8
Luxury Family Vacations for 2023
As we enter a new year, many of us will begin planning our 2023 vacations. However, with so many wonderful destinations to choose from, planning a getaway can be tricky — especially if you have youngsters to consider!
The magical wonders of the Caribbean
Perhaps your new year’s resolution was to spend more quality time with your family, or maybe you just want to make new, precious memories with the people you love most. Whatever your desire to travel, we can positively assure you that the magical wonders of the Caribbean will have your whole family, old and young, in complete awe!
Contrary to popular belief, the Caribbean is more than a romantic honeymoon getaway for couples. With a magnitude of islands, each offering their own unique qualities there is something for everyone here in this tropical region.
With an impressive selection of 5-star luxury family vacation resorts, an array of picture-perfect white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters (which are great for adrenaline junkies seeking water sports!), deliciously authentic cuisine, and so much more, the Caribbean should be on every families bucket list this year!
Perfect white sandy beaches
Crystal-clear waters
Deliciously authentic cuisine
To help you organize your family travels, our expert team of travel agents has created this detailed article listing some of the most breathtaking locations within the Caribbean, alongside fun and exciting activities for you and your family to enjoy together.
Keep reading to discover how you can arrange a truly unforgettable luxury family vacation!
A Guide To Planning Your Luxury Family Vacation
For most of us, family vacations are the most anticipated break we take all year. Because luxury family vacations often involve more activities and excursions than your average trip, it is so important to ensure you properly prepare everything, in time for your arrival.
Although the idea of luxury family travel is extremely exciting, planning your stay can be tough. Planning well before you intend to jet off will ensure your vacation is stress free, and will even help you save money, making your travels a positive and comfortable experience. To help you out, we detail below our top 8 tips for planning your luxury family vacation…
Top 8 Luxury Family Travel Tips
1. Create A Reasonable Budget
No matter what kind of vacation you are going on, we always advised that you create a realistic budget. This will help you to responsibly distribute your money so that you don’t overspend — after all, the last thing you want after a nice relaxing vacation is an empty bank account!
2. Choose A Suitable Date And Duration
The earlier you settle on a suitable date, the sooner you can get the go-ahead from work to take some much-deserved time off! The best time to travel to the Caribbean is during May, June, and November.
These months have the dryest weather, meaning you and your family can spend lots of time outside in the sunshine and are often off-peak so you can enjoy uncrowded beaches and cheaper excursions!
3. Opt For An All-Inclusive Package
We always recommend that families organize an all-inclusive vacation, for the sheer convenience that this booking option offers. Not only does it mean you and your family get to enjoy an unlimited variety of luxurious inclusions, but it also prevents you from having to spend money on one-off meals and activities.
When you book an all-inclusive vacation with any Beaches family resort, you get to enjoy this incredible selection of amenities:
4. Book The Right Accommodation
When choosing a Caribbean resort for your luxury family vacation, make sure it meets your requirements so that you and your family are adequately accommodated.
All of Beaches’ resorts are child-friendly, and offer facilities suited to babies, toddlers, kids and teens. And for parents in need of a brief break while your children have fun, you can enjoy some peace and quiet at a selection of adult-only facilities.
If you are traveling with a family member who has a disability, it will please you to discover that Beaches resorts offer easy access suites and other extras to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.
Beaches have additionally teamed up with The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to offer autism-friendly kids camps for youngsters to enjoy.
5. Create An Itinerary
Once you have your dates and accommodation sorted, it’s time to plan how you and your family will spend your days. Perhaps you want to try something new, and learn how to sail on the crystal clear Caribbean waters, or maybe you want to get competitive with a game of beach volleyball.
No matter what you have in mind, our selection of luxury family resorts will certainly keep you and your loved ones entertained.
6. Arrange Your Transfers
Let’s be honest, no one wants to wait for a taxi after a long flight, especially children! Pre-booking your airport transfers will ensure your ride is waiting for you the second you step off the plane.
When you book an all-inclusive vacation with Sandals or Beaches, you receive airport transfers as part of your inclusions, making your arrival as seamless as possible!
