Beat the winter blues at these 10 Caribbean beach resorts

If there’s a better cure for the winter blues than a Caribbean beach vacation, I’ve yet to find it. Warm water, soft sand and sunshine offer an instant mood lift. Over the years, my family has explored much of the Caribbean, and its beach resorts have all the ingredients for the perfect family vacation. To help you choose between the many options, here’s a list of my favorite resorts, from Punta Cana to Mexico’s Caribbean coast.

Why you can trust this choice: Read FamilyVacationist’s methodology for selecting and recommending vacation destinations and hotels.

1. Negril Beach, Jamaica

Negril, Jamaica

The calm waters and gentle slope make it easy for even the smallest toddlers to splash safely at Negril Beach, located right on beautiful Seven Mile Beach. This beloved all-inclusive resort offers food, drinks, water sports, and an age-specific club with trained babysitters. Recent renovations introduced multi-bedroom villas and penthouses for multigenerational stays. Highlights include a swimming pool, a water park with a lazy river, evening entertainment and Sesame Street character experiences. Butler service adds a touch of luxury for those who want extra pampering.

2.Nikkelodeon Riviera Maya

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive Caribbean beach resort that sets the standard for family fun, meet Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya. The stage is set for hilarious surprises from the moment you arrive, including a Nickelodeon character meet and greet, a dance party, and a live interactive Nickelodeon game show. Each of the 280 pool suites overlooks the sea, while specially themed suites combine luxury and whimsy. Spacious water parks, supervised children’s programs, a variety of dining options, and the opportunity to slim down will put a smile on everyone’s face.

3. Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa & Casino

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The all-inclusive Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa, & Casino is located along Punta Cana’s Bávaro Beach, with aquamarine waters fringed with sugary sand and shaded by towering coconut palms. With 1,042 rooms in both family-friendly and adults-only areas, this sprawling resort impresses. Enjoy seven swimming pools, Splash Island water park for little ones, kids and teen clubs, bowling alley, arcade and more. Adults can relax at the spa and casino, while the extensive dining options cater to every taste, including those with picky eaters.

4. Ocean Club East/Ocean Club West

Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos

The delightfully warm waters of Grace Bay are protected by offshore reefs and home to a wealth of aquatic life among the coral. Ocean Club Resorts owns two properties at Grace Bay Beach, Ocean Club East and Ocean Club West. Located next to Provo Golf Club, Ocean Club East offers a quieter escape with secluded beachfront. Ocean Club West makes it easy to explore local shops, restaurants and activities. Each resort offers all-suite accommodations and its own freshwater pool, fitness center, beach and pool chairs, as well as complimentary water sports including kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.

5. Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino

Palm Beach, Aruba

Dotted with colorful cacti and orchids, Aruba’s charming desert landscape sets it apart from other Caribbean islands. Aruba Marriott Resort is located on Palm Beach, one of the prettiest beaches on the island with fine sand and great water for swimming. The resort is not all-inclusive, so it encourages exploration of the island’s culinary and natural riches. While on site, you can enjoy water and land sports like kayaking and pickleballing, as well as dine on everything from fresh seafood to gelato.

6. Bluff Curtains

Parish of St. Mary, Antigua

Even in a country as rich in sun and sand as the Caribbean, Antigua stands out for its diversity of beaches. The island’s Curtain Bluff is an elegant all-inclusive resort on the south coast, surrounded by two beaches. Relaxation is the theme here, as your biggest option is probably to lounge by the beach or pool. Family-friendly amenities include free outdoor activities such as snorkeling, windsurfing and tennis, as well as Cee Bee Kids Camp for children ages three to 10, open five days a week.

7. Windjammer Landing Resort & Residence

Labrelotte Bay, Castries, St.Lucia

With its twin Pitons, rainforests, drive-in volcanoes, and stunning beaches, St. Lucia is famous for its natural beauty. The beachfront Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences is decorated with vibrant gardens, a sparkling swimming pool, and accommodations ranging from comfortable rooms to spacious villas. Choose between all-inclusive or à la carte packages for a customized experience. With seven dining options and family-friendly cooking classes, you can enjoy local cuisine around every corner. The kids’ club offers dance, yoga and craft classes inspired by the heritage of St. Lucien.

8. Dreams Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino

Willemstad, Curaçao

An autonomous country in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Curaçao is a melting pot of languages ​​and cultures. Local residents speak Papiamentu, a mixture of Dutch, Spanish, French, Portuguese and English. The all-inclusive Dreams Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino is located on the white sand beaches of Piscadera Bay, and has a club for children and teenagers run by local residents. You can also play beach volleyball or enjoy unique tourist experiences such as taking Papiamentu lessons here.

9. Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda

Michès, Dominican Republic

The impressive Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda, located on the northeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, is more bucket-list than budget-friendly, but it’s well worth the holiday splurge. It’s all included in the daily rate, and you can spend quality time doing dozens of activities together, from Merengue dance classes to learning the art of trapeze, with drop-in clubs for babies to teens when you’re craving some special parent time. Look out for the Secret Chocolate Room, an oasis of candy fountains and edible sweets that makes every day feel like Halloween at this Caribbean beach resort.

10. Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

George Town, Grand Cayman

Enjoying a prime position on Grand Cayman’s crescent-shaped Seven Mile Beach, The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman is an oasis for families who crave kid-friendly elegance with upscale accommodations and exceptional service. The strong water sports offering ranges from sailing to snorkeling. Starfish Cay is a water play space, with a zero-entry splash pool perfect for little ones. This isn’t a full-fledged beach resort, so you’re free to dine off-property. However, food and drink lovers will be delighted by the resort hotel’s culinary options, including restaurants helmed by superstar chef Eric Ripert.

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