The Family Travel Network

E-mail this page
to a friend

Top Budget Caribbean Family Resorts

By Nancy Schretter, Editor

Families can easily enjoy some of the Caribbean's best beaches without breaking the bank. In fact, a number of family friendly resorts throughout the Caribbean regularly offer affordable vacation values and family oriented amenities. The Family Travel Network staff has researched the market and surveyed travel agents, family travel experts, readers, and others to come up with our list of the 25 best budget Caribbean resorts for families as well as a few ideas for finding cheap Caribbean family vacation deals. All of our top picks have been visited by a staff member or one of our contributing writers to make sure they are worthy of recommendation and to provide "been there - done that" tips.

Families can get the best deals and rates during the off-season months (generally from late April or early May through mid-December), but some resorts also offer family-oriented specials at other times. During the summer months, "kids stay and eat free" deals are quite common at resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico. In addition, some vacation package marketers such as American Airlines Vacations (www.aavacations.com), Cheap Caribbean (www.cheapcaribbean.com), Funjet (www.funjet.com), Fare Deals (www.faredeals.com), USA3000 Vacations (www.usa3000.com) and others offer deals and specials during the fall and in prime winter months. When bargain shopping, always make sure to compare these deals with those that you can obtain on your own to make sure you're getting the best deal. Websites such as TravelZoo (www.travelzoo.com), Sherman's Travel (www.shermanstravel.com) and the Hot Deals area of the Family Travel Network can also be good sources for Caribbean vacation bargains.

Short cruises to the Bahamas and the Caribbean can also be an excellent choice for stretching family vacation dollars. These 3- to 5-day cruises depart from a wide variety of U.S. ports and are often very attractively priced. Rates for a 3- to 5-day cruise can be as low as $219 to $389 per adult and kids sharing a cabin sail at a lower price, or sometimes even for free. In addition, cruises departing from nearby drive-to-port cities can eliminate the additional airfare costs. Meals are included, but soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, shore excursions and tips must be added to the base price.

Vacation home and villa rentals can be another good source for reasonably priced Caribbean family getaways in the off-season, especially if you have a large family or are traveling with a multigenerational group. These properties provide families with room to spread out and generally come with kitchen facilities, which can save money on meals. Villa rental agents are particularly helpful in matching family needs and budgetary considerations with island properties. Companies such as Island Hideaways (www.islandhideways.com), Villas Caribe (www.villascaribe.com) and WIMCO (www.wimco.com) have listings throughout the Caribbean, while agencies such as Jamaica Villas by Linda Smith (www.jamaicavillas.com) specialize in one island. Websites such as www.homeaway.com and www.vrbo.com can also provide good deals directly from the owner.

If you're dreaming of some fun in the Caribbean sun, here are 25 budget-oriented resorts that are good choices for an affordable family vacation. You won't find five-star rooms, gourmet restaurants and amenities at these hotels, but you won't be spending a fortune, either. These resorts deliver a good value for families who want to stretch their vacation dollars.

Barceló Premium Punta Cana Resort, Dominican Republic: The Barceló Premium Punta Cana Resort offers a spectacular beach, expansive pools with distinctive features, and excellent vacation values. What's Special: The Barceló Punta Cana is a newly renovated property located on one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in the Caribbean. This resort is a beach lover's paradise. Walk to your left and you'll find miles of unspoiled white sand beach lined with palm trees -- it's easy to find a spot to call your own. These spots are rare indeed, so come soon before new resort development takes over. This resort, best for beach and pool enthusiasts, also features a children's program, a rock climbing wall and circus trapeze, and numerous specialty restaurants. Sun worshipers will also love the built-in lounge chairs in the resort's newest pool. If you go, try to splurge for one of the recently remodeled deluxe or deluxe oceanview rooms and request dining reservations at Paris, Roma and Tokio depending upon the length of your stay. If your family is more interested in going to Mexico, Barceló also has another resort complex located in the Riviera Maya region. One of those hotels, the Barceló Maya Colonial Beach was selected by TripAdvisor readers as one of the best family resorts in the Caribbean for 2008. www.barcelo.com.
