Looking to book your first family vacation? It’s normal to be more than a little daunted. This list of the best resorts for babies and toddlers will help you to dip your toe into family travel waters.
Travel with Babies & Toddlers
Travel with a baby is not just different.
It’s better.
And it keeps getting better.
Honestly!
And any of these resorts will provide a wonderful family vacation for every member of your family.
Best Resorts for Babies & Toddlers: Beaches Resorts
Firstly, when it comes to resorts that cater to families with babies and toddlers, Beaches is hard to beat. Once you recover from the sticker shock, take note of everything that’s included in your vacation. In Beaches‘ case, it’s literally everything.
Beaches in Turks & Caicos
Beaches Turks and Caicos is their flagship resort. It has three “villages” and a number of accommodation options. In addition, there are over 20 restaurants. And the beach is truly glorious. It’s calm and clear and a shade of blue that’s impossible to describe.
Beaches in Jamaica
Beaches Negril and Beaches Boscobel in Jamaica are also amazing resorts. Not only do they retain their Jamaican flavour, they offer many amenities for families.
Beaches and Sesame Street
However, it’s their partnership with Sesame Street that really sets Beaches properties apart as the best resorts for babies. The nannies that care for the youngest guests are truly wonderful at their job. They are incredibly caring with the littlest babies. And they are so fun and kind with the toddlers. In addition, there are activities like baking cookies with Cookie Monster and Story Time with Elmo.
Seriously.
Your kids will try to ditch you and you’ll want to stay and play. I did!
Here are the Trip Advisor reviews and prices for the following Beaches resorts:
- Beaches Turks & Caicos
- Jamaica: Beaches Negril
- Jamaica: Beaches Boscobel
Best Resorts for Babies & Toddlers: Grand Palladium Resorts
Grand Palladium Resorts have a number of properties around the world. In North America they are in Mexico (four in Riviera Maya and one in Puerto Vallarta), Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.
And this is a very (comparatively) affordable resort chain with great amenities. Most guests come back with only good things to say.
RAGGS the Dog
They offer an included baby club for guests as young as 12 months. However, there’s no Cookie Monster or Big Bird here. But, Grand Palladium has a relationship with a blue dog named RAGGS. He stars in an Emmy Award-winning preschool series originally produced in Sydney, Australia.
Now, I’d never heard of RAGGS, but my son enjoyed the stuffie and CD we received as promotional items.
Grand Palladium Resorts in Mexico
Grand Palladium‘s four resorts in Riviera Maya are the Colonial Resort & Spa, Kantenah Resort & Spa, Riviera Resort & Spa, and the White Sand Resort & Spa. They are all connected and share the baby club. But, each resort maintains its own look and feel.
Near Puerto Vallarta, in Riviera Nayarit, is the Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa,
Grand Palladium Resorts in Jamaica
Next, in Jamaica, there are two (connected) properties, the Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa and the Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa.
Grand Palladium Resorts in Dominican Republic
And lastly, there are three Grand Palladiums in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
They are Bavaro Suites Resort & Spa, the Palace Resort Spa & Casino, and the Punta Cana Resort & Spa.
Now, check out the Trip Advisor ratings for the following Grand Palladium resorts:
- Mexico – Riviera Maya: Grand Palladium Colonial Resort & Spa
- Mexico – Riviera Maya: Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa
- Riviera Maya, Mexico: Grand Palladium Riviera Princess Resort & Spa
- Riviera Maya, Mexico: Grand Palladium White Sand Resort & Spa
- Near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa
- Lucea, Jamaica: Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa
- Lucea, Jamaica: Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa
- Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: Grand Palladium Bavaro Suites Resort & Spa
- Dominical Republic: Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa
- Dominican Republic: Grand Palladium Palace Resort Spa & Casino
Best Resorts for Babies & Toddlers: Franklyn D. Resort & Spa
We adored Franklyn D. Resort & Spa. Simply adored it.
And I thought it would be weird having a nanny. To me it is essentially a stranger hanging out with us on vacation. Perhaps this was the perception of the nanny-less.
THE Resort in Jamaica with Nannies
Located in Runaway Bay, about a 30-minute drive from Montego Bay airport, Franklyn D. is a magical place. Shoes are optional most places. Your vacation nanny stocks your room with snacks, tidies up, and helps you with the kids.
Additional nannies (one for each child, even!) can be hired for $50 US per day. Extra hours outside of the daily 9-5 are $12 US/hr.
The rooms at FDR are all incredibly spacious. They are perfect for larger families. Cribs and high chairs are no problem, and we even had bed rails on our king-size bed. The resort itself is incredibly casual. There is a tidy pool and toddler-safe beach, top shelf liquor, and delicious food at the buffet meals (held at family-friendly times). And there is also the option for adult-only space and dining.
