Jamaica is a Caribbean island with many all inclusive resorts, and is the home of two chains who've expanded elsewhere: SuperClubs (with Breezes resorts and a Starfish brand that welcome kids) and Sandals, whose Beaches brand is designed for families. There are many other all inclusives in Jamaica, too.
What's the Jamaica all inclusive experience like? Unlimited drinks and snacks all day long, kids' programs, watersports, novelty pools-- all are part of the territory. Read more about what to expect at all inclusive resorts.
One factor to consider in choosing a Jamaica all inclusive is distance from the airport. Most tourists arrive at the Montego Bay airport; if your resort is near Negril or Ocho Rios you may face a long ride with your kids in a shuttle bus. Check out flights into local airports: sometimes promotional prices make this an easy option.
Jamaica All Inclusive Resorts - alphabetical
Beaches Negril
Beaches (the family-resort brand of the Sandals group) is a big name in Jamaica all inclusives; this property is located on the west coast on Negril's famous seven-mile beach. Infant care, kids programs, teen activities; Sega Centre; snorkeling boat trips to a coral reef, scuba diving for ages 12 and up; spa, Xbox games, and private waterpark.
Beaches Boscobel
This popular Jamaica all inclusive resort is on the north coast past Ocho Rios, and features many kids' programs, infant care, novelty pools, snorkeling, scuba, golf including a golf-for-kids program... Read a review and see many pix. Ocho Rios is a 2-hour drive or a short plane hop from Montego Bay.
Franklyn D. Resort - Jamaica All Inclusive Resort With Vacation Nannies
FDR is specifically for families, and "all-inclusive" includes snorkeling trips, kids programs, watersports, and best of all, a friendly vacation nanny for each family throughout their stay. Also: huge suites; friendly ambiance; boardwalk dining; family activities such as magic shows; dancers and fire-eaters at night. Located on the north coast toward Ocho Rios.
FDR Pebbles
Pebbles is the sister of FDR (above), and here too your stay includes a vacation nanny. Pebbles has special activities for teens/preteens, such as a campout on the Martha Brae River. Pebbles is on the north coast and has a lower price point than FDR.
Riu Tropical Bay
The first-built of several Riu resorts in Jamaica; this one is on Bloody Bay Beach, near Negril on the west coast. Kids are welcome, but don't expect the extensive kids' programs found at someother Jamaica all inclusive resorts.
Starfish Trelawny
Starfish = star value at this Jamaica all inclusive by SuperClubs. Pricing is low for a not-quite-everything plan that provides lots of fun; guests pay an extra charge for premium dining, trapeze, motorized watersports, etc. Or guests can have it all with a Platinum Plan that's still very reasonable. Kid-friendly fun includes trapeze, rock-climbing, waterslides, pool in the pool, kids center, minigolf, "ice-skating". Starfish is near Pebbles, on the north coast.
Sunset Beach Resort & Spa
A value-priced all inclusive resort with three beaches, just 15 minutes from the Montego Bay Airport. Kids' club, teen center, and a pirate-themed waterpark, the lazy river, waterslides, etc.
Sunset Jamaica Grande
This resort is in Ocho Rios on the north coast, not far from popular Dunn's River Falls; Club Mongoose takes kids age 2 to 12; Jamrock Teen Center, too. All-inclusive plans are available.
Wherever you stay... think out of the box:
There's no doubt that Jamaica's all inclusive resorts provide great getaways; but what about the country beyond the gates?
Be sure to take some outings with your family. Every resort has an excursion desk; but here's an alternative fine way to explore "the real Jamaica": Countrystyle Community Tours provides escorted tours from any resort, customized to your interests. From Negril area, you might visit heritage sites, have a welcome drink at a bakery, lunch in a local home, and visit Roaring River and underground caves.
