Family holidays can be expensive, right? Drinks, ice creams, waterparks, inflatable crocodiles (just me?) soon add up and before you know it you’re over budget and dreading the final bill. 

Not so at an all-inclusive resort where you know what the costs are up front so you can relax by the pool, safe in the knowledge that ordering another glass of wine (or milkshake) isn’t going to break the bank. Here are some choice spots for the forthcoming holidays.

FAR-FLUNG GETAWAYS

Moon Palace, Jamaica

WHAT: Kids and teens stay free over half-term at this dreamy escape overlooking a private beach in Ocho Rios. Set in 17 acres of lush gardens, it’s fly and flop territory for parents thanks to supervised clubs for kids and teens and endless water-based activities, including a double wave flow rider machine and a waterslide (ok we want to try those too). Spend some quality time in the spa then let your hair down in the restaurant and bar because meals, unlimited drinks and 24-hour room service are all part of the package.

GO THERE: Seven nights from £1735pp based on a 15 Feb departure and including flights, transfers, $250 spa credit, meals and accommodation, with Best Travel.

The Residence Maldives, Maldives

WHAT: You get double the fun if you jet off to The Residence  Dhigurah because you can use all the facilities at its sister property The Residence Falhumaafushi , accessed via a one-kilometre bridge connecting the two. That includes dining across all nine restaurants and bars and relaxing in the Spa by Clarins. It’s a spectacular spot for activities too, from sunset  dhoni  boat trips and dolphin-spotting cruises to snorkelling safaris above unspoilt reefs and fishing by hand the traditional Maldivian way. There’s a range of accommodation, but the two-bedroom water pool villas are particularly suited to families. Dreamy.

GO THERE: Save 25% when travelling to The Residence Maldives with Kenwood Travel from Heathrow to Malé on 18 February for seven nights in an all-inclusive Beach Villa, from £3,850 per person

Zel Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

WHAT: The first lifestyle all-inclusive hotel in the Caribbean by tennis ace Rafael Nadal and Meliá Hotels International, this resort’s perfect for active families. Master your serve on professional-grade courts, enjoy runs along the pristine Playa Bávaro, take daily dips from the swim-up suites – If you’ve got younger kids in tow, there’s a children’s swimming pool and toddler splash pool. Not forgetting the three restaurants, three bars, spa and fitness centre.

GO THERE: Seven nights including flights and meals from £1581pp with Thomas Cook.

Salinas Maragogi All Inclusive Resort, Brazil

WHAT: This lively resort took top place in the Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice Award for the world’s best family all-inclusive last year, so as you’d expect it’s pretty slick. What made thousands of reviewers pile on the praise? Everything from the live Brazilian music that helps create a party atmosphere to the friendly service, beach, adult pool and separate children’ pool, action-packed kids’ club, waterslides, canoeing, fitness centre and spa treatments. Throw in an on-site restaurant serving international cuisine and it’s a recipe for family holiday success.

GO THERE Seven nights all-inclusive from £1784pp, excluding flights.

Aqua Fun Club, Morocco

WHAT: If your kids are at the age where a swimming pool can make or break a holiday (IYKYK) then you’re going to want to book this bargain resort pronto. Situated in Morocco’s largest water park, your little darlings will have access to 16 pools and 59 slides – no fear of the dreaded words ‘I’m bored” here. There’s also a spa, Mickey Mouse Kids’ Club, numerous restaurants and, when the children tire of all that aqua fun (they won’t), Marrakech is just a 15-minute drive away for shopping and culture.

GO THERE: Four nights all-inclusive from £422pp including flights, accommodation, meals and access to the Aqua Park with On The Beach.

EUROPEAN ESCAPES

Daios Cove, Crete

One of the best all-inclusive resorts in Europe, particularly if you’re travelling with babies and tots. You can basically travel light because there are so many extras included, like baby monitors, bottle warmer/sterilisers, baby baths, high chairs, pushchairs, potties and wash basin stools. Muddy recommends booking a two bedroom wellness villa which comes with a a private Finnish sauna, Technogym treadmill and a large bathtub, because why should little ones have all the extras?

GO THERE: Seven nights all-inclusive from £1807pp including flights, transfers and accommodation, based on two adults and one child sharing (14 April departure) with Kuoni.

Olympic Lagoon Resort, Cyprus

There’s always lots going on at this family-friendly luxury hotel close to Paphos. Enjoy swimming in the five pools, dine around six restaurants and indulge in all kinds of activities, many based around the glorious golden sand Blue Flag beach. Football, quizzes, even spa treatments mean families spanning all ages are going to find something to do here, though Muddy likes the idea of lying on a lounger overlooking the sparkling sea.

GO THERE: Seven nights all-inclusive from £758pp including flights, accommodation, meals and drinks (based on a 17 Feb departure) with Tui.

Voyage Belek, Turkey

WHAT: Located close to buzzy Antalya, this is an Ultra All-inclusive, which basically means there’s A LOT of amazing free stuff included in your holiday deal. Too many facilities to list here, but let’s start with five swimming pools, an Aquapark, kids’ club, spa, eight restaurants (including one for children) and some rooms feature a swim-up pool. You get the picture. 

GO THERE: Six nights from £1024pp based on a family of four, including flights (17 Feb departure), with Olympic Holidays.

Lara Barut Collection, Turkey

WHAT: Another top Turkish offer. More than 10,900 people on TripAdvisor have given this getaway five stars, plus it’s the number one best value for money family all-inclusive in Europe. So, you know, it’s worth a look. We can see the appeal because it’s a real bargain for what you get, including an aquapark, spotless, modern rooms and kids’ clubs for various age groups, including a LOL Club for teens with PlayStation, table football, table tennis, darts, karaoke and graffiti and foam parties. Sounds like they’ll have more fun the adults, but don’t worry, you’ll get to try unlimited Turkish, Mediterranean and Far East cuisines, hit the spa and chill at Mojo Beach events at sunset; think DJs and live music. 

GO THERE: Five nights all-inclusive from £1028pp, including flights (April, 2025 departure), with Jet2Holidays.

Grand Palladium Ibiza Resort & Spa, Ibiza 

WHAT: Forget night clubs, now it’s all about the kids’ clubs and this hottie delivers in droves. Overlooking Playa D’En Bossa, the resort’s in a fantastic location and is five-star all the way, from the kids’ clubs (there’s even a baby club for tired new parents who need an hour’s break) through to the three pools and six gourmet restaurants, including a great Spanish nosh spot. Wave your hands in the air like you really do care.

GO THERE: From £912pp including flights, accommodation and meals (April, 2025) with jet2 Holidays.

SNOW BREAK!

Club Med Alpe d’Huez, French Alps

WHAT: If you want to get the whole family on the slopes rather than at the beach this winter, there are some brilliant offers around, such as Club Med’s Alpe d’Huez holiday, which takes the stress out of planning by including, well, pretty much everything: flights, transfers, lift pass, tuition, childcare, drinks and meals. All you need to do is show up, strap on your skis and explore the six valleys of the Oisans region, including the longest black slope in Europe, gulp.

GO THERE: Seven nights from £1,952pp (a saving of £237pp) with Ski Solutions, based on a 13 Apr departure, but there are plenty of savings throughout the rest of the season.