on delicious cocktails (included!). Find your paradise on the beach, staring into the turquoise seas, or find a quiet, beautiful pool surrounded by the green jungles and let the natural harmony of nature and luxury take over.

Somehow all that relaxing made us hungry. We were impressed with the delicious and decadent food options. Morning to night the food was lovingly made with fresh ingredients to appease even the pickiest of eaters. And trust me, travelling with two kids ages 7 and 10 always puts the food options to the test. In the evenings we chose a different restaurant each night so we could try them all — French, Italian, Asian Fusion, and Mexican. Each one provided a lovely setting matched by wonderful service and food.

In the mornings, we often opted for room service (also included). Eating on our balcony was a great way to start the day. Travelling with a baby? No worries; ask about their baby concierge services.

Our stay at the Grand Bahia Principe Jamaica all-inclusive resort in Runaway Bay, Jamaica was one of the best family vacations we’ve ever had. We chose the Bahia Principe because of the affordable rooms, complimentary cocktails, the varied cuisine (Jamaican, Italian, French, and Japanese), and the activities for the family.

On our first day there we spoke to the concierge and they set up our dinner reservations for the rest of the week, so that was one less thing we had to worry about. We ate most of our lunches at The Snack Bar on the resort because the food there had traditional Jamaican dishes, such as jerk chicken and tons of fresh seafood.

The Kids Club was a lifesaver for us. We could drop our kids off and go get a couple of drinks and spend a little alone time together. My kids had so much fun with the fishing, bracelet-making, and cooking classes at the Kids Club that they wanted to go every day.

After dinner, guests are treated to different entertainment options. My kids loved the Michael Jackson show, but a family favourite was on the first night when they had a bonfire and the kids were able to roast marshmallows.

Want your family to feel like rock ‘n’ roll royalty? Head to the luxurious Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana for an all-inclusive experience that has amenities, food options, and activities to suit travellers of every age.

Families of all sizes will love the accommodation options (it has some of the best selection in the Caribbean, in my opinion), with one to three bedroom suites with generous living spaces outfitted with indulgences to make you feel like you’re living that rockstar lifestyle. From a well-stocked mini bar to Xbox gaming, large flat-screen TVs, and special surprises for birthdays, anniversaries and honeymoons, the details are what make this resort.

The dining options are extensive, with nine restaurants plus food stations and quick service dining throughout the resort, meaning even the pickiest eaters in the family will be satisfied. And don’t underestimate the smaller eateries – the stone-baked pizza from Pizzeto is phenomenal.

The menu of amenities and activities will keep every member of your crew happy. To name a few, 13 pools, a kids’ waterpark, a Vegas-style Casino, a luxury-level spa, gamers’ arcade, themed activities, high-vibing nightlife, an expanding kids club (ages 4-12 years), and a Nicklaus-designed golf course; all set along a vast, scenic stretch of beach. Even better, for 2018, the addition of Woodward Punta Cana offers a chance to snowboard and ski. That’s on top of the existing skate and BMX park, hip-hop dance program, trampoline, Digital Media Camp, and more.

Other family-friendly perks include hop-on, hop-off tram service with convenient stops to navigate this enormous resort (and room for strollers), restrooms are plentiful, there’s access to complimentary beach toys for each child, and resort credit to keep off-site excursions budget-friendly.

Ever since AULANI A Disney Resort and Spa opened in Kapolei, Hawaii, my husband and I had been dreaming of taking our daughters there for a memorable family vacation. In May of 2018, we were finally able to make our dream come true. We stayed at Aulani for seven amazing days and every single day was a magical Disney adventure for our ohana.

Our daughters (ages six and eight) absolutely adored the stunning pools, water slides, playground, and splash areas. Then there’s the beach with dazzling views just steps away from the pools.

Guests of Aulani are able to rent beach toys, boogie boards, life jackets, and umbrellas for free. This was such a blessing for us because we didn’t have to lug our kids’ belongings around like we normally do when we go to the water parks and beaches at home. As a parent, I felt at ease with the many lifeguards keeping a watchful eye out for everyone and also for the numerous ice cold water stations that I’m certain saves guests from dehydration.

On the culinary side, there are a wide variety of restaurants at Aulani, ranging from high end to Disney character buffets and quick service. When my husband and I wanted some alone time, we took advantage of Aunty’s Beach House, which is hands down the absolute best kids club. They do activities and crafts with the children there, as well as provide the children with free time to play outside, play dress-up, play on the iPad or computer, play board games, and the list goes on.

At the end of the day, it’s next to impossible to complain about a place as top-notch as Aulani. All of the staff we encountered were incredibly kind and we couldn’t have had a more magical vacation.

Parents looking for a luxury all-inclusive vacation will love the Family Emotion Program at Marival Residences Luxury Resort in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, a few minutes from Puerto Vallarta. The Family Emotion Program comes with your own personal concierge to help organize your stay, and the accommodation is in airy two or three bedroom suites.

To make your stay easier, there’s a large welcome basket, a full-size fridge with complimentary drinks and snacks, sunscreen and beach essentials, plus your choice of beach and pool toys. All meals and drinks are included, and Executive Chef Alfredo Jimenez makes sure that there are kid-friendly options at the five on-site restaurants, the VIP beach club snack bar, room service and poolside service. Parents can even order a fully prepared picnic delivered to the beach or by the pool.

To keep the family busy, visit the playground, grab a free bike rental, or enjoy free off-site activities, like snorkelling or zip lining. For active families, the hotel has a long stretch of beach and swimming pools. Looking for some adults-only time? There are up to eight hours of childcare included during your stay, and a nine-to-five Kids Club.

An especially thoughtful touch from Marival is the complimentary professional photo shoot, so you can preserve those previous family vacation memories.