In recent years, I believe that an all-inclusive family vacation is the best way to relax. With all your food and activity costs paid in advance, you’re free to enjoy unlimited food and drinks while relaxing by the pool or beach. Especially for families, all-inclusive resorts are a great way to ensure that your entire crew has a great family vacation. And an all-inclusive resort with a lazy river can increase the level of fun and relaxation even further.
There’s no better way to truly relax and unwind than floating down a lazy river in the tropics. The best all-inclusive resorts with lazy rivers have elaborate waterways that range from lazy to crazy. So, grab a tube (and a margarita) and find a resort with a lazy river that’s right for your family.
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1. Turks and Caicos Beach
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
If you manage to escape the clear blue waters around Turks and Caicos Beach, floating along the resort’s lazy river is a great way to relax in paradise. At 650 feet long, this wavy lazy river feels big, but it’s also just one component of the family-friendly Pirate Island Water Park.
When you’re finally ready to get out on the lazy river, you can try out a wave simulator, a great way for kids (and adults) to try surfing without having to jump into the ocean. I love relaxing in the lazy river while my more adventurous kids go down the giant slides at the water park. Beaches Resorts also operates an all-inclusive resort with a lazy river in Jamaica (Negril Beach).
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2. Nickelodeon Riviera Maya Hotel & Resort
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
With expansive water parks, adrenaline-pumping water slides and epic lazy rivers, Nickelodeon Resorts appeals to kids of all ages from toddlers to teens. The two lazy rivers at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya come in slow and fast variations: The relaxing ride is perfect for the littlest guests, while the faster ride is a little more adventurous with gentle waves pushing you along.
My family rode both lazy rivers several times. My eight year old and twelve year old preferred the lazy river with the waves. It’s nice to move a little faster than a typical lazy river, but it’s still calm enough to live up to its name. We see many toddlers living a calmer version of their lives.
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3. Kelapa Bay Beach Resort & Spa
Fort Vieux, St.Lucia
Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa is home to CocoLand, an action-packed resort play zone that includes St. Louis’ largest water park. Lucy. In addition to the water slides and water playground, CocoLand has a large lazy river with winding twists and turns that take you under a cool waterfall.
The resort’s lazy river is a wonderful place to relax after going down the Coconut Canon waterslide. This all-inclusive resort also has many other kid-friendly features, including a petting zoo with local animals.
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4. Delta Hotels Riviera Nayarit, All-Inclusive Resort
Nayarit, Mexico
An oasis nestled deep in a jungle canyon, Delta Hotels Riviera Nayarit was inspired by the nearby Tolantongo caves in the Mexican state of Hidalgo. But what makes it one of my favorite all-inclusive resorts with a lazy river is that it uses the natural hot springs inside a cave as inspiration for the Aqua Jungle & River experience, the centerpiece of this hotel.
In addition to several swimming pools and two children’s areas with slides and water play mats, Delta Hotels Riviera Nayarit has a long lazy river. Floating the resort on the lazy river is perhaps the best way to see the surrounding jungle. And for natural water access, this resort also has easy access to the beach.
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5. Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana is a family-friendly Caribbean retreat located on beautiful Juanillo Beach in Punta Cana. If you want to take a break from the sun and surf, you can head straight to the relaxing lazy river that flows through the resort’s Canapolis water park.
When it’s time to stop lazing around, you can have fun with Grotto Cascade’s water park, water cannons and water slides. And for those who prefer swimming in the ocean, the Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana has easy access to the Caribbean. Like most all-inclusive resorts with lazy rivers, all non-motorized water sports are included with every stay.
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6. Royalton Bavaro, Resort and Casino Complete with Signature Collection
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Those who prefer long, scenic lazy rivers will love the 1,200-foot Royalton Bavaro lazy river that takes you through caves, past soothing waterfalls and hidden swimming. The resort’s water park also has a splash pad, a FlowRider surf simulator machine for beginner surfers, and several water slides. Other family-friendly features on site include mini golf, snorkeling and kayaking.
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7. Villa La Valencia Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa
Los Cabos, Mexico
When booking Villa La Valencia Beach Resort & Spa Los Cabos, you have the option of selecting an all-inclusive package or paying for food and drinks a la carte. All guests can take advantage of the resort’s amenities, including an infinity pool and a lazy river that stretches more than 1,000 feet (the longest lazy river in Los Cabos). When young guests emerge from the lazy river, they can jump into the resort’s special children’s pool or visit the kids’ club.
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8. Grand Moon Palace–Cancun
Cancun, Mexico
Guests of Moon Palace The Grand – Cancun have access to 19 swimming pools, kids and teen clubs, bikes, kayaks, tennis courts and more. When it’s time to stop moving and relax, head to this all-inclusive family resort’s lazy river, where you can relax and enjoy the views. The water park at Moon Palace The Grand–Cancun also includes water slides, a wave pool, a splash zone, and a wave simulator perfect for practicing your surfing skills.
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9. Atlantis Paradise Island
Paradise Island, Bahamas
OK, technically Atlantis Paradise Island isn’t all-inclusive, but it is is a full-service Bahamas resort with many extras included in the price, including access to one of the best and largest water parks in the Caribbean. I had to include it as a bonus recommendation because it is home to the best lazy river in the Caribbean. This unique lazy river goes from a gentle ride to bumpy rapids and back again with a few surprises.
The lazy river at Atlantis is huge and winds around the resort. It’s so big, you can ride any of the eight lazy river entrances or take a shortcut and ride one of the resort’s many water slides straight into the rapids for a continuous ride. If you really want an all-inclusive experience, keep an eye on the Atlantis website, as it sometimes offers special deals on all-inclusive packages.
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