Some families do a family reunion annually; for others, it may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reconnect with siblings, cousins, grandparents, and that one uncle who always “forgets” his wallet.
Get the location right and you’re looking at a legendary week of making memories. Get it wrong, and you’re just babysitting in a different zip code. Let’s look at the resorts with the specialized amenities required to keep every generation happy.
Before You Book

- A supervised kids club for the littlest ones
- A cool teens club or hangout for the older kids who think they’re too cool for “family time.”
- Activities for all ages, including adults – such as resorts with nearby golf courses and resorts that offer fishing
- Both family-friendly AND adults-only restaurants (because those without toddlers may prefer a quieter dining experience)
- A confirmation on group dining: Ask how many people they can seat together. Some spots can’t handle 20 people at one table but can offer a private terrace or event space.
- Adults-only areas, amenities, and facilities (so the adults can escape the kiddos for a while)
- Mobility-friendly infrastructure: Check for elevators, ramps, and the availability of golf carts for older family members.
A note on accessibility: If you choose a larger resort check them out first to determine the ease or difficulty of getting around for older members of your family – for example Check PricesEl Dorado Royale or Check PricesEl Dorado Casitas Royale are very spread out – which means a lot of walking – BUT they offer golf-cart service for getting around. Those with severe mobility issues may prefer a more compact resort where cart service is unnecessary because there’s little walking needed. And check to be sure there’s an elevator and/or ramp wherever you find a staircase, as well as first-floor accommodations if needed to avoid stairs.
If you have older family members who can’t abide being around a lot of noisy youngsters, consider a resort with separate adults-only buildings or “resort-within-a-resort” concepts (such as the Finest Playa Mujeres and Hard Rock Riviera Maya, both below), or co-located family/adults-only resorts, like the aforementioned El Dorado Royale/Casitas Royale (adults only), and it’s right-next-door sister-resort, Check PricesGenerations Riviera Maya (our top favorite for families!).
Beaches Turks and Caicos

Fast Facts:
- Location: Providenciales, Turks & Caicos.
- The Beach: It’s located on Grace Bay, consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the world. The water is impossibly blue and very calm.
- Kids & Characters: Official partnership with Sesame Street means the kids can have breakfast with Elmo or participate in a “Bake with Cookie Monster.”
- Water Park: The 45,000-square-foot Pirate’s Island water park is legendary, featuring a surf simulator and a lazy river.
- If the Water Park doesn’t thrill your teens, perhaps the Teens Disco and X-Box Lounge is more their style.
- 2026 Update: The brand-new **Treasure Beach Village** is now open, adding 101 multi-bedroom suites specifically designed for large groups, plus a new cinema and an infinity pool.
Generations Riviera Maya

Fast Facts:
- Location: Riviera Maya, Mexico (about 25 minutes from CUN).
- Best For: Families needing massive suites; these units are among the largest in the region.
- Kids & Teens: EKO Kids Club for ages 4–12 and a dedicated library of baby gear (strollers, cribs, bottle warmers) to lighten your packing load.
- Dining: Gourmet Inclusive® concept means no buffet lines; everything is à la carte and high quality.
- Accessibility: Very spread out, but they offer frequent golf cart shuttles for those who aren’t looking to hit 10,000 steps before breakfast.
Finest Playa Mujeres

Fast Facts:
- Location: Playa Mujeres, Mexico (just north of the Cancun Hotel Zone).
- Vibe: Sophisticated and modern without being “stuffy.”
- Group Perks: 16 bars and lounges ensure there is always a spot for the grown-ups to congregate after the kids hit the hay.
- Wellness: The ONE Spa has a dedicated “mini-spa” menu for kids, so the little ones can join in on the relaxation.
- Beaches: The beach here is much calmer and more private than the main Cancun strip, making it safer for small swimmers.
Hotel Xcaret – Riviera Maya

The resort is designed to utilize the natural environment in creative ways, such as incorporating the limestone caves into the Spa (as treatment rooms) as well as a very cool beachside restaurant complex (Las Cuevas), and the ecological park is committed to the education and preservation of local history, culture, and wildlife, with interactive exhibits featuring sharks, dolphins, jaguars, manatees, turtles, butterflies, flamingos and more.
Fast Facts:
- Location: Riviera Maya, Mexico.
- The “All-Fun Inclusive” Concept: This is the big winner for reunions. Your stay includes unlimited access and transportation to all Xcaret parks (Xcaret, Xel-Há, Xplor, Xenses, etc.). No more arguing about what to do for the day.
- Suites: Designed with natural materials; many feature stone-hewn bathtubs and hammocks on every balcony.
- Dining: Includes Las Cuevas, a restaurant built into actual limestone caves—guaranteed to be the most “Instagrammed” meal of the trip.
- For the Adults: The property has an adults-only building (Casa Fuego) for those who want a quieter home base.
Popular with both families and kidless couples, with both family-friendly and adults-only sections, including the art-immersive Hotel Xcaret Arte next door, and while it’s a bit on the higher side price-wise, the cost is well worth it as entrance to Xcaret Eco-Archaeological Park (as well as Xel-Ha, Xplore, Xplore Fuego, Xenses, Xoximilco, Xenotes, Xichen and a new park Xavage) is currently complimentary for guests of Hotel Xcaret and the brand-new adults-only Check PricesHotel Xcaret Arte located next door (at this time, but this could change, please check before booking).
Villa del Palmar

