All inclusive resorts are a popular form of vacation for families, especially in the Caribbean; but you won't find them on every island. The list below indicates your best choices for finding an AI. Note that some non-all-inclusive resorts do offer "inclusive plans" for meals and perhaps activities too; don't expect the utter freedom --of food, drink, activities-- of a full-on all inclusive resort, though.
Be aware that in some places that don't have all inclusive resorts, locals may be quite happy to not have them, in the typical meaning of a large self-contained resort. Still, you may find a smaller property that offers an "inclusive plan."
Hint: your best bets for all inclusive resorts are Aruba, DR, Jamaica, St. Lucia
Caribbean islands: all inclusive resorts?
(See Caribbean Island profiles for an introduction to top islands for families; use this map of the Caribbean Islands to orient.)
Anguilla
Things change, new resorts open-- and you can always google "anguilla all inclusive" to check-- but you're probably not going to find an all inclusive resort on this smaller, quieter island.
Antigua: Yes, you will find all inclusive resorts in Antigua; the Jolly Beach Resort is a family-friendly choice.
Aruba: Plenty of all inclusive resorts; check some family-friendly choices.
Bahamas: Not known for all inclusive resorts, but you will find some all-inclusives in the Bahamas, including a Viva Wyndham resort. (Viva Wyndham is a value-priced and family-friendly resort brand; this property has a Viva Circus program, with trapeze lessons and more.) Also, a Breezes Bahamas welcomes kids 14 and up; Breezes is part of SuperClubs.
Barbados: not known for all inclusive resorts; Almond Village Resort is a popular large all inclusive resort, with kids club, family pool, and nursery; the Almond Casuarina Beach Resort is likewise AI and welcomes families.
Bermuda: Not much in the way of all inclusive resorts.
Bonaire: Though not an all inclusive resort per se, Buddy Dive Resort welcomes families and has packages that include breakfast and diving.
British Virgin Islands: Bitter End Yacht Club & Resort likes kids and has packages that include meals, use of sailboats, kayaks, windsurfers, plus activities such as snorkeling trip.
Cayman Islands: visitors aren't likely to find an all inclusive resort option.
Curacao: All inclusive resort Breezes Curacao has kids programs.
Dominica: As Dominica is considered an "unspoiled" Caribbean island, its fans are probably glad there are no big all inclusive resorts. Adventurous families might enjoy Jungle Bay eco-resort, where packages are pretty inclusive: i.e., meals and activities such as hikes, ocean kayaking, snorkeling.
Dominican Republic: a big name, for all inclusive resorts. A building boom is on in several areas--see Dominican Republic Resorts. Club Med Punta Cana has outstanding kids' programs, and unique concept, "The Ramp", for teens.
Jamaica: lots of all inclusive resorts. Both the Sandals/Beaches and the Superclubs/Breezes chains have their base in Jamaica; AI pricing is common and even resorts that aren't AI may offer an all-inclusive plan. See Jamaica All Inclusive Resorts. And unique to Jamaica: at Franklyn D. Resort and Pebbles Resort, your stay includes your own vacation nanny.
St. Lucia: This scenic island has a growing number of all inclusive resorts, including value-priced Coconut Bay Resort & Spa, and Almond Smugglers Cove and Almond Morgan Bay Beach Resort.
St. Kitts and Nevis: These tiny islands (lush, upscale) don't feature all inclusive resorts but do have two prominent family-friendly choices, (Four Seasons Nevis, and St. Kitts Mariott.)
Turks & Caicos
Families flock to the all inclusiveBeaches Resort here. (Beaches is the family brand of the Sandals chain).
US Virgin Islands: Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort and Spa has an all inclusive plan, a rarity in the USVI.
Remember, change happens! New resorts get built, existing ones add new pricing options... Check for changes by googling "[island name] all-inclusives".
