Once you become a family of five or more, you start to realize how much the travel industry (let alone world) is designed for families with one or two children. While your kids are small, it may work to pile into hotel rooms, but as the oldest approach adolescence, it’s clear additional space is needed. This is particularly evident when searching for an all-inclusive resort to meet your needs. It’s no longer about fitting someone in a room, but rather choosing a resort that will provide fun and relaxing experience with food and activities for everyone in your family.
This is a list of eight resorts built to meet the needs of a family of 5 or more. All of the resorts in this list meet these criteria:
- Beachfront
- All-Inclusive (entirely or option of package)
- Room/Suite configuration for at least 5 people
Check out these properties before you book your next All-Inclusive Getaway.
- Seadust Cancun Family Resort
- The Fives Beach Hotel & Residences (Playa del Carmen)
- Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta
- Jewel Grade Resort (Montego Bay)
- Majestic Mirage (Punta Cana)
- Playa Grande (Cabo San Lucas)
- Sugar Bay Barbados
Cancun certainly has a wide variety of all-inclusive resorts from which to choose, but you will see several other destinations represented below as well:
Seadust Family Resort (Cancun)
Seadust Cancun Famly Resort may not come up on many of the main lists of resorts but it’s especially of interest for families as they even brand themselves as a family resort. They are smaller than many well known all-inclusives in Cancun, but not short on amenities.
Photo courtesy of IG @estefagomezb
One of the best features are Family Suites. The Family Suite Double Bed includes two double beds plus twin bunk beds with trundle (three twin beds) or a Family King Suite with one king and the same bunk bed configuration. Both allow for up to five occupants. The bunk beds face away from the main bedroom area providing more privacy than a standard hotel room.
Seadust features 10 restaurants including French, Steakhouse, Japanese, deli, poolside, and much more. They even have a seated restaurant next to the water play area serving kid favorites like hot dogs, fries, chicken strips, and fruit skewers.
Photo courtesy of IG: @thespiritoflifebook
Although there is plenty of time to relax at the beach, poolside or the resort’s full service spa, the options for fun are endless. By registering with the Kids Club, young guests can make use of the Treasure Island Water Park’s wading pools and waterslides. Enjoy the infinity pool as a family or split apart at the kids only or adults only pools. Guests ages 5-12 years old are the focus of the kids entertainment schedule with mini golf, zip lining, and climbing wall just for them. There is a game room for teens with ping pong, video games, and nightly contests. Seadust hosts nightly shows at 8:30 pm as well. It doesn’t stop there with access to water sports, multipurpose sport courts, beach sports, and more.
Choose Seadust Resort if you’re traveling with teens or younger and expect to see many families with kids. If you don’t want to pay for fancy upgrades and just want to have a no fuss all-inclusive plan with access to a beautiful beach vacation, this might be the spot for you.
The Fives Beach Hotel & Residences (Playa del Carmen)
Located in Playa del Carmen (about 40 minutes from Cancun International Airport), The Fives Beach Hotel & Residences is a family friendly resort with all of the amenities you could imagine.
Photo courtesy of IG @giovanna_acha
Perfect for families are the two bedroom residences. Two Bedroom Residences include a King bedroom and two Double room with central living area, full dining table and kitchen. Families can enjoy space to spread out and privacy from the main hotel.
The Fives is located on a half mile of beach on the Riviera Maya and boasts seven pools including an adults only and kids clubhouse pool. Kids ages 4-12 can enjoy a toy room, fitness space with climbing and tumbling equipment, arts and crafts and video games. Teens also enjoy scheduled outdoor activities and can take advantage of teen oriented spa and salon services.
Photo courtesy of IG @diam_ruby Photographer @javier_alvarez_photo
Restaurants offer a wide variety of options including Thai, a French brasserie, Sushi bar, Tuscan, coastal cuisine, poolside and more. You can expect kids menus available at nearly every option taking away the stress of enjoying a special meal.
Another unique amenity at The Fives Beach are adult packages. If one parent wants to try something new, visit for information on their Epicurean, Spiritualist, or Culturalist packages.
Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta has long been known as a Mexican hot spot, but with the introduction of the Hyatt Ziva brand, this traditional favorite has a new modern feel. This hotel is comprised of two towers directly on the beach giving it a smaller feeling.
At Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta, the Club level suites allow for five people per room. The Club Ocean Double includes two double beds and a pull out sofa with an oceanfront balcony. The 700 square foot suite is primarily one large space laid out for maximum ocean view. The Club Ocean Double has a similarly priced hot tub on the balcony option.
Photo courtesy of IG @annakantzas
Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta contains 11 onsite restaurants and bars plus room service. You will find Mexican, Asian fusion, and Italian dining. The Blaze Restaurant is focused on offering family friendly American style options. You can also grab a coffee from the coffee shop or a snack from the snack carts around the pool offering dips and chips or sweet treats like popsicles.
Pool side space is easy to find with five infinity pools, two kiddie pools and an adults only pool. The resort Kids Club is offered for age 4-12 and includes games, movies, crafts, and swimming. Guests can enjoy daily planned activities, add on excursions, and view the nightly entertainment.
Jewel Grand Montego Bay Resort
Jewel Grand Montego Bay Resort is a luxurious and sophisticated option for a family all-inclusive. Located from 15 minutes from the Sanger Airport, you won’t have to wait long to start enjoying the sun and fun. You can expect excellent service throughout the resort, well prepared dining options, and opportunities for kids to have a great time.
