With miles of beautiful beaches, plenty of outdoor fun, a unique culture and delicious cuisine, Jamaica is a paradise for families. One more reason to add it to your list? Child-friendly hotels and resorts abound. No matter what type of accommodations you’re seeking, you’ll find it here. From private villas to amazing kids’ clubs, here are the best hotels and resorts for families.
For Babies & Toddlers: FDR Resorts
Both FDR properties offer intimate accommodations that will embrace your family with true Jamaican warmth and hospitality. But the truly not-to-be-missed part of these properties is the fact that they are the Caribbean’s only resorts where prices include a dedicated Vacation Nanny for each family. It’s easy to get into full relaxation mode when you have specially trained, full-time help during your vacation.
The spacious rooms and family suites range from one-bedrooms all the way up to large three-bedroom suites, so there’s plenty of space for the whole family to lounge. Other perks of the resort include great cuisine and unlimited bar drinks for mom and dad. Centers are open daily for children, preteens and teens to meet and enjoy time with other children their age. Kids will also enjoy playing under the Jamaican sun and tennis, sailing, snorkeling and kayaking are included in the price. Live nightly entertainment and a 100-foot waterslide also ensure there’s never a dull moment during your stay. Not to mention the free airport transfers take all the hassle out of rounding up the whole family and all the bags getting to and from the properties. All that’s left for you to do is sit back and relax.
For Teens: Moon Palace
Teens can be tricky to please, but look no further than a stay at Moon Palace to have them enjoying the vacation in no time. Teenagers can play in state-of-the-art activity rooms, which include air hockey tables and complimentary arcade games. They’ll have a blast cooling off in the outdoor water park, or relaxing with the Xbox & Wii gaming areas, singing karaoke and more.
If your teens are on the more adventurous side, they’ll also love the water sport options available. Sneak away on scuba tours, shred waves on the FlowRider Double Wave Simulator, zen out with Paddle Board Yoga or take a dip with dolphins.
And if you’re also traveling with younger kids, there’s plenty for them too. A building blocks section, kitchen play area and indoor ball pit will keep kids of all ages busy.
For Multi-Gen Trips & Family Reunions: A Villa by Linda Smith
Most of the private homes in the Villas by Linda Smith collection are located on a stunning stretch of Jamaica’s north coast within a 10-mile span of the colorful town of Montego Bay and the international airport, enabling guests to reach their ideal home within twenty minutes. Eleven are on pristine Discovery Bay and seven are oceanfront in lively Ocho Rios.
Each of Smith’s villas comes with its own private pool and a dedicated staff trained personally by Smith herself, including a chef, butler, housekeeper and even a personal laundress so you won’t have to pack half your closet or worry about kids getting messy. While handpicked for their luxurious accommodations and superb staff, each home also has the advantage of proximity to beaches, world-class golf and tennis, water sports, spas, galleries, kids’ clubs, and adventurous opportunities like zip lines, ATV tours and swims with dolphins. Many of Smith’s villas offer connecting bedrooms and far from the limitations of hotels, these actual homes work for all age groups and have become legendary for family reunions.
For Luxury: Half Moon
If you’re looking for somewhere to indulge, you’ll find it at Half Moon. Outdoor activities beckon families at this property. Go for a horseback ride at Pony Park, enjoy a kayak adventure or hold on tight on an exhilarating banana boat ride. Kids can even get PADI certified and enjoy a family dive trip to take in the teeming underwater landscapes. The Anancy Children’s Village, for kids ages 3-12, is a terrific play area that showcases Jamaica’s rich heritage through hands-on activities and stories. And for younger kids, babysitting services are offered.
Accommodations offer interconnecting rooms so families can have some privacy and villas come with a private pool, cook, butler and housekeeper so you don’t have to lift a finger while you de-stress at the ultimate family getaway. Don’t miss the beach BBQ, a genuine Jamaican experience featuring all types of jerk dishes, steel band and congo drum performances, fire eaters, dancers and even crab racing.
For the Best Value: Beaches
With locations in Negril and Ocho Rios and prices for kids starting at just $47, you won’t find a better all-inclusive deal for families than Beaches Resorts. From standard rooms with rollaway beds to three-bedroom family suites with butler service, Beaches has a room for every family’s needs.
Also included in the price is unlimited diving and water sports. Explore the reefs, kayak, sail or splash around in the waterpark. A kids’ camp, evening activities, Xbox lounge, golf and more ensure that kids are always kept busy having plenty of fun. Families can also explore outside the resort with a tour in a MINI Cooper or a dune buggy, or set sail on a family catamaran cruise. Teens will also love the dance club just for them and parents can relax at the decadent spa.
For Total Bliss: Jewel Grande
But if you’re in the market to just lounge and soak up some rays, they do that impeccably too. Featuring the largest spa on the island, all products used are made locally. The spa also offers a special kids’ menu with massages catered to children. They will even bring the spa right to you so you can stay poolside while getting mommy-daughter mani pedis. Teens can get a facial designed just for them or take a private class on how to apply makeup (all using the resort’s organic makeup line). Or, bring the whole family to bliss out in the Caribbean’s only Himalayan Salt Lounge.
By Hannah Freedman