We’ve done our share of luxury-for-less family travel. Disney cruises, award flights in row 1 and row 29C, trekking through Belize. But for years, all-inclusive resorts were our go-to.
When our daughter was little, it felt like magic. No cooking. No decisions. No surprise dinner bills. Just sun, snacks, and a kids club when we needed a grown-up break.
But now that she’s older, our travel style has evolved. So are all-inclusives still worth it with a teen in tow?
Here’s what we’ve learned after more than a decade of sun, buffets, and beachside upgrades.
The Early Days: Sleep, Margaritas, and Kid Clubs
Our first all-inclusive trip with a kid in the mix was when our daughter was just 9 weeks old. We went to the RIU Palace Pacifico in Puerto Vallarta. It was the first time she slept through the night.
We didn’t want to leave.
That trip showed us what was possible. Everything was handled. Great weather. Meals and drinks included. Even the occasional babysitting break. We got upgraded to first class on the way home. It was a win from start to finish.
Another unforgettable memory came a few years later at Club Med Ixtapa. Our daughter was four. The girls went to get massages, and she fell asleep on the table in her little robe with a towel over her eyes. It was ridiculously cute. And yes, that is the photo to prove it.
Back then, these places were perfect. Built-in childcare. Beach access. Buffet flexibility. We could relax and parent. That felt like a luxury.
The Shift: From Kids’ Club to Certified SCUBA
The change started around age 10. At Beaches Negril, our daughter began spending less time in the kids club and more time hanging out with us. We didn’t mind. She was great company. But it marked the beginning of a new travel era.
She tried an intro to SCUBA course at that same resort. Two years later, she got certified at Beaches Turks and Caicos.
Now, she wants adventure, culture, and good food. Sitting on the beach for six days straight isn’t going to cut it anymore. And honestly, that suits our travel style just fine.
The Standouts (and the So-So)
After many resorts across multiple brands, here’s how we’d rank them. Purely from our family’s perspective.
- Hotel Xcaret (Mexico): Still one of the best. Perfect for teens with included access to all the “X” adventure parks. Incredible food, modern design, and activities that don’t feel manufactured. We’d return in a heartbeat.
- Hyatt Ziva (Puerto Vallarta): Excellent value. Great food. A good balance of relaxation and activity.
- Beaches (Negril and Turks & Caicos): Tons to do and beautifully maintained. But for the price, we’ve had better service and food elsewhere. Still hard to beat if your family loves diving.
- Paradisus (Reserve Section): A fantastic deal. Adult-friendly vibes with family perks. Food was better than expected.
- Club Med Ixtapa: Wonderful when our daughter was younger. Especially memorable when we stayed during low season with only 60 guests in a resort built for 600. That was personalized service at its best.
- RIU Resorts: A very good option when traveling on a tight budget. The service and food don’t compare to more upscale brands, but they’re reliable, clean, and often in great locations
When All-Inclusives Still Work for Us
We’ll absolutely do all-inclusives again when the price and experience make sense.
For us now, an all-inclusive trip is about ease. We’ll consider it when we’re looking to unplug, recharge, and not worry about daily logistics. But we also look for:
- High-quality food. We’re all foodies.
- Excursions or dive access. Included SCUBA is a big plus.
- Cultural options nearby. We want more than just the resort bubble.
And we don’t sit through timeshare pitches. Not our thing.
Our GFR Tips for Smarter All-Inclusive Travel
- Look for deals. Watch for promotions like Beaches’ “7-7-7” sales, off-season discounts, or bonus-night offers. We once scored Paradisus Reserve for a steal.
- Get out of the resort. The best memories often happen off property. Visit a market. Book a local tour. Try the food that isn’t watered down for tourists.
- Challenge yourself. Teens get bored. Snorkel. Zipline. Parasail. Sign up for that SNUBA class. These shared experiences are worth more than any evening show at the resort lounge.
- Don’t rule it out. Many resorts offer teen clubs, water sports, and enough variety to keep everyone engaged. You just have to be more selective as your kids grow.
The Verdict
All-inclusives still have a place in our travel playbook. They’re not our default anymore. But when the fit is right, they’re hard to beat.
If we want a break from planning, they’re amazing. If we want to experience a destination more deeply, we go DIY. The key is choosing what fits your family at this stage of life.
And if it comes with a first-class upgrade on the way home, even better. What are your exeriences and thoughts on all inclusives?
