Date of publication 09/12/2022
Enjoy the best hotels in the Caribbean Traveling to Mexico, Jamaica or the Dominican Republic? Let the children decide!
Fun and educational plans for a family holiday
Picture your next family vacation in the Caribbean, where breathtaking natural beauty, a fascinating colonial past, flavorful local cuisine, and a vibrant musical heritage come together. The choices are Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. Each has something special to offer, making the decision anything but easy. Why not get the kids involved by telling them what makes each destination unique and letting them choose where to go?
Wherever they decide, finding the perfect place to stay is easy. Iberostar offers nine family-friendly hotels in Mexico, two in Jamaica, and seven resorts in the Dominican Republic, all designed to make your vacation truly unforgettable. From classic all-inclusive stays in Mexico to beachfront resorts in the Dominican Republic, you'll find everything you need for an exceptional family getaway.
Riviera Maya, between the divine and the human
Adventure awaits in the Riviera Maya, where beautiful beaches, ancient archaeological sites, lush tropical landscapes, and endless family-friendly activities come together. Young explorers can step back in time at the Mayan ruins of Tulum, discovering the remains of an ancient civilization, or visit Chichén Itzá, where centuries-old legends still echo through one of the Maya's most iconic cities.
For even more excitement, Xplor Park offers zip lines soaring above the jungle, amphibious vehicle trails through the forest, and rafting adventures along mysterious underground rivers. Located just outside Playa del Carmen, the park is within easy reach of Iberostar Waves Quetzal, an all-inclusive beachfront resort inspired by Mayan culture, and the five-star Iberostar Waves Tucán, surrounded by lush tropical jungle. After a day of adventure, unwind with a soothing massage at the spa or relax by the pool before setting off on your next family experience.
Cancún, devoted to the sea
The Cancún Maya Museum is an ideal place to learn about this ancient civilization. Its collection includes emblematic pieces such as ritual and everyday objects used by the Maya of Quintana Roo over two thousand years of history.
In the surrounding area, you can also discover the region’s magical cenotes, natural freshwater pools where offerings were once made in exchange for the most essential element to the Maya: water. Swimming in one of these cenotes will be an unforgettable experience for children before returning to Iberostar Selection Cancún, a modern five-star family resort with luxurious rooms, a pool, and its own golf course.
Closer to paradise on Cozumel Island
If you are drawn to untamed nature, Cozumel Island is the place to be. Surrounded by coral reefs, it is an excellent destination for snorkeling and discovering the Caribbean’s rich marine life. Families can stay together at Iberostar Waves Cozumel, a hotel ideally located near the island’s best reefs.
Star Camp Playa Paraíso: entertainment with purpose
At Iberostar's Playa Paraíso resorts, children and teens can enjoy more than 140 activities through the recently introduced Star Camp program. This stretch of the Riviera Maya is home to several family-friendly properties, including Iberostar Waves Paraíso Beach, an all-inclusive resort ideal for both romantic escapes and family vacations; Iberostar Waves Paraíso del Mar, a beachfront hotel with expansive pools and water slides that kids love; and Iberostar Selection Paraíso Lindo, one of the area's leading family hotels, featuring spacious suites and amenities designed with families in mind. More than just an entertainment program, Star Camp blends fun with meaningful learning, encouraging children to discover their talents, make new friends, and take on exciting challenges surrounded by nature.
At Playa Paraíso, Star Camp is divided into three age-specific groups: Monkey (ages 4 to 7), Dolphin (ages 8 to 12), and Eagle (ages 13 to 17). Every activity is designed around the values that define Iberostar: making fun a way of life, celebrating diversity, encouraging healthy habits, fostering respect for the environment, and promoting responsible use of technology.
Montego Bay, nature in its purest form
This bay in northwestern Jamaica was named “the Gulf of Fair Weather” by Christopher Columbus. Between beaches and meadows, families can enjoy days filled with adventure while staying at Iberostar’s family hotels in Jamaica, Iberostar Waves Rose Hall Beach and Iberostar Selection Rose Hall Suites.
The Luminous Lagoon offers the chance to swim in phosphorescent green waters. This magical phenomenon, caused by a glowing microorganism, occurs in only four places in the world. Jamaica’s Luminous Lagoon is considered one of the best places on the planet to experience it.
About 19 miles from Montego Bay, the Martha Brae River is one of Jamaica’s main natural attractions. This tropical river is surrounded by lush vegetation and can be explored aboard a traditional bamboo raft. For children, venturing into the jungle, discovering native wildlife, and enjoying a swim in the river will feel like a true adventure.
Dunn’s River Falls is a genuine rarity. It is one of the few waterfalls in the world that flows directly into the ocean. This phenomenon creates natural pools where guests can enjoy a refreshing swim surrounded by splendid Caribbean vegetation.
Another natural spectacle is YS Falls, a dazzling ecosystem of waterfalls and natural pools in the middle of the jungle. These falls are located on a farm, where visitors can learn about rural Jamaican life. With Iberostar resorts in Jamaica, you and your family can admire this setting with ease.
The Dominican Republic and the coral nursery
Wave of Change is Iberostar's initiative to help protect the world's oceans. Through this movement, the company is committed to driving a more responsible and sustainable model of tourism.
One of the actions within this wave of change is the creation of the first coral nursery in the Dominican Republic to study coral resilience in the face of climate change.
The creation of this coral nursery, located very close to Iberostar’s seven hotels in the Dominican Republic, as well as the restoration and conservation of mangroves, is overseen by scientist Megan Morikawa, with advisors from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and Stanford University.
In addition to gaining this environmental awareness, younger guests have many other options at Iberostar hotels in Punta Cana. Properties such as Iberostar Waves Dominicana, an all-inclusive hotel in Punta Cana with pools designed for the whole family, and Iberostar Waves Punta Cana, one of the best beachfront hotels for children, offer a wide range of ways for kids to enjoy nature, from exploring cacao plantations and learning how chocolate is made at Rancho Cacao to visiting the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve, a protected nature park made up of more than 1,480 acres of tropical forest and twelve freshwater lagoons.
So, Mexico, Jamaica, or the Dominican Republic for your vacation?
Has the decision become any easier? Probably not, and that's part of the fun. The good news is that you really can't go wrong, since each destination promises an unforgettable family vacation. Now it's time for the most important vote. What do the kids think? Mexico, Jamaica, or the Dominican Republic?
