From Hawaii’s cultural magic to the Caribbean’s turquoise waters – where discerning families are heading for their next adventure
Planning a family holiday to the Americas or the Caribbean in 2026? You’re spoilt for choice – but that’s precisely the problem. With countless resorts clamouring for your attention, how do you find the ones that genuinely deliver for families who want more than a standard beach-and-buffet experience?
We’ve done the research for you. From the world’s most spectacular water park to boutique Caribbean hideaways where nature takes centre stage, these five resorts have earned their reputations as genuinely family-friendly destinations – the kind of places where parents can actually relax whilst children have the time of their lives.
Whether you’re seeking an all-inclusive experience where everything’s taken care of, or prefer the flexibility of a luxury resort with world-class dining, there’s something here for every type of family.
1. Beaches Turks & Caicos, Providenciales
Best for: Families who want everything included – and we mean everything
Situated on the powder-white sands of Grace Bay Beach – regularly voted one of the world’s most beautiful beaches – Beaches Turks & Caicos is the gold standard for all-inclusive family holidays. This isn’t your typical resort; it’s practically a small town, with five distinct villages offering architectural styles from the Italian Riviera to Key West, giving families the sense of exploring different destinations without ever leaving the property.
The numbers speak for themselves: 21 restaurants ranging from Caribbean jerk to Japanese teppanyaki, a 45,000 square-foot water park complete with surf simulator and lazy river, plus unlimited water sports including scuba diving – all included in your stay. For younger guests, Camp Sesame brings beloved characters to life with daily appearances and stage shows, whilst older children can escape to the Xbox lounge or teen disco.
Flight time from UK: Approximately 10 hours (via Miami or Charlotte)
Best for ages: All ages, from babies to teenagers
Don’t miss: Taking a boat trip to see the famous Turks & Caicos rock iguanas at Half Moon Bay, or walking rescue puppies on the beach at the Potcake Rescue Centre.
2. Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas
Best for: Thrill-seeking families who dream of water parks
If your children have ever fantasised about plunging down a near-vertical water slide through a shark-filled lagoon, Atlantis is where those dreams come true. The resort’s legendary Aquaventure water park sprawls across 141 acres of pure aquatic excitement, making it the largest water park in the entire Caribbean.
The iconic Leap of Faith slide drops riders 60 feet through a clear acrylic tunnel submerged in a lagoon teeming with sharks and rays – it’s a rite of passage for brave teenagers. But Aquaventure caters to all ages: the mile-long Rapids River features wave surges and seven-foot drops, whilst Poseidon’s Playzone offers gentler thrills for smaller adventurers. Beyond the water park, families can explore The Dig – an underwater maze designed like ancient ruins – or swim with dolphins at Dolphin Cay.
Accommodation ranges from the family-friendly Coral towers to the ultra-luxurious Cove, featuring an adults-only pool and a sophisticated atmosphere. The resort isn’t all-inclusive, but with over 40 restaurants and bars, you’ll never run short of options.
Flight time from UK: Approximately 9.5 hours direct to Nassau
Best for ages: 5+ (older children and teens will get the most from the water park)
Don’t miss: The Serpent Slide – a five-storey corkscrew that finishes with a journey through the shark tunnel.
3. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Hawaii
Best for: Families seeking authentic Hawaiian culture with five-star luxury
There’s a reason the Four Seasons Maui served as the backdrop for HBO’s The White Lotus – this oceanfront resort on Wailea Beach is the epitome of Hawaiian luxury. But unlike some high-end properties that merely tolerate children, the Four Seasons genuinely embraces families with its exceptional Kids For All Seasons programme and thoughtful touches throughout.
What sets this resort apart is its commitment to authentic Hawaiian culture. Cultural Director Aunty Mopsie has curated unique experiences for all ages – many complimentary – from lei-making and ukulele lessons to outrigger canoe paddling and traditional hula classes. It’s the kind of immersive learning that children remember long after the suntan fades.
