Caribbean/Mexico: Beachcombers Blissâ€”Finding the Perfect Family Beach Retreat

SESEAME ST YOGABeachcombers Blissâ€”Finding the Perfect Family Beach RetreatBy Lydia GregoryTravel advisors wanting to boost their family vacation bookings need look no further than the beach resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean. Including every destination would require the entire issue, so we rounded up a few choices with suggestions to get you started.A Perfect Balanceâ€œGrenada is a truly special destination for families, offering a perfect balance of adventure, relaxation and cultural immersion,â€ says Petra Roach, CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority. â€œWhether itâ€™s exploring our pristine beaches, discovering the wonders of our marine life while snorkeling at the Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park or the newly unveiled Carriacou Underwater Sculpture Park, or venturing into the lush rainforests for a hike to breathtaking waterfalls like Annandale or Seven Sisters, there is no shortage of ways to explore the island. GRENEDA QUOTE â€œFamilies can set sail along the coast, kayak through serene mangroves or visit one of Grenadaâ€™s many renowned chocolate estates to learn about the bean-to-bar process. Coupled with the warmth of our local communities, Grenada offers something for every generation to enjoy.â€ New for families are the eco-boutique Six Senses La Sagesse, the first for the brand in North America and known for immersive experiences, and the Silversands Beach House, which brings the elegance of St. Barthâ€™s to Grenada. Mount Cinnamon Beach Resort refreshed its dining and beachside fun; Calabash Grenada will add six suites (2026); and the InterContinental Grenada Resort will open on La Sagesse Beach (2026). Other top recommendations are the all-inclusive Royalton Grenada, the family suites at the True Blue Bay Boutique Resort and the laid-back Coyaba Beach Resort. A Unique Blendâ€œThe U.S. Virgin Islands are an ideal destination for families seeking both adventure and relaxation. Our islands offer a unique blend of cultural experiences, pristine beaches and a variety of activities suitable for all ages,â€ says Joseph Boschulte, Commissioner of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. â€œAs we continue to see a significant increase in families choosing our destination, drawn by the safety, accessibility and the warm hospitality of our residents, we invite families to create lasting memories in our beautiful islands.â€USVI QUOTE Popular family-friendly resorts in the U.S. Virgin Islands include The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, set on a calm bay perfect for little ones; The Buccaneer in St. Croix, a historic resort that offers complimentary beach toys and snorkeling gear; and the recently renovated Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchmanâ€™s Reef, St. Thomas. The latter has a kidsâ€™ club and fun dining options, and shares amenities with sister property, the Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort at Frenchmanâ€™s Reef, Autograph Collection.COCONUT BAYA Premier Destinationâ€œSaint Lucia is a premier destination that presents a breathtaking range of vacation experiences appealing to travelers of all ages, whether theyâ€™re drawn to history, culture, adventure or the sheer joy of relaxation,â€ says Richard Moss, Director, Global Sales for the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority. â€œMany resorts offer dedicated kidsâ€™ programs divided by age groups, allowing children to engage in age-appropriate activities with peers from dawn to dusk. For parents and grandparents wishing for some downtime, after-hours babysitting and nanny services ensure they can enjoy their vacation too. â€œTeenagers are certainly not left out; properties such as Coconut Bay offer exciting options such as movie nights, kite-surfing lessons and paintballing. Moreover, many resorts provide concierge-level service, tailoring guest experiences for families. Desiring a bedtime treat like oatmeal cookies and milk? Consider it done for the length of your stay. Thanks to technology, guests can enjoy contactless check-in and use mobile apps that allow them to make dining reservations, book spa appointments and arrange excursions suitable for all ages and abilities, from waterfall hikes and river rafting to diving and snorkelingâ€”ensuring cherished memories for everyone.