Hotels on the Caribbean coast that belong on your family holiday wishlist
For those lucky enough to have spent some time in the Caribbean and Mexico's Caribbean coast the chances are they've visited again and again. And again. That's because it's a part of the world that's easy to fall in love with. The sea is calm and warm, the weather is sublime, the beaches are world-class, the people are welcoming and the hotels – if you choose the right ones – are perfect. For families with children of all ages, it's a no-brainer, especially if you're keen to find some winter sun to break up the long, long, long British winter.
Two areas that are particularly well suited to families are Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and Playa del Carmen in Mexico's Riviera Maya, and thanks to the experts at Melia, the hotels more than match their delightful surroundings. Travel with British Airways Holidays and you'll have the perfect combination of peace of mind thanks to Atol protection and 24/7 support, a wonderful destination to explore and extraordinary places to stay designed with families in mind. Plus there are regular direct flights to choose from with British Airways. Here's a selection of hotels to consider for your next family break.
Paradise found
The all-inclusive luxury resort of Paradisus Grand Cana, set on the Dominican Republic's beautiful Playa Bavaro, covers all the bases for the whole family so beautifully one assumes a particularly gifted parent and child pairing must have designed it together. Their first wise decision was to make the entire resort suite-only (and big suites at that) so everyone has an incredible room perfectly set up for a family.
The second was the creation of the Family Concierge service. Yes, a family concierge. If your seven-year-old decides they are in need of a little expertise to fulfil their specific seven-year-old needs then look no further. Here, they (and their parents) will find personalised attention and help with booking extraordinary experiences.
Thanks to the Destination Inclusive Experience on offer through the concierge, guests will find activities inside and outside the hotel, such as master classes and guided tours – plus they can help with restaurant reservations, ideas for fun things to do or simply offer advice on ice cream flavours.
Those who take advantage of the service also get added in-room benefits and exclusive spots to enjoy, such as a gourmet breakfast area. And of course, there are countless ways to spend your days whether it be at the hotel's own water park, relaxing by the pool, chilling in the spa, hanging out at the beach club, working up a sweat in the gym and spin room, escaping parents for a while at the kids club or heading out for 18 holes of golf. The experiences here are matched by the variety and quality of food on offer – dine at the steakhouse one night, enjoy Asian cuisine the next and perhaps Peruvian the night after. The range of restaurants and bars to choose from is mouthwateringly good.
Take the plunge in Mexico
Family-friendly doesn't feel like a strong enough description of what is on offer at the Paradisus Playa del Carmen. This Mexican hotel has made every possible effort to ensure children have the time of their lives. Exhibit A is the on-site waterpark. Imagine the faces of the children who arrive here and discover this aquatic playground just steps away from their room, knowing they can slide, plunge and dive to their heart's content.
This all-inclusive luxury resort, set in a magnificent mangrove forest by a stunning beach, has thought of everyone and everybody with elements to suit all ages and desires. The hotel feels distinctly Caribbean with lush gardens, palm trees, wooden pathways that wind their way through gardens, pools and plentiful shaded seating areas. And it's worth strolling the grounds on arrival to get a look and feel for the sheer variety and scope of opportunities to have fun.
The pools are large and spacious, there are life-enriching experiences for the whole family to enjoy, and there are plenty of distractions for children and adults to enjoy together or separately. The expertly run kids' club offers games, arts, crafts and relaxation for those aged one to 11, and there's a games room for teenagers keen to meet up with their peers for a couple of hours, from 10am to 11pm.
Upgrade your family experience with a Family Concierge suite and you'll get far more than an incredible room. Expect Destination Concierge personal service, private check-in and check-out, private areas in the resort and much more besides. And with the hotel's brilliant Destination Inclusive programme, Family Concierge guests can plug into the local culture and enjoy authentic experiences such as a Mayan ritual with a shaman. It's worth noting there are two-bedroom suites for bigger families who want to be together and an array of places to enjoy a meal, such as Capella, where Italian food is served; the Asian cuisine of Tori; or Sal Steak Cave.
