twounder5

I have been researching family vacations and numerous travel websites recommend all-inclusive resorts. However, anytime any of my friends have gone the all-inclusive route they have been disappointed. The food is always bad, the service lack luster, and the accommodations so-so. Can anyone recommend a truly luxurious all-inclusive in the Caribbean or Mexican Riviera that is kid friendly?

Thanks!

virginia

this resort is quite nice, ai & connected to xcaret eco marine park in mexico. you might look at the royal club section of their site: http://www.occidentalhotels.com/grand/Xcaret.asp

if you know which of the resort chains your friends visited that fell short, list them so we have a better idea what you're looking for > what you might upgrade to.

how old are your kids? some resorts are over 18 some over 12.

schmerl

If you want a luxury family resort in the Riviera Maya, look into the Grand Velas. Great food and service, family friendly, great food.

doug_stallings

I can recommend some really wonderful family-friendly luxury resorts, but true luxury and the AI experience don't often mix, especially for families. Instead, what I'd recommend is that you find a luxury resort that offers a meal plan and excellent activities for kids. If you don't drink to excess (and you probably aren't going to do that if you are traveling with the kids), then the value of AI is diminished.

My recommendations would be:
1. Half Moon. Excellent resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica. True luxury. Good food. High prices, but every activity imaginable, with an especially good golf course.
2. Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda. Excellent resort with beautiful beaches and great food. And it's especially good for families.
3. Cuisinart Resort, Anguilla. Excellent resort, fine spa, great cuisine, good for kids though a little stuffy (lots of rich investment bankers and bigwigs).
4. Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. A high-rise hotel, but really great restaurants and still close to places outside the hotel. Lots of activities, nice (if crowded) beachfront.
5. Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. Good family resort on a beautiful beach. St. Thomas itself has every activity imaginable.

Those would be my top choices (and there are many others), not counting Mexico, which generally offers much superior value but is not really my area of expertise.

There are some good high-end all-inclusive resorts, but as I said, if you are looking for a true luxury experience you probably won't find it there. Galley Bay is one notable exception, but it doesn't allow kids under 16 (many of the best AIs don't allow children).

twounder5

Thanks so much for all the great advice! My kids are 1 and 4, so I will definitely have to check the age restrictions. We definitely don't mind spending a little more not to be disappointed. I will check out your suggestions.

Thanks again!

doug_stallings

Some of these resorts are a lot more. You do have some other options, though. At places like Round Hill in Jamaica, you can make arrangements for a private nanny if you rent one of the more expensive villas; and the FDR Resort in Jamaica, which is all-inclusive, includes a full-time nanny for the length of your stay.

Some kids clubs don't allow children as young as 1, and others will beep you constantly every time a diaper needs to be changed. Others will not (like Almond Resorts, in both Barbados and St. Lucia).

It can be a little harder with a very young child, but many of the top-end resorts can and will arrange for separate child care (for a price, of course). This is especially true in Jamaica.

You might also want to consider a villa. At some villa communities in the Dominican Republic and Mexico you can rent a fully-staffed villa for the price of a luxury hotel room, and this might give you a full-time cook, maid, and even (for an additional fee, which probably won't break the bank) a nanny.