Brilliant sun, silky sand, and stunning surf are the major elements families seek out when planning the ultimate kid-friendly beach vacation — the there’s one more to add: epic amounts of fun.
These seven resorts deliver all these ingredients (and more!), promising an unforgettable family vacation.
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.
The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, Florida
Spend family time on the gentle waters of the Gulf of Mexico at The Ritz Carlton, Naples, where nature is key to family fun.
In the resort’s exhibit area, designed especially for kids, 11 aquariums house sharks, eels, turtles and more, created in partnership with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Half- and full-day programs at the Ritz Kids Program teach kiddos all about the ecosystem with hands-on experiences.
Session availability depends on the season, so be sure to ask in advance about the program when booking your stay.
The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, Hawaii
Amid lava fields and lush gardens with fountains, ponds and towering palms, The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort stretches along the longest sandy beach on Hawaii’s Big Island. With much of the Kohala Coast rimmed by volcanic rock, Hapuna Beach is a special treasure.
In summer and fall, the teal-green waters here are warm and calm, there are lifeguards on watch, and you can swim, snorkel, and stand-up paddleboard to your heart’s content. Beach picnics are welcomed, with visiting food trucks and in-room fridges enabling you to stock up for daily feasts.
January and February bring the chance of overcast skies and stronger waves to the Kohala Coast, but also the opportunity to spot humpback whales from Hapuna’s white sand shore as they migrate from Alaska for the winter. These natural wonders are sure to make incredible family memories.
The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa
Putting the “grand” in Grand Cayman, The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa brings family-friendly luxury to Seven Mile Beach, one of the world’s loveliest stretches of white-coral sand.
From every lanai, beach balcony and cabana here, you’ll see soul-stirring views of water that shifts from indigo to cobalt to aquamarine. Grand Cayman itself is at the top of an underwater mountain range, and the coral-peppered reef at Seven Mile Beach is a snorkeler’s dream. The resort offers snorkeling on-site, as well as jet-skiing, kayaking, and sailing with a base at this stunning shore.
The crescent -shaped shore is strewn with casual beach bars and restaurants. This is the island’s playground, so Palm Beach is bustling from afternoon onward, but in the mornings you’ll have peace and quiet for a stroll on the sand or a dip in the warm Caribbean Sea.
Royalton Saint Lucia, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
The Royalton Saint Lucia, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort is ideal for all types of travelers, from families or couples to groups of fun-seeking pals.
That’s because this resort is divided into three separate sections: Hideaway, an adults-only haven; the Diamond Club, which offers exclusive pool and beach access; and finally, a family-friendly area complete with a supervised kids club.
Guests will be gobsmacked by the natural splendors on display here, from the richly colored blue-green water to the abundant tropical foliage.
The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino, Greece
For a resort-style family vacation even toddlers will adore, The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino offers unique activities for every member of your clan.
Your littlest ones can participate in sensory games and story listening at the Cocoon Care Center, while children aged 4 to 12 can engage in heritage adventures as pirates, ancient Messenians or explorers of rare local species at the SandCastle.
The onsite Aqua Park rounds off the fun, with three waterslides and a seasonally heated play pool.
laïla, Seychelles, a Tribute Portfolio Resort, Mahe, Seychelles
Situated on a scenic bay with sparkling waters, laïla, Seychelles, a Tribute Portfolio Resort has got you covered with a bevy of child-centric activities. Kids fishing, beach volleyball, movie screenings and traditional dance are just some of the activities that would keep your brood happy in this stunning natural oasis. And for the whole family, there’s the beachfront boathouse, with lifeguards and easy access to kayak and snorkel to view stunning reefs.
Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai
Visit the turquoise waters of Jumeirah Beach — arguably one of Dubai’s most popular family attractions — in the morning or early evening to avoid the scorching desert heat.
The Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa offers direct access to a slew of seaside water sport activities such as jet-skiing and parasailing, as well as a beachfront playground and picnic areas.
Back at the resort, enjoy three temperature-controlled swimming pools and a kids club offering creative craft activities.
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