Breezes Curacao Resort Spa & Casino, Curacao: Breezes Curacao offers families the value and ease of an all-inclusive vacation with Dutch island flair. What's Special: Families will enjoy the watersports and the 1500-foot white sand beach. The resort has constructed a breakwater right offshore, creating a large protected area where children can easily swim amidst tropical fish. The resort is also adjacent to the lovely Undersea National Park as well as the Sea Aquarium. Fully-staffed kids programs are included and are available for babies, school-age children and teens. If you go, make reservations for dinner at Pastafari and Munasan, the resort's Japanese tapanyaki restaurant, and try out the trapeze and trampoline clinics. Families with children ages 14 and older should check out Breezes Bahamas and the recently renovated Breezes Runaway Bay, two additional value-oriented Breezes properties that work particularly well for families with teens. www.breezes.com
Cancun Palace, Cancun, Mexico: The Cancun Palace is an all-inclusive family favorite, providing a great beachfront location, beautiful swimming pools, and a wide variety of family-oriented activities. What's Special: The Cancun Palace has been completely remodeled after sustaining hurricane damage several years ago and families have been very pleased with the results. The beach at this Palace property is beautiful, and the resort's rooms, pools and fitness center get rave reviews. The Palace Passport Program provides families with a selection of complimentary tours to some of Mexico's most famous attractions. Kids stay, play and eat free promotions are often available during the summer months. If you go, make sure to have at least one dinner in the Japanese restaurant. www.palaceresorts.com
Carimar Beach Club, Anguilla: Anguilla has some of the most spectacular beaches in the Caribbean, but many of the island's resorts are posh five-star luxury properties. Located right on the water on stunning Mead's Bay, Carimar Beach Club provides the perfect alternative for value-oriented families who want to experience Anguilla's unspoiled charms without breaking the bank. What's Special: Carimar's beachfront and beachview one- and two-bedroom villas give families room to spread out on their vacation. Each villa comes with a full kitchen, allowing families to save money on food expenses. High speed Internet service is available in all rooms and laundry facilities and a television are located in the resort's recreation room. There are no televisions in the villas -- the beach is the main draw here. For families with children ages 2-12, Carimar guests can use the facilities of the Children's Place at the upscale Malliouhana Hotel & Spa next door for $25 per day. This supervised outdoor playground on the beach includes a 26-foot pirate ship, a variety of pools, and a 60-foot water slide. www.carimar.com.
Chenay Bay Beach Resort, St. Croix, USVI: If you're seeking a reasonably priced beach cottage with resort amenities in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Chenay Bay may be just the place for you and your family. What's Special: The resort's cottages have private front porches and kitchenettes so families can enjoy snacks or meals whenever they wish. Family cottages can sleep up to 8 adults. The resort has a lovely sand beach which is protected by Green Cay National Wildlife Preserve, a small island located just off the coast. Kids can participate in the resort's CRUZAN KIDS program when offered. Since the resort is located in the U.S. Virgin Islands, no passports are required. www.chenaybay.com.
Cinnamon Bay Campground, St. John, USVI: This lovely campground and cottage compound is an excellent choice for budget-oriented families looking for affordable accommodations on the idyllic island paradise of St. John. Over 30 "bring your own tent" baresites, 55 durable pre-erected tents and 40 screen-lined rustic cottages -- some beachfront and beachview -- are available here. What's Special: Cinnamon Bay's cottages and other accommodations are located just steps away from the National Park's longest stretch of sand, Cinnamon Bay Beach. This property is a haven for campers and families who love the beach and are looking for a good bargain on St. John. Cottages have electricity and all accommodations have easy access to the campground's central bathhouses with lavatories and cool water showers. The on-site Tree Lizards Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and the General Store carries a variety of grocery items and toiletries. The property's U.S. Virgin Islands location means no passports are necessary. If you go, bring some mosquito repellent and consider renting a jeep to buy groceries and explore the island. www.cinnamonbay.com.
