Little Travelers, Big Taste.
Julia savoring a fresh handmade mushroom quesadilla, lovingly prepared by Tía Olivia, at Belmond Maroma, with the sea stretching out just beyond us.
If you’re wondering whether it’s too early to start planning your next family vacation—whether it’s six months from now or sometime next year—the answer is no. When it comes to booking the best beach resorts for families, the earlier you reserve, the better your chances of securing the most desirable suites, villas, or beachfront rooms.
As a mom of three young kids who still travels often—with strollers, snacks, and bedtime routines in tow—friends frequently ask me to recommend family-friendly luxury beach hotels that feel just as rewarding for adults as they are fun for kids. The wishlist? Impeccable service. Stylish, spacious accommodations that suit families. Thoughtful amenities for younger guests. A balance of fine dining and casual options. A cocktail and wine program worth lingering over (when you can). And activities that go beyond just keeping kids occupied.
Below is a curated roundup of 15 luxury beach resorts—a mix of places I’ve personally stayed and properties I’ve vetted through extensive travel writing and trusted sources. These are the kinds of escapes that make family travel feel elevated, effortless, and genuinely memorable.
What’s on your list?
MAROMA, A BELMOND HOTEL · RIVIERA MAYA, mexico
After an extensive renovation, Belmond Maroma returned with a fresh take on barefoot luxury: low-rise, design-forward casitas nestled in jungle gardens with access to one of the Riviera Maya’s most beautiful beaches. My family of five vacationed here this past April, and we’re still obsessed. The food is exceptional—from morning quesadillas to fresh beachside ceviche—and the service hits that rare mix of relaxed and precise. Our two older kids adored the high-quality kids’ club, calm waters, and the housemade ice cream delivered seaside each afternoon. Parents will appreciate the thoughtful design, new infinity pools, and quiet corners for a sunset margarita. Average price: from ~$1,300/night. Booking tip: Request an oceanfront suite for more space, privacy, and direct beach access—especially ideal if you have a napper in the mix. Belmond’s service culture shines brightest in the higher-tier rooms.
Cheval Blanc Randheli · noonu atoll, Maldives
This ultra-luxury resort redefines what it means to travel in style with kids. Located in the Maldives’ pristine Noonu Atoll, Cheval Blanc offers overwater and island villas, each with private pools, personalized butler service, and curated kids’ programming. The concept here is privacy, ease, and beauty at every touchpoint. Average price: from ~$2,000–3,500+/night. Booking tip: Choose an island villa for easier beach access with little ones, and book through a travel advisor for added perks and early availability on flights/seaplanes.
Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve · Puerto Rico
Tucked into lush, oceanfront grounds on the site of a historic Rockefeller estate, Dorado Beach feels both indulgent and incredibly serene. It also holds a special place in my heart—it was the first place I vacationed with my eldest daughter when she was just six weeks old. One of the Caribbean’s most luxurious family-friendly resorts, it offers understated modern design, dedicated Embajadores (butler-like hosts), and direct beach access from nearly every room. The resort’s nature-focused kids’ club, multiple pools, and relaxed rhythm make it just as ideal for toddlers as it is for teens. Average price: from ~$1,300/night. Booking tip: Book early for a West Beach Plunge Reserve for extra privacy and sunset views just steps from the sand.
FOUR SEASONS RESORT AND RESIDENCES ANGUILLA · ANGUILLA
Perched above coral bluffs and pristine beaches, Four Seasons is a sleek, modern resort that manages to feel both glamorous and inviting for families. There’s a fantastic kids’ club, three pools (including an adults-only option), and residence-style villas with kitchens and private pools. Dining ranges from toes-in-the-sand tacos to elegant coastal cuisine. Average price: from ~$1,200/night. Booking tip: Book a beachfront residence for multi-room comfort and front-row sunset views. Stay longer than five nights to access complimentary offers in shoulder season.
GRAND VELAS RIVIERA MAYA · PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MEXICO
An all-inclusive with serious luxury cred, Grand Velas offers separate ambiances for adults, wellness seekers, and families. Stay in the Ambassador section for oceanfront family suites, dedicated kids’ and teens’ clubs, and access to gourmet dining that rivals top-tier European plans. Average price: from ~$950–1,300/night (all-inclusive). Booking tip: Ambassador Suites offer space and views with kid-friendly proximity to the family pool and beach. Book early for high season as repeat guests fill up fast.
hyatt ziva cap cana · dominican republic
This all-inclusive standout in Punta Cana sets a high bar for family-friendly luxury. Located on a gorgeous stretch of Juanillo Beach, Hyatt Ziva includes spacious suites (many with swim-up access), a water park, and multiple à la carte dining options. While connecting rooms are available, there are no multi-bedroom suites—so it’s best suited to families with older kids comfortable sharing a room or enjoying a bit more independence. Families can spend time together or split up for some adults-only relaxation next door at Hyatt Zilara. Average price: from ~$400–700/night (all-inclusive). Booking tip: Upgrade to a Club Level oceanfront suite for butler service and private check-in. Swim-up rooms are ideal for early risers who want pool access at their doorstep.
jumby bay island · antigua
Accessible only by boat and blissfully car-free, Jumby Bay is a private island paradise that somehow manages to feel both ultra-luxe and completely relaxed. The all-inclusive resort offers white-sand beaches, open-air dining, complimentary bikes, and a truly standout kids’ club that includes everything from cooking classes to wildlife encounters. Villas and estate homes work beautifully for families, offering space, privacy, and full staff. Average price: from ~$2,400/night (all-inclusive). Booking tip: Book a villa or estate home if traveling with kids or extended family—bonus: your own private pool and dedicated butler.
