Beat the Winter Blues in These 10 Caribbean Resorts (2025)
8 mins read

Beat the Winter Blues in These 10 Caribbean Resorts (2025)


If there’s a better cure for the winter blues than a beach vacation in the Caribbean, I haven’t found it yet. Warm water, soft sand and sunshine instantly improve your mood. Over the years, my family has explored much of the Caribbean and its resorts have all the ingredients for the perfect family vacation. To help you choose from the many options, here’s a list of my favorite beach resorts, from Punta Cana to Mexico’s Caribbean coast.

Why you can trust these choices: Read FamilyVacationist’s methodology for selecting and recommending vacation destinations and hotels.

1. Beaches Negril, Jamaica

Negril, Jamaica

Beaches Negril is one of the most popular Caribbean resorts for families (Photo: Beaches Resorts)

Calm water and a gradual slope allow even the smallest toddler to splash around safely at Beaches Negril, located directly on idyllic Seven Mile Beach. This popular all-inclusive resort offers age-appropriate dining, drinks, water sports, and clubs with trained nannies. Recent renovations have introduced multi-bedroom villas and penthouses for multi-generational stays. Highlights include swimming pools, a water park with a lazy river, evening entertainment and experiences with Sesame Street characters. Butler service adds a touch of luxury for those looking for extra pampering.

2. Nickelodeon Riviera Maya

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Pool Access Room at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya (Photo: Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts)Pool Access Room at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya (Photo: Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts)
Each suite at Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Riviera Maya overlooks the Caribbean Sea (Photo: Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts)

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive Caribbean resort that sets the standard for family fun, check out Nickelodeon Riviera Maya. The stage is set for fun surprises upon your arrival, including meet-and-greets with Nickelodeon characters, dance parties and live interactive Nickelodeon game shows. Each of the 280 swim-up suites overlooks the sea, while special themed suites combine luxury and fantasy. An expansive water park, supervised children’s programs, multiple dining options and the chance to lose weight will put a smile on everyone’s face.

3. Lopesan Costa Bavaro Resort

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Lopesan Costa Bavaro Resort in Punta Cana (Photo: Lopesan Costa Bavaro)Lopesan Costa Bavaro Resort in Punta Cana (Photo: Lopesan Costa Bavaro)
The Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort has seven freshwater swimming pools (Photo: Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort)

The all-inclusive Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa and Casino sits along Bávaro Beach in Punta Canam, where aquamarine water is fringed with sugary sand and shaded by towering coconut trees. With 1,042 rooms spread across family and adults-only areas, this sprawling resort impresses. Enjoy seven swimming pools, Splash Island water park for the little ones, a kids and teens club, bowling, an arcade and much more. Adults can relax at the spa and casino, while various dining options will satisfy even the pickiest of palates.

4. Océan Club and Océan Club Ouest

Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos Islands

OC ResortsOC Resorts
At Ocean Club Resorts in Turks and Caicos, you get two resort experiences for the price of one (Photo: Ocean Club Resorts)

The pleasantly warm water of Grace Bay is protected by an offshore reef and supports a wealth of aquatic life among the corals. Ocean Club Resorts has two properties on Grace Bay Beach, Ocean Club and Ocean Club West, connected by a shuttle that allows you to enjoy the facilities at both. Rooms include a fully equipped kitchen or kitchenette, perfect for families. And while they’re not all-inclusive, the resorts offer great restaurants, multiple pools, and water sports options like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

5. Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino

Palm Beach, Aruba

Family Beach at the Aruba Marriott Resort (Photo: Aruba Marriott Resort)Family Beach at the Aruba Marriott Resort (Photo: Aruba Marriott Resort)
It’s all about family time at Aruba Marriott Resort (Photo: Aruba Marriott Resort)

Dotted with colorful cacti and orchids, Aruba’s eye-catching desert landscape sets it apart from other Caribbean islands. The Aruba Marriott Resort is located on Palm Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island where the sand is powdery and the water is ideal for swimming. This 414-room resort isn’t all-inclusive, so it encourages exploration of the island’s culinary and natural treasures. On-site guests can enjoy water and land sports like windsurfing and pickleball, while family cooking classes are a fun way to experience Aruba’s unique Caribbean and Dutch fusion traditions.

