Yahoo Lifestyle 5 Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Families, According to Getaway Guru Darley Newman
When it comes to family-friendly vacation destinations, some people might think of Walt Disney World or Myrtle Beach. Those are both great options, but some might prefer an all-inclusive resort for families so they don't have to worry about budgeting or leaving one main area during their stay.
According to a Wyndham Hotels & Resorts study, a significant majority (77%) of travelers believe booking an all-inclusive trip is the least stressful way to travel. If that sounds like something up your alley, then you could probably benefit from staying at an all-inclusive family resort for your next trip.
We spoke with Darley Newman, travel guru and host of Travels with Darley on PBS, to find out her favorite all-inclusive resorts for families that should be on your radar—here's what she had to say.
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5 Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Families, According to Getaway Guru Darley Newman
1. Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda
Located in the Dominican Republic, Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda is one of Newman's top recommendations when it comes to all-inclusive resorts for families.
For starters, the accommodations are spacious, clean, and well decorated. "Stay in a suite or an upscale deluxe room, complete with jungle vibes, a furnished terrace and clean, but cozy furnishings," Newman suggests. "There are multiple room and suite configurations here so larger families and groups can be easily and comfortably accommodated."
In terms of activities, there's a lot to do which is important for families who want to stay busy, especially those with young children.
"Kids can participate in mini-camp-style flying trapeze classes, tennis and other group activities with their peers," she explains. "At night, there are family-friendly entertainment options, including the festive White Party, live entertainers and staff from around the world who are truly enthusiastic and passionate about getting you dancing and enjoying the nights at Michès."
For adults, Newman says there's a bit of everything including archery, tennis, stretch classes, running classes and mini golf.
After a day full of activities, you'll probably have built up quite the appetite. One of the highlights of this resort is the food. Despite the connotation that all-inclusive resorts have mediocre food, this one does not fall into that category.
"Miches really stood out with fabulous cheese boards, plentiful buffets with a mix of healthy fresh fruits and salads and decadent dessert choices (can we say ice cream bar?!?!)," she tells Parade. "There are a few restaurants to choose from, including the open-air beachside Coco Plum and though you’ll pay a bit more, the steakhouse was well worth the splurge."
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2. C Lazy U Ranch
If your family enjoys the great outdoors, then they'll probably love the C Lazy U Ranch in Colorado's Rocky Mountains. Newman says this is a great pick for families seeking to unplug and get active in a luxurious ranch setting.
"One of my favorite parts of the ranch experience here is the daily jingle, when all the horses are let out to pasture for the evening," she explains. "It’s a special sight to see, especially for horse lovers."
There are rooms and private cabins available equipped with luxurious five-star amenities such as hot tubs and mountain views. When you're not in the room, horseback riding is the main attraction at the ranch, but there’s also fly fishing, archery, hatchet throwing, mountain biking, tennis, yoga, hiking and more to occupy your time.
"The ranch has programs for kids and teens, where they have time together without their parents to develop new skills like horseback riding, balance on ropes courses and more, making for learning and confidence building opportunities," she tells Parade. "Adults who want a break can luxuriate at the spa over Willow Creek, where copper soaking tubs in large white tents bring an outdoorsy, cowboy vibe to the relaxation experience."
Lastly, for those foodies, the food at the ranch is superb with American classics like steak and trout mixed with healthy salads and homemade bread.
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3. Paws Up
Another luxurious all-inclusive hotel is The Resort at Paws Up in Greenough, Montana. Located 35 miles northeast of Missoula, this luxury resort has a bit of it all, including incredible glamping for families seeking a nature escape with luxe vibes and Michelin rated cuisine.
"If you love animals and nature, this is a great resort to bring the family to go horseback riding through lands where Lewis and Clark once passed and see cattle grazing amid serene pastures," Newman explains.
The activities at Paws Up are virtually endless for kids and adults alike. Resort guests can participate in fly fishing, kayaking, go-karts, sporting clays, paintball, rafting, mountain biking, swimming, horseback riding and more. Plus, it's a year-round Montana ranch, so if you've always wanted to try curling, you can alongside other winter-esque activities including snow shoeing, dog sledding and cross-country skiing.
When mealtime rolls around, there are several dining establishments on property including Pomp, Trough, Tank, Camp Dining, Shed, and Chuck Wagon. You may even find live entertainment and music to accompany you at mealtime depending on the time of year.
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4. Divi & Tamarijn
Aruba is a family-friendly destination in itself with numerous beaches, activities, and tourist attractions. If you're looking for an all-inclusive resort for families on the island, then Divi & Tamarijn is a top contender.
At this all-inclusive resort, kids under two years old are free and there’s a sliding scale per child depending on their age thereafter.
In terms of accommodations, you can choose rooms that have a garden, pool or ocean side view, including oceanfront junior suites that have private lounge areas. For an all oceanfront adventure, Newman recommends staying at Tamarijn where King rooms can sleep two adults and two children.
Plus, there's no shortage of activities for adults and kids making it an even better bang for your buck.
"This resort is well known for its robust children’s programming and variety of food and activity options," Newman explains. "Adults, too, have perks here from activities like golf, snorkeling and yoga to a rock climbing wall on the beach."
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5. Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts
Last but not least, Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts has all-inclusive properties in Riviera Maya and Punta Cana. This hotel is designed with kids in mind but calls for adults to channel their inner child with the presence of characters, bright colors, and slime.
What makes this resort unique is that there's hints of Nickelodeon everywhere from the room decor to the entertainment offerings. For example, guests can meet beloved characters such as Dora The Explorer, Blues Clues, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles during their stay. There's even the chance to dine with the characters if you'd like (although that's an additional cost.)
You won't want to miss spending time at Aqua Nick, the resort's six-acre outdoor waterpark, filled with slides, lazy rivers, and pools all of which are a great way to cool off when the temperatures spike.
There are more adult-centric components of the resort such as the spa and three on-site bars, however, it's definitely geared more towards kids so you'll want to keep that in mind.
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