Holding court in the Dominican Republic
Billed as the first lifestyle resort in Punta Cana, the tropical paradise that is Zel Punta Cana combines the charm of the Dominican Republic with a Mediterranean way of life. The laudable concept is to allow guests to holiday at their own pace in their own rhythm. The all-inclusive resort, created in partnership with tennis player Rafael Nadal (which explains why the tennis courts are impressive, to say the least), has been designed with plenty of relaxing open spaces and architecture inspired by outdoor living to ensure a light, airy and boutique feel.
The usual formalities of hotels have been done away with, so you won't be dinging any bells at the reception desk when you arrive; instead you'll check in digitally to ensure you maximise the fun and minimise the admin.
Rooms come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit guests' individual needs but, needless to say, are all stunning. And a third of them are perfect for guests who want the understandable option of walking or swimming to their rooms.
The most relaxing spot on site is, arguably, the AUA Spa where an array of exclusive treatments and beauty services are carried out by expert therapists. Wellness is central to the experience here with a fully equipped gym, where you'll find personal trainers to help put together a bespoke fitness programme, and a multifunctional room for high-energy sports guided by instructors. Plus the hotel has created 10km of scenic trails through the natural beauty of Punta Cana. No stay here is complete without sampling the exemplary food at spots such as Parda, that champions Mediterranean flavours; Volcan, where steak is the star; or Beach Club, where fusion cuisine is served on the sand.
British Airways Holidays packages include a generous baggage allowance for each customer and come with full Atol protection for complete peace of mind. Secure your Melia holiday to Mexico or the Dominican Republic with a low deposit and enjoy flexible payments until you fly*.
*Based on two sharing. Full balance due seven weeks before departure. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
14 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Scottish castle that you can stay in for less than a night in a London hotel
Read on to find out how much it would cost per person ROYAL RETREAT Scottish castle that you can stay in for less than a night in a London hotel Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DO you want to live like a king or a queen during a stay at a Scottish castle? Well, you could do so for less than a night in a London hotel. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The Scottish castle has its own private beach where visitors can enjoy stunning views Credit: Big House Experience Luxury rental company has revealed the costs per person for some of the most spectacular British castles available for private hire. And when split between a group, the cost per person is often less than a typical hotel stay. According to a Statista reports, the average price per night for a London hotel is £158 Carron Castle in Fife, which sits on the shores of the Firth of Tay, costs less per person. The stunning venue sleeps 30 and boasts a swimming pool, tennis court, gym, cinema room, games room, private beach access and dogs are welcome. Carron Castle has been described as the epitome of a Scottish fairytale escape. The Baronial-style estate has everything from sweeping staircases and crystal chandeliers to four-poster beds and gallery-worthy family portraits. As a historic ancestral home, Carron Castle strikes a perfect balance between impressive architecture and relaxed comfort. Inside, you will find an elegant drawing room, a richly stocked library, and an inviting sitting room for relaxed gatherings. Visitors can enjoy movie nights in the cinema room complete with Netflix, or let the musicians among you entertain with not one but two grand pianos and an organ. Inverlochy Castle: Scotland's Crown Jewel of Luxury Hospitality Outside, there is a swimming pool, tennis courts and a serene walled garden. The 1,500-acre estate stretches down to the Tay estuary, where you'll find a secluded fire pit spot for unforgettable beachside barbecues. Golfers can travel to top-tier courses nearby, including the iconic St Andrews Old Course. Others may prefer a day of culture and shopping in nearby Dundee, Perth, or Edinburgh. 2 Carron Castle sits on the banks of the Firth of Tay in Fife Credit: Big House Experience Holidaymakers can stay at the venue for £9,000 for three nights. If you break up the total between a group, this costs £300 per person for three nights or £100 per person per night. Gareth Allen, founder of Big House Experience said: "You can't help but be seduced by Carron Castle, nestled in it's own private estate on the shores of the Firth of Tay. "You can feel the history radiating from the walls." Pengarth Castle in Wales and Wyatt Castle in Dorset were also mentioned.