Coconut Beach Resort, St. Lucia: Set on 85 lush acres near the tip of St. Lucia, all-inclusive Coconut Bay Resort is close to all of St. Lucia's top attractions and just minutes away from Hewanorra International Airport. This resort won a TripAdvisor.com Travelers' Choice Award in the "Best for Families - Caribbean" category in 2008. What's Special: CocoLand water park, complete with pools, water slides and a Lazy River, is a true kid-pleaser. The resort's well-supervised kids programs for children ages 3-14 include Coco Adventure for preteens and Coco Kidz for toddlers and school-age children. The resort's location is close to many of St. Lucia's prime attractions, and the resort's tour desk offers rainforest canopy tours, trips to the world's only drive-in active volcano, boat trips along the St. Lucia coast, and a wide variety of other excursions. www.coconutbayresortandspa.com
Comfort Suites Paradise Island, Bahamas: This Comfort Suites delivers more than meets the eye for families. The resort's added benefits make it a true family favorite, so make sure to take advantage of them for as long as they last. What's Special: Located across from Atlantis Paradise Island, families staying at Comfort Suites Paradise Island can enjoy the full use of the Atlantis facilities, including the pools, water slides, Lazy River ride, private beach, spa and Kids Camp, at a small fraction of the Atlantis price. Guests at Comfort Suites Paradise Island also have full signing privileges at Atlantis Paradise Island restaurants and lounges. In addition, Comfort Suites guests also receive a free deluxe continental breakfast and refrigerators are available in the hotel's rooms. Deluxe rooms can accommodate larger families with two double beds and a living room area complete with a double sofa bed. www.ComfortSuites.ChoiceHotels.com
FDR Pebbles Resort, Jamaica: Parents who are looking for a break on their vacation come to FDR Pebbles for two big reasons: this all-inclusive resort delivers a lot for the vacation dollar and its Vacation Nanny program assigns an experienced Vacation Nanny to each family staying at the property. This resort was named as a TripAdvisor.com Travelers' Choice Award winner in the "Best for Families - Caribbean" category in 2008. What's Special: Parents appreciate the fact that the services of a Vacation Nanny are included in the price of their stay at FDR Pebbles, giving them the opportunity to relax and enjoy some time on their own. Vacation Nannies are automatically assigned to families with children 12 and under, but they are also offered to families with older children if they wish. The resort's Yellow Bird Kids Club is filled with educational toys and computer games, and daily activities for children are planned. Teens and pre-teens have their own special program, including beach parties, all-terrain biking excursions, and an outdoor camping trip. A wide variety of watersports and activities for kids and adults are also available. Rooms at FDR Pebbles are junior suites, and can accommodate a family of five. If you go, consider splurging for a massage on the beach and don't miss the luminous lagoon trip. www.fdrfamily.com
Fiesta Americana Condesa, Cancun, Mexico: The family friendly Fiesta Americana Condesa offers a good value for the price, as well as a beautiful beach and large pools. Both EP (room only) and all-inclusive options are available at this property. A $10 million renovation was completed in 2004. This hotel was named by TripAdvisor.com and Budget Travel magazine as one of the best value resorts in Mexico for 2008. What's Special: This resort has one of the better beaches in Cancun with large palapas for shade. The pool here is great for young children and a Fiesta Kids Club and special Fiesta Kids Menu are available at the property. If you go, make sure to request a balcony at time of booking if that feature is important to you. Special deals for children are available at selected times during the year. www.fiestaamericana.com
Guavaberry Spring Bay Vacation Homes, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands: The unique Guavaberry Spring Bay resort is a collection of individual tree house-style villas. Each one, two or three bedroom home comes with a fully equipped kitchen, a living/dining area, covered decks and beautiful views. What's Special: Location, location, location. These villas are situated just a short walk from beautiful Spring Bay Beach, Devil's Bay, fantastic snorkeling at The Baths, and "The Crawl," a National Park featuring a natural swimming pool enclosed by giant boulders. The spacious villas give families room to spread out and the full kitchens in each cottage allow families to save on meals. In addition, the resort's commissary is conveniently well stocked with groceries and other supplies. The helpful staff at Guavaberry Spring Bay are also available to help with restaurant reservations, setting up excursions and arranging car rentals. Villas do not have air conditioning or televisions, but the tradewinds and surrounding activities can easily compensate for both. www.guavaberryspringbay.com
Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort, Jamaica: The Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort in Jamaica won TripAdvisor.com's Travelers' Choice Award in the "Best for Families - Caribbean" category in previous years. What's Special: This all-inclusive resort's multi-million dollar renovation has added improvements to the rooms as well as to the beach, swimming and sunning areas. Make sure to ask for one of the most recently refurbished units. The resort is located only 7 miles from Sangster International Airport, making it a great choice for long weekend family getaways. The resort also offers a free children's program, watersports, and one bedroom suites for larger families. www.sunspreeresorts.com
Hotel Akumal Caribe, Akumal, Mexico: This laid-back snorkelers' and divers' paradise in the Riviera Maya region is a family favorite, with its lovely white sand beach, spacious bungalows and villas, and charming rustic feel. What's Special: For years, the Hotel Akumal Caribe has delivered an excellent vacation value for budget-conscious families. Accommodations are available in the low-rise hotel (families with little ones should request first floor units), or in the resort's bungalows, condos and villas. A wide variety of watersports are available at the property and the beach is lined with palapas and palm trees for shade. The Kid's Club Akumal Caribe is available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and in the evenings from 6-9 p.m. for a small additional fee per child. The resort's Lol-Ha restaurant is a good choice for dinner and a number of Mayan ruins are located within easy driving range. If you go, make sure to take a cab or get in your rental car and go to nearby Yal Ku Lagoon for snorkeling. www.hotelakumalcaribe.com
Iberostar Costa Dorada, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic: The all-inclusive Iberostar Costa Dorada won TripAdvisor.com's Travelers' Choice Award in the "Best Bargain - Caribbean" category in previous years. This property, as well as its many Iberostar sister properties throughout the Dominican Republic and the Riviera Maya area of Mexico, are consistent favorites with vacationing families. What's Special: Families rave about this resort's large pool, lovely grounds and attentive Star Friends staff. Lucy's Mini Club entertains children ages 4-12 and an extensive variety of tours are offered. Spa treatments are excellent and extremely reasonably priced. Rooms in blocks 1,2,5,6 and 7 are further away from the disco and tend to be quieter. For more "if you go" tips, see this related article on The Family Travel Network. This property's sister resorts in Punta Cana, the Iberostar Bavaro and the Iberostar Dominicana, were named by TripAdvisor.com and Budget Travel magazine as best value Caribbean resorts in 2008. www.iberostar.com
Maho Bay Camps, Estate Concordia Studios, and Harmony Studios, St. John, USVI: Located on one of the most beautiful and exclusive islands in the Caribbean, these Maho Bay properties are both eco-friendly and reasonably priced. What's Special: Maho Bay Camps have their own secluded white sand beach within the U.S. Virgin Islands National Park and are just a short drive away from some of St. John's most breathtaking beaches and attractions. St. John is the least populated of the U.S. Virgin Islands, so you won't be fighting away the crowds here. Environmentally sensitive families will particularly enjoy the combination of beautiful surroundings, comfort, convenience and intimacy with nature that these "green" resorts offer. Since Maho Bay Camps are located in the U.S. Virgin Islands, no passports are required. www.maho.org
