8 Features Every Family Should Look for in an All-Inclusive Resort
Planning a family vacation can be an exhilarating yet daunting task. With so many options available, finding the perfect destination that caters to everyone’s needs and preferences becomes a top priority. That’s where all-inclusive resorts come in, offering a convenient and immersive experience that ensures a stress-free getaway for the whole family.
We love all-inclusive resorts and have traveled to almost a dozen in the past few years. This year, we spent a week at Dreams Riviera Cancun for spring break, Palmaïa The House of Aïa in July, and are scheduled for Margaritaville and Beach Palace this December. With two young kids, I can’t say enough good things about all-inclusive resorts.
That said, some properties are better than others, and certain factors can make or break the trip. Whether you’re seeking a beachfront paradise or an adventurous retreat, our comprehensive list of 8 things to look for in an all-inclusive resort will provide you with valuable insights and make your decision-making process easier.
Resort Proximity to Airport
After a long international flight that likely required an early wake-up call and a seemingly never-ending wait in customs, you don’t want to top off the frustration sundae with a 90-minute airport-to-resort shuttle ride.
This matters most if your kids are little. When my kids were under 3, we only stayed at resorts close to airports. Now that they are a little older, they can handle an hour or so ride to a property.
Size of Resort
Smaller isn’t always better than larger, especially for young kids. While access to an abundance of diverse restaurants and bars is certainly nice, having to haul beach toys and a screaming toddler across a sprawling resort isn’t very enjoyable.
A larger resort with many amenities- including a waterpark and kids club area- is nice for older kids and families.
Quietness of Resort
If you have young kids, then a lack of late-evening entertainment is a great thing! You don’t want a DJ’s house music rattling your room at 11 p.m. while your kids are trying to sleep. We’ve been to several resorts that catered to younger crowds, which meant a lot of evening entertainment that made for a noisy trip.
Or, for resorts that cater to both families and couples, ask for a room away from the evening bars.
Enough Variety in Poolside Food Options
It’s tough to pull your kids away from the pool or beach mid-day when they’re having fun. Add in the fact you have to dry off, change clothes, and then walk across the resort to the lunch buffet…no thank you! Therefore, poolside food service is a parent’s best friend.
However, too many resorts simply offer the tired soggy fries, burgers, and tortilla chips with cheese sauce. Instead, look for resorts that offer more variety like wood-fired pizzas, tacos, fresh fruit, and guacamole.
Palmaïa did this so incredibly well with some of the best pizza and healthy bowls. Paradisus in Cancun also had great poolside food service.
Opening Time of Dinner Service
Noticing a trend? With kids, you need to focus on food! After a full-day playing in the sun and sand, kids are hungry and exhausted. A 5pm vs 6pm restaurant opening can make a big difference in the tranquility of your family dinner, especially with young children.
Room Service Quality
When you can’t make it to a resort restaurant for dinner because your kids are melting down after a day of too much fun in the sun, room service is your safety rip cord. We’ve taken advantage of this many evenings, ordered room service for the kids, put them to bed, then ordered room service again to enjoy our own dinner outside on the balcony.
Room with a Balcony
Speaking of room service, there aren’t many things better in life than an early morning delivered-to-your-room cup of coffee sipped from your ocean-facing balcony while your kids are still asleep. Enjoying a cocktail once your kids are asleep is another perk of having a separate place like a balcony.
Quality/Location of Kid’s Pool
We like to stay together as a family so we don’t typically utilize the “kids club” that’s offered at most resorts. While we don’t mind spending the majority of our time lounging around the kiddie pool, it’s nice to still have adjacent access to the adult swim-up bar and enjoy the music and “family friendly” energy of the main pool.
Therefore, look for a kid’s pool that’s not completely separated from the main pool. After all, this is a vacation for you too!