Scottish Sun
17 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I help Brits move to Spain -these stunning beach towns with 3-bed homes from £500-a-month are perfect for expats
Do you imagine yourself soaking up the sun after work and spending weekends sipping €3 Cava under a palm tree? A mum who helps Brit families relocate to Spain reveals the best areas to move to on a budget COSTA LITTLE I help Brits move to Spain -these stunning beach towns with 3-bed homes from £500-a-month are perfect for expats Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ONE in five Brits admit to daydreaming about ditching the UK for a new life in sunny Spain. It's no surprise when you discover you can escape the Great British gloom for a three-bed in the Med for just £500-a-month. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 Milene Adaime runs a business that helps people follow their dreams and move to Spain 8 Areas like Villajoyosa have a more authentic vibe Credit: Getty The 2024 British Expat Report shows even more British families are considering emigrating in the next five years, with 11 per cent ready to leave right now. According to the data, 532,000 Brits emigrated last year, with 45% craving a better quality of life, 39% blaming the cost-of-living crisis and 37% just sick of our miserable weather. Millene Adaime works for relocation experts, Movinn, who help people move to Spain and Portugal from overseas. Over recent years, the demand for expats seeking a new life in Spain has increased, with more families reaching out to them for help. She told Sun Travel: "Spain used to have the reputation of being somewhere to retire to in your 60s and 70s, but we are getting more requests from modern families or young entrepreneurs who are looking for a different way of life. "The cost of living here is more affordable, and, of course, we have a fantastic climate." With demand growing, areas typically popular with Brits flying south for the sun are becoming crowded and more expensive. Boozy Benidorm has long been the Brit bolthole of choice, but Millene says the party playground is not necessarily the cheapest spot on the coast. She said: "Brits tend to favour areas they already know, like Benidorm, and due to the popularity of British movers to the area, the suburbs outside the tourist hub are very nice and very desirable. "However, the downside is that prices are on the rise and it's not the cheapest place to move to now." 8 Benidorm can be very crowded. Credit: Getty 8 Think about where your kids will be going to school in Spain Credit: Getty Plan ahead Milene warns families also need to take into account other things that may end up costing more money down the line. She said: "We identify our clients' needs and make suggestions that might make life easier once they move in. "For example, if you have kids and would like them to attend an International school, where they speak primarily in English, moving to an area with a good school that has space available is highly recommended. "You don't want to base your family somewhere and land yourself with a terrible commute. "Some areas are better for families and some are more suited to young professionals. "Of course, our retired residents tend to favour the south of Spain, due to the year-round warm weather." Milene says when her clients ask for advice, she tailors it to suit their needs. She said: Some people who come to Spain from the UK want a completely different way of life. They want to embrace Spanish culture and go all-in. "Cádiz in the south is very Spanish. It's a traditional community where people leave their front door open and it's very social. "It's a place where your friends will just walk into your home, uninvited. A lot of Brits are thrown by this. "Some people want to move here for the weather and be around other British people. "That's fine, but I would recommend a different area to them, where life is a bit closer to home." With more people working from home than ever and incentives for business start-ups in countries like Spain, it's no wonder that so many of us dream of a new life on the beach. Do you imagine yourself soaking up the sun after work and spending weekends sipping €3 Cava under a palm tree? If you are considering a Mediterranean move, these are the Spanish spots you should be looking at this year: Best all-rounder - Alicante 8 The San Juan neighbourhood in Alicante is a great location for British families Credit: Getty This is a good choice for Brits wanting to start a new life in Spain. Alicante is a well-rounded city with beaches, international schools, good healthcare, and excellent public transportation. It's a popular choice for British families and has a strong expat community, which will help you settle in and feel more at home. Look at suburbs like San Juan or El Campello, since they are particularly family-friendly. Expect to pay: A three-bed house in El Campello, close to the beach: £1,000-a-month. Three bed apartments can be found for £750-a-month. Best for budget - Torrevieja 8 The coast of Torrevieja south of Alicante Credit: Getty Torrevieja is a beautiful coastal area, just south of Alicante. The rustic coastline is less populated and made up of a series of secluded coves and sandy beaches. It's less crowded than the more famous tourist areas and cheaper than many other coastal towns, since it's very small and quaint. However, expats are catching