…that don’t feel like family resorts at all. We scoured the internet for an obscene number of hours curating a list of the very best all inclusive resorts for families. Here is your ultimate stress-free vacation. Stays that would keep us parents AND kids in beachy all inclusive heaven. I don’t know about you, but my guess is if you’re here on our site you like your family vacation with a side of understated (affordable) luxury too :). Read- you’d rather not have a massive primary-colored pirate ship water park in the middle of your relaxing beach vacay.

So this one is for all the parents that want a little bit of both…like us :). A family-friendly all inclusive resort, that doesn’t feel like a mega family resort at all.

Here’s our criteria for the list (and most of our curated lists for that matter):

• Well rated resort (we really like to keep our stays to 4.5 stars and above…the reviews just don’t lie)
• Affordable Luxury (I mean, really, who can afford $1,500/night at the Four Seasons or drop $12k on just one vacation…who knows?!)
• Beautiful (Call me vain, or maybe I just have an appreciation for beautiful design…but I just know I’ll have a better stay if the resort isn’t covered in tacky tropical florals or a neon green headboard)
• Accessible location to keep flights affordable (we’re talking Mexico, Costa Rica, Punta Cana….not Fiji or the Maldives)

Unlimited drinks, unlimited snacks (for the kids I mean :)), unlimited room service, a place for the kids to hang out so you can sneak in a few beachside date nights. I mean sounds like straight up HEAVEN to me. Anyone else?!

See our round up below and let us know if you end up booking one of the magical places! (If you’re looking for more of a DIY beach vacation see our list of affordable, and dreamy, beachfront rentals HERE)

Finest Resorts Playa Mujeres- Mexico

Many would agree this is the hands down the best (and most chic) family-friendly all inclusive resort in Mexico. I’m not here to argue with that. Although you’ll pay a bit more for the modern beauty of this little slice of heaven, the reviews say it’s worth every penny. Finest resorts are essentially the family-friendly version of the Excellence resorts. And Excellence resorts are exactly that…EXCELLENT.

Finest Playa Mujeres is right on the beach, outfit with gorgeous minimal rooms. ALL with either a deck and large soaking tub on the deck or a swim out pool (WHOA amazing, I know). The resort has a total of 15 impeccably decorated dining options to choose from, and the reviews say for an all inclusive resort, the food is actually pretty dang good. They also have a kids club that looks like I may want to stay for an hour or two. Get this, they even have kid-friendly treatments at the Spa! “Mom and Dad can sip cocktails under a beachside thatched-roof lounge while junior gives windsurfing a whirl.”…sign me up.

I think what makes this all inclusive for families really soar above the rest is the 5-star service though. You’re going to be treated not only like royalty at Finest Playa Mujeres, but like family as well. No better combination in my mind. Check availability HERE.

The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real- Punta Cana

Located in Punta Cana of the Dominican Republic, this gorgeous resort has direct access to a private beach area. In the all inclusive world, a private beach is key, because if not you’re going to be inundated with people trying to sell you everything under the sun. Not my idea of a relaxing, stress-free beach vacation. There is also large outdoor pool with waterslides, but not a waterpark that makes you feel like you’re in a mega, tacky kids resort.

The suites at The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real and pure beach luxury chic. The rooms include private terraces and a 2-person Jacuzzi® and fully stocked mini-bars. Family suites are also an option if you prefer the kids to have their own bedrooms.

The Reserve has 11 restaurants and also offers a wide range of activities for adults and children. There is a great kids’ club, and the resort offers yoga, pilates and more for Mom and Dad. ALSO, there is also an on-site casino…which no other properties on the list offer. So if laying a bet is your thing, this might be the resort for you. Check Availability HERE.

Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort – St.Lucia

If you can find a killer deal on a flight to St.Lucia, this is the property to book for your all inclusive family vacation. The best all inclusive resorts for families are the ones that don’t feel like all inclusive resorts at all. Windjammer Landing takes the cake on this front. This property is situated in the most idyllic beachy, hillside setting on the coast of St.Lucia. Of all the options on the list the views here are by far the the most dreamy.

