Family All-Inclusive Resorts: What’s Different?
(425 Reviews)
99% Recommended
Pam MacIntyre
Maple Grove, MN
Australia & New Zealand Specialist
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic ...
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic part of the world?
I was fortunate enough to visit both the North and South Islands, and what I love about New Zealand is that it offers the perfect blend of laid-back charm and action-packed adventure, all while being nothing short of epic.
The country is home to endless national parks, a rich Maori culture, and unforgettable experiences like sailing through the sounds while dolphins playfully follow your yacht. And let’s not forget the awe-inspiring moment of witnessing a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura—talk about jaw-dropping beauty!
Oh, and did I mention wine? If you’re a fan of great wine (and who isn’t?), New Zealand is a must-visit for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and more. How do I know? Because I couldn’t resist visiting a winery or two during my travels!
Honestly, I could go on and on about the magic of New Zealand, but if you’re reading this, you already know you want to explore this incredible part of the world. Let’s work together to create your perfect New Zealand adventure!
Australia
Let me start by saying, I’ve wanted to visit Australia since I was a child. Why, you ask? Well, to pet a kangaroo, of course! And yes, I did! Not only did I pet a kangaroo, but I actually fed FOUR at the same time. Childhood dream come true, right? And I can’t wait to go back for round two.
While I was in Sydney, I had the chance to experience the spectacular Vivid Sydney Festival, celebrating its 10th year. It was honestly WOW! Never in my wildest dreams did I think Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. But coming from Minnesota, their “winter” felt more like our fall—absolutely ideal! Seeing the Sydney Opera House light up during the festival was something I’ll never forget.
And then there’s the Blue Mountains region—so lovely to explore on foot. From there, we ventured to Hunter Valley (known to the locals as "The Hunter"), where wine flowed freely, and every glass was more delicious than the last.
Australia’s size is truly hard to grasp until you’ve experienced it firsthand. To put it in perspective: Sydney would be in Florida, Cairns (home of the Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine, Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas, Melbourne would be in New Orleans, and Perth would be in Los Angeles.
Whether you're dreaming of visiting the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef, immersing yourself in Aboriginal culture, swimming with whale sharks, or gazing upon the majestic Uluru, Australia has endless possibilities waiting for you.
Let’s make your dream trip to Australia a reality—one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!
Can Be Reached At
1-763-231-8893
Choosing the Perfect All-Inclusive Family Resort: What to Consider
When it comes to family vacations, all-inclusive resorts have become a top choice for many parents seeking convenience, variety, and peace of mind. But not all all-inclusive resorts are created equal—especially when it comes to catering to families. Some focus on luxury and relaxation, while others are packed with kid-friendly activities and programs designed to keep little ones entertained (and maybe even tuckered out!) from morning till night. With such a wide range of options, you can find everything from a laid-back beachfront retreat to an action-packed playground filled with sports, entertainment, and educational experiences.
Knowing these differences ahead of time will help you choose a resort that matches your family’s style, needs, and expectations—so everyone, from toddlers to teens, and parents too, can have a truly memorable vacation. By giving careful thought to what matters most to your family, I can help guide you to the perfect all-inclusive, family-friendly resort.
When choosing an all-inclusive resort, there are a few important factors most travelers consider. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
- Food & Beverage Quality & Variety
- Number of Pools
- Room Types
- Entertainment Options
- Beach Quality
But for parents, the biggest question often is: “What will my kids enjoy doing during the vacation?” You want your kids to have a blast, while still spending quality family time together. And, let’s be honest, maybe sneak off for a little “me time” knowing the kids are happy and safe.
Family-friendly resorts offer a wide range of experiences to suit every family’s style. Many include age-appropriate kids’ programs, and most provide babysitting services for an additional fee. The staff running these programs are usually Red Cross certified, but I’m happy to check the specific qualifications for any resort you’re interested in.
Here are some fun options family resorts might offer:
- Water Parks
- Lazy Rivers
- Waterslides
- Group Activities (think cooking classes, games, and more)
- Beach Camping & Bonfires
- Movies Under the Stars
- FlowRider Surf Simulators
- Teen Nightclubs
- Age-appropriate Kids Programs
- Rock Climbing Walls
- Roller Skating
- Pack n’ Plays in the Room
- Playgrounds
- Bowling
Note: Some activities and amenities may have additional charges.
You definitely won’t run out of things to do. Resorts often have kayaking, snorkeling, volleyball, table tennis, windsurfing, sailing, paddleboarding, basketball, tennis courts, and more. Kids’ programs vary, but might include water balloon fights, kickball, air hockey, video games, ping-pong, mini golf — you name it!
Most resorts group kids roughly like this:
- Ages 4 to 7
- Ages 8 to 12
- Ages 13 to 17
Only a few resorts have programs for little ones under 4 years old, so be sure to let me know if that’s important.
Some resorts go the extra mile, like Beaches Resorts by Sandals partnering with Sesame Street, or the new Nickelodeon Resorts in Punta Cana and Riviera Maya (opening 2020), featuring SpongeBob SquarePants and friends. The Nickelodeon Resort even has a villa called “The Pineapple,” inspired by SpongeBob’s home!
Hard Rock Riviera Maya is a huge hit with families, thanks to Camp Woodward—a massive 29,000 sq. ft. space for kids ages 4 to 17, offering lifestyle sports like skateboarding, BMX, parkour, and more, with ramps, jumps, trampolines, and foam pits for all skill levels. Just a heads-up: Camp Woodward isn’t included in the all-inclusive package and does come with an additional cost.
Meanwhile, Beaches Resorts by Sandals is breaking new ground with the first-ever Autism-Friendly Kids Camps, making family travel even more accessible and inclusive.
For larger families of five or more, some resorts offer spacious rooms that can accommodate everyone together—or guaranteed connecting rooms. If having your family close by is a priority, it’s important to know that not all resorts can guarantee this, so be sure to ask when booking.
Let’s work together to find the perfect fit that checks off everyone’s wish list and makes your family vacation truly unforgettable!