The 12 Best All-inclusive Resorts in Jamaica for Families [2023]

Jamaica is a great destination for many types of travel. Whether it’s a girls’ trip, solo adventure, honeymoon, or family vacation, you’re guaranteed to have a good time.

The island is famous for its rich culture, culinary specialties like jerk chicken and the iconic rum punch, miles of gorgeous beaches, and so much more.

But, the country is a great destination for families as well, thanks to an abundance of family-friendly resorts and activities to try during a visit. Jamaica certainly deserves to be on your list of possible destinations for your next family vacation.

And if you end up deciding to make the trip, you’re going to want to know where to stay, which is exactly why we’ve rounded up the 12 best all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica for families.

Let’s take a look at our favorites!

What To Know About Jamaica

The Caribbean island of Jamaica is only about a 2-hour flight from Miami International Airport (MIA).

There are 3 international airports on the island to choose from, all of which are serviced by the major U.S. airlines in addition to Frontier, Southwest, and Spirit:

• Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay
• Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) in Kingston
• Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ) in Ocho Rios

Jamaica is much more than an island with nice weather and beautiful beaches. There are plenty of historical and cultural facts that enrich a vacation to the island.

One of Jamaica’s claims to fame is the fact that Ian Fleming, author of the “James Bond” book series, wrote the entire series while on the island.

Jamaica is a former British colony, and as such, drivers drive on the left side of the road. Keep this in mind if you choose to rent a car while visiting.

And Jamaica produces plenty of high-end exports. Appleton Estate’s 50-year rum, which is produced on the island, sells for thousands of dollars a bottle. And thanks to the difficulty of harvesting its high-altitude coffee beans, Blue Mountain Coffee is one the rarest and most expensive coffees in the world.

Typically, the most popular cities to visit on vacation in Jamaica are Negril, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and the island’s capital, Kingston.

Where To Go in Jamaica

For those looking for a city vacation in Jamaica, Kingston is the place to be. A third of the island’s population lives in the capital, and it’s also home to the Bob Marley Museum and Emancipation Park. It’s a big city on the country’s southeast coast that’s framed beautifully by the Blue Mountains in the background.

If you’re looking for a beach vacation — which is what most people are after when coming to Jamaica — you’ll want to consider Negril, Montego Bay, or Ocho Rios.

Negril is popular for its laid-back vibe and famous Seven Mile Beach. It’s also home to Rick’s Cafe, where people are known to jump from the restaurant’s nearby cliff. Negril is a honeymoon destination thanks to several adult-only resorts that take advantage of the quiet that’s more common on this side of the island.

Montego Bay and Ocho Rios are home to a lot of fun activities including natural attractions Dunn’s River Falls, White River, and Fern Gully.

Hot Tip:

Ocho Rios and Montego Bay are only about 90 minutes away from each other by car. Lots of travelers take excursions that are available in one city while staying in the other.

The Rose Hall area is named for the famed Rose Hall house and sits between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. The house was formerly owned by Haitian voodoo practitioner Anne Palmer and is said to be the most haunted attraction on the island.

Speaking of a haunted attraction, there are more than spooky adventures to be had in Jamaica.

What To Do in Jamaica

Watersports and outdoor activities are popular things to do when on vacation in Jamaica.

A lot of all-inclusive resorts will offer non-motorized sports as an included amenity, but travelers can also rent Jet Skis and other equipment throughout the island.

There are several popular excursions between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. In addition to a guided hike up Dunn’s River Falls, visitors can also visit:

• Mystic Mountain Jamaica, Rainforest Adventure (go bobsledding!)
• Go river tubing down the White River in Ocho Rios
• Swim with dolphins at Dolphin Cove Ocho Rios
• Ride horses on the beach
• Join a catamaran cruise
• Book a snorkeling or zip-lining excursion
• Spend the day at one of several water parks on the island

Nature enthusiasts will love a hike in the Blue Mountains or a visit to the Green Grotto Caves in Runaway Bay. Or head to Luminous Lagoon near Montego Bay for a night swim where bioluminescent plankton light up the water.

When you’re not busy adventuring in Jamaica, be sure to make time to try out the island’s cuisine. Jerk chicken and rum punch are well-known Jamaican food and drink, but there’s a lot more. Check out beef patties (fried dough with meat that’s similar to empanadas), plantains, or Jamaican curry goat.

Hot Tip:

Ackee and saltfish is Jamaican’s national dish. Usually served at breakfast, ackee, a fruit, is boiled and sauteed with salted codfish and spices.

Now that you have an idea of Jamaica’s geography, food, and what there is to do there, here are the 12 best all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica for families.

