11 all-inclusive family resorts with jaw-dropping swim-up rooms
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With action-packed activity schedules, all-you-can-eat dining, and amenities galore, the world's best all-inclusive family resorts already have a lot going for them. In fact, the only way to improve on the experience is with a swim-up suite that makes it ultra-easy to dive into all the fun right from your room. Kids will love how quickly they can get into the water, and parents will enjoy having ready access to swim goggles, floaties, and other necessary gear (as well as a bathroom).
As a mom myself, I know from personal experience how nice it is to have vacation moments where everyone feels like they’re winning. Here are 11 great family-friendly all-inclusive resorts where you can book swim-up rooms for an extra-memorable vacation.
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1. Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya, Mexico
At Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya, a swim-up room isn’t just an option – it's a guarantee. All 280 suites at this all-inclusive resort are swim-up suites designed to offer plenty of space for families of up to five. And if access to a pool right outside your room isn’t enough, the resort is also home to the 6-acre AquaNick water park with more than 20 water slides and two lazy rivers.
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That’s just the beginning of the Nickelodeon-themed fun you can have here, which also includes opportunities for family slimings, live-action game shows and performances, and meet-and-greets with favorite characters like SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
2. Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa & Casino
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Check in to one of the swim-up suites at Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa & Casino and you won’t need to go far to make a splash. The water is just a few steps down from your lanai. Of course, it would be a mistake to miss out on the rest of the expansive Punta Cana resort, which includes a total of seven freshwater pools, kids and teens clubs, and the 16,000-square-foot Splash Island water park.
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Enjoy the sun at the white-sand beach, then head to the resort’s downtown plaza (called The Boulevard) at night, where you’ll find a bowling alley, arcade, escape room, and a selection of restaurants and bars.
3. Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Fresh off a $35-million renovation, Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda boasts premium deluxe swim-up suites that feature canopy beds and direct access to the pool. The family-friendly beachfront all-inclusive resort also includes a water park and kids club for younger guests.
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There's also a spa and disco for the grownups and seven restaurants, two pools, and access to water sports equipment the whole family can enjoy together. The resortwide refresh drew inspiration from the Taíno, an Indigenous people of the Caribbean, and also includes the addition of two new themed specialty restaurants.
4. Margaritaville Island Reserve by Karisma, Riviera Cancun
Cancun, Mexico
When an all-inclusive resort draws inspiration from the laidback lifestyle espoused by late singer Jimmy Buffett, it’s not surprising for swim-up rooms to be among the lodging choices. Swim-up suites at Margaritaville Island Reserve by Karisma, Riviera Cancun make it quick and easy to go from room to the pool and feature beachy decor and amenities like in-room bars and rainfall showerheads.
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Activities and events at this Margaritaville resort include a regular lineup of live music, cornhole tournaments, paddle boarding competitions, and fun-filled “flip-flop Olympics.” The kids can enjoy games, arts and crafts, dance sessions, and movie nights at the resort's popular kids club, Parakeets.
5. BlueBay Grand Esmeralda
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Both kid-friendly and dog-friendly, BlueBay Grand Esmeralda offers swim-up suites perfect for special family vacations. These amazing suites also feature two bathrooms for an even more harmonious trip.
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There are lots of ways to keep the whole crew busy at this all-inclusive resort in Mexico's Riviera Maya region, from a kids club and multiple pools to tennis courts, a fitness center, and game rooms. Dining options spotlight a range of international cuisines, while a buffet allows picky eaters to choose their own culinary adventure.
6. Royalton Bavaro
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
There are almost 200 swim-out rooms available at Royalton Bavaro, which sits along the golden sands of Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. In addition to oh-so-easy access to the water, the suites offer features like luxe bedding and rain showers. Opt for a swim-up suite in the Diamond Club room category and you’ll enjoy extras like butler service, priority reservations at specialty restaurants, and access to special areas at the resort. The kids will love the 1,200-foot-long lazy river, FlowRider surf simulator, and kids and teen clubs, while the grownups can enjoy the spa, tennis courts, and swim-up bar.
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7. Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort
Cancun, Mexico
Families with kids who are 10 and older can book a swim-up room at Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort. The stylish rooms provide access to the pool from the lanai, making it easy to take a swim anytime you want. Other pool options at the resort include the Family Pool & Splash Playground, and a kids club and teen zone offer fun hangout spots tailored to each age group.
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Dining choices include restaurants serving Mexican cuisine and wood-fired pizzas, and the kids are sure to love the resort’s ice cream and churro shop. Craft sessions and evening entertainment shine a spotlight on Mexican culture, and the spa incorporates Mayan traditions into its treatments.
8. Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort
Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
All suites at Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort already offer private terraces, fully stocked minibars, twice-daily maid service, and 24-hour room service, but opting for one of the resort’s swim-up suites adds even more to the experience. When the kids are looking for action beyond the room, head to the golden sand beach for some kayaking or surfing, or take a dip in one of the main pools at this Riviera Nayarit all-inclusive resort. When the grown-ups need a little quiet time or a spa treatment, the Explorer’s Club and Core Zone Teens Club are ready to entertain the kiddos.
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9. Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Cancún
Cancun, Mexico
The swim-up suites at Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Cancún are pretty much vacation perfection. Not only do you have easy access to a refreshing pool, but there are also hammocks on the lanais for pre- or post-swim snoozes. The upscale all-inclusive resort offers plenty of fun for all ages, with a playfully designed kids club hosting crafts, games, culinary experiences, and other daily activities; multiple pools, including an adults-only rooftop pool; an aqua park at the beach to challenge the whole family; and dining options that include a food hall and beachside food truck.
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10. Hotel Xcaret Mexico
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
It’s easy to get your feet wet from a swim-up suite at Hotel Xcaret México, where eco-chic decor and terrace hammocks set the scene for a relaxing vacation. The all-inclusive resort offers 11 restaurants, a spa, pools, and beach access for some family fun in the sun. Tennis and paddle courts allow opportunities for a little exercise, and the kids club provides fun tailored to younger guests. Plus, all Hotel Xcaret México guests get access to Grupo Xcaret parks like Xplor adventure park and the Xel-Há natural water park.
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11. Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme Resort & Spa
Mugla, Turkey
Situated along the Mediterranean Sea, Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme Resort & Spa offers guest rooms and suites with mountain or sea views. For a special vacation experience, opt for a swim-up suite where you can access the pool directly from your terrace. This family-friendly property includes 10 pools, two seasonally heated aqua parks, and a private stretch of beach. Send the little ones off for some fun at the Kidz Paradise kids club, then head to the fitness center, play some tennis, or book a treatment at the spa that takes inspiration from Far East and Turkish traditions.
11 all-inclusive family resorts with jaw-dropping swim-up rooms originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com.
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The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.
FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Discover 11 all-inclusive family resorts with stunning swim-up rooms