7. Pack The Right Clothes
As most parents know, kids grow out of their clothes FAST! Prior to traveling make sure you check everyone has the right amount of beachwear/swimwear, evening clothes, shoes/sandals, and so forth.
It is worth mentioning that despite constant sunlight the Caribbean is known for its occasional tropical rainstorms outside of the rainy seasons, so make sure you pack at least one raincoat/waterproof poncho per person!
8. Join A Rewards Program
Enrolling on a rewards program means you can earn points each time you visit your chosen resort. This is perfect for anyone who wants to re-live their luxury family vacation every year and save money each time.
You can join the Sandals Select Rewards Program today and receive 5,000 points for signing up, which is equivalent to $125! You can also earn fantastic rewards such as 7 nights free when you stay for 70 nights or more, and member recognition gifts (this rewards program applies to both Sandals and Beaches resorts).
What Makes A Luxury Family Vacation ‘Luxurious’?
You may wonder what differentiates a regular family vacation from a luxury family vacation. Well, there are many 5-star inclusions offered by Beaches family resorts that you won’t find anywhere else. When combined, these small novelties can transform your experience from great to exquisite!
Here are a few of the indulgent conveniences that you and your family can unlock when vacating with Beaches:
Premium Accommodation
The main reason so many families choose to stay with Beaches is because of their selection of decadent accommodations, which have been uniquely designed to combine style with innovation.
For families seeking outstanding comfort, the Together Nest Suites won’t disappoint. Equipped with spa-grade bathrooms, private balconies/patios overlooking enchanting Caribbean scenery, and Sandals’ very own Tranquility Blissful Beds, you can absorb everlasting comfort during your stay.
Together Nest
Suites
Spa-grade bathrooms.
Private balconies/patios.
Tranquility Blissful Beds.
Rooms and suites come in a multitude of styles and layouts, including idyllic cottages with surrounding gardens, Oceanfront Penthouse Suites which can cater to as many as 12 guests, and Seaside Villas which are the pinnacle of paradise.
For parents in need of a little more space, you can additionally opt for adjoining suites, so your children’s space is separate but by no means far.
Personal Butler Service
Beaches resorts go beyond your standard 5-star experience, by offering its guests with personalized top-tier butler services.
To ensure your butler provides you and your family with the utmost convenience, they have undergone extensive training in accordance to the standards of the Guild of Professional British Butlers —
Vacations don’t get more luxurious than this!
What Your Personal Butler Can Offer:
Prior To Your Arrival:
- Pre-arrange any special requests, such as ensuring your choice of wines and premium spirits are set-up in your suite
- Pre-arrange airport transfers
Upon Your Arrival:
- Warmly greets you with a complimentary cocktail and refreshing lemongrass-scented hand towels
- Privately checks you in, in the comfort of your suite
- Option to unpack your luggage
- Press your first night’s clothes
- Arrange any accommodation preferences
During Your Stay:
- Brings your desired amenities before dinner
- Escorts you to a decadently decorated table which has been reserved for dinner time at a restaurant of your choosing
- Ensures your suite is turned down and is equipped with everything you need for a restful sleep
- Make additional reservations and bookings for meals and activities (such as watersports, spa treatments, and so forth)
- Provide you with lunch and beverages while you relax on the beach or by the pool
- Supply you with a cooler, packed with your favorite drinks
- Liaise with housekeeping to ensure your suite is kept in immaculate condition
- Facilitate all room service orders
- Provide laundry service, tend to your wardrobe, and shine your shoes
- Provide with a romantic candlelit dinner in the comfort of your suite (just for parents!) + you can order from any restaurant within the resort grounds unlike competing resorts
Prior To You Departure:
- Delivers your bags to the departure area
- Processes your paperwork for a smooth check-out
- Escorts you to your transportation and bids you a kind farewell
Peaceful And Secluded Beaches
All of Beaches’ luxury family resorts have their own dedicated nearby beaches, exclusively for guests to enjoy. Because these beaches are secure and private, you can comfortably let your children roam the sensational white sand while you and your partner recharge your batteries.
