Last Updated on July 16, 2023 by Suzy McCullough
The Caribbean is an amazing holiday destination for families. Idyllic beaches, mouth-watering food, historical and educational sites and, of course, the people. Caribbean people are well known to be some of the friendliest in the world.
Many of the islands have their own distinct culture, their own authentic food and general vibe. One thing you can be sure of is that they are extremely child friendly! The stunning resorts have staff and facilities that go above and beyond to ensure younger guests are as well catered for as are adults.
There are spectacular Caribbean beaches, with their golden sands and calm, tranquil warm waters. Plus, almost every restaurant offers a child-friendly menu, thus ensuring little ones can enjoy a bit of what they like.
When choosing which island to visit it may be useful to know that some are particularly dedicated to water sports and adrenaline-fuelled activities, while others are more geared up for rest and relaxation. Let’s check out some of the best hotels for families in the Caribbean. If you click on a link in this piece, we may earn affiliate revenue.
1. The Verandah Resort & Spa – ANTIGUA
Address: Long Bay, Antigua & Barbuda
About – The Verandah Resort and Spa is located on one of the most stunning Caribbean Islands of Antigua. There are four outdoor pools, each flanked by comfortable loungers and exotic thatched umbrellas. Adults are invited to enjoy the child-free pool if they wish, for ultimate peace and tranquillity!
For those who enjoy ocean swimming, snorkelling, and scuba diving, the hotel is located on a stunning golden sandy beach with warm and typically calm waters. Back at the hotel, there is a fabulous list of daily activities to get involved in, including tennis, water sports, mini golf and volleyball. Plus, there is a hotel-run kids’ club with an adventure playground.
There are four dining options each serving a variety of international cuisine plus there are two snack bars and three bars serving refreshments. Movie and disco nights are put on for teens and while the kids are happy adults are invited to enjoy a spa treatment or two.
2. Margaritaville Beach Resort – BAHAMAS
Address: 2 Bay St, Nassau, Bahamas
About – The Margaritaville Beach Resort boasts many superb facilities with the on-site water park with water slides being one of the most impressive. Packed with exciting slides, a lazy river, a surf-simulating wave rider, and all sorts of other cool features the whole family can have fun here.
The nearby beach is exactly what you’d expect to find in the Bahamas – with pure white sand and sparkling waters with a scattering of tropical palm trees and trendy pastel huts as the backdrop. Evening times can be spent catching up with the most recent films at the high-tech entertainment centre which features a cinema, a bowling alley and a selection of virtual reality simulators.
The restaurant choices include a steak and seafood grill, a poolside barbeque, and a pizzeria. When it comes to drinks, there are plenty of bars to pick from too.
3. Sea Breeze Beach House by Ocean Hotels – BARBADOS
Address: 3C8V+8P8, Maxwell Coast Rd, Maxwell, Barbados
About – The Sea Breeze House by Ocean Hotels in Maxwell delivers everything you would expect from a Barbados beach holiday. Positioned on a peaceful stretch of sand on the popular Maxwell Beach with stunning blue waters, the property itself is flanked by tropical gardens speckled with palm trees and brightly coloured flowers.
Based here you are only a five-minute taxi ride away from lively St Lawrence Gap which is the spot for bars, restaurants and nightclubs. There are three pools at Sea Breeze House, all boasting stunning, far-reaching sea views and one of them is exclusively for the use of adults.
The large family pool has a poolside bar which serves snacks and drinks throughout the day. When it comes to dinner time there are four restaurants to choose from, as well as private dining experiences and a chef’s tasting menu. There is a club for younger kids and also one for older kids. You can take part in beach volleyball twice a week plus snorkelling, non-motorised watersports and more.
4. Iberostar Varadero – CUBA
Address: 5RWQ+WPV Sector Punta Hicacos, Crta Las Morlas KM 17 1/2, Varadero, Cuba
About – Iberostar hotel chain is an expert when it comes to family-friendly resorts and the Iberostar Varadero is no exception. Beachside, with three super-size pools, a splash pad and an excellent entertainment programme this hotel is a great option for your holiday under the Cuban sun.
You can spend your days learning salsa moves, playing beach volleyball or taking part in water polo competitions! Evening live entertainment includes live music, dance shows and magic shows. While younger kids are busy at the activity-packed Children’s Clubs, adults can unwind and treat themselves to some pampering at the spa.
There is a fabulous variety of flavours on offer and an impressive range of international favourites at the buffet. If you’re looking for poolside snacks, then there is a place serving pizzas and burgers. The trio of à la carte restaurants, meanwhile, serve mouth-watering seafood, Japanese and Mediterranean cuisine. There are lovely and spacious rooms,
5. Melia Internacional Varadero – CUBA
Address: 5Q55+FW, Km 1 Avenida Las Americas, Varadero 42200, Cuba
About – The Melia International Varadero lounges on a stunning golden sandy beach certainly one of the most beautiful beaches on the coast of Cuba. The hotel itself has a very impressive five pools. One is a rather glamorous infinity number, and there is also one pool dedicated to family games and activities. Plus there is an exclusive adult relaxation pool. You can make use of their tennis courts and other sports activities are available.
