With your meals, drinks, accommodations and activities included, you almost have everything you need for the ultimate R&R. Add to that the kids stay free element and it’s the perfect family getaway! By Jordan Estrada
Gran Caribe Real Resort & Spa Cancun (Courtesy Real Resorts)
All-inclusive luxuries make traveling more enjoyable for families, and many all-inclusive resorts in the US, Mexico and Caribbean regularly offer deals where kids stay free with their parents. This means vacations can be fun, affordable, and most importantly, memorable for the whole family as you are treated to top-rated amenities in some of the world’s most relaxing and rejuvenating environments.
Whether you are looking to spend your days at a beachside paradise or a comfortable family ranch surrounded by trees and hiking trails, here are some top rated destinations – all of which have kids stay free options.
Gran Caribe Real Resort & Spa Cancun
In the heart of the Cancun Resort district, the Gran Caribe Real Resort & Spa is a village-style resort where up to two kids 12 or younger can stay and eat for free all year long. This beachside paradise has something exciting for every member of the family, including a kids club for younger guests and ‘T Zone’ for teens and tweens. For some family-friendly fun, check out the pirate-themed Oki Mini Golf course or the Oki Splash Water Park.
Families staying at the all-inclusive Rocking Horse Ranch can spend their days going horseback riding, hanging out at an indoor water park, or just simply enjoying the natural beauty of the area. Located 90 minutes from New York City, the ranch offers a chance for travelers to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and stay at a relaxing Hudson Valley retreat where kids stay free on select dates during spring and summer.
Occidental Allegro Cozumel (Courtesy Occidental Hotels)
The Occidental Allegro Cozumel resort is an all-inclusive Caribbean hotel with five restaurants, four swimming pools, its own pirate-themed water park and a kids stay, eat and play free offer valid from May 1 through December 22. If your family is looking for an adventure, the resort can arrange scuba diving excursions and deep sea fishing trips that give travelers a closer look at some of the local marine life.
Grand Palladium Jamaica (Courtesy Palladium Hotel)
Kids 12 and younger stay free at the Grand Palladium Jamaica, an extravagant beachside resort less than an hour from Montego Bay Airport. Blending modern designs with the natural scenery of the region, families will be treated to a world of luxury and sophistication amid the lush vegetation of Jamaica’s northern coast (not to mention free breakfast, lunch and dinner for all-inclusive guests).
Mohonk Mountain House New Paltz
The Mohonk Mountain House, which overlooks Mohonk Lake and is surrounded by dense wilderness and landscaped gardens (making it well-suited to nature lovers), was the winner of the Fodor’s Gold Choice Award for the best hotel for kids and families. When you are not hiking or taking guided nature walks, you can eat freshly prepared meals back at the hotel (where kids stay and eat for free on select dates throughout the year!).
The Reserve At Paradisus Palma Real Resort Punta Cana
The Reserve At Paradisus Palma Real (Courtesy Melia)
If you enjoy boutique-style amenities and are planning a trip to the Dominican Republic, consider staying at The Reserve At Paradisus Palma Real Resort during one of its regular kids stay free periods (usually late spring and autumn). Located right next to Bavaro Beach and its various hotels, shops and restaurants, families can simply walk along the beach and find plenty of entertainment.
(MORE: Find more all-inclusive deals and vacation packages in the US and the Caribbean.)
Iberostar Hotel Cozumel (Courtesy Iberostar)
The 5-star Iberostar Hotel Cozumel has seasonal kids stay free specials (August 16 – November 20 and November 29- December 30, 2015) and places families right on the Mexican Riviera and its clear turquoise waters. Along with 300 spacious guestrooms, there are six bungalow-style rooms that have private patios and hammocks so that you can take a nap while breathing in the fresh air.
Club Med Cancun Yucatan, a luxury resort nestled right against the water, has been recognized by TripAdvisor as one of the best family-friendly resorts in Mexico. It is perfect for travelers with young tots (kids under 4 always stay free and older kids at a reduced price!) who will have access the Petit Club Med and Mini Club Med kids clubs designed to help young guests happy and active at this stylish hotel located near ancient Mayan ruins.
Jordan Estrada contributed this to MiniTime. He is a freelance travel writer from Southern California who spends him time gardening, studying music and performing with his band.