â€ Weâ€™ve handpicked a trio of resorts that are ideal for families: Bay Gardens Resorts with their new butler-service Sapphire Sands Villas opening this summer; Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, which is also debuting a villa this year, the Spice of Life Residence with nine bedrooms; and Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa and its waterpark, just to name a few.Something for Everyoneâ€œJamaica is an excellent destination for families because there is something for everyone, no matter their age,â€ says Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Edmund Bartlett. â€œFamilies looking for outdoor adventure will enjoy our stunning natural landmarks like Dunnâ€™s River Falls and the Martha Brae River. For relaxation, the iconic Seven Mile Beach is a great location that offers snorkeling, swimming and even sailing in glass-bottom boats. Families can immerse themselves in our vibrant culture at the National Gallery of Jamaica and the Bob Marley Museum or indulge in luxury at one of our many resorts, boutique and all-inclusive, designed with families in mind. Our warm and friendly people, delectable cuisine and incredible activity selection makes us a favorite family destination and contribute to our high-repeat visitor rate of 42 percent. Both parents and kids leave the island with life-long memories and excitement to return.â€ New for families is the all-inclusive Princess Grand Jamaica with its aquatic park, kidsâ€™ club, teen center and even nanny service. Beaches Negril is a fave for its Sesame Street Sunrise Yoga, available with a VIP Upgrade Package. Personalization is Keyâ€œLos Cabos is an ideal destination for every kind of family, from those with young children to travelers seeking adventure and excitement,â€ says Rodrigo Esponda, Managing Director of Los Cabos Tourism Board. â€œWhether itâ€™s relaxing at a family-friendly resort with fantastic kidsâ€™ clubs or exploring the desert by camel and swimming with whale sharks, Los Cabos truly offers something for everyone. â€œPersonalization is key for us and our new digital ecosystem elevates that focus even further. Visitors and travel advisors can now curate unique itineraries, ensuring every family member, from the youngest to the oldest, enjoys a truly immersive [stay] and has an unforgettable experience in Los Cabos.â€ This destination has any number of family-friendly resorts, including the new Park Hyatt Los Cabos at Cabo del Sol, now taking reservations for July. Standouts among the many jewels are Montage Los Cabos with its signature childrenâ€™s program (ask about Paintbox and Childrenâ€™s Night Out); Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, on one of Cabosâ€™ most serene beaches; and Grand Velas Los Cabos. The latter not only has an exclusive kidsâ€™ club but is also debuting a slew of new activities like Family Sâ€™mores Night, Luxury Camping Night and Family Karaoke Night, among others. Authentic Cultural ExperiencesIn addition to Los Cabos, Baja California Sur (BCS) has two other excellent destinations for families: Loreto and La Paz. â€œFamilies are increasingly drawn to destinations that blend adventure with authentic cultural experiences, and Loreto delivers on both fronts,â€ says Sandra Felix, Commercial Director for Visit Baja California Sur. â€œIts swimmable waters, vibrant marine life and rich history, dating back to Mision Nuestra SeÃ±ora de Loreto, the first Spanish mission in the Californias, make it an ideal spot for families to bond with nature, embrace local traditions and create lasting memories together.â€ The all-inclusive Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto by Danzante Bay has a family program with VIP treatment for the kids; and theyâ€™ll enjoy the luxury of the hacienda-style Hotel La Mision, while Hotel Oasis is right on the Sea of Cortez. La Paz, the capital of BCS, is a city with a very small-town feel. â€œLa Paz is an incredible destination for families looking to connect with nature, experience authentic culture and create unforgettable memories together,â€ says Ivan Felix, Manager of the Tour and Travel Department of the La Paz Tourism Board. â€œFrom snorkeling with playful sea lions in the Sea of Cortez to exploring pristine beaches and taking in breathtaking sunsets along the malecon, La Paz offers adventure and relaxation for all ages. With its welcoming atmosphere, eco-friendly experiences and emphasis on sustainability, families can enjoy a meaningful getaway thatâ€™s both fun and enriching.â€ La Paz has no all-inclusive propertiesâ€”think boutique properties with family amenities like the Baja Club Hotel right on the malecon, or the Hotel Indigo La Paz Puerta Cortes with its panoramic views.New DevelopmentsThe Dominican Republic is seeing a lot of new development, including the debut of Fiesta Americana Travelty Collectionâ€™s newest concept, Fiesta Americana Funeeq. â€œFiesta Americana Funeeq Punta Cana represents a significant milestone as the first property of its kind within the Posadas portfolio,â€ says Enrique Calderon, VP and COO of Posadas. The beachfront, all-inclusive property, he shares, is designed to meet the needs of every type of traveler and offers 24/7 entertainment, a range of amenities, including a water park, a theater and arcade bowling center, sports courts for tennis, paddle tennis, basketball and soccer, as well as a dozen restaurant options. The property opens late 2025. Other new offerings in