The Best All-inclusive Resorts for Families in Jamaica

1. Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica (Runaway Bay)

Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica is located in Runaway Bay, about an hour’s drive from Montego Bay’s international airport. This is a large resort with a lot to do for guests of all ages.

There are 3 pools, a children’s water park, and a nightclub. For young kids, there’s also a play area in addition to the Bahia Scouts Kids’ Club. One-hour rentals of kayaks, tennis equipment, and snorkeling equipment are included in the all-inclusive rate as well.

It’s worth noting the all-inclusive dining component at this property. While there are a total of 6 restaurants at the resort, 4 of them are à la carte and guests can only eat there 3 times during a 1-week stay. Reservations are required when dining at the à la carte restaurants but not at the other 2. Orquidea Main Restaurant, serving an international buffet, and Beach Restaurant, which also serves international cuisine, are both included in the rate.

À la carte restaurants include steakhouse The Knife Restaurant, Japanese restaurant Mikado, and Dolce Vita Restaurant, which serves Italian.

Rates at Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica start at $316 per night for a family of 4 and a 3-night minimum stay is required.

2. Beaches Negril

Beaches Resorts are the family-friendly wing of Sandals Resorts, the chain of adults-only all-inclusive resorts located throughout the Caribbean.

Beaches Negril is located on the widest section of Negril’s famous Seven Mile Beach and features an impressive water park. The water park has 7 pools, 7 waterslides, and 5 small rides for children under 42 inches tall. There’s also a lazy river and toddler slides.

At the Kids Camp, all staff are members of the International Nanny Association. There are separate programs for several age groups, from babies to teens as old as 17. There’s even a special needs program, and parents can request a “Beaches Buddy” to stay with their child throughout their stay.

Hot Tip:

Beaches Resorts has an exclusive partnership with Sesame Street, and kids can find their favorite characters throughout the resort. Sesame Street VIP Packages include character breakfasts and nighttime tuck-ins.

There are 10 restaurants to choose from at this resort. Restaurants include Asian fusion restaurants Soy and Kimonos, Latin American-themed restaurant Mariachi, and more. Kids will especially enjoy frozen yogurt eatery Yoyo’s.

Rates at Beaches Negril start at $367 per person, per night for adults, and $68 per person, per night for children.

3. Beaches Ocho Rios

Beaches Ocho Rios is a beachfront resort set on 22 acres in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. In addition to a Pirates Island Water Park (just like at Beaches Negril), there’s also a championship golf course and several other activities.

There are 5 swimming pools as well as a scuba practice pool. Watersports available for guests include aqua trikes, windsurfing, snorkeling, and paddle boarding.

There are kids’ clubs for every age group, an arcade, and even an Xbox lounge. At Beaches Resorts, all kids’ club staff and nannies are members of the International Nannies Association.

Additional activities include table tennis, lawn chess, and croquet. The resort also offers something truly unique for young golfers: an all-inclusive golf program for kids.

Guests can choose between 7 restaurants at Beaches Ocho Rios. Options include Neptunes, serving Mediterranean seafood, The Venetian, which specializes in Northern Italian cuisine, and La Parisienne, the resort’s French restaurant.

Rates at Beaches Ocho Rios start at $260 per person, per night for adults, and $61 per person, per night for children.

4. Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa (Montego Bay)

At Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa, there is a water park, kids’ clubs, a spa, and more. The resort also shares reciprocal benefits at its sister property, Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa, just a 15-minute walk from the resort.

Guests can windsurf, snorkel, or even join a catamaran tour while at this resort. The kids’ clubs cater to kids from ages 1 to 18 years old. There is an adults-only pool as well as a family-friendly pool and 4 beaches. Adults can also enjoy the Boogie Woogie Disco located on the property.

The resort’s water park, located near the main pool, has shallow water with a maximum depth of 40 centimeters (just over 15 inches). Loungers surround the water park for those who just want to relax.

There are 8 à la carte restaurants, 3 buffet restaurants, and 4 bars at Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort and Spa. Dining establishments on the property include Indian restaurant Boghali, Xaymaica which serves regional Jamaican specialties, and La Adelita, the resort’s Mexican restaurant.

Rates at Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa start at $516 per night for a family of 4.

5. Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa (Montego Bay)

Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa is an all-inclusive resort where families can redeem Hilton Honors points for free nights. For budget-conscious families looking to save where they can, it’s also worth noting that children 2 years old and younger stay at this resort for free.

Sugar Mills Falls, one of the largest water parks in Jamaica, is located at this resort. Guests can look forward to a lazy river, lagoon, waterslides, waterfalls, and a 280-foot water slide at the park. There are 2 resort pools, a private beach, and ample water sports that round out the water-based activities at Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa.

