5 next-level family vacations

Published on : September 10, 2018
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Thinking of having a family get together? Whether it’s a reunion, a big birthday celebration or just because, there are lots of reasons to bring everyone together in the tropics. Instead of stressing about planning activities, food and sleeping arrangements, let an all inclusive package take care of it all so you and the family can focus on having a blast.

To help get you started, we’ve come up with five ways you can have fun in the sun with the whole family in beautiful destinations. We’ve also included resorts known for family-friendly inclusions like kids clubs, water slides, fun activities, varied dining options and much more. From safari adventures to historic ruins, this list promises a family vacation that will be cherished for life.

Make history fun in Mexico

Whoever said history was boring obviously never went to the ancient Mayan ruins. The Tulum Half-Day Tour will take you and the family on a visit to the Mayan archaeological site of Tulum where you will learn fascinating details about this ancient civilization.

Where to stay: Royalton Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa lets you get close to nature while enjoying luxurious inclusions. You’ll never run of splash time with eight pools to choose from, and the kids and teens club offer lots of activities including daily themed programs like camp days, scavenger hunts, nature hikes and more. While the kids play, the parents can head to the opulent Royal Spa for some pampering or enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the specialty restaurants.

Explore Cuba on a Jeep Safari

Go off-roading in a Jeep with the family to explore Cuba’s beautiful landscape and embrace its rich and colourful culture. This fun-filled experience in Cayo Santa Maria shows off panoramic views of the Cuban countryside before stopping at a charming farm that has a mini zoo for the kids (and kids at heart) to enjoy. At the end of the day, you can take the family to stroll around the farm, go horseback riding or cool off with a swim.

Where to stay: Melia Las Dunas expertly caters to everyone with a dedicated family section. There you’ll enjoy lots of included activities like volleyball, sailing and windsurfing. In the evening, the main boulevard wandering through the resort becomes an entertainment and gastronomic focus with cultural shows, live music and culinary delights on offer.

Live the pirate’s life in Saint Lucia

Ahoy there! The whole family can be pirates for a day with on board the Black Magic, a replica 16th century galleon ship. Along the way, you’ll visit Soufriere, see the famous Pitons and tour a beautiful waterfall. You’ll also explore the Diamond Botanical Gardens and head to the famous ‘drive in’ volcano. Kids (and adults!) can even dress up as pirates for the day and participate in an exciting treasure hunt on board.

Where to stay: Cool off by jumping into the pool right from your suite at Royalton Saint Lucia Resort and Spa. When you and the family are ready to re-fuel, you can choose from a range of gourmet cuisine options with unlimited reservation-free dining.

See the Beverly Hills of the Bahamas

Check out some of the Bahamas’ best features on a tour that will take you on a journey across Freeport where you’ll learn interesting history and local myths. Perfect to enjoy with the grandparents, learn fascinating history as you visit a local museum, snap photos at a beautiful botanical garden and admire the largest cathedral on the island, St. John’s Jubilee. Later, you’ll pass by the luxurious Millionaires Row to see the Bahamian version of Beverly Hills before ending the tour with some shopping or relaxing at a beach club.

Where to stay: It’s all about out-of-the-box activities at Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach in the Bahamas. From trapeze to paintball and yoga as part of the Viva Fit program, there are lots of ways for families to enjoy their stay in the Bahamas. In addition to the Viva Fit program, the resort also offers a complimentary Viva Boomer package for seniors, ideal for the grandma and grandpa, which includes personalized check-in service, books and board games in their room.

Ride a racetrack at sea

Cruises are excellent options for family getaways because they’re designed to include features that will please everyone. The Norwegian Bliss offers activities and entertainment for all ages. Speed demons can fly around the ship’s racetrack (the largest one at sea) and play a round of galactic laser tag. The adrenaline lovers in the family can head to the ship's thrilling water park and zoom down the heart-pumping Ocean Loop slide, while parents and grandparents can take in some entertainment with an award-winning musical, or just stroll along the shops at 678 Ocean Place.

Off the ship: One of the great things about cruises is you can enjoy multiple experiences in one vacation! The Norwegian Bliss offers an eastern Caribbean itinerary where you’ll visit beautiful destinations like St. Thomas and Tortola in the British Virgin Islands.