There’s nothing like an unexpectedly large bill at the end of a trip to ruin the relaxed vibe you’ve spent a week cultivating. The best way to avoid disappointment is to go all-inclusive, meaning everything from your third glass of wine at dinner to the kids’ extra scoops of ice cream, is already covered in the holiday price. All-inclusive holidays used to have a bad rap as being low on style, but there are some beautiful options out there, and here’s our pick of the best for 2024.

Lara Barut Collection, Turkey

More than 9,500 people on TripAdvisor have given this hottie 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. What to expect? Oh, just 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. Five nights from £769pp, including flights (April, 2024), with Jet2Holidays.

Pestana Porto Santo, Madeira

Situated on a tiny island just next to Madeira, another small island, 500 miles off the coast of Portugal, this five-star all-inclusive is a total find. Overlooking 9kms of blissful beach (sand fans claim it’s the best in Portugal), let’s look at the numbers: three restaurants, two bars, one amazing spa, to keep adults happy. Child-wise it’s heaven too, thanks to the beach, games room, sports field and kids’ club. The whole family can also sign up for things like horse riding, snorkelling, learning to dive and even golf (there’s an 18-hole course nearby). Seven nights from £717pp (based on a family of four), including flights (May, 2024), with Tui.

TUI BLUE Nevis, Bulgaria

Bulgaria might not be the first destination that springs to mind when you’re thinking all-inclusive family holiday, but it should be as you get more bang for your buck. The all-inclusive offer at TUI BLUE’s not to be sniffed at: free swimming lessons during holidays, kids’ club six days a week, watersports, shows and, in addition to the hotel’s nightly buffet restaurant there’s a lovely option to dine in a local taverna once during your stay. Seven nights from £554pp, based on a family of four, including flights (May, 2024), with First Choice.

MarBella Elix, Greece 

Tucked away on a hillside above Karavostasi Beach near Perdika, this five-star is a heavy weight when it comes to immersing kids in nature and providing an impressive range of activities to keep them occupied while you hit the spa, enjoy a yoga class or chill by the infinity pool. Bonuses include baby-sitting services, all the baby and toddler equipment you could need (meaning you can travel light), toddler playground, kids’ club for children aged 4-12 and a teens club too. Seven nights from £723pp, based on a family of four, including flights (April, 2024) with LoveHolidays.

Cullinan Belek, Turkey

Five-star getaway that flags itself as an Ultra all-inclusive, which basically means there’s A LOT of amazing free stuff included in your holiday deal and too many facilities to list here, so I’ll just throw in the main ones: 13 swimming pools, an Aquapark, links golf course, kids’ club, spa, more than 20 restaurants (including one for children) and some rooms feature a swim-up pool. You get the picture. Six nights from £890pp based on a family of four, including flights (Feb, 2024), with Olympic Holidays.

Labranda Blue Bay Beach Resort, Rhodes

Spend your days in the seven pools and water park, and nights dining beneath the stars at the Greek taverna, Italian restaurant and numerous buffets (buffets are brilliant when you have kids, right?). Lots of free activities, from biking to boules, and plenty to keep kids entertained in the evenings; think D.I.S.C.O. Seven nights including flights from £593pp based on a family of four (May, 2024) with Olympic Holidays.

Grand Palladium Ibiza Resort & Spa, Ibiza 

You may have been to the White Isle and danced around in a bikini at a beach club, but have you been there and pranced around in a bikini at a kids splash park? This is your chance. 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. From £736pp including flights, based on a family of four (April, 2024) with jet2 Holidays.

Bahia Principe Fantasia, Tenerife 

Fantasia, the clue’s in the name. If your family’s idea of a good time is hanging out by a fairy-tale castle, diving into an infinity pool and going to the theatre to watch shows about dragons, then you’re going to love it here. On a more practical level, the rooms and suites are modern and tasteful and dining’s exceptional for the island, particularly Japanese restaurant Nemuru. Seven nights from £843pp including flights based on a family of four (May, 2024) with First Choice.

TUI BLUE Atlantica Mare Village, Cyprus

There’s so much for kids to do at this ocean-edge resort, from swimming lessons to waterparks, it’s unlikely you’ll hear the words ‘I’m bored’ all week. We love that everything really is included, like snacks between meals. Bonus points for initiatives like the Healthy Eating Challenge encouraging little ones to try new foods while they graze the buffet. Seven nights from £624pp including flights based on a family of four (March 2024) with Tui. 

Haydarpasha Palace, Turkey

Family rooms, beach location, colourful waterparks, kids’ clubs, six restaurants and a five-star rating mean you’re pretty much guaranteed a memorable holiday with the fam here. The fact it’s a little bit Disney-esque, with a castle-like facade, just adds to the excitement for youngsters – you can always escape to the spa or go horse riding in the surrounding hills if it all gets too much. Five nights from £584pp including flights based on a family of four (April, 2024) with easyJet Holidays.

Ikos Olivia Resort, Greece 

Award-winning resort with its own private sandy beach near Halkidiki. Perfect for sporty kids – there’s a football academy – and foodie adults, with five restaurants including a French Michelin-starred showstopper. Throw in an Anne Semonin Spa, kids clubs from tots to teens and a cool bar and you have all the ingredients needed for a dream holiday for all ages. Five nights from £1213pp, including flights, based on a family of four sharing (May, 2024) with Sovereign.

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, St Lucia 

You’re in the Caribbean