On dry land, the kids are invited to join in the fun at the Children’s Club, and whilst the little ones are happy, grown-ups can pamper themselves with a treatment or two at the spa. Down on the beach, there is a water sports centre which gives everyone the opportunity to join in with some adrenaline-fuelled water-based activities such as jet skiing, scuba diving and boating.
It is the perfect place from a dining point of view, there are seven à la carte restaurants to choose from here – including a Tex Mex place, an Asian and a superb place serving local delicacies. It is one of the best all inclusive resorts with three meals a day included plus selected drinks and snacks at set times.
6. Ocean El Faro – DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Address: Carr. Uvero Alto, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
About – Located in the Punta Cana area of the Dominican Republic the Ocean El Faro is a great family-friendly resort packed full of facilities and activities. There are three super-size pools. A cosy indoor pool can be found at the luxury spa, and there is a very cool lazy river that connects the outdoor pools. Plus, there is a kids’ splash pool ideal for little ones.
On dryland, all members of the family will love spending time at the bowling alley and there are various age-relevant Children’s Clubs too, which offer all sorts of fun things to do including arts, crafts and sports. While the kids are busy adults can make the most of the peace and head on over to the spa which offers an extensive range of treatments.
This hotel has a big selection of restaurants which cover all types of cuisine, from American to Italian. There’s just as much variety when it comes to bars with ten to visit.
7. Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana – DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Address: FHFX+C7M, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
About – The Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana hotel enjoys a glorious position along Cap Cana’s coastline, right next to Juanillo Beach. The beach is a stunning stretch of white sand and blue sparkling waters flanked by tall, swaying palms.
The aquatic fun park, Scape Park is just a 10 minutes drive away from the resort and is a super fun day out for all the family. Back at Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana, the entertainment village boasts an action-packed schedule of live music, sports and buzzing bars and eateries.
For a more relaxing environment, adults are invited to spend some time at the tropical-themed spa that offers a whole variety of treatments including facials, manicures and massages. The selection of restaurants includes an Italian trattoria, a steakhouse and a restaurant that’s set up like a marketplace. It is a great all inclusive family resorts option.
8. Royalton Grenada – GRENADA
Address: Magazine Beach Point Salines, St George’s, Grenada
About – The Royalton Grenada is a luxurious resort that has a superb choice of accommodation for families holidaying in Grenada. Here guests can enjoy a state-of-the-art spa with an extensive menu of treatments, plus four excellent restaurants and two pools.
The first large family pool is ideal for games and swimming while the second is more of a splash zone, ideal for younger guests. Going back to the restaurants, there is an international buffet which serves cuisine from all over the globe and there is also an Italian, an Indian and a French restaurant.
For those who like to stay active on holiday, there are all sorts of sporting facilities as well as a boot camp class held on the beach every morning. Guests also have the option of joining the Diamond Club which entitles you to all sorts of bonuses including access to the beach’s exclusive sections.
9. Royalton Negril, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – JAMAICA
in Jamaica is one of the best Caribbean resorts, placed right on a glorious white sandy beach. From here you can arrange to hop on a boat and sail out into the ocean to explore the magnificent offshore reef, ideal for swimming and snorkelling and the perfect spot to observe the local marine life.
Back on dryland, a short car ride from the hotel brings you to Negril’s buzzing West End, which is packed full of clubs and bars. Back at the hotel, the guest rooms are chic, modern and well-equipped. Younger guests will love spending time at the brand-new splash park and they will also have fun at the Children’s Clubs and the teen hangout perfect for your next family trip.
The main pool is a rectangular number and has a modern outdoor terrace surrounding it, too. There is even a swim-up bar on-site. While the kids are happy, adults can pamper themselves at the state-of-the-art spa which provides a super variety of treatments. Food wise there is an International Buffet, plus a Mexican, an Italian and a Japanese.
10. Coconut Bay Resort & Spa – SAINT LUCIA
Address: 000, Vieux Fort Lighthouse, St. Lucia, St Lucia
About – The Coconut Bay Resort and Spa in St Lucia boasts its own mile-long beach, just idyllic for long, lazy days making memories on the sand or in the water, swimming and snorkelling. The beach is lined with palm trees, loungers and umbrellas perfect for kids of all ages. There is also a water sports centre, making it one of the best places for those who like to try new things and keep busy.
At the hotel itself there are an impressive nine restaurants and seven bars, and outside you can enjoy fun and games in the five outdoor pools. It is a perfect place for your next family vacation. Young kids can let off steam at the splash zone.
You can try activities like paintballing, tennis and dancing. Over at the spa, you can opt for a full-body pampering session. It’s got a gym too, where you can either follow your own programme or book a workout class with a trainer.
Please conduct your own research through reviews and the company’s websites with regard to the facilities, the rooms and the upkeep of the above hotels. The above information is for reference only. Please also check their cancellation policies with regard to any current travel restrictions.