Windjammer Landing has a mix of ocean view rooms and spacious stand alone family villas nestled in the surrounding hills. However, all the rooms are just downright GORGEOUS and so tastefully decorated. Zero tacky all inclusive vibes at this one friends.

Theres 4 different restaurants and loads of activities and water sports. Also, the Jacquot Fun Club for your little ones so Mom and Dad can sneak in some uninterrupted time together. Although, Windjammer is one of the pricer options on the list, I think the pictures speak for themselves. Dream Vacation Bucket List FOR SURE. Check Availability HERE.

Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica

Ok, this was the resort that originally caught my attention and got me going down the best all inclusive resorts for families rabbit hole. Located in La Cruz, Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica this property is in the mountains AND on a private beach (forever and ever my favorite landscape). The area’s natural beauty can be seen at Area de Conservación Guanacaste and Santa Rosa National Park and you can actually take ecotours to explore the surrounding area.

Although Las Mareas is 1.5 hours from airport, this all Inclusive’s private beach and gorgeous mountain dotted property are very much worth the drive. Enjoy a meal at one of the property’s 7 restaurants or book a relaxing treatment at the luxury spa on site. I also love this property because ALL rooms include a balcony and large soaking tub on the deck. (Honestly is that a such a HUGE win with anyone else’s kids?!). There is a kids pool with a fun water slide, but no massive aesthetically assaulting water park in sight (yay!). Las Mareas has it all, and is at the very top of my list for affordable family luxury. Check availability HERE.

The Westin Reserva Conchal – Costa Rica

Another Costa Rica gem! The Westin Reserva Conchal, is an all inclusive eco-friendly resort in Playa Conchal, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. This property is located between the exotic forests and unspoiled beaches of the North Pacific Riviera….i.e. MAGIC. This secluded vacation spot is a perfect balance between tasteful luxury and local culture, giving you an unforgettable family vacation experience.

The all inclusive experience includes all meals, drinks, use of the fitness center and kids club. As well, the resort provides entertainment options including non motorized water sports, daily activities and nightly events. I like that the Westin Conchal also offers an adult only experience at the Royal Beach Club where guests can have access to a kid-free private pool with concierge service.

If you’ve got a golfer in the family, this is the resort to book- the challenging 18-hole, par 71 Robert Trent Jones Golf Course is sure to be a highlight of your trip. There are 8 restaurants and a bar on sight that are just as beautiful as they are delicious. Note, all restaurants do require dinner reservations at this one though! Check availability for the Conchal HERE.

Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa – Mexico

Now, “Amber Vallarta Bay” (formerly part of the Dreams network) this is a fantastic option if you don’t want to splurge on your all inclusive family beach vacation. Although, this is one of the larger resorts on the list, it still hits all of our criteria for one of the best all inclusive resorts for families. Dreams Amber Resort & Spa features 327 spacious suites featuring ocean views, as well as ground floor suites with direct swim out access to a pool from a private terrace.

There is an open-air lobby on the third floor boasting bay and mountain views, perfect for watching sunsets and live nightly entertainment. This property is also situated in the heart of Puerto Vallarta and only five minutes from the exciting “El Malecon.” This popular boardwalk is parallel to the beach offering popular shops, restaurants, and bars. There are 7 dining options, including four à la carte restaurants, a buffet, a grill and a café. Th 5 bars serve premium brand domestic and international favorites ranging from swim-up to a nightly music lounge.

The unique dinosaur-themed Explorer’s Club for Kids ages 3-12 gets rave reviews from guests. And that’s the beauty of an all inclusive right?! A little bit of a family time, a little bit of uninterrupted adult time while the kids go off and play. (at no additional charge :)) Check availability for this property HERE.

Barcelo Maya Caribe – Mexico

Ok so this is the most “mega resort” I’d say of all the family all inclusive resorts on the list. BUT I went ahead and included it because of the high reviews combined with the cost and value of the property.