The resort boasts the largest guest rooms on Maui, most with private lanais (balconies) overlooking the Pacific. Three swimming pools cater to different moods – including an adults-only infinity pool for parents seeking peace – whilst the resort’s position on Wailea’s sunniest coast means reliable weather for beach days. From December to April, you might even spot humpback whales from your sun lounger.
Flight time from UK: Approximately 16–18 hours (via Los Angeles or San Francisco)
Best for ages: All ages, with particularly strong programming for 5–12 year olds
Don’t miss: The Wailea Challenge family tournament (during the festive season) featuring canoe racing, spear throwing, and obstacle courses.
4. Half Moon, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Best for: Families who appreciate heritage, space, and classic Caribbean elegance
Half Moon isn’t just a resort – it’s a 400-acre universe that’s been welcoming families for over 60 years. This legendary Jamaican property offers something increasingly rare in Caribbean hospitality: genuine space to breathe, explore, and create your own rhythm.
The Children’s Village is a destination in itself, offering supervised activities from Jamaican cooking classes to reggae dance lessons. Older children can try their hand at golf on the championship course, take tennis lessons, or explore the resort’s equestrian centre – complete with horseback rides along the beach. The newly reimagined Eclipse section offers contemporary luxury whilst maintaining the gracious service that made Half Moon famous.
Accommodation options suit every family configuration, from intimate rooms to sprawling private villas with dedicated butlers and private pools. The villas are particularly appealing for multi-generational trips, offering the space and privacy of a home with the service of a world-class resort.
Flight time from UK: Approximately 10 hours direct to Montego Bay
Best for ages: All ages, especially families seeking outdoor activities and multi-generational travel
Don’t miss: Sunrise horseback riding on the beach – an experience children (and parents) never forget.
5. Four Seasons Resort Nevis, West Indies
Best for: Families seeking boutique Caribbean charm and nature experiences
If your idea of paradise involves trading water parks for volcano hikes and reef explorations, Four Seasons Nevis delivers an altogether different Caribbean experience. Nestled at the base of Nevis Peak on peaceful Pinney’s Beach, this resort offers the Caribbean you’ve dreamed about: quiet, lush, and beautifully unspoilt.
The Kids For All Seasons programme here goes far beyond typical resort offerings. This isn’t babysitting – it’s a miniature world of marine biology lessons, nature hikes through tropical rainforest, and immersion in Nevisian culture. The resort’s annual Sea Turtle Week is a highlight for young nature enthusiasts, combining conservation education with hands-on experiences.
Families wake up in beach villas with the sound of waves and birdsong, play rounds on the Robert Trent Jones II golf course, and spend lazy afternoons on powder-soft Pinney’s Beach. The pace here is deliberately slower, the atmosphere more intimate – making it ideal for families who want genuine quality time together rather than a packed activity schedule.
Flight time from UK: Approximately 10–12 hours (via Antigua or St Kitts)
Best for ages: 5–14, particularly nature-loving children interested in wildlife and conservation
Don’t miss: The guided hike to Nevis Peak – challenging but rewarding, with spectacular views from the rainforest summit.
Planning Your 2026 Family Holiday
Each of these resorts offers something distinct: the effortless all-inclusive experience of Beaches Turks & Caicos, the epic thrills of Atlantis, the cultural richness of Four Seasons Maui, the heritage elegance of Half Moon, or the nature-focused intimacy of Four Seasons Nevis. The best choice depends on what your family values most – and what memories you want to create together.
Peak season for the Caribbean runs from mid-December through mid-April, offering the most reliable weather but also the highest prices. Shoulder seasons – late April to June and November – can offer excellent value with pleasant conditions. Hawaii enjoys warm weather year-round, though the winter months bring the bonus of whale-watching season.
Top tip: The best rooms and villa configurations at these popular resorts book up months in advance, especially during school holidays. If you’re considering a summer 2026 or Christmas 2026 trip, now is the time to start planning.
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