The best choice for families at Jewel Grand are the multi-bedroom suites. A family of five can easily be accommodated with a two bedroom suite which feature a King bedroom, Queen bedroom, Double pull out sofa and the option for a rollaway addition. There are varying price points based on choice of resort, ocean view or oceanfront suites. Three bedroom suites are also available with occupancy of up to 7 people. Children five and under stay free.
All suites include full size kitchen and butler service. Another unique feature are washer and dryers within the rooms to allow you to carry less and go home with fresh, sand free clothing.
At least ten different dining options are available from the Coffee Shop to the Terrace Dining options to the Steakhouse and Mediterranean restaurant. You can also enjoy a Jamaican restaurant featuring dishes like Steamed Snapper and Saffron Risotto. You can also expect room service options included with your stay.
The property features two large pools and offers access to several water sports. Relaxation and wellness are available through the spa, fitness classes and golf course. The Kids and Teen Club offer organized activities including crafts and shell hunting, a full-size soccer field, table games, and video games. Guests rave about their children never wanting to leave the kids club area.
Majestic Mirage Punta Cana
Majestic Mirage Punta Cana is prepared to serve families with exactly what they need. The property divides a family oriented and adults only section to ensure everyone has the time they intended. This is extended to pools and beach areas as well as buildings just for families.
The Family Club Suite allows for up to 6 people with a King bed, sofa bed, and two twin beds. There are smaller suites in the Family Section designed for parties of 2 or 4 if you are booking along with another family or grandparents. Make your room extra comfortable with amenities such as a Nespresso machine, pillow menu and terrace or balcony sun loungers.
Whether it is Italian, steak, pizza, burgers, seafood or Japanese, they have you covered. There is one restaurant restricted to 12 and over. 24 Hour Room service is available as well.
There are multiple pools available with one specifically designated as a family pool. A few minutes walk is a small waterpark 9087shared by the three neighboring Mirage properties. The Splash Kids Club program is shared with the two neighboring resorts and is located at the Majestic Elegance (which does not feature the same size of family suites). There is also a game area set up for teens with table tennis, darts, pool tables and more. Daily and nightly entertainment rotates among the three resort properties which gives you a chance to take in more of the onsite offerings.
Playa Grande Resort (Cabo San Lucas)
Photo courtesy of Playa Grande Resort
This gorgeous resort combines beautiful Mexican architecture, the best views Cabo has to offer, and great proximity to downtown Cabo San Lucas. The all-inclusive plan is optional, but you won’t be disappointed if that is your selection. Playa Grand Resort is a great way to introduce your family to the Baja lifestyle.
The resort offers suites with multiple bedrooms, but I suggest the Luxury One Bedroom if you are a family of 5 like my family. Luxury One Bedroom Suite for up to 5 people with King bed, Sofa bed and twin Murphy Bed. The master bedroom is separated for privacy and your living area is well equipped with a stocked kitchen, dining area and balcony off of the sitting area.
Photo courtesy of Playa Grande Resort
Playa Grande offers a steak and seafood restaurant (which feature theme nights twice per week), a buffet featuring Mexican favorites, a sports bar, and multiple outdoor dining spaces. 24 Hour in room dining is also available.
Photo courtesy of Playa Grande Resort
The pool complex divides into several smaller pools making it easy to keep families in one area near your preferred seating area. The pools spill down right onto the beachfront. The property features tennis courts and a gorgeous mini golf course. The kids club and babysitting are available for an additional fee beyond the all-inclusive rates.
Sugar Bay Barbados
Sugar Bay is meant for families. The resort is light, airy, and modern in aesthetic. Sugar Bay Barbados is what a getaway is all about and your family will love it.
Photo courtesy of IG @miriamchilante
Sugar Bay offers family suites which accommodate up to 4 adults or up to 5 total people. You can choose the price point by upgrading from traditional to oceanfront. They also offer two bedroom suites which can accommodate up to six people. Bedrooms contain a king bed and a sofa bed is also in each room. Baby beds are available upon request.
Photo courtesy of IG @jewelsautosltd
As a small resort, Sugar Bay has found a way to offer more variety in dining than you might expect. Their steakhouse, coffee house and Asian Fusion restaurants are always available, but they offer a rotating theme in the buffet restaurant including British Carvery Night, Mediterranean, and Caribbean Nights. You can also grab lunch from the Beach Grill offering fresh fish, burgers, and snacky sides like fries and mac and cheese. You will find high chairs in the restaurants.
There is a lot to do onsite at Sugar Bay. They offer kids club from 4 months to 11 years and a separate teen club. Babysitting services are available for an additional fee in the evening. Water sports include kayaking, boogie boarding and snorkeling. You will also find fun opportunities in the games room, at the multiple pools, arcade, or set up an excursion through staff. You can add on motorized water sports, excursions, spa treatments, and transportation.
Photo courtesy of IG: @city_chic_lifestyle
As an additional benefit, the location of Sugar Bay is just 25 minutes from the airport and 10 minutes to the island’s capital city of Bridgetown. The resort is located with the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Garrison District (learn more here).
Take the Leap!
The options for the best all-inclusive choice can be overwhelming. Hopefully one of these beautiful properties will make your family of five or more comfortable moving forward in booking your all-inclusive getaway. If you have a suggestion for another family-friendly resort that offers comfort to larger families, let me know.