You may also transform the glistening ocean into your very own playground with a variety of watersports available, including waterskiing, aquatriking, windsurfing, and much more!
5-Star Concierge Service
Every luxury resort has a 5-star concierge service, but what sets Beaches family resorts aside from the rest? When you choose to stay with a Beaches hotel you can expect an exclusive concierge service which goes far beyond the 5-stars. As part of your inclusions, you get to enjoy an extensive variety of services and activities.
What The Concierge Service Includes:
On-Site Water Park
The luxuries available at Beaches’ resorts aren’t just for grown-ups. Your children also get their own indulgences, including access to Pirates Island, a lively on-site water park.
Decked out with water cannons, swim-up soda bars, water slides, lazy rivers, and tonnes more, your youngsters will have a splashing time!
Curls n’ Swirls Food Truck Mr. Mac Food Truck
Cool down and splash around.
Float along the lazy river for a perfect adventure.
Inspired by 1950s American diners.
Enjoy frozen concoctions without leaving the pool.
Surfing excitement for all ages.
Test your skills with adrenaline-inducing slides.
Mouthwatering brick-oven pizzas.
Teen To Adult Night Club
The Liquid Teen Nightclub is indisputably the coolest club in the Caribbean for those under 21. Give your soon-to-be adults some free rein and let them get their boogie on at this on-site ultra-modern club.
Teens get to enjoy a luxury clubbing experience as they dive into an underwater-themed dancefloor and glowing-blue lounge, with technicolor lighting and professional DJs. If you want to get in on the fun, don’t worry. The nightclub later transitions into an over 21’s extravaganza, with expert bartenders ready to serve lots of booze!
Award-Winning Resort Spa
Nourish your mind, body and soul at the award-winning Red Lane Spa. With therapeutic remedies inspired by the endearing essence of the Caribbean, you can fully surrender to the tropically infused restorative services provided by Red Lane’s Rejuvenation Specialists.
With a variety of refreshing treatments available, such as aromatherapy massages, you have the opportunity to select a service best suited to your needs.
Ginger Lily
Teenagers, tweens and children may also enjoy some pampering time with the Ginger-Lily Spa Service. Kids as young as 5 can enjoy 30-minute long treatments including a Fizzer Fun foot soak, a soothing arm and leg massage, and even the option to have nail polish or temporary tattoos.
Professionally Designed Golf Course And Country Club
If you are a golf enthusiast, you will love this one! Beaches resorts offer inclusive access to Sandals’ bespoke golf course and country club, and for added, you can arrange to dine at the plantation-style country club.
Golf Course Details:
Facilities:
- 18-hole course with 3 sets of tees
- Plays to 6,404 yards — par 72
- Practice range featuring chipping and putting greens, alongside a driving range
- Narrow fairways and tiny drop-off greens complimented by phenomenal views of the ocean and mountains
- Fully serviced golf store
- Secure golf club storage, complimentary to your visit
- Sweet Spot Jerk Shack
- Comfortable changing facilities
- Opulent Clubhouse
Services:
- Inclusive green fees for guests
- Complimentary transfers (at select resorts)
- Free golf clinics (adult and junior options available)
- Caddy services, club hire, shoe hire, and cart rentals (club rental is free for juniors)
- Private golf lessons taught by a golf professional
- Inclusive green fees for guests
World Class Dining
When compared to other luxury family resorts, Beaches offer guests an unparalleled range of all-inclusive dining services. Each resort hosts up to 21 culinary concepts, designed to provide a wide variety of unique dining experiences so you never get bored.
If you like seafood, you will simply adore Schooner’s Seafood Grill, serving locally caught fish for the freshest meals.
For those seeking a theatrical dining experience, you can watch chefs whip up your dishes right before your eyes at Kimonos Oriental Cuisine.
With world-renowned chefs, joyful table service, and perfectly paired wines, you will be counting down the minutes until dinner time every evening!
Jam-Packed Arcade
For teens in search of an amusing hangout spot, they can chill with friends (and annoying siblings) at the Port Royal Arcade. Upon arrival, your kids will say “WOW” as they take in the classic arcade games and urban-inspired decor, such as edgy graffiti wall murals and tuneful concert posters.
