The Best Resorts for Families with Infants and Toddlers
When my newborn son turned one month old, I got him a passport. By 10 weeks, he was approved for Global Entry. To say Julian comes from a travel-loving family is an understatement. Pre-pandemic, I was on the road about half the year for work and pleasure. Fantasizing about where I would take him first helped me power through late-night feeding sessions—until it occurred to me, Oh right, traveling with kids is hard. All that gear to schlep! All those dirty looks on planes! And how on earth was I supposed to soundproof a hotel room when he inevitably throws a temper tantrum at 2 a.m.?
Instead of allowing myself to be overwhelmed with real and manufactured anxieties, I decided to do my research. Many hotels that claim to be “family-friendly” focus on the five-and-up set, trumpeting their edutainment programming and kids’ clubs for kindergarteners to tweens. But what about families with younger children? There had to be resorts for families out there that could make traveling with an infant or toddler (slightly) less exhausting. Ones that minimize how much junk parents have to pack, and always make babies feel welcome—even when they’re having a meltdown. Surely they didn’t all have Disney, Beaches, or Great Wolf Lodge in the name, right?
What follows are 15 truly infant- and toddler-friendly picks across the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean. These properties go above and beyond for their littlest guests, while simultaneously offering plenty of vacation-worthy draws for weary parents.
All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & SpaJW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa in Palm Desert, California
This 450-acre resort recently unveiled a 12,000-square-foot arcade—the largest in California. This is great news for teens stoked to play air hockey, battle robot enemies in high-tech simulators, or try their hand at duckpin bowling. For their little brothers and sisters, the JW Family Adventurer Passport ($55 per child, 12 and under) offers creative daily programming with snow cone socials, tie-dye sessions, and more. Families get their passport stamped after participating in each activity and can redeem it for prizes from the resort’s treasure chest. Tots will also love meeting the property’s flock of Chilean flamingos, practicing their putt-putt on the 18-hole miniature golf course, and ordering off the children’s menus available at all on-site dining outlets. From $329 per night
Four Seasons ResortsFour Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla
Toddlers are greeted with fresh-baked cookies, dolphin stuffies, and pint-sized bath robes and slippers at this upscale resort on Anguilla’s West End, where the Kelly Wearstler–designed accommodations range from contemporary-chic guest rooms to five-bedroom beachfront villas. Wherever you rest your head, expect kids to squeal when they catch a glimpse of the iguanas that freely roam the property. The zero-entry Bamboo Pool has mini loungers for infants; other five-star amenities include complimentary cribs, strollers, car seats, baby tubs, bottle sterilizers, and organic pureed baby food on the room service menu. Also notable: American Airlines recently introduced a new daily direct between Miami and Anguilla, so families no longer have to hitch a choppy boat ride over from St. Maarten. From $675 per night
Courtesy Auberge ResortsEsperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection in Los Cabos, Mexico
Babies are treated like royalty at Los Cabos’ only private beach resort. Full-size cribs and bassinets are ready and waiting; other complimentary amenities include a baby monitor, lotion, wipes, an infant tub, sleep machine, bottle warmer, stuffed animals, and a handcrafted Mexican collectible—like a charming mother-child figurine—set out at turndown service. Monogrammed baby bibs, blankets, and bathrobes are available for purchase, too. Need a break from your sweet offspring? The hotel works with a local babysitting agency that supplies bilingual nannies trained in first aid and CPR, giving you precious free time to indulge in a Mayan herbal spa ritual or lock eyes over a Baja-style dinner served aboard a swanky yacht. From $1,050 per night
The Breakers Palm BeachThe Breakers Palm Beach in Palm Beach, Florida
Florida is a perennially popular destination for young families, and no resort rolls out the red carpet for babies better than The Breakers Palm Beach. Founded in 1896, the luxury hotel has a private beach and four oceanfront pools, including a zero-entry one designed specifically for youngsters. There’s also a 4,500-square-foot playground with slides, tunnels, and bridges and a sprawling arcade for older kids. Infant baths, bottle warmers, and strollers are available upon request, as is the childproofing of guest rooms, which involves padding perilously edged furniture, covering electrical sockets, and removing trash bags from cans. Bicycles with baby seats and children’s bikes are available to rent, as are private poolside cabanas with a concierge standing by, ready to fetch popsicles and pool toys at a moment’s notice. Other big wins for tiny visitors: poolside spin art, Build-A-Bear workshops, and daily children’s programming. From $690 per night
Courtesy Ritz-CarltonThe Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas
The Ritz has teamed up with French company Béaba for the launch of the Béaba Baby Concierge, granting parents access to a suite of helpful amenities. The menu of in-room offerings includes a bedside bassinet, adjustable rocker, silicone bibs and spoons, and insulated jars for poolside snacking. There is a zero-entry family pool with tumbling waterfalls, a 60-foot slide, adjacent splash pad with gushing nozzles, and private cabanas ideal for feeding and napping. Out on the beach, staffers equip kids with everything they need to build a fairytale sand castle, plus pool floaties, beach balls, and baby sunblock. If you want a sitter for a big night out, call the concierge desk and they’ll make arrangements with a local nanny service. From $699 per night
Shawn O'Connor/Timbers Kauai Ocean Club & ResidencesTimbers Kaua’i at Hokuala in Kaua’i, Hawaii
The 47 residential-style accommodations at this 450-acre Hōkūala hideaway are a hit with families thanks to in-unit washer/dryers, dishwasher-equipped kitchens, blackout curtains, and outdoor lanais where parents can hang out during nap time. Cribs, bike trailers, and pre-arrival groceries are available upon request, and the Timbers concierge can arrange all kinds of additional baby gear (like a high chair, booster seat, bassinet, infant tub, stroller, bouncer, diaper genie, or safety gates), plus babysitting and nanny services, for a fee. (This comes in handy when you’re practicing your swing on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Ocean Course, the longest stretch of oceanfront golf in Hawaii.) When you’re ready to venture out with the brood, head to the property’s 16.5-acre organic farm and orchard for a tropical fruit tasting, splash around the free-form Ohana pool, or watch the tots go wild in the Timbers Tykes room, a dedicated play space with a chalkboard art wall and storybook library. From $1,595 per night
Gaston Galicia/Grand Velas ResortGrand Velas Riviera Nayarit in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico
Families vacationing at this AAA Five Diamond resort on the Riviera Nayarit are assigned a baby concierge who coordinates all gear, meals, and nanny service. Whatever you don’t want to drag from home—crib, stroller, baby tub and toiletries, bottle brush and sterilizer, pacifier, floaties—the concierge can arrange for on-site, all complimentary. The kids’ club is stocked with books, blocks, and a play kitchen; parents may additionally request a crib mobile, rattle, or teether for use in the room. Some suites have private plunge pools, but the campus jewel is the triple-tiered, multi-temperature infinity pool. Mini cabanas await down at the beach, along with hooded baby towels and fresh-squeezed juice. Young spa-goers can opt for a gentle sunrise massage soundtracked by Mozart or a chocolate explosion face mask, then strike a pose with mom or dad during a baby yoga class. Executive chef Guillaume Morancé and his team prepare gourmet purees to challenge young palates (think white fish with celery, leeks, and mushroom) at every meal. The resort even offers a Mi Premier Fiesta package for celebrating baby’s first birthday, complete with piñatas and foam. From $454 per adult per night
Sensira Resort & Spa in Puerto Morelos, MexicoSensira Resort and Spa in Puerto Morelos, Mexico
As far as resorts for families go, Sensira, the newest all-inclusive luxury resort on the Riviera Maya, sure knows how to make a kid feel special. The Baby Explorer Club, designed for ages one through three, has indoor slides, bounce houses, and a ball pit. For families with older kids in tow, there’s a movie theater, miniature golf, zip line, water park, and three swimming pools overlooking picturesque Petempich Bay. The hotel makes its own baby food and supplies all the equipment parents need for a hassle-free stay, including bottle warmers and sterilizers, full-size cribs, and car seats. Babysitting services are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, and parents are given a beeper to stay in touch. (If an infant is still breastfeeding, the nanny will fetch a parent for mealtime.) Tempted to get a hot stone massage or vitamin C facial? Children can hang out in a dedicated spa play area during your treatment—or sign up for their own kiddie mani/pedi. From $450 per night
Courtesy HyattPark Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa in Beaver Creek, Colorado
Ask anyone who has ever tried skiing with a toddler and they’ll tell you it takes an act of Congress just to get them bundled up and on the mountain. At least here, the slopes are right outside your door and the ski-and-snowboarding school is just up the hill. (It’s open to ages three and older and you can ferry your family up via electric vehicle.) In fact, this 190-room, chateau-style hotel is the only ski-in, ski-out property at the base of Beaver Creek Mountain Resort. There’s a family game room and children’s outdoor playground, plus an ice rink for older kids. Toddlers love the “indoor camping” turndown service ($50), which includes a kiddie tent, sleeping bag, jammies, faux campfire, and s’mores kit. Highchairs and full-size cribs are available upon request for children under two and the hotel’s 24-hour Fall Line Epicurean Market sells fruit, milk, mini cheese plates, yogurt pouches, and applesauce to sate late-night cravings. From $275 per night
Courtesy Cheval Blanc Isle De FranceCheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France in St. Barts