on and Torrevieja has started to build a significant British population. It offers a quieter, simpler lifestyle with essential amenities like parks, beaches, and English-speaking services, making it ideal for families looking for lower rental costs. Expect to pay: A three-bed apartment with a balcony and a partial sea view: £506-a-month. A three-bed house with gardens and shared pool: £1,000 per month. Best for families - Malaga 8 Malaga is popular with Brits moving to Spain and has great weather Credit: Getty With claims of over 300 sunny days a year, Málaga is popular with sun-seeking Brits. Compared to other European cities, it is considered very affordable and has a stretch of beautiful beaches. Málaga features several international schools, including the British School of Málaga, and Brits can enjoy very convenient flight links to the UK all year round. Away from the nightlife strip, the coastal suburbs like Pedregalejo and Rincón de la Victoria are excellent for families. Expect to pay: A three-bedroom house in Pedregalejo: £1,500-a-month. A three-bedroom apartment with sea views in Rincón de la Victoria is £1,100 a month Best for young professionals - Seville 8 Sevilla has fantastic weather and a rich history Credit: Getty A city rich in culture and charm, Seville offers a warm climate and a more relaxed pace of life. It's a good option for families seeking a more traditional Spanish experience, but Brits might be put off that there is no beach. The closest beach is inside the Donana National Park, an hour from Seville. While there are fewer international schools than in Alicante, but bilingual education options are available if you want the kids to learn Spanish too. Affordable housing with a bit more space can be found in areas like Mairena del Aljarafe, outside the city centre. Expect to pay: A semi-detached home in a serviced complex with a shared pool: £1,338 a month. A three-bed apartment in Mairena del Aljarafe: £700 euro a month. If you need help or advice on relocating to Spain or Portugal, contact
Daily Mirror
19 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Popular holiday resort issues new tourist rules which could cost Brits £1,000s
Brits will face penalty charges of up to £3,375 for tourists who flout behaviour codes in the Algarve resort of Albufeira after city hall legislators approved the strict new rules The Algarve holiday resort town of Albufeira, Portugal, has gone to war with badly-behaved Brit tourists by approving huge new fines. Penalty charges of up to €4,000 (£3,375) for holidaymakers who flout a strict new good behaviour code were agreed on Friday by local councillors. British tourists were first warned about the new get-tough rules in February when Albufeira 's mayor Jose Carlos Rolo announced the 'Code of Conduct' plans and put proposals out to public consultation. This week the process took a giant leap forward as it emerged holidaymakers can be hit with the fines once they are published in an official state bulletin, expected to happen soon. People who enter bars and other business premises with their tops off will face fines of up to €1,500 (£1,250) under the new rules, with the wearing of beachwear outside of allowed areas also being tackled. Spitting or urinating in the street will be punished with fines of between €150 (£125) and €750 (£630). And badly-behaved tourists who end up naked in public, or get caught having or simulating sex, face fines of between €2,000 (£1,685) and €4,000 (£3,375). Bars and cafes who let customers in without the proper dress code will also be hit with financial penalties under the new rules. Mayor Mr Rolo last night signalled his intent to try to take Albufeira upmarket and win back some of the families said to have been scared off by the reports of alcohol and drug-fuelled behaviour. He told local press "tourists who fall down drunk aren't needed here at all" as he said he was seeking a three-pronged approach of 'dissuasive measures', marketing and meetings with British diplomats. He also called on the central government to draft in more police. The mayor said: 'We want security to be visible. Sending 10 police officers to stay at their station isn't going to solve the problem.' Only one of the 25 Albufeira councillors who voted opposed the new Code of Conduct, with critic Leonardo Paco claiming everything in it was already covered by national legislation. Other dissenters have cast doubt on the idea that police will end up going into bars and cafes to check whether tourists have their tops on. Last summer a group of partying British tourists put on a shocking display of public nudity which led to locals questioning the type of visitor the town attracted. Footage of their drunken antics, showing them naked on their knees in a line on top of a bar counter, went viral as Mr Rolo called the display 'deeply negative' and said he would call for police reinforcements. Eight British holidaymakers were later identified by cops. The GNR police force is understood to have discovered who they were following an investigation. The jaw-dropping scenes happened at Route Caffe 66 on the Oura Strip, Albufeira's equivalent of the infamous Punta Ballena party strip in Magaluf. One of the revellers was seen slapping the bare backside of a pal who was part of the bizarre party train. It is not immediately clear what if any action has been taken against them following an investigation.
