Caribbean All Inclusive Resorts: Major Brands

The "Beaches" brand of inclusive resorts for families is part of the Sandals chain which also has resorts for couples. Features at Beaches include: extensive kids programs for different ages, including infant care; scuba diving for ages 12 and up; annual Single Parents Months; waterparks; and a partnership with Sesame Street that brings favorite characters on-property. Read about Beaches Turks and Caicos, Beaches Boscobel and Beaches Negril in Jamaica, and value-priced Beaches Sandy Bay.

"Breezes" is a brand of SuperClubs, a chain of all inclusive resorts that started out in Jamaica. In the past, several well-priced Breezes resorts welcomed kids and offered kids' programs, including Breezes Trelawny Resort & Spa in Jamaica Breezes Curacao. However Breezes no longer operates these two value resorts.

Club Med is a unique brand of all inclusive resorts, where families can find outstanding kids programs, Baby Club Med or Baby Welcome, leading-edge facilities for teens, and above all a special ambiance due to the Club Med "G.O.'s". Club Med has locations world-wide including all inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic and Guadeloupe.

Dreams has all inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, and is part of AMResorts which also has the Sunscape brand (and Secrets resorts, for couples.) Features for kids include "Explorer's Club" kids clubs, which typically have indoor areas and outdoor play zones, and Core Zone" teen centers. Sample resort: Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa has a Core Zone for teens, a long meandering pool, and a beach that stretches for miles in either direction.

This mid-sized property in Jamaica is noteworthy because -- in addition to the usual watersports, activities, and kids clubs expected at an all inclusive resort-- FDR adds a unique feature: a friendly vacation nanny is assigned to each family throughout their stay. (Formerly FDR had a sister resort, Pebbles, which has ceased operation as a family resort.)

Holiday Inn SunSpree resorts have many features for families, and several operate as all inclusive resorts. For example, in Jamaica the SunSpree at Montego Bay has miniature golf, windsurfing, snorkeling, sailing, glass bottom boats, and activity centres for kids ages6 mos. to 12 yrs.

The giant Hyatt chain has properties worldwide including Caribbean resorts, and though not an all inclusive brand, deserves mention for its Camp Hyatt kids club and for the Family Camps offered at some properties. Sample Caribbean resort: the Hyatt Regency Aruba has Camp Hyatt, family outings, and a three-level pool complex with waterslide.