Pelican Bay at Lucaya, Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas: Grand Bahama Island is often a good choice for budget oriented families. Airfares to this island are often on sale through AirTran and other carriers and Pelican Bay at Lucaya provides an excellent value for the vacation dollar. What's Special: This family friendly boutique hotel provides its guests with personalized attention, three outdoor swimming pools and complimentary continental breakfast. One-bedroom suites as well as individual guest rooms are available. The Beach access is across the road at the Our Lucaya resort area, approximately 300 yards away. Guests may use the beaches and restaurants at the Westin and Sheraton properties there, but not the pools. If you go, consider taking an excursion to beautiful Gold Rock Beach and splurging on dinner at the Ferry House, one of the best restaurants in the Bahamas. www.pelicanbayhotel.com
Sandos Playacar Beach Resort, Playa del Carmen, Mexico: This beach resort is very child friendly and a real family pleaser, winning TripAdvisor.com's Travelers' Choice Award in the "Best for Families - Caribbean" category in 2008. What's Special: Families come to the Hotel Sandos Playacar for the wide beach, the great kids club, the beautiful grounds, and the helpful staff. This all-inclusive hotel is an excellent choice for beach lovers, with one of the nicest beaches in the area. The resort is located about 5 minutes away from the town of Playa del Carmen for those who would like to shop or enjoy the nightlife. www.sandoshotels.com
Seaside Cabanas, Caye Caulker, Belize: The sandy streets and swaying palm trees on Caye Caulker give it an "old Caribbean" feel and the prices on this island match its laid-back retro charm. With its beachfront location and lovely little pool, Seaside Cabanas is the best place for families to stay on the island. What's Special: The little island of Caye Caulker is the place to go when your family wants to relax and unwind in peace. There are no motorized vehicles on this island, only golf carts and bicycles, but it's quite easy to walk from one end of the island to the other. Seaside Cabanas has the only pool on the island, and its waterfront location and helpful hotel staff win big points with families. Use the money you save on lodging for excursions such as snorkeling and diving, cave tubing, and trips to the Mayan ruins. Regular water taxi service is available to Belize City and to nearby Ambergris Caye. www.seasidecabanas.com
Starfish Trelawny, Jamaica: Starfish Trelawny's flexible approach to the traditional all-inclusive pricing system makes it a great place to stay for budget-oriented families. Meals, drinks and most activities are included in the low base price, but a small extra fee is charged for some extras such as scuba excursions, the use of the trapeze and rock-climbing wall, spa treatments and premium restaurants. This approach works well for families who want to keep costs to a minimum and don't want to pay for amenities they won't use. Guests can upgrade to the Platinum Plan, which includes unlimited privileges at all hotel restaurants, unlimited motorized watersports, unlimited Kids Club usage and other amenities. What's Special: Approximately 70% of Starfish Trelawny guests are families, so your children will have lots of playmates here. The four large pools and thrilling waterslides are a hit with families, as is the private island for sunbathing. The resort's three miles of white sand beach and extensive tour options are also attractive features. If you go, splurge for a dinner at Munahana Restaurant where tapanyaki chefs prepare meals tableside, and don't miss the popular Luminous Lagoon tour. www.starfishresorts.com
Sunscape Casa del Mar, La Romana, Dominican Republic: Families like the dollar-stretching value of the Sunscape Resort properties and the Sunscape Casa del Mar resort in the La Romana area of the Dominican Republic has a beautiful beach in addition to all the family friendly amenities. What's Special: Beach-loving families will be thrilled with the beautiful white sand beach and calm waters at the Sunscape Casa del Mar. The clear water is excellent for snorkeling and the lack of big waves is perfect for families with younger children. The resort also features two swimming pools, a spa, tennis courts, water sports and a fitness center. Sunscape's Explorer Club for Kids entertains children ages 3-12, and includes a campout adventure one night during the week. World-renowned championship golf at Casa de Campo is just 30 minutes away. If you're planning a visit to Sunscape Casa del Mar, make sure to request one of the renovated rooms. www.sunscaperesorts.com
Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort, Ocho Rios, Jamaica: The Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort and its sister property in Montego Bay, the Sunset Beach Resort, keep families coming back for budget-stretching values, exciting waterscapes, and family-friendly amenities. What's Special: The waterpark and Lighthouse Waterslide at this all-inclusive 730-room beachfront resort are real family pleasers. The lighthouse gives guests a panoramic view of the entire resort complex and the Caribbean Sea before allowing them to twist and turn down their choice of two separate waterslides. The lower level of the lighthouse contains an airconditioned games arcade. The resort's popular Club Mongoose Kids Club and the Jamstone 'tweens center keep kids of all ages entertained. www.sunsetjamaicagrande.com
Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive, Aruba: Families flock to Aruba for its relatively hurricane-free location, beautiful beaches and warm sun. The beachfront Tamarijn Aruba won Caribbean Travel & Life's "Best of the Caribbean 2007" Readers' Choice Award. What's Special: Families rave about the lovely beach at the Tamarijn Aruba as well as the value the resort delivers for their vacation dollars. All guests at the Tamarijn Aruba have full use the features and facilities of the adjacent Divi Aruba All Inclusive Resort, giving them the choice of 8 dining options, 3 freshwater pools and the Divi Winds Sports Center with a 30-foot rock climbing wall, fitness center and non-motorized watersports. If you go, make as many specialty restaurant reservations as you can upon arrival. Specialty restaurants can be booked up to four days in advance. www.tamarijnaruba.com
Timothy Beach Resort, St. Kitts: Inexpensive accommodations on this Caribbean island can be hard to find, but Timothy Beach Resort delivers lots of value for the family vacation dollar. The property's staff is friendly and accommodating, and Internet access is available in the resort's restaurant as well as in the office area. While the beach area available at the resort is primarily the large public beach next door, the resort does have its own private pool and restaurant. What's Special: The spacious one-bedroom condo units are well-priced and give families a full kitchen in addition to a private bedroom for parents. If you go, make sure to keep an eye out for green vervet monkeys that often come down from the hills to the resort early in the morning and between 4-5:30 p.m. in the afternoons. Families should be aware that there is loud music at the nearby beach shacks and bars on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights and that the wall air-conditioning units are quite loud. www.timothybeach.com.
Tortuga Lodge, Tortuguero, Costa Rica: Costa Rica's Tortuga Lodge is the place to go for wildlife. Sea turtles nest on the Caribbean beaches during the summer months, and the surrounding jungle is filled with three species of monkeys, sloths, toucans, parrots, and a wide variety of other creatures. Travel & Leisure Family named Tortuga Lodge as one of their "Family Favorite Resorts" in 2005. What's Special: The comfortable accommodations and food at Tortuga Lodge are excellent, but nature is the real draw at this family friendly eco-resort. Situated on 50 acres of private land next to Tortuguero's slow-moving rivers, Tortuga Lodge wows families with its guided riverboat excursions through Tortuguero National Park, turtle hikes, and kayaking opportunities. Three meals are served daily, and a lovely saltwater pool is available for relaxing and sunbathing. If you go, make sure to visit the Caribbean Conservation Corporation's field station in Tortuguero to see the exhibitions and adopt a sea turtle. www.costaricaexpeditions.com/lodging/tortugalodge
Viva Wyndham Playa Dorada, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic: Viva Wyndham's all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic, Mexico and the Bahamas cater to families who want to enjoy their time together and maximize their vacation dollars. Viva Wyndham Playa Dorada is one of the many family favorites in the Viva Wyndham chain. What's Special: Located 15 minutes from the airport, Viva Wyndham Playa Dorada is the newest Viva Wyndham resort and is located in Puerto Plata's Playa Dorada complex. This smaller sized resort offers everything within walking distance. The beautiful beach is just a short stroll away, and the resort's friendly animation staff serves up lots of activities for guests. Fully-staffed Kids Clubs for children ages 4-12 are included at all of the Viva Wyndham resorts and 5-star PADI Dive Centers are also available. Kids under 12 enjoy special rates at the Viva Wyndham properties, and "kids stay, play and eat free" deals are often offered during the summer months. If you go to the Viva Wyndham Playa Dorada, try to take the family to the nearby Ocean World Adventure Park for the day. www.vivaresorts.com