Enjoy an adventure in the great outdoors, make friends with sea life, cool off in a water park, or simply kick back and relax at the beach with the kiddos. However you plan on spending your vacation, Jamaica is undoubtedly one of the best spots in the Caribbean to visit, with its endless choice of family-friendly attractions and activities. While the optimal season for Jamaica travel is still several months away – October to mid-December – now is the time you should start planning.
For those looking for all-inclusive properties
Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa can be found in the tiny beach town of Lucea, not far from beautiful Montego Bay, this all-inclusive 4-star family-friendly resort exudes grace and elegance. It boasts a balance of Roman and modern architecture, complete with stately columns and arches. Features include more than 400 suites, all-inclusive amenities, 10 restaurants, and the largest pool on the island. The little ones will love the splash pool, while older kids will enjoy hanging out at the Mini Club.
Royalton White Sands welcomes families from around the world. This luxurious oceanfront property in Montego Bay prides itself on an upscale all-inclusive concept, offering guests their choice of 352 lavish rooms, first-class restaurants, and quality amenities. All guests of White Sands have access to non-motorized water sports and other activities, five on-site dining options, two pools and a splash pool for the kids, and complimentary WiFi throughout the property, just to name a few. There is always something happening for the kiddos, thanks to the resort’s kids’ club for ages 2-12, Kids’ Adventure Program, and a teens’ lounge specifically for those from 13-17.
Beaches Negril is definitely worth a look. The well-known, beloved resort brand offers families a wonderful, all-inclusive option on Jamaica’s legendary 7-Mile Beach, complete with its own water park and the ability to accommodate large families. The vibrant beachfront property offers family-friendly features, that includes a stretch of pristine beach, plush grounds, themed dining and endless activities, beach house-style rooms and suites, the on-site Pirates Island Waterpark, and countless water activities like kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving. I give you my word, it is by far one of the most attractive and desirable resorts available for families on the island.
Properties that accommodate multi-generational families
Half Moon Resort welcomes everyone. While most resorts on the island are multi-generation friendly and cater to all ages, this plantation-themed resort located in Montego Bay could possibly be the best with its secluded four- to seven-bedroom villas that are perfect for large families on vacation. Of course, there are rooms and suites also available for smaller ones. Eight on-site dining venues, including room service, as well as an 18-hole golf course, a children’s village, the Dolphin Lagoon for dolphin interactions, and several other water and land activities are also available through the property.
Jamaica Inn is as inviting as it gets. This coastal blue oceanfront property in Ocho Rios is another resort suitable for families of all sizes and ages. Plantation-inspired rooms, villas and cottages offer top-rated amenities and depending on your accommodation choice, you will have access to a large, fully furnished veranda or balcony, your own infinity pool, private ocean access, or guest-exclusive pool. And, there’s still more! Enjoy seaside dining, luscious grounds and oceanfront spa. Families with children will especially love accessible water activities like parasailing, kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkeling.
When privacy is what you are looking for
Sea Island Villa comes highly recommended. You need to look no further than the Villas by Linda Smith plantation-style property in beautiful Montego Bay if you’re in search of the ultimate private getaway. The expansive property boasts six bedrooms, so it’s ideal for both large and multi-generational families. The decor consists of grand, yet colorful aesthetics. Guests have access to a private pool and you have your own butler, gourmet cook, housekeepers and night guardsman. It’s the quintessential luxury Caribbean vacation!
GoldenEye could be just what you are looking for. Mystery and intrigue attract James Bond fans to this former residence of Ian Fleming, the English author responsible for bestowing the world with the famous spy series. The resort offers several luxury chateaus and cottages on the premises, but each still provides plenty of seclusion. Each of the lagoon cottages have private balconies and docks that give guests direct access to the lagoon, while the chateaus feature grand porches and your own beach area. If you really want to splurge, reserve the five-bedroom Fleming Villa, which comes with a housekeeper, butler and a chef.
For water park enthusiasts
Sunscape Splash Resort is the place for fun in the sun. A vibrant castle and pirate-themed water park, aptly named Pirates Paradise, await kids of all ages at the budget-friendly Sunscape Splash Resort. Families on a budget will definitely get more bang for their buck at this resort in Montego Bay that also offers access to non-motorized water sports, three beaches, land activities, and comfortable guest rooms and suites with private balconies. It’s also large family friendly, thanks to its connecting standard rooms. With over 1,800 feet of powdery white sand beaches and all-inclusive amenities, it is a popular choice among vacationers.
Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort offers both fun and luxury. Also a family-friendly, all-inclusive resort, this property features butler-service suites, water activities, three pools with a concierge service, and six on-site restaurants. It is also home to the Jewel Lagoon Water Park, which features a 5,000 square foot oceanfront sundeck, an infinity beach lagoon with geysers, a water slide, lazy river, a speed slide, rapids raft ride, kiddie slides and splash zone. You will never have to worry about your kids getting bored.
Hilton Rose Hall in all its glory. One of Jamaica’s most legendary historic properties, the Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa is another all-inclusive resort located seaside on the infamous Rose Hall Plantation in Montego Bay. The updated resort feature rooms and suites with breathtaking views and modern furnishings, providing guests access to a selection of water sports, numerous land activities, complimentary transportation to and from the plantation house, and a choice of dining options. It is also home to the Sugar Mill Falls Water Park, boasting cascading waterfalls, a lazy river, lagoons, a swinging suspension bridge, and kiddie pool.
Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a travel writer and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.