The Barcelo facilities, inspired by Mayan architecture, were fully remodeled in 2014. If booking the Premium Level option, it provides extra luxury and exclusivity. The Premium Level rooms, boast wonderful views, and include direct access to the swimming pool and the facilities and services of Barceló Maya Palace.

The cuisine options include 5 restaurants: a grill-style, an à la carte, and a buffet restaurant. And then there’s the possibility of enjoying brunch or a snack in the pool area (the best during the day with kids pool-side IMO). Parents can relax in the U-Spa on property, while the kids stay entertained at the new Pirates Island Water Park. (don’t worry this one looks pretty cute actually) In addition, there’s even a 18-hole mini-golf course and dolphinarium on site…the perks of a larger resort! Check availability for Barcelo Maya Caribe HERE.

Mahekal Beach Front Resort & Spa – Mexico

I loveeeee this family all inclusive resort option…because it’s super small and doesn’t feel like an all inclusive resort at all 🙂 You can’t get any closer to the water, and the entire hotel has the most perfect laid back, chic beachy vibe.

This is such a unique all inclusive resort for families, and honestly fairly affordable for the one-of-a-kind experience you’d be getting. You can choose between the barefoot elegance of their beachfront houses, bohemian-chic suites, or peaceful treehouses surrounded by lush green foliage. Honestly, I had a very hard time choosing my favorite- all the accommodations look FANTASTIC.

There is 5 restaurants and bars to choose from that all have the most perfect barefoot, beachy elegant vibe. Although, there isn’t a “kids club” at Mahekal, there are activities for children and the option to hire a babysitter. I think the beachfront location and boutique feel of this property more than make up for this though. Check availability for this gem HERE.

Estudio Playa Mujeres – Mexico

The reviews SHINE on this one. Estudio is a 5-Star All-Inclusive Family Resort where Mexican Art blends with the natural beauty of Playa Mujeres. This is more of a boutique all inclusive with only 162 (beautifully decorated) suites…our favorite kind of stay. There are 8 dining options and people say the food is the best they’ve ever had at an all inclusive.

The rooms are just downright gorgeous and so elegantly decorated…and the beds are top notch. (VERY rare in the hotel world) The kids will be begging you to drop them off at Doodle Camp (okkkk pull my arm). Doodle Land is an “innovative concept that triggers creativity in a fun atmosphere.” There are interactive programs, gastronomic workshops and interesting activities immersed in contemporary Mexican art (AMAZING).

I’d say the one unique feature, is the way Estudio is set a bit far back from the beach. It’s a few minute walk down to the water, but the resort also has a golf cart running back and forth during the day. Although, Estudio is a newer property, they are doing everything right. Check availability HERE.

Sensira Resort and Spa Riviera Maya- Mexico

A newer additional to the Riviera Maya all inclusive world…and surely will quickly rise to the top of the pack. Sensira Resort & Spa is tucked away in a secluded setting in a sanctuary of tranquility for families. The resort overlooks a semi-private beach, offering plenty of space for relaxation and watersports. The warm, attentive staff will anticipate every request and ensure an unmatched level of hospitality at every moment.

This resort has “Mexican elegance” DOWN and I am just dreaming of reading the afternoon away in that ocean-view hammock. There is a variety of levels of rooms to choose from, but all the decor already has me feeling more relaxed. There is also a total of 3 pools on the property. One of them an oceanfront infinity pool (YES PLEASE) and another with a small tasteful kids waterpark. (you have to take what you can get right) We love the “Area Extrema” for kids at this resort, that offers zip-lining and rock climbing- how fun!

Sensira Resort & Spa Riviera Maya has stress-free family vacation written all over it. Check availability for Sensira HERE.

We love coming home from a totally soul-filling vacation and continuing to reminisce on those sweet adventures for years to come . It just makes the memories that much sweeter and special to reminisce on in the future! If you book any of these dreamy all-inclusive family vacations- let us know in the comments! We’d love to hear!