Idea #9. All-inclusive Family Resorts in the Caribbean

Let's focus on the first term, "all-inclusive": what could be a better idea with kids, who constantly open their little beaks for food and drinks, and who love to sample costly activities they might like only a little bit? Next operative word is "family": these resorts have thought of every possible form of fun activity for your offspring, from glass-bottom boats to tie-dye at the kids' club to kiddie beach parties and teen camp-outs. Many resorts feature scuba and snorkeling too: great for older kids (and grown-ups), and a bargain when part of an all-included rate.

There's good reason so many families return year after year to Caribbean resorts. Below are a sampling of resort reviews:

Franklyn D. Resort, Jamaica
FDR is a family all-inclusive where "all-inclusive" means everything, even snorkeling trips and scuba diving for ages 12 and up-- and best of all, a friendly vacation nanny for each family.  Huge suites; friendly ambiance; great dining options.

 FDR Pebbles, Jamaica
Pebbles is the two-year-old sister of Franklyn D. Resort, and here too your vacation includes everything:  from drinks at the swim-up bar to watersports, and vacation nanny also. Pebbles has special activities for teens/preteens, such as a campout on the Martha Brae River-- a great way to make friends. 

  Starfish Resort, Jamaica
Starfish = star value at this new resort by SuperClubs: the not-quite-all-inclusive pricing is sweet'n'low, while those who want to can pay extra for motorized watersports, premium dining, etc. Though not exclusively a family resort, kid-friendly fun includes trapeze, rock-climbing, waterslides pool in the pool, kids center, minigolf, "ice-skating". A "super-all-inclusive" plan is also available now.

Beaches Boscobel
Beaches is a top name in all-inclusive family resorts. This popular all-inclusive on Jamaica's north coast re-opened as a "Beaches" in 2002 after an extensive renovation: with kids' programs, infant care, novelty pools, snorkeling, scuba, golf including a golf-for-kids program...Read a review at TWKids; also, see many photos.

Beaches Negril, Jamaica
This Beaches resort is located on Negril's seven-mile white sand beach. Highlights include snorkel trips to a coral reef, and scuba for ages 12 and up; there's also the usual kayaking, windsurfing, etc.; and dare I mention the Sega Games Center?  Kids Kamp takes three age groups starting with infants.

Breezes, Curacao
The first all-inclusive resort on this fascinating Dutch Caribbean island, this "super-all-inclusive" resort (sister to Starfish, above) offers daily scuba shore dives for ages 12 and up; windsurfing, snorkeling, etc.; Italian and Japanese restaurants; kids' club; and land fun such as trapeze and rock-climbing. Icing on the cake: outings to historic, photogenic Willemstad.

Thinking out of the box
Outings can make some of the best memories on a vacation. In Jamaica, no matter where you stay, if you want to explore outside your resort try Countrystyle customized guided tours. From Beaches, you can visit YS Falls and underground caves, or heritage seaside towns, or mangrove swamps with crocodiles. From FDR, take a Blue Mountain eco-adventure in the rainforest. Escorted outings can be arranged from all resorts, and always feature a Jamaican lunch and chance to meet local people. Prices start at $40/adult, $20/child, plus transportation. Call 876-962-7758.