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When temperatures dip across the northern hemisphere and heavy winter coats get hauled out of closets, nothing sounds better than a warm beach vacation. The Dominican Republic--with pristine beaches, world-class golf courses, beautiful native flora and fauna, and a great selection of well-priced hotels--is a choice vacation spot, especially for families looking to have some fun in the sun.
All-inclusive resorts cover guests' full experience-- food, entertainment, and boarding are all pre-paid with the price of admission. Busy parents can kick up their feet, and enjoy the ride without having to open their pocketbooks any further. Looking to book something soon? Check out the 10 best family-friendly all-inclusive resorts.
Blue JackTar
Located in the beautiful and historic Puerto Plata, Blue JackTar's close to some of the Dominican Republic's most stunning natural beauties, including the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua.
Blue JackTar gets rave reviews for its delicious breakfast, outdoor pool, and fabulous playground. Blue JackTar is also close to Ocean World, where visitors can spend a day splashing around with sea lions and dolphins. Golf-lovers can enjoy Blue JackTar's 6,990 yard Playa Dorado golf course, and the hotel's on-staff baby-sitting service can watch the kids while the parents have a special dinner at one of Blue JackTar's well-rated restaurants. Vacations start at only $90 per night.
The Reserve At Paradisus Palma Real
This idyllic 4-star resort has everything for the perfect family vacation-- stylish and spacious accommodations, luxurious pools, a kids' zone outfitted with playgrounds and lounges, and five different restaurants sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
The Reserve At Paradisus Palma Real makes family-friendly activities easy to access with a Family Concierge service for a Premium experience. The Family Concierge service comes with an attentive butler, and a series of personalized plans designed with the guests' specific needs and desires in mind. A stay at The Reserve At Paradisus Palma Real starts at $222 a night.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana is a favorite for fun-loving families looking to infuse their vacations with a little bit of rock 'n roll. With 13 different pools and 9 different restaurants, even the pickiest vacationer will find a little bit of paradise.
When the adults want to enjoy the Hard Rock's famous casino or the included liquor at one of the nighttime shows, kids are welcome at Hard Rock Roxity Kids Club. According to the Hard Rock Casino Hotel & Casino's website, the Kids Club is "the ultimate hangout place making friends, forming bands, and having the time of their lives, and parents can relax knowing their little legends are in good hands."
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana
For kids and adults (no judgment) who love the Nickelodeon network and its colorful cast of cartoon characters, this playful hotel lets you get up close personal with your favorite Nick stars.
But, don't be fooled by the ball pit, roaming Spongebobs, and the hotel's neon-orange-and-slime-green-color scheme. The Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana offers romantic getaways, newlywed, and wedding packages, and a menu of gourmet treats.
Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus
The exterior of this 5-star, all-inclusive resort is designed to look like a quaint Caribbean village, while the inside has the feel of an opulent hacienda. With stunning gardens, beautiful sculptures, there's no shortage of views to be enjoyed.
And, while the parents enjoy some time to unwind in the spa, there are activities tailor-made for kids. At Star Camp Club, kids can explore, enjoy, and have fun in a group setting, and the resort's nightly entertainment is designed to appeal to every member of the family.
Hodelpa Garden Suites
Hodelpa Garden Suites prioritizes offering a family-friendly atmosphere with impeccable finishes and a welcoming staff. Its suites are luxurious and have elegant modern designs, but this vacation won't break the bank. Standard suites start $52 a night.
Kids can stay active with Hodelpa Garden Suites' playground, pool volleyball court, batting cage, climbing wall, and soccer court!
Casa de Campo Resort & Villas
This 5-star luxury resort boasts 7 outstanding restaurants, a marina, a shooting range, an equestrian center, and (maybe most impressively) the top-ranked golf course in the Caribbean, "Teeth of the Dog."
Casa de Campo offers some serious discounts for families! Their all-inclusive family offers let kids eat, stay, and play for free. The offer comes with access to Casa de Campo Resort & Villas' shooting range, horseback riding, and sports activities. Ready to sign on? This package starts at $247.
Majestic Mirage Punta Cana
The glamorous and elegant Majestic Mirage Punta Cana offers separate buildings for guests staying with children, and programming for kids of all ages. Younger children can enjoy the Spanish Kids' Club and the Splash Kids Club, while teenagers can hang out in a game room with pool tables, mini soccer, ping pong, French balls, and darts. While the kids hang out in designated lounges, parents can enjoy the resorts' 13 pools (four of which have swim-up bars) and the relaxing spa.
The Grand Reserve At Paradisus By Melia Palma Real
With over 10 contemporary restaurants and bars to choose from, dreamy and modern accommodations, and a variety of scheduled activities, this new five-star resort promises to amaze. While the parents unwind in the spa, or take an art and wine class, Kids can enjoy The Grand Reserve At Paradisus' water park, and a unique class called Rythmn and Moves, designed to "let kids have fun and explore their body and develop their skills." Spending a night in this tropical paradise start at $264.
Grand Bahia Principe El Portillo
The top-rated all-inclusive family resort is the stunning Grand Bahia Principe El Portillo. Located close to the vibrant fishing village of Las Terrenas, this five-star resort dubs itself "the most family-friendly hotel in Samaná." And, they don't cut corners when it comes to creating memorable experiences for their guests. Families can stay in exclusive family suites and enjoy experiences made to be enjoyed as a family. Each suite comes with a welcome gift and sweets basket, and kids' minibars fully stocked with kid-friendly snacks and milkshakes.