Coconut Bay Resort, St. Lucia

Coconut Bay Resort & Spa is an all-inclusive resort in St. Lucia with three pluses for families:

• value pricing
• waterpark zone with two bodyslides and a lazy river
• Cocoland kids club, with huge play areas including a water-play zone

St. Lucia is in the eastern Caribbean. US visitors often route through Miami (approx. 3 hours flying time) ; direct flights also depart from several Northeast US cities. Many tourists also visit from the UK.

St. Lucia is known for scenic beauty, and especially for the twin peaks of the Pitons in the southwest. The island has jungle and plantations; the sea has coral reefs.

The Coconut Bay Resort & Spa has 85 acres including a private adult's only pool and lounge area by the spa. And another plus, for families: location is just five minutes from the Hewanorra International Airport (in the southeast of the island, on the Atlantic coast.)

Breezes Trelawny Resort & Spa (Starfish Resort), Jamaica - Value All Inclusive

Lots of fun on land and sea, at an excellent price, at this resort which is part of the SuperClubs all inclusive chain. Location is on the north coast of Jamaica, 23 miles from Montego Bay.

Landlubber fun includes minigolf, trapeze, and rock-climbing, tennis (with lessons). Multiple swimming pools are lots of fun: you can play pool, in one pool; there's a a sports pool, kiddie pool with castle theme and waterslide, a family pool, and an another pool with swim-up bar and an 87' adult waterslide.

This resort has a lovely beachfront spot, with a small island: wade out and grab a hammock, while your kids play in the sand. Watersports include Hobie Cat sailing, windsurfing, kayaking (all with instruction); glass-bottom boat rides; banana boat rides. Scuba and jet skiing are offered at an extra cost.

Beaches Turks and Caicos

Beaches is the family brand of the Sandals chain of all inclusives, and this resort is a popular spot: often fully booked even in summer-time.

Guests are drawn by the white-sand beach, and turquoise sea with coral reef; the nursery and kids programs; Pirate's Island kid center, with giant pirate ship, water slides, kids-only pool, and video games; by Beaches' partnership with Sesame Street, which brings Cookie Monster and pals on-site for meet'n'greets, shows and activities.

Watersports include the usual, plus scuba for ages 10 and up. Add in five pools, three whirlpools, nine restaurants, and a European spa...

And if that's not enough: well, you can sign up for Concierge or Butler Service.

Turks and Caicos, by the way, is an island chain halfway between Florida and Puerto Rico; flight time can be as little as 1 hour.

Franklyn D. Resort, Jamaica- with your own nanny

Jamaica is an island known for all inclusives for families, all offering kids' clubs, watersports, kids' meals...

But Franklyn D. Resort (and sister property FDR Pebbles) takes "all-included" one step further: each family has their own "vacation nanny" during their stay.

Many families request the same nanny, year after year. She'll play with your child, take them to the kids' club or arts and craft center or other activities; or if you prefer, she'll hang out with you, watch toddlers in the pool while you relax, and so on.

Top Caribbean All Inclusive Resorts for Families: Club Med Punta Cana

All inclusive Caribbean resorts are extremely popular with families, who love their beautiful beaches, fun watersports, and kids programs. Below are some top suggestions for family holidays.

Club Med Punta Cana
Club Med Punta Cana -- in the Dominican Republic-- has great ambiance, and awesome kids' programs and facilities.

The Petit Club and Mini Club have an entire building, with separate rooms for different age groups; outside is a big playground, choo-choo, pool... And that's just the home base.

Much of the time, the kids are out'n'about. Older kids might do trapeze, or in-line skating; or rehearse for the mini-club show (with costumes, lights, and sound)...