Kid-friendly activities include treasure hunts, karaoke, a kids’ club, and a teen zone.

And there’s an 18-hole golf course, an option to take private tennis lessons, and nightly entertainment.

There are 6 restaurants and 4 bars and lounges throughout the resort. Rum Factory restaurant serves Caribbean cuisine, while Moonstone interestingly serves pizzas during the day and Asian dishes in the evening. Jerk Hut and Fresh are 2 more Caribbean eateries.

Rates at Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa start at $565 or 100,000 Hilton Honors points per night for a family of 4.

6. Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay All-Inclusive

Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay All-Inclusive is conveniently located only 6 miles from Montego Bay’s airport. After traveling for long periods with small children, it’s nice to only have a short distance to go from the airport to your accommodations. As an IHG hotel, this hotel can be booked with IHG One Rewards points.

The laid-back hotel features a kids’ club, a private beach, and both family and adults-only pools. Activities include volleyball courts, table tennis, and ping-pong. There is also live entertainment. Guests can enjoy treatments like hydrotherapy and steam bathing at the on-property spa.

The hotel has 5 restaurants, 1 of which is a buffet. Some of the dining options include The Barefoot Bar and Grill, a casual poolside restaurant that’s open for lunch, and De Terrace which serves Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine. Portside Buffet Restaurant is located near the main pool and serves all meals.

Kenko Japanese Restaurant and Sea Breeze both charge an additional $29 per person. Children under 11 eat for free at Kenko.

Rates at Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay start at $197 or 50,000 IHG One Rewards points per night for a family of 4.

7. Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall (Montego Bay)

Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall doesn’t have a water park, but the resort has a lot of other activities to do on the property and in the surrounding area. The resort is a World of Hyatt resort and can be booked with World of Hyatt points.

Guests can reserve a kayak, catamaran, or boogie board at the resort. There are also 2 large pools.

The kids’ club has daily and nightly activities such as pajama and disco parties, beach sports, and crafts. Older kids can enjoy foosball, air hockey, and video games at the teen club.

Daily activities include cooking demonstrations, family games, and beach volleyball. There’s also a spa with salon services and cabana rentals for an additional fee.

There are 10 restaurants and 3 bars and lounges at Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall. Some of the restaurants available to guests include Barefoot JerkZ, which serves Jamaican cuisine, and the seafood restaurant Blue Grill. Petit Pariz, the resort’s fine French restaurant, has a family and adults section.

Rates at this award Category D property start at $655 or 51,000 World of Hyatt points per night for a family of 4.

8. Iberostar Rose Hall Beach (Montego Bay)

Iberostar Rose Hall Beach has direct access to the beach and an especially unique feature: a coral nursery. Activities at the kids’ club are also based on the resort’s ocean-sustainability efforts.

Amenities include a game room, a children’s pool, and entertainment. The resort has a signature wellness program called “Aliveness” that invites guests to reconnect with their bodies and nature in the form of healthy food, yoga practices, and spa treatments.

The hotel has a Dressel Divers dive center, an outdoor sports area, and a nearby golf course where guests can play for an additional fee.

There are 5 restaurants and 6 bars at Iberostar Rose Hall Beach. Uncle Tony’s Buffet and Rotisserie and Little River Buffet are the all-day dining options, while Olivetti Italian Restaurant and Samurai Japanese Restaurant are options for dinner. Chill Out is a snack bar that serves hamburgers, hot dogs, and quick bites.

Rates start at Iberostar Rose Hall Beach start at $401 per night for a family of 4.

Hot Tip:

While not currently participating in IHG One Rewards, this Iberostar hotel is expected to join the program by 2024.

9. Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa (Montego Bay)

Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa is a luxury all-inclusive family resort that has over 2 dozen activities for kids and teens.

The kids and teens club is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day and features a soccer field, table tennis, beachfront play area, and splash pad. Indoor activities include board games, bowling, scavenger hunts, and jewelry making.

Hot Tip:

Children can even take Jamaican patois classes at this resort to learn the island’s Creole language which blends English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Jamaican slang.

Additional activities to be enjoyed by the whole family include the pools, kayaking, wind sailing, and stand-up paddle boards. There’s also a spa and wellness program featuring group fitness classes.

There are a dozen restaurants at Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa. Crickets Beach Grill may serve the most exciting cuisine — a fusion of Jamaican and Tex-Mex flavors. Guests can also look forward to more familiar flavor palates at Le Bouchon Steakhouse or Italian restaurant Moonstone.