The resort is wheelchair-friendly too, so no worries on the accessibility front. You’ll find plenty of activities available, including lessons in dancing, Spanish and cooking. We love the idea of their specially set-up pro photo shoots – what better souvenir to take home from your family reunion vacation? Villa del Palmar Cancun offers stunning backdrops to your professional photographs, just imagine its white sandy beach contrasting the brilliant turquoise water of the Caribbean and the quaint wooden jetty where you can enjoy a photo-shoot as though you were floating out to sea.
Fast Facts:
- Location: Costa Mujeres, Mexico (near the ferry to Isla Mujeres).
- Family Units: They offer one, two, and three-bedroom suites with full kitchens and living areas, which are absolute lifesavers for reunions.
- Accessibility: Fully wheelchair-friendly with wide paths and elevator access to all levels.
- Activities: They are famous for their professional photo shoots—highly recommended for getting a high-quality “full tribe” shot on the beach without someone’s head being cut off in a selfie.
- Kids Club: Includes a dedicated “Kids Stay Free” promotion frequently throughout the year.
Playa Fiesta

Fast Facts:
- Location: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
- The Vibe: It feels like a private villa with the service of a boutique hotel.
- Privacy: Because it’s smaller, your family will likely interact with the same staff all week, leading to that “old friends” level of service.
- Customization: They are experts at organizing private beach dinners and themed fiesta nights specifically for your group.
- Note: Best for families with older children or an all-adult reunion who want to avoid the “water park” chaos of larger resorts.
Hard Rock Riviera Maya

Mix® is your opportunity to drop the bass and pick up the beat right in your own room! Every day you can check out a Traktor Kontrol Z1 controller and iPad that taps into a personal set of headphones. If you aren’t quite sure what to do with it, we have a Rock Specialist to show you. All you need now is a mirror ball and a doorman managing the velvet rope.
Fast Facts:
- Location: Riviera Maya, Mexico.
- Teens & Tweens: This is where Hard Rock shines. The Music Lab (for ages 12+) lets kids join a “Jam Band” or star in their own music video.
- Water Fun: The property features the Rockaway Bay Water Park with slides for all ages and a massive private beach lagoon that is perfect for snorkeling without the waves.
- Nightlife: While the kids are at the supervised teen club, the adults can head to “Heaven” for the nightclub and late-night lounge.
- Dining: Includes everything from high-end Brazilian steakhouse to a 24-hour café for those early-rising toddlers.
NEW and Coming Soon for 2026
If your family wants to be the first to test out the newest thread counts and infinity pools, these 2026 openings are the ones to watch!
Moon Palace The Grand – Punta Cana
Fast Facts:
- Opening: Spring 2026.
- Location: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
- The Vibe: Building on the success of the Cancun property, this will be a “city within a resort.”
- Reunion Appeal: Expected to feature a massive water park, a bowling alley, and “The Dreamery” kids club. With several hundred rooms, finding space for a large block won’t be an issue.
JW Marriott All-Inclusive Costa Elena
Fast Facts:
- Opening: 2026.
- Location: Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
- The Vibe: While Costa Rica is usually about the jungle, this brings JW Marriott luxury to a secluded beach.
- Reunion Appeal: With 315 rooms and 17 different pools, it offers a more “elevated” all-inclusive experience for families who prefer eco-adventure and wellness over foam parties.
Kimpton Tres Rios
Fast Facts:
- Opening: 2026.
- Location: Riviera Maya, Mexico.
- The Vibe: A complete luxury reimagining of the former Hacienda Tres Rios. It’s set inside a 326-acre nature park.
- Reunion Appeal: 355 suites, many with private plunge pools. The resort sits on three natural rivers and ten cenotes, offering kayaking and snorkeling right on the property.
The Westin Playa Vallarta
Fast Facts:
- Opening: May 2026.
- Location: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
- The Vibe: Following a massive multi-million dollar renovation, this classic property is reopening as a dedicated all-inclusive.
- Reunion Appeal: 281 reimagined suites and 10 new dining venues. It’s a great choice for families who want a shorter transfer from the airport and a more “boutique” all-inclusive feel in the heart of the marina area.
Lastly, consider a Villa!
While the definition of the word “Villa” has gotten a bit murky, it still commonly refers to those luxurious private homes that – in addition to offering multiple bedrooms ideal for families and small groups – typically includes a dedicated staff including a private chef, housekeeper, butler and more. Some are located next door to larger all-inclusive resorts which gives you the benefit of additional restaurants, amenities, and facilities at your disposal along with the peace and exclusivity of a private pool and beach area.
Check out this post for more on private Villas:
Don’t Miss:
Best All Inclusives for Water Park Lovers
Your Teen Hates Family Vacay? Here’s Your Solution
Best All Inclusives for Snorkeling




