These Inarguably Cool All-Inclusive Resorts Were Made for Hard-to-Impress Teens
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Country Living: The Best All-Inclusive Resorts for TeensRate: $400For this one, we want to do a listicle of the 20 best all-inclusive resorts for teens—basically spots that parents and teens will enjoy. Since this is for the CLV reader, let's stick to the U.S., Caribbean, Mexico, etc.—not Europe or Asia. You'll probably have to reach out for these photos (reminder to FWD permissions to the image rights inbox), so if the images hold you up on this one, just keep me posted. Slide copy should be 2-3 sentences each with "Book Now" TripAdvisor links. Intro should be 200-250 words.
When it comes to age-appropriate travel, grown-ups seeking tranquility away from kids can opt for adults-only resorts—and parents with toddlers and little kids can choose from a wide array of family-friendly resorts, with amenities like kids clubs and wading pools. But traveling with teenagers can introduce a gray area—and it takes a unique property to nail just the right amenities and programs that appeal to the screen-obsessed, hard-to-impress set and their families.
To help inspire your next trip with older kids, tweens, and teenagers, we rounded up the best all-inclusive resorts for teens. Our picks include resorts that are truly all-inclusive or offer meal-inclusive options to make your trip (and your budgeting) as simple and streamlined as possible. While some of these may be splurges, it's hard to argue with a guesswork-free getaway—and we can all agree that a happy teen on vacation is priceless.
Plus, these resorts feature unique opportunities targeted at teens—from movie theaters and video gaming rooms to water sports and social events. Not to mention, all of these destinations are feasibly accessible, with an array of domestic locations and places you can reach with a direct flight from major U.S. metros.
Castle Hot Springs (Arizona)
This historic and all-inclusive Arizona resort is a brilliant getaway for groups with teens age 16 and up. Originally opened in 1897, the 1,100-acre natural hot springs resort offers a range of camp-like activities, including horseback riding, hiking, ATV tours, and Arizona's first via ferrata course (heads up that this one isn't included in your stay), in which daring adventurers can attempt to scale a 400-foot-tall peak.
Paws Up (Montana)
Think of the massive, 37,000-acre Paws Up resort in Montana like a sprawling national park, but private (and oh-so-luxurious). Whether you stay in a luxury home or a safari-style tent, there are endless opportunities for outdoor activities to inspire teens—think cattle drives, ATV riding, fly fishing, a ropes course, go-karts, and so much more.
Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa & Casino (Punta Cana, Dominican Republic)
This Caribbean resort not only has a 16,000-square-foot Splash Island water park and its Vibe Teen Club, but it also boasts an on-site bowling alley, arcade, ice cream parlor, candy shop, and escape room. The best part? The 1,042-room resort is located along the white sand beaches of Punta Cana. We call that a win-win.
Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto by Danzante Bay (Loreto, Mexico)
This all-inclusive Mexican resort sits on the Loreto Bay National Marine Park, Mexico's largest marine preserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of five islands. Programming for teens and kids of all ages includes theme nights, Spanish lessons, Mexican crafts, paddleboarding, kayaking, and more. Plus, the area is teeming with exciting undersea life.
Falcon's Resort by Meliá (Punta Cana, Dominican Republic)
Here, resort amenities meet entertainment experiences and unique interactive technology. All guests have access to the theme park, Katmandu Park, which is just steps away. Teens can also access BeyondME, the online game platform that lets them connect, personalize, and be rewarded for their engagement in both digital and real-world experiences. Offline, Bávaro Beach is a dreamy spot for a swim.
C Lazy U Ranch (Colorado)
This all-inclusive ranch experience sits on 8,500 acres of land with more than 200 horses. Teens can enjoy whitewater rafting, a ropes course, cattle clinics, go-kart racing, riding horseback to the river for a swim, and even overnight teen campouts. During the summer program, each age group eats dinner separately from the adults.
Rise Up Surf Retreats (Costa Rica)
During retreats at these all-inclusive surf and yoga camps nestled on the coastlines of Costa Rica, teens can ride the waves, connect with nature, and build self-esteem—all in a relaxing paradise. Beyond surfing, Rise Up offers a range of culturally enriching activities.
Carlisle Bay (Antigua)
Situated on a pristine bay surrounded by rainforest, Carlisle Bay has an all-inclusive booking option and tons of programs for kids of all ages. Teens can kayak, sail, windsurf, paddleboard, raft build, and snorkel—or even join a boat excursion to Sting Ray City. The resort is also home to a popular kids club, where tweens can go out on a Hobie Cat adventure or try their hand at mixology in a mocktail class.
