If there’s one thing parents of little ones have in common—besides an overabundance of dirty diapers, sleepless nights and cereal Os under every piece of furniture—it’s that we’re pretty much all desperate for a little R&R. And while vacations that include schlepping babies and toddlers doesn’t immediately scream “get away from it all,” there’s definitely a way to take off for a week to refresh and relax with tots in tow.
Our go-to, no-brainer destinations are family-friendly all-inclusive resorts. Not only are there always loads of helpful amenities, meal options and child-friendly spaces at parents’ fingertips, but—and this is a biggie—fellow guests are also parents and won’t bat an eye when your babe is crying at the buffet or your toddler is tantruming (yes, it’s a verb) poolside. Beaches Resorts are tops when it comes to catering to kids of all ages, and they’ve thought of everything parents need to vacation with ease. It’s no surprise, really, why Beaches has been voted “World’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort Brand” for 21 years in a row (and yes, you read that correctly) at the World Travel Awards.
We checked out the three Beaches Resorts in the Caribbean—Beaches Turks & Caicos, and and Beaches Negril and Beaches Ocho Rios in Jamaica—and got the scoop on the best services on offer for busy kiddos and exhausted parents. Put your tot down for a nap and read on to find out what we love about these locations.
Kids camps. Let’s be honest—it’s all about reliable child care so parents can get in all-important “me” time and hang out with each other, sans wee ones. Kids newborn to 24 months spend time with certified nannies in climate-controlled nurseries stocked with pristine cribs, strollers, rocking chairs and age-appropriate toys and activities. (The infant-to-staff ration is three to one.) There is also after-hours care available for a fee—hello, date night. There’s also separate facilities and programs for toddlers, tweens and teens. Everyone wins!
Sesame Street characters. If you’re like us, Elmo and Cookie Monster are fixtures in your house. Beaches and Sesame Street partnered to make kids’ favourite furry, lovable characters available to kiddos night and day. Besides the typical meet-and-greets, Big Bird and crew are also out around the resorts for story time, baking, treasure hunting and dance parties. Look for characters at breakfast, and book a bedtime surprise for toddlers—a character will come to your room for a story and lullaby.
Meals for even the pickiest eaters. No one wants to spend a week away arguing with a toddler about dinnertime—you can do that at home for free. Beaches features up to 21 restaurants per resort. They’re whining for cheese pizza? Head to the pizzeria for a made-to-order pie. Macaroni and cheese? No problem—head to Mr. Mac’s waterpark food truck (in the Turks & Caicos location). You’ll be able to find all fries, ice cream and, not to worry—plenty of healthy fare, in each resort. Each resort also boasts an on-site culinary concierge to assist with food allergies and any specific dietary restrictions.
