We review the perks and facilities for all ages at Beaches Negril, one of Jamaica's favorite family all-inclusive resorts, with an emphasis on grandparent-friendly features..

More than 20 years ago, Jamaica invented the "all-inclusive resort" and while singles and couples love the concept, surely guests with kids and grandkids need it most of all. 

Why Beaches are Great Family Beach Resorts

Since family resorts these days have thought of everything: convenient suites, kids-own restaurants, waterslides, toddler pools, minigolf, trapeze, kids clubs, family-together games and crafts; it's time the multi-generational traveler took a closer look. Beaches Negril is an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica that will show a good time to both kids and grandparents and of course, the long-suffering parents in between.

Beaches is part of the Sandals group, which includes Jamaica's Beaches Sandy Bay and Beaches Boscobel Beach family resorts, as well as one on the island of Provo in Turks & Caicos. The resort is 81 km from the Montego Bay Airport, approximately a one-hour drive on a new road. Beaches Negril is located on Jamaica's famous Seven Mile Beach, which typically has calm water for snorkeling and scuba, even when the weather is choppy along the north coast.

Security is always a concern in Jamaica, but throngs of tourists take walks along the beach, especially in the early morning.

Beaches Negril is Family Welcoming & Does It Well

Beaches Negril has an opulent Great Room, attractive grounds, and 215 rooms in low-rise buildings. Stylish suites feature four-poster beds, mahogany and rattan furniture with granite surfaces. Ranging in size from double rooms to three-bedroom oceanfront units, they sleep up to eight people, some with sofabeds and with bunk beds for the kids. More than 80% of the clientele is families, and a sizeable number are returning guests.

This all-inclusive resort handles big numbers, but does it well. Snorkeling trips, for example, depart promptly and frequently, and every step of the process is efficiently done. Be sure to sign up early, though. 

Mealtimes can get crowded, too. Luckily the food choices are many, with six restaruants from big buffet (with kids' dining area) to poolside snackbar grill. There are a la carte venues serving  Italian, Teppenyaki and Jamaican style seafood, as well as a fast and fun cafe for paninis and burgers.  Kids will like the ice-cream stand.

And what about the beach, at Beaches? It's 1,400 feet of fine white sand. The resort also has an interesting connected-pool layout with three pools and a toddler pool.

Beaches Facilities for Great Multi-Generational Vacation

A big draw for kids is the XBOX 360 Game Garage next to the Kids Camp. The daily Kids Camp serves all young guests from infants to teens; after hours care is available for a fee. Children with special needs are able to reserve one-on-one attention (for a fee) so they can participate in all activities. The Beaches Resorts' affiliation with "Sesame Street" enables them to have the show's cast of fuzzy creatures roaming the pathways; terrific toddler learning activities hosted by Elmo and Cookie Monster (among others); character breakfasts; and evening shows. Another zone of fun for the preschool set has a playground and a few holes of minigolf.

Teens, meanwhile, have their own pizza bars, soda bar, and "nightclub" with karaoke; teen outings and dinners are organized too. A great feature for teens is free scuba, with instruction. Kids of all ages and their parents (and maybe grandparents) love the Pirates Island waterpark, a relatively new addition with two waterslides and a lazy river that keeps everyone floating around the resort.

General entertainment includes theme cuisine nights and a nightly show, with kids' talent, a dance contest, or other entertainment.

Off-property outings around the island can be booked for Black River and Y.S. Falls, mountain trail horseback riding, shopping trips, and more. 

Top Points for Grandparents

This classy place is great at making all ages feel comfortable, so that's why I can recommend it for a special trip with the grandparents. The senior generation will especially enjoy -

• Morning walk along a seven-mile beach
• Negril shops and restaurants nearby 
• Furniture with character
• Umbrellas and covered area by the pool for shade 
• Eight rooms designed for the physically challenged 
• Nature walk, daily aquacize, tennis lessons
• European Spa at nearby Sandals resort

From Beaches, visit YS Falls and underground caves, or heritage seaside towns, or mangrove swamps with crocodiles. Outings can be arranged from all local resorts, and feature Jamaican lunch and chance to meet local people, all at reasonable rates.

Beaches Negril Trip Planning Information

Check the Beaches main office at 888/BEACHES or Sandals Resorts at 888/SANDALS for promotions, including deep discounts for off-season travel found on the Beaches Resorts website.

Kids pay a fraction of the adult price, depending on their age. Family suites are also available at some of the Beaches Resorts, for a premium.