Family resorts with green credentials worth taking note of

Finding somewhere memorable to stay without leaving an impact doesn’t have to be mission impossible. There are so many reasons to opt for a sustainable stay and enjoy all-inclusive family holidays. The main goal of a holiday is to completely forget about your worries. Multitasking minds need to stop thinking about everything or trying to do several things at once. Sign up for an all-inclusive package that’s perfect for a family holiday during any month of the year! 

What’s more, a resort is more than a symbol for getting away, beaches and warm weather. It also represents fun for everyone (not just kids). Although special entertainment programmes like Barcy Club are created for children, everyone else also needs a holiday. While kids enjoy their workshops and games, parents and teens can play a fun round of golf, relax by the pool or on the beach, and enjoy an exotic meal at any of the resort’s restaurants. Yet, the list of perks doesn’t end here…

Don't tell them about it; experience it together. No one should be left behind at home. Building sandcastles on the beach with your kids, playing a game of volleyball with the entire family, dinners with shows and endless laughs help build stronger family ties.

Travel leads to discovery, and discovery leads to knowledge. When we go on a trip, we become different people than before we left. Destinations change our perspectives and teach us about other cultures we are not accustomed to.

Everyone has their idea of the perfect holiday. Some people prefer to relax on a hammock and others like to try out new sports and explore every hidden corner of a destination. This is all available at the best family resorts.

Staying at a family resort also gives you the chance to try new foods and traditional dishes. It’s extremely important to foster a food culture from a young age so kids learn to eat everything and avoid being swayed by appearances. A balanced lifestyle involves a varied diet as well as regular exercise. At the Barceló Maya Grand Resort in the Riviera Maya, you’ll be able to try the best international buffets so you can fill up and experience everything.

Imagine signing up for introductory scuba diving lessons, seeing and swimming with all types of sea animals as they tickle your feet whilst having a great time with the entire family. 

Sports are a special way to feel good because the endorphins produced by the body provide natural pain relief. At the Barceló Maya Caribe hotel in the Riviera Maya, you’ll be able to try stand-up paddleboard yoga. Pretty original, huh

Not only do these hotels invite you to unwind and relax thanks to their luxurious interiors, they also do their bit to care for their environment and local community. Looking for your next holiday? It is waiting for you in these dreamy destinations. 

Imagine waking up and stepping out onto an unspoilt beach nestled on an iconic 12km strip of coastline between Spain and Portugal. The Barceló Punta Umbria Beach Resort offers just that. Recognised as being the best hotel for children in the world having been awarded the ‘World’s Best Hotel 4 kids’ award, it is one of the largest family resorts in Europe.

But don’t let the size put you off. Located in the natural park of Los Enebrales and Marismas del Odiel declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, you will find yourself just a stone’s throw from other natural treasures such as the Salinas de Astur, the Doñana Park or the red landscape of Río Tinto. All this goes without saying that the hotel has earned a Bio 9000 certificate for its dedication to protecting the environment.

But what makes it such a good family resort? Aside from its four themed restaurants, the numerous pools and splash parks and the eco-friendly ice rink, the hotel offers world-class entertainment options such as its Barcy Club, Princess for a Day, Mr Cook, Laboratorium and superhero training activities. On top of this, there are also Broadway-style shows and musicals to attend, proving that there is never a dull moment in paradise.

If you are a family that is not shy of adventure, loves nature and is at home on the beach, the Barceló Tambor is your next destination. As far as the best family-friendly resorts go, this one is pretty special. With its own Barcy Club, children’s pool, teenager house and climbing walls, bungee trampolines and football courts, kids will have a ball as they immerse themselves in all the luxuries this natural hideaway offers. There is even a babysitting service available for when parents want to enjoy some alone time. When not enjoying the benefits of family resorts like this one, families can venture into the wild landscapes of Costa Rica for some outdoor fun. From virgin beaches, tropical rainforests, exotic nature and exhilarating zip line excursions, Costa Rica has so much to offer for kids young and old. 

If you are looking to treat your family to some winter sunshine but can’t face a long-haul flight, Tenerife is the answer. Located in the Spanish Canary Islands, Tenerife offers the perfect combination of beach days, mountain escapes, volcanic scenery, world-famous water parks, hiking, delicious food and so much more. Check in to the Barceló Tenerife, the only hotel in the world with a nature reserve and get ready to set sail on its navigable lake, test your fear of heights on the climbing wall, walk through an archaeological site from the Guanche era and fall in love with the array of flora and fauna surrounding the hotel. A stay here is unlike any other stay at family resorts across the world. The warm Canarian culture, unbeatable climate and top-notch facilities will make it hard to leave. 

Your Caribbean family holidays are guaranteed to be filled with fun and excitement when you stay at the Occidental at Xcaret Destination. This 5* hotel is one of the best family resorts in Mexico and boasts not only 11 restaurants and bars but also immediate access to the Xcaret archaeological park, home to over 40 attractions and exhibitions of Mexican art and tradition. What’s more, the Unlimited Xcaret Xperience package allows guests to enjoy unlimited access to Mexico’s most natural theme park. When not brushing up on your natural history knowledge, you can venture out of the hotel to explore ancient Mayan ruins, swim in cenotes or sun yourself on Playa del Carmen’s beaches. If you are looking for 5-star family holidays that will keep kids occupied for hours on end, this is the perfect place to spend a few days.