But, by far, the best thing about FDR is the staff. The nannies are all so lovely and caring (and patient!) Everyone from the bartenders to the gardeners and everyone in between were warm and friendly and fun. The kids were only four and one when we visited. And we all still pine for our little slice of home in Jamaica.
You can read more about visiting FDR here.
Best Resorts for Babies & Toddlers: Club Med
I was stuck for the longest time thinking Club Med resorts were for swinging singles. It took just one afternoon in their Petit Club at Ixtapa Pacific to change my mind. My daughter was a toddler and we realized that the service Club Med provides to parents is pretty incredible.
Club Med Is for Families
Their Mini Club Med for children aged 4-12 is included at the resorts that offer it. A few select locations in North America (Ixtapa Pacific in Mexico and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic) offer Baby Club Med services and amenities for infants 4mos. to 2-years-old, and Petit Club Med for toddlers aged 2-4. And the daily care and activities are provided by G.O.s that are usually taking baby or child development in university.
They are wonderful.
Register for the Baby Club
Now the Petit and Baby Club Med services must be registered for once you check in. The daily fee is, on average, around $100 USD. It’s probably best to budget for that in advance after booking your trip. But, keep in mind, kids four and under stay free.
And the Baby Club Med on-resort amenities provided by Club Med to guests are complimentary. They include a room that has baby-appropriate food and snacks available and a baby and toddler section of at the buffets. In addition, there are also cribs/cots and change tables in the rooms.
Here are the Trip Advisor reviews and prices for the following Club Med Resorts:
- Zihuatanejo, Mexico: Club Med Ixtapa Pacific
- Dominican Republic: Club Med Punta Cana
Best Resorts for Babies & Toddlers: Melia Resorts
Meliá Hotels International is a Spanish company. They currently operate more than 370 hotels in 43 countries and four continents. And they have nine different brands. Meliá Hotels and Resorts is perhaps their most accessible chain.
Melia Resorts for Families
There is a wide range of luxury levels for guests of all ages. And there are a number of all-inclusive resorts in North America that offer either a baby club or kids club (or both).
There are several in Cuba, three in Mexico, and one in the Bahamas (Melia Nassau Beach). In addition, there is one in Jamaica (Melia Braco Village) and Melia Caribe is in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Melia Resorts in Cuba
The resorts with baby clubs in Cuba are located in Cayo Santa Maria, (Melia Cayo Santa Maria and Melia Las Dunas) and Cayo Coco (Melia Jardines del Rey).
And there are two in Varadero (Melia Peninsula Varadero and Melia Marina Varadero).
Melia Caribe Tropical is their large and recently-renovated resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. It offers full baby and toddler amenities (including the baby club). And there are family-sized rooms for those with three or more kids.
Check out the Trip Advisor reviews and pricing for the following Melia resorts:
- Dominican Republic: Melia Caribe Tropical
- Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba: Melia Cayo Santa Maria
- Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba: Melia Las Dunas
- Varadero, Cuba: Melia Peninsula Varadero
- Varadero, Cuba: Melia Marina Varadero
- Cayo Coco, Cuba: Melia Jardines del Rey
- Bahamas: Melia Nassau Beach
- Jamaica: Melia Braco Village
- Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: Melia Puerto Vallarta
Best Resorts for Babies & Toddlers: Fern Resort
You may be wondering why a small, family-run resort in Orillia, Ontario is here with the bigwigs in the Caribbean and Mexico. The simple answer is, Fern Resort is a wonderful place for a family vacation. They offer thoughtful touches that all hotels hoping to cater to families with young children should take note of.
Family Resorts, Take Note of Fern
The rooms with reserved cribs are placed on a special list to be made up first. This ensures housekeeping is done by naptime. There are step stools in every public restroom as well as in the guest rooms. And during the summer and school and holiday breaks, they offer kids’ activities and child care.
The kids’ buffet in the dining room opens early. To relax at dinner, feed the kids first then trot them off to the Playvillage or Nursery. A supervised jumpy castle or age-appropriate movie keeps them busy and happy. Which means you can linger over dessert!
Fern Resort is open year-round. There are seasonal activities that cater to the whole family. Winter and summer are our favourite times to visit.
Best Resorts for Babies & Toddlers: Azul by Karisma
Karisma Hotels and Resorts is another company that manages many hotel brands. Most of them are family-friendly. But their Azul line, in particular Azul Beach just outside of Cancun in Mexico, are amazingly baby- and toddler-friendly.
Azul Beach is an all-inclusive resort that feels more like a chic boutique hotel. Although I haven’t visited the other Azul properties, I’m sure they’re just as incredible. Similarly, for kids 4 and up, there are a number of fun activities and services.