The Sugar Cane Coffee & Ice Cream cafe is open all day and perfect for a midday pick-me-up.

Rates at Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa start at $540 per night for a family of 4.

10. Moon Palace Jamaica All-inclusive Resort (Ocho Rios)

Moon Palace Jamaica promises great food, upscale accommodations, and lasting memories. For any activities it lacks on the property, the concierge is available to help coordinate excursions nearby and throughout the island.

Amenities include non-motorized watersports like kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Entertainment includes a karaoke night and Michael Jackson cover show. For kids and teens, there’s the Playroom and Wired Lounge featuring a jungle gym, splash pad, and video games. Of course, there are multiple pools and a spa as well.

Hot Tip:

The Dreamery at Palace Resorts ensures that kids feel extra special when on vacation. Amenities include sweets from the resort’s resident “Candy Girl” who can be found throughout the resort and upgraded amenities when staying in a family suite.

Dining options include Asian, Caribbean, and international cuisines as well as seafood and snacks. Momo serves a fusion menu of Asian and Jamaican flavors while Sundeck serves pizza and pasta with a view of the mountains. Jerk Hut serves traditional Jamaican cuisine.

Rates at Moon Palace Jamaica start at $465 per night for a family of 4. Kids under 17 stay free.

11. Royalton Blue Waters Montego Bay, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort

Royalton Blue Waters Montego Bay, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort boasts a luxury family-friendly getaway. You can score free nights here if you redeem Marriott Bonvoy points.

In addition to a water park on the property, Royalton Blue Waters also features swimming pools, a kids’ club, and teen disco nights. Outdoor activities include kayaks, snorkeling, beach volleyball, and beach and pool games.

The water park has waterslides, splash areas, and a lazy river.

There are 11 restaurants including a signature culinary experience available for an additional fee. Dining options include Calypso serving cuisine from the West Indies, Hunter Steakhouse, and the Indian restaurant Taj.

Rates at Royalton Blue Waters start at $567 or 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night for a family of 4.

12. Royalton Negril

Royalton Negril, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort is located in the quiet area of Negril. This resort can be booked with Marriott Bonvoy points.

Outdoor activities include tennis, sailing, snorkeling, and introductory scuba lessons. When guests aren’t taking advantage of the clear ocean water at the beach, they can look forward to spending time at one of 2 resort pools.

There is a kids’ club for kids aged 4 to 12 and a teen lounge for those 13 to 17. Not quite a water park, the resort’s splash pad features fountains, sprayers, and slides in shallow water. There is also a spa.

There are 10 dining options at Royalton Negril. Guests can check out Zen, the teppanyaki and sushi bar, enjoy Italian cuisine at Grazie Italian Trattoria, or try Tex-Mex at Armadillo.

Rates at Royalton Negril start at $546 or 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night for a family of 4.

Best Way To Book an All-inclusive Resort in Jamaica

The greatest benefit of an all-inclusive vacation is that food, drinks, and many activities are all included in your room rate. For a family on a budget, that can be a great incentive to choose this type of accommodation.

But even still, there are still ways to make the most out of your vacation investment.

Use the Right Credit Card

When staying at any of the Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, or Marriott resorts on this list, it makes sense to use a co-branded hotel credit card that earns you a significant amount of bonus points for your purchases. You may also receive additional benefits if you hold status with one of these brands.

If not using a hotel co-branded credit card, you can use a card like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, which earns 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. This card also comes with an annual $300 travel credit on bookings made through Capital One Travel to help you lower your overall effective cost, and you’ll still earn 2x mileson all other purchases.

Alternatively, you could book through a credit card travel portal such as American Express Travel, the Chase travel portal, or the Citi Travel with Booking.com portal. Your card may come with additional incentives to book through their portal so be sure to read your card’s summary of benefits.

Finally, check your credit card’s trip insurance policy to see how you may be covered in the event of a delay or cancellation.

Redeem Loyalty Points

Some of the resorts on this list are part of familiar loyalty programs such as Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, and IHG One Rewards.

When space is available, you can redeem loyalty points earned in these programs to book your hotel stay. Using points to pay for your all-inclusive vacation will dramatically cut down on expenses, especially when you consider that food and drinks are included.

Bottom Line:

There are even more savings to be had when booking your all-inclusive family vacation with the right credit card, travel portal, or booking with points through the appropriate loyalty program.

Final Thoughts

Jamaica is a great destination for a family vacation. And with plenty of family-friendly all-inclusive resorts to choose from, there’s no shortage of options for the perfect family vacation. Make sure to refer to this list as you plan your Jamaican getaway!

The information regarding the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.