the Dominican Republic include La Estancia, BW Premier Collection, in upscale La Romana (2026); the all-inclusive, 538-room Viva Miches by Wyndham, a Trademark All Inclusive Hotel; and the newly converted and extensively renovated Marriott Miches Beach, An All-Inclusive Resort. Somewhat new and definitely worth a mention: Paradisus Grand Cana and its Family Concierge Suites. Iconic Vacation Destinationâ€œFor years, the Mexican Caribbean has been an iconic vacation destination for families due to the wide variety of accommodations that appeal to all budgets and experiences available for all interests and ages,â€ says Andres Martinez, CEO, Mexican Caribbean Tourism Board. â€œAdventurous families will love exploring our theme parks and jungle adventures.â€ MX TOURISM QUOTE Hotel Xcaret has new expansions debuting this summer, including 16 pools, five waterslides, a kidsâ€™ hotelito, a speakeasy for adults and a family-focused wellness experience in the expanded Muluk Spa. AVA Resort Cancun opened late last year, with a kidsâ€™ club, the expansive AVA Lagoon and a water park. Also new is TROBBU Tulum, the first all-inclusive family-friendly villa experience in the destination. Ask about the 25 percent off grand opening promo.LUNATECA TOY LIBRARY This year will see several openings, including the Grand Hyatt Cancun Beach Resort; The St. Regis Costa Mujeres Resort; the Park Hyatt Cancun; and the Condo Hotel Aldea Nizuc, great for extended stays. Caribbean Roundup St. Vincent and the Grenadines is made up of 32 islandsâ€”one of these, Canouan, is home to Canouan Estates with three resorts: Soho Beach (more adults-oriented, though kids are welcome), and the family-friendly Canouan Estate Resorts & Villas, and Mandarin Oriental, Canouan, both of which offer families access to the latterâ€™s renowned Pirates of Canouan Kidsâ€™ Club. In Turks & Caicos, The Regent Grand has partnered with local dog rescue, Potcake Place, to offer guests puppy play dates for a day, with the charity getting the donation. Ocean Club Resorts has phased out the Stay at One, Play at Both concept. Recommend Ocean Club East for families with younger children and Ocean Club West, closer to local experiences, shops and restaurants, for families with older kids. With Villas of Distinction, you can book the sleek 7-bedroom Young Villa on the Leeward Canal for a multi-gen getaway. St. Kitts recently broke ground on The St. Kitts Ritz-Carlton Resort Hotel and Residences, which will open in 2028, and Park Hyatt St. Kitts just launched three reimagined villasâ€”a 3-bedroom Presidential Villa and two 1-bedroom Bi-Level Villas with Rooftop Pools. DREAMS WATER PARKMexicoâ€™s Pacific Coast The Puerto Vallarta/Riviera Nayarit area has long been a family favorite. Late last year, Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Hotel welcomed 58 new Preferred Club Suites, a Dreams Preferred Lounge for VIP families, and an 18,600-sq.-ft. water park complete with a pirate ship. The new VidantaWorldâ€™s BON Luxury Theme Park, opening in 2026, will have numerous themed lands and attractions, extensive dining options and luxury suite accommodations at its BON Park Hotel. Contact InformationDominican Republic Ministry of Tourism: godominicanrepublic.comGrenada Tourism Authority: puregrenada.comLa Paz Tourism Board: golapaz.comLos Cabos Tourism Board: visitloscabos.travelMexican Caribbean Tourism Board: mexicancaribbean.travelRiviera Nayarit Tourism: rivieranayarit.comSaint Lucia Tourism Authority: stlucia.orgSt. Kitts Tourism Authority: visitstkitts.comSt. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority: discoversvg.comTurks & Caicos Tourist Board: turksandcaicostourism.comU.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism: visitusvi.comVisit Baja California Sur: visitbajasur.travel/en Visit Jamaica: visitjamaica.com

DISNEY COVERDISNEY IFCCOVEREXPLORA JOURNEYSTable of ContentsWEBINAR HOUSE ADEditor's NotesEDU HOUSE ADIndustry Insights: Family Travel:Creating Lasting Memories Across Generations DestinyAdvisor Speak: Foraâ€”Making Huge Waves Across the IndustryCruise: Set Sail Around the Worldâ€”From Kid-Friendly Cruises to Alaska AdventuresOCEANIA SCOCEANIA FPPRINCESS SCPRINCESS CRUISESREGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISESREGENT SEVEN SEAS SCVIRGIN VOYAGESVIRGIN VOYAGES SCDISNEY CRUISE LINE SCEXPLORA JOURNEYS SCOnboard Review: Multigenerational Adventure on AmaWaterwaysOnboard Review: Azamaraâ€”It's A Family AffairNorth America: Floridaâ€”Powerhouse Tourism DestinationACADEMY TRAVEL SCACADEMY TRAVELFORT MYERS SCFort Myers Islands, Beaches & NeighborhoodsOnsite Review: Ocalaâ€”A Feast of Natural Wonders & Historic CharmCaribbean/Mexico: Beachcombers Blissâ€”Finding the Perfect Family Beach RetreatVilla RetreatsLIVE AQUA SCSANDALSSANDALS SCOnsite Review: Sun, Slides & Smiles: Family Fun at Sunscape Coco Punta CanaEurope & Asia: 3 Ultimate GetawaysTTC Tour Brands SCRESPONSIVE HOUSE ADFIESTA AMERICANA