Supplies for Babies & Toddlers
Families traveling with babies and toddlers feel comfortable and welcomed. Azul Resorts supplies everything, including strollers, cribs, bottle sterilizers, bottle warmers, change tables, baby monitors, baby baths, baby sleepers, and high chairs. Gerber brand baby food is available in all of their restaurants and from room service. Natural baby food can be prepared if requested.
Other Azul properties include Azul Fives and Azul Sensatori in Riviera Maya, Mexico, and their first hotel in Jamaica, Azul Beach Resort Negil. Recently they’ve added the Check out the Trip Advisor reviews and pricing for the following Azul resorts: Grand Velas Resorts has three locations in Mexico, Grand Velas Riviera Maya and Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit near Puerto Vallarta. Their newest location is near Cabo San Lucas: Grand Velas Los Cabos. These luxury, all-inclusive properties offer large rooms and suites. For those traveling with babies and toddlers, there is an exclusive “Baby Concierge” service. Indeed, items such as bottles, teethers, and pacifiers are gifts from the resort. Included at no extra cost are a baby bottle sterilizer, high chair, crib, stroller, baby bathtub, and a baby bouncer. Likewise, these items are exclusively for your use during your stay Grand Velas Resorts also offers a “My First Cut” hair cutting service if it’s time for baby’s first haircut. Grand Velas Nayarit even offers a baby massage called Sunrise Massage that promotes sensory and cognitive development. Geared for babies 1-3 years old, the treatment encourages babies to differentiate textures and sounds while listening to Mozart. Portugal is a dream destination for me. And I discovered a hotel brand in Portugal dedicated to providing wonderful vacations for families. The Martinhal properties vary between apartments and villas to a more traditional hotel room set up. All of the hotels include special activities specifically for toddlers and young children. In addition, there are many amenities and services for kids of all ages. Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel was their first property. Located in Sagres, this beachfront hotel is located in a national park. It’s within two miles of a number of excellent beaches. Their other hotel in the Algarve, Martinhal Quinta, is on a lake and is a number of amazing golf courses and local beaches. There are two Martinhal properties in Lisbon as well. The Martinhal Chiado touts itself as “The World’s First City Centre Elegant Family Hotel.” It is a 10-minute walk from many landmark attractions. The Martinhal Cascais has a swimming pool, includes breakfast, and is three miles away from Cascais Beach. All four Martinhal properties include the Baby Concierge service. This allows families to pre-book baby equipment. You can reserve small items like door protectors, potties, and bottle sterilizers and warmers. Also, bigger items like safety gates, baby cots, and baby baths are available. Lastly, the properties sell a variety of lotions, diapers, and other baby needs from their front reception. Memories Resorts are located throughout Cuba and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Now there are nine Memories properties, including Grand Memories locations. All of the Memories properties have supervised kids club activities. Three resorts (Memories Paraiso, Memories Flamenco, and Memories Varadero) have baby clubs with activities and child care for babies 0-3. We absolutely loved our stay at Memories Holguin. Have Baby Will Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates/Influencer Program. If you make a purchase through this site, we may receive a small commission. Click here to check out our Amazon Store.
Here are the Trip Advisor reviews and pricing for the following Grand Velas resorts:
Best Resorts for Babies & Toddlers: Martinhal Family Hotels & Resorts
Family Resorts in Portugal
Check out the Trip Advisor reviews and pricing for the following Martinhal resorts:
Best Resorts for Babies & Toddlers: Memories Resorts
Check out the Trip Advisor reviews and pricing for the following Memories resorts:
See Also:
Thanks for sharing! Planning to check soon Martinhal 😉 We also loved Four Seasons Nevis & Ritz Abama Tenerife
I seen First time This type of enjoyable Resorts for babies and toddlers. This blog is very excitement for joyful life.
Great, fun amusement parks, I think kids will love this place (Y)
You should check out Royal Son Bou in Menorca, beats all the above ones…
Thanks for the tip!
I had the same misconception as you about Club Med so I will have to check them out now, as they seem great for families
I have only been to one of these hotels (Beaches Negril). They all look fabulous for families!
They are all awesome in different ways 🙂
Hello. Do you know if it possible to bring a baby who is 9 to 11 months old to one of the Grand Palladium resorts in Rivieria Maya – Colonial or Kantenah?
Would our baby girl be able to go in the kid’s pools or play in the baby club if my wife and I are there with her?
Do you know if they offer any baby amenities other than cribs?
Just asked this same question in an another article as well.
Thanks!
That’s a great list of family friendly resorts! I’m especially interested in Beaches Resorts. I know they provide a lot of amenities for babies and toddlers, but do they also provide services and activities for older children too? That would be great for planning a longer family vacation for a group of different ages.
Thanks for the tips!