6. Rideau Bluff Resort, Antigua

Pool and beach at Curtain Bluff Resort in Antigua (Photo: Curtain Bluff Resort)Pool and beach at Curtain Bluff Resort in Antigua (Photo: Curtain Bluff Resort)
Antigua’s Curtain Bluff Resort is one of the best Caribbean resorts for families who just want to relax (Photo: Curtain Bluff Resort)

Even in a powerhouse of sun and sand like the Caribbean, Antigua stands out for its variety of beaches. The island’s Curtain Bluff Resort is an elegant all-inclusive resort located on the south coast, surrounded by two beaches. Relaxation is the theme here, as your biggest choice may come down to lounging by the beach or pool. Family-friendly amenities include guaranteed connecting rooms and free outdoor activities such as sailing and tennis. The CeeBee Kids Club for toddlers and children aged three to 10 is open five days a week.

7. Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort

Labrelotte Bay, Castries, Saint Lucia

Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort in St. Lucia (Photo: Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort)Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort in St. Lucia (Photo: Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort)
Windjammer Landing in St. Lucia keeps kids busy with creative programming (Photo: Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort)

With its Twin Pitons, rainforest, drive-in volcano and stunning beaches, St. Lucia is brimming with natural beauty. Beachfront Windjammer Landing is dotted with lively gardens, sparkling pools, and accommodations ranging from cozy rooms to spacious villas. Choose between all-inclusive or à la carte packages for a tailor-made experience. With seven dining options and family-friendly cooking classes, you can enjoy local cuisine around every corner. The kids’ club offers dance, yoga and craft classes inspired by Saint Lucia’s heritage.

8. Dreams Curacao Resort Spa and Casino

Willemstad, Curacao

Pools and beach at Dreams Curacao (Photo: Dreams Curacao)Pools and beach at Dreams Curacao (Photo: Dreams Curacao)
Dreams Curaçao Resort Spa and Casino is located directly on the beach of Piscadera Bay. (Photo: Dreams Curacao)

An autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Curaçao is a melting pot of languages ​​and cultures. The locals speak Papiamento, a mixture of Dutch, Spanish, French, Portuguese and English. The all-inclusive Dreams Curaçao Resort Spa and Casino is located on the white sandy beaches of Piscadera Bay and has locally-run kids and teen clubs. You can also play beach volleyball or have unique travel experiences, like taking a Papiamentu class.

9. Club Med Michés Playa Esmeralda

Michés, Dominican Republic

Club Med Michés Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic (Photo: Club Med)Club Med Michés Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic (Photo: Club Med)
Shared family activities are in the spotlight at Club Med Michés Playa Esmeralda (Photo: Club Med)

The impressive Club Med Michés Playa Esmeralda, located on the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic, is more bucket-list than budget-friendly, but it’s definitely worth it for a crazy vacation. Everything is included in the daily rate and you can spend quality time participating in dozens of shared activities, from gardening to learning the art of trapeze, with drop-off clubs for infants and teens when you want to spend time only with your parents. Keep an eye out for the Secret Chocolate Room, an edible oasis of candy fountains and sugary confections that makes every day feel like Halloween in this Caribbean resort.

10. The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

George Town, Grand Cayman

Children playing in a water fountain at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman (Photo: Cayman Islands Department of Tourism)Children playing in a water fountain at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman (Photo: Cayman Islands Department of Tourism)
The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman combines luxury with child-friendly amenities (Photo: Cayman Islands Department of Tourism)

Boasting a prime location on Grand Cayman’s crescent-shaped Seven Mile Beach, The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman is an oasis for families seeking kid-friendly elegance with upscale accommodations and exceptional service. Robust water sports offerings range from sailing to snorkeling. Starfish Cay is the water play area, with a walk-in paddling pool that is perfect for little ones. This is not an all-inclusive resort, so you are free to dine off-property. However, epicureans will delight in the resort hotel’s culinary options, including a restaurant helmed by superstar chef Eric Ripert.

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