Beaches Turks & Caicos (Courtesy Beaches)
All-inclusive resorts are a great fool-proof way of taking the hassle out of your family vacation. Less planning is needed - no extra costs, no extra budget, no headaches, more time for you and the kids to get some R&R. But some of these all-inclusive hideaways have a reputation for disappointing food, so we thought we'd round up five all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean that gourmet-loving families and foodies will appreciate.
The Verandah Resort & Spa, Antigua
The Verandah Resort & Spa (Courtesy Verandah Resort & Spa)
One of Antigua's swankiest all suites resorts, the award-winning, eco friendly hideaway of Verandah Resort & Spa has all the family-friendly attractions you'd expect, including a huge "Kidz" Club with a jungle gym, pool and Teen disco! You'll love the 180 spacious suites, balconies, tropical gardens and dreamlike setting. Foodies will welcome the various options available, from the SeaBreeze Caribbean restaurant with its vaulted ceilings and glorious buffets or the Buccaneer, which specialises in 'a la carte' family-friendly food. The Beach Bar & Grill overlooking Lover's Beach offers a relaxed grill menu, while Nicole's is the spot for fine dining. Looking for a quick snack? Try the Wadadli Snack Shack on Rasta Beach! What's more, you'll find 3 pools and a kids' pool, tennis courts, mini golf, shuffleboard and plenty of water sports, as well as a spa to relax in.
Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort, Turks & Caicos
If you liked Sandals before you had kids, then Beaches is a natural choice for your family break! Set on Providenciales' beautiful Grace Bay, Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort has the complete package with an amazing choice of 16 restaurants! Don't miss a meal at Schooners seafood restaurant or head to nearby "Da Conch Hut" for authentic island conch fritters. Kids will love the 45,000-square-foot water park with six pools, where they can hang out in the lazy river, ride the surf simulator and go wild with the water cannons! More kid-friendly amenities include the Xbox room, the teen disco, Crayola Art Camps and Beach Science programs. It's also worth noting that recently renovated rooms come with bunk beds for the kids and private Xbox® 360 consoles!
Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall, Jamaica
Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall in Jamaica (Courtesy Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall)
Hyatt's first all-inclusive resort in Jamaica is a 387-room extravaganza where families will love perks such as beach butlers, kids' club, beach volleyball, aerobics and live musical evenings. Truly the place for foodies, the dining options range from a Japanese Teppanyaki grill to a Brazilian grill and poolside food trucks! Dine at Di Roza for old-world Italian cuisine, at Fuzion for ocean views and Asian cuisine, or Choicez for an international buffet. Want to go local? Try Calypzo featuring Caribbean cuisine with plenty of seafood, or Barefoot Jerkz on the sand, a typical Jerk shack with spicy chicken, swinging chairs and grass cabanas! Dads might appreciate the rum sommeliers and access to three world-class golf courses, while mums will love the complimentary spa access and cool cocktails at Horizons.
Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic
Casa de Campo (Courtesy Casa de Campo)
The 7,000-acre resort of Casa de Campo is a tropical playground with everything families could dream of. From golf and tennis to shooting, riding and watersports, there's plenty to do for active families, as well as plenty of lazing on the beach too! There's a spa, boutiques and an extensive kids' program with clubs suited to babies, toddlers and teens. Foodie connoisseurs will be delighted to find an outpost of the famous New York City Le Cirque Restaurant in a swish new venue on Minitas Beach! Prefer something light? Try La Caña by Il Circo for Mediterranean dishes by Le Cirque's chefs. Try La Piazetta for its antipasto and homemade pasta dishes. Fancy something local? The Lago Grill offers Dominican cuisine with a sea view and folk band! Finally for a taste of Spain, La Casita is the place to eat al fresco and sample the great cocktails too!
Turtle Beach Resort, Barbados
Turtle Beach Resort (Courtesy Turtle Beach Resort)
Set along a beautiful 1,500-foot stretch of white sandy beach, this all-suite resort is renowned for its great food, service and facilities. With 161 suites in relaxing seaside green and blue hues, it's got great family-friendly amenities including a kids' club, a games area and tennis courts. You can dine al fresco, enjoying the sea breeze at Chelonia or The Waterfront. Head to the smart Asiagos for date night or have a private dinner on the sand! Other options include international dining, Italian in an adult-only setting, while kids will love their own menus. They can even eat in the kids' club, catching an early 'mini buffet'. You can also grab fruit, popsicles and snacks at the beach! Another plus? The resident turtles that return to lay their eggs here every year!
Rowena Carr-Allinson contributed this to MiniTime. Since the arrival of her son in 2011, she has taken him everywhere from Bangkok to NYC, writing family friendly articles en route.