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection · big island, hawaii
Mauna Lani blends Hawaiian heritage with modern, low-key luxury. This oceanfront resort offers cultural workshops for kids (lei making, ukulele, storytelling), family-friendly beach access, and a calm, spacious layout. Rooms and suites feel contemporary and rooted in the landscape, and the CanoeHouse restaurant is a destination in itself. Average price: from ~$1,200/night. Booking tip: Choose a ground-floor ocean view room for lanai access and a little extra room to roam.
ONE&only mandarina · RIVIERA NAYARIT, Mexico
Tucked between the jungle and the Pacific, One&Only Mandarina is a nature-lover’s luxury paradise. Treehouse and clifftop villas offer privacy and sweeping views, while the architecture seamlessly blends into the lush landscape. The kids’ club here is genuinely next-level—set in its own treehouse-style compound, it includes a butterfly garden, jungle swings, nature-based programming, and even its own amphitheater. Add in horseback riding, nature trails, and family-friendly beach access, and you have a resort that feels both adventurous and indulgent. But what really lingers is the intuitive, thoughtful service. Average price: from ~$1,700/night. Booking tip: Treehouse villas are magical for families with older kids. For those with little ones, opt for a Cliff Villa closer to dining and beach access—with fewer stairs to navigate.
ROSEWOOD BAHA MAR · Bahamas
As the most refined of the three hotels at the Baha Mar complex, Rosewood offers a quieter, more intimate experience while still giving guests access to the expansive amenities of the larger resort—a full water park, an interactive animal sanctuary, and 40+ dining options. My husband and I visited on a couples trip and loved the serene vibe and elevated service—but it’s the kind of place we could easily imagine returning to with our three littles in tow. Suites feel residential and plush, and families will appreciate thoughtful touches like babysitting services and curated children’s amenities. Average price: from ~$1,000/night Booking tip: Book a one-bedroom suite for extra space and butler service. Look for seasonal offers that include resort credits or complimentary nights.
ROUND HILL HOTEL & VILLAS ·
Jamaica
Effortlessly elegant and filled with history (this is where Jackie O vacationed), Round Hill is the kind of place that welcomes families with open arms—then remembers your name every time you return. Choose from Ralph Lauren-designed rooms or private villas, many with their own pools and full staff. The Pineapple Kids’ Club offers crafts, nature walks, and beach fun, while parents can indulge in spa treatments overlooking the Caribbean. Average price: from ~$650/night. Booking tip: Villas are ideal for multigenerational travel. Book directly for access to special offers like complimentary nights or meal plans.
SUGAR BEACH, A VICEROY RESORT · ST. LUCIA
Dramatically set between the iconic Pitons, Sugar Beach is a showstopper when it comes to location and service. The resort offers a mix of rooms, cottages, and villas—many with private plunge pools and butler service. Kids will love the beach games and water sports, while parents can unwind at the treehouse-style spa or one of several restaurants with views that steal the show. Average price: from ~$900/night. Booking tip: Book a beachfront bungalow or a luxury villa for more space and easier access to the main pool and restaurants.
Susurros del Corazón, Auberge Resorts Collection · Punta de mita, mexico
This newer Auberge property blends contemporary design with barefoot beach energy on a peaceful cove just outside Punta de Mita. The atmosphere at Susurros del Corazón is laid-back but elevated—think hammocks, handwoven textiles, and polished concrete softened by the sea breeze. Families are warmly welcomed with spacious suites and villas, many offering plunge pools and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. The kids’ club is a standout: light-filled, beautifully designed, and filled with thoughtful programming like cooking classes, nature walks, and Mexican craft workshops. Surf lessons, paddleboarding, and warm, attentive staff make the whole stay feel effortless. Average price: from ~$1,200–1,500/night. Booking tip: Book a 2-bedroom suite or villa for more space and flexibility. Look for Auberge’s family-focused packages with resort credits or complimentary meals for kids.
THE RITZ-CARLTON, GRAND CAYMAN · CAYMAN ISLANDS
Recently refreshed, this resort hits the sweet spot between polished luxury and family-friendly energy. Set on Seven Mile Beach, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman boasts a Jean-Georges restaurant, an expansive kids’ club with science and ocean-themed activities, and a family pool with cabanas. Watersports abound, and the calm, clear sea is ideal for little swimmers. Average price: from ~$725/night Booking tip: Book a Club Level room for added space and lounge access with food and beverage offerings throughout the day.
THE SHORE CLUB · Turks & Caicos
Located on the quieter Long Bay Beach, The Shore Club is a design-lover’s dream with oversized suites, warm service, and thoughtful touches for families. We celebrated Thanksgiving here on a multigenerational trip with our family of twelve—ranging in age from two to eighty—and it delivered across the board. The resort’s complimentary kids’ club, multiple pools, and calm surf make it a great fit for families seeking low-key luxury. Large suites and villas with full kitchens and laundry are ideal for extended stays or traveling with a nanny. Average price: from ~$600/night. Booking tip: Book a multi-bedroom suite if traveling with a larger family or nanny—many include laundry and kitchens for ultimate convenience.