With 61 rooms, suites, and villas, Cheval Blanc is one of the glammiest maisons in an island full of glammy maisons. And now the inn has partnered with high-end Parisian baby accessories brand Baudou to spoil its style-conscious guests. Cots are dressed in the finest linens and rooms include a changing table with a diaper basket and baby care products, rattan high chair with a cushioned seat, baby-friendly crockery, and a hand-stitched bib embroidered with seahorses and stars. Wee beach towels and a selection of beach toys are available for afternoon romps on Flamands, one of the prettiest powder-white beaches in St. Barts. Toddlers can sign up for “little yogi” classes or a pirate-themed treasure hunt using telescopes and compasses. Come mealtime, they can indulge in made-to-order baby purees prepared by the in-house culinary team. Upon request, a professional photographer can be brought to the premises to document your family trip. From $805 per night
Courtesy The Landings Resort and SpaThe Landings Resort and Spa in St. Lucia
If ever there was a time to indulge in a do-nothing beach vacation at an all-inclusive resort, this is it. When families reserve a villa at this tropical getaway, a designated butler sets up baby gates, hangs a mosquito net over the crib, and brings in a high chair, step stool, bottle warmer, baby monitor, bouncer, bib, spoons, changing pad with waterproof cover, and diaper bin. All parents have to do is decide how they’ll spend their days: sea kayaking, hiking the Pitons, or sunbathing beside four different outdoor pools. From $317 per night
Courtesy Eden Roc at Cap CanaEden Roc Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic
For parents seeking a more home-like environment, the multi-bedroom villas at this secluded Relais & Chateaux property offer spacious living rooms, full kitchens, and private pools. Staff arrange scavenger hunts and arts and crafts hours; for an additional $325, parents can reserve the VIBabies package. This comes with two hours of complimentary babysitting plus a host of handy gear—including a portable crib (with turndown service!), changing table, diapers, bottle warmer, baby monitor, infant tub, pool alarms, Baby Einstein play table, 4moms MamaRoo baby swing, and a basket of kid-approved snacks and juices. For fun in the sun, Eden Roc will throw in a pop-up beach playpen, swim nappies, and sun protection gear (bucket hat, colored sunglasses, Nivea sun lotion, and aloe vera gel) for use at the sandy beach and artificial lagoon. From $850 per night
Garza BlancaGarza Blanca Resort and Spa in Cancún, Mexico
Before a family ever sets foot in this luxe Riviera Maya resort, their suite or penthouse is kitted out with a crib, bottle sterilizer and warmer, infant tub, monitor, bouncer, stroller, and car seat. When the kids arrive, they are handed a jute drawstring backpack stuffed with a Mexico-themed coloring book and crayons, traditional handcrafted toys, and a plush bathrobe with matching slippers. The resort has a kids’ pool and inflatable water park, plus a host of water sports (kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling) for older sibs. The kids’ club accepts children up to age 12, with team members guiding youngsters through age-appropriate activities like sandcastle building. An after-hours babysitting service is bookable for an additional fee, so parents can indulge in that adults-only rooftop pool or a candlelit dinner on the beach. From $279 per person per night
Brian Nejedly/Bluefields Bay VillasBluefields Bay Villas in Jamaica
Six open-air villas dot a mile of South Jamaican coastline at the all-inclusive Bluefields Bay Villas, one of the newest members of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. These range from two to six bedrooms with private pools, maid service, and a dedicated butler and chef (the latter of whom prepares organic baby meals incorporating local fruits like papaya and soursop). Cribs, toddler beds, high chairs, baby monitors, toys, and car seats are all provided, but the biggest hook for families is probably the 24/7 complimentary nanny service. Childminders accredited through local agencies take youngsters swimming, teach them how to play traditional Jamaican games like Ludi, and guide them through finger painting and other fun arts and crafts activities. While most nannies work in the villa, they can also join families for a beach day or other island excursion. From $1,137 per night
Nathan Kirkman/Loews Hotel ChicagoLoews Chicago Hotel in Chicago, Illinois
The Loews Loves Families initiative, available at 26 properties throughout North America, is one of the baby-friendliest hotel offerings around. Thanks to a new partnership with Little Spoon, parents can order fresh, organic baby food off the room-service menu or at any hotel restaurant and have it delivered tableside. Guest rooms are equipped with mini-fridges and kettles for storing and sanitizing bottles; full-size cribs, baby tubs, and nightlights are complimentary. Housekeeping will cover electrical outlets and supply foam bumpers upon request, and kids are given a cute amenity kit with baby lotion, wipes, shampoo and body wash, and conditioner from Hello Bello, a brand co-founded by actors Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard. Board games, coloring books, pool toys, and iPads preloaded with movies and games are available from the concierge desk, as is a family activity guide highlighting the best local options for museums, zoos, and kid-suitable restaurants. From $129 per night