Club Med Michés Playa Esmeralda (Miches, Dominican Republic)
At this eco-conscious resort in Miches, Dominican Republic (the very first of its kind in the region), teens can join Club Med Passworld. The club offers a range of activities, like flying trapeze, windsurfing, hiking, and sailing, as well as the opportunity to socialize through group beach parties, dinner outings, and movie screenings on the beach under the stars. Plus, a special chill-out area in the patio lounge has suspended armchairs perfect for downtime.
Alisal Ranch (California)
Situated in Southern California's Santa Ynez Valley north of Santa Barbara, Alisal Ranch is surrounded by mountains and sprawls across 10,500 acres. The luxury ranch experience offers stargazing, fly fishing, canoeing and kayaking on a 100-acre spring-fed lake, two 18-hole championship golf courses, six tennis courts, pickleball courts, and more.
Anse Chastanet (St. Lucia)
Anse Chastanet is the sister resort to the adults-only Jade Mountain in St. Lucia, and the two share a 600-acre property with an on-site organic farm and open-air sustainable room design. The 49-room boutique hotel offers all-inclusive meal packages and an array of activities ideal for teens: Think jungle biking and hiking on the property's trails, farm-to-table cooking experiences, cacao harvesting and chocolate making, teen yoga and meditation classes, and snorkeling with sea turtles.
Hyatt Ziva (Cancun)
As the only resort in the region surrounded on three sides by the Caribbean Sea, this Cancun all-inclusive features swim-up suites and expansive infinity pools at the edge of a picturesque peninsula. Aside from the Moods Teen Zone—which has air hockey, table tennis, and a video game section—the resort also offers golf simulation, a dessert parlor, water sports, tennis, beach volleyball, pool parties, and trivia.
Rocking Horse Ranch (New York)
Located 90 minutes from New York City, this ranch resort has a packed slate of activities for everyone in the family. With horseback riding, an indoor water park, hot springs, mountain tubing, bungee jumping, mini golf, and other outdoor adventures, teens will be endlessly entertained. Options for lodging include bunk beds, so a family as large as six can fit in a single room.
Hyatt Ziva (Cap Cana, Dominican Republic)
Set on Juanillo Beach, Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana's water park has a lazy river with grotto, water cannons, and five slides. The Time Capsule is an exclusive area for teenagers with video games, a pool table, and foosball—and a 300-seat open-air theater offers nightly live performances.
Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya (Mexico)
Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya recently unveiled its Family Zone, a secluded area for family members of all ages. Teenagers have a designated area within the zone, with a movie theater, air hockey table, billiards table, and the latest video games. If that's not enough, there's water volleyball, Ping Pong, and Spikeball too.
Beaches (Turks & Caicos)
This Turks & Caicos all-inclusive resort is made up of five different villages, a 45,000 square-foot water park, 21 restaurants, a 12-mile beach, and 10 pools. For teens and tweens, there's an Xbox lounge, a teen disco, and a slew of other fun activities.
Sensira Resort & Spa (Puerto Morelos)
Sensira Resort & Spa overlooks a private beach with 359 rooms and suites, all of which have an ocean-view balcony or terrace. Offerings for all ages include spa services, a tennis court, ziplining adventures, a rock-climbing wall, three swimming pools—and even a fully-equipped movie theater and mini golf course.
Mohonk Mountain House (New York)
A National Historic Landmark resort and Historic Hotel of America located in the Hudson Valley—just 90 miles north of New York City—this Victorian castle resort has something for all ages. For activity, teens can choose from hiking, horseback riding, tennis, art, archery, and more.
Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa (Cancun)
Here, the whole family can enjoy three pools, a water park, and the Rafa Nadal Academy on-site tennis training program. Plus, the dedicated juniors club offers programming geared toward kids aged 13 and up.
VOMO (Fiji)
Teens can hike up Mt. VOMO to catch the first sunrise around the world—and get major social media bragging rights, of course. Meanwhile, divers can take to the crystal-clear blue waters with baby turtles and use snorkeling equipment, windsurfers, stand-up paddleboards, and kayaks to have fun on the water. For land experiences, there's a nine-hole golf course, as well as tennis courts and an array of cultural activities. Get there by direct flight from the U.S. West Coast.
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