Featuring a commercial-grade ‘foosball’ table, mini basketball, a chill-out corner with huge comfy couches + large flatscreen TVs, and super-fast air hockey — this arcade will keep kids entertained for hours!
Unique Bars
Everyone loves a swim-up bar, that’s why every Beaches resort has at least one! Enjoy deliciously refreshing cocktails and beverages at up to 15 on-site fully serviced bars, providing only the finest of drinks so you can fully live out your luxury family vacation.
State-Of-The-Art Fitness Center
When you travel to a Beaches resort, you don’t have to put your fitness routine on hold! Get your hear-rate pumping at the Red Lane Spa Fitness Center.
With a collection of first-class gym equipment, a range of high-energy fitness classes available, and the option to book personalized private-training sessions, you can kill two birds with one stone during your stay by enjoying a luxury vacation and getting in shape!
Professional Water Sports Instructors
If you and your family have always wanted to try a new water sport together, you get the chance to at Beaches’ family resorts.
Unlock Your Inner Sailer At The Beaches Sailing School
As part of your stay, Beaches will offer you the chance to try out an introductory sailing lesson hosted by experts from the American Sailing Association (ASA), so you can get a taste of what it’s like to glide through the Caribbean’s dazzling crystal-clear waters.
After your initial session, you and your children (as young as 8) can embark on a 4-day “Sailing Fun” course, and collectively your nautical skills.
Submerge Yourself Into The Deep Blue With PADI-Certified Scuba Diving Sessions
Voted one of the ‘Top 5 Dive Operations In The Western Hemisphere’ by PADI, you will be in terrific hands when choosing this scuba diving program. Unlike competing resorts, Beaches is the only establishment to offer guests a comprehensive, all-inclusive diving program.
If you have never dived before, you can take a short course on resort grounds and begin diving on that exact day. You will be qualified for a single dive per day, with a maximum of 30ft, until the end of your time at the resort — plus, you get to use professional-grade equipment!
E-learning program & PADI- Certified Divers
To save time, you can enroll in the e-learning program and complete 8 hours of your training before you arrive at the resort, ideal if you already have many plans for your vacation. Upon completion of the course, you will become PADI certified for life!
If you already possess a PADI certificate, you get to dive whenever you please (except on your departure date). You get the option to either dive once a day with two oxygen tanks or twice a day with one tank. Young ones can also get involved with a selection of age-appropriate diving lessons for kids.
Live Entertainment
You can’t visit the Caribbean and not have a party! Luckily, the party never stops at Beaches’ resorts, with nightly fiestas that are true to the roots of island culture. Expect to be charmed and amused with loads of unique entertainment, such as:
Top 8 Spots for a Perfect Luxury Family Vacations
Did you know the Caribbean has over 700 islands, cays and reefs which is equivalent to around one million square feet?
That’s a lot of beaches to choose from for your luxury family resort vacation! To help you identify the best destinations to visit in this equatorial haven,
We have shortlisted our top 8 Caribbean islands.
1. St Lucia
Aside from this island’s astonishing beauty, St Lucia also offers many unique excursions and activities perfect for all ages. From zip-lining through rainforests to journeying into the world’s first-ever drive-through volcano, your family will be able to embark on a new adventure every day!
2. Turks & Caicos
If you and your family are seeking a relaxed vacation where you can collectively lie back and unwind, then the beaches of Turks and Caicos are just the place! With shallow, calm waters and uncrowded beaches, this location is championed as one of the safest vacation destinations for little ones wanting to splash around.
3. Bahamas
Deemed by many as a ‘tropical playground’, this archipelago boasts loads of special activities.
You can expect all things quirky and wonderful during your stay in the Bahamas, such as taking a dip with some friendly aquatic pigs at the Exuma beaches, snorkeling through the mystical waters of Blue Lagoon Island, and unveiling legendary tales at the Pirates of Nassau Museum.
4. Barbados
With everlasting sunshine, delectable Bajan cuisine, and pretty beaches, Barbados is an all-rounded vacation destination for families.
When you are done sipping fresh juice by the enchanting seashore, venture into Barbados’ must-see attraction, Harrison’s Cave, to discover a natural phenomenon (such as gigantic stalagmites!). Or perhaps, get up close and personal with some cheeky monkeys and scaly reptiles at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve.
5. Jamaica
Jamaica is bound to put a smile on any moody teenager’s face! This destination has so much going on that it’s essentially a whole new world.
You can learn all about legendary musician Bob Marley at the Bob Marley Museum, feed hummingbirds at Rocklands Bird Sanctuary, and watch the sunset as you sink your teeth into the world’s best jerk chicken ever! Be warned that you may never want to leave this heartwarming destination.
6. Curacoa
With many conveniences and fun places to discover, such as multicolored houses, an Ostrich Farm and entertaining boat trips, Curacoa is an awesome destination and makes an easy first vacation for families traveling with babies and toddlers.
7. Grenada
Grenada is also referred to as the ‘Spice Islands’ because a third of the world’s most aromatic spices come from here.
You and your family can build sandcastles on hundreds of child-friendly beaches, spice up your vacation by visiting the Gouyave Nutmeg Processing Station, swim around the world’s first Underwater Sculpture Park, and much more!
8. Antigua
Because of its immensely safe environment, a rich variety of child-friendly accommodations, and an abundant selection of activities, Antigua has become recognized as one of the greatest destinations for family vacations.
Here you can swim with sociable sting rays, enjoy an interactive and fascinating history lesson at Nelson’s Dockyard, and stroll through astounding rainforests.
The Best Child-Friendly Resorts In The Caribbean
Beaches offer the best luxury family resorts to those visiting the Caribbean. As highlighted earlier in this article, you can enjoy many unique activities that are tailored to involve your whole family without traveling beyond the resort grounds, plus you receive an array of luxurious inclusions so that you and your loved ones can get the most out of your stay!
This sizeable luxury family beach resort has been voted a ‘Top 10 Best Beach Resort’ by Parent’s Magazine,
Dunn’s River Falls and Park
If you wish to venture out and explore the local area of Ocho Rios, you can discover one of Jamaica’s most famous waterfalls in Dunn’s River Falls and Park, greet some adorable turtles at Turtle River Park, or maybe even challenge your fear of heights and climb Mystic Mountain.
Also located in radiant Jamaica is the Beaches Negril Resort.
As for the surrounding area, Negril offers visitors multiple lively local cafes and bars, wildlife parks and emerald-green lagoons.
Beaches Turks and Caicos luxury family resort
With five themed villages offering a vast range of suites to choose from, the all-inclusive Beaches Turks and Caicos luxury family resort is one of the most magnificent resorts offered by Beaches.
You and your family have the option to dine at 21 top-class restaurants, roam an impressive 12-mile beach, and enjoy endless fun at lots of baby/child-friendly, teen/tween-friendly, and adult-only amenities.
To Conclude…
As you have probably gathered from this article, the Caribbean is the best vacation destination for anyone in need of a luxury family beach resort getaway. With so much to do, both within Beaches’ resorts and throughout the Caribbean islands, you will struggle to get bored during your stay in this high-spirited, alluring archipelago.
Aside from the many splendid inclusions offered by Beaches when you book with them, you can also unlock special deals and save money on your luxurious expedition to the Caribbean.
On behalf of our expert travel agents, here at The Caribbean resorts, we sincerely hope you feel enlightened after reading this thoughtfully written article, and are one step closer to making your dream family vacation a reality!
If you are seeking further guidance regarding any future travel plans, we warmly welcome you to get in touch with us today, so we can help you plan the trip of a lifetime.
Why Choose Us?
With over 30 years of experience, and over 4,000 happy clients, we can assure you that our travel experts will help book a dream vacation that won’t disappoint!
When you book with us, we will work tirelessly to ensure you receive a personalized trip with unique life experiences so you and your loved ones can create new precious memories without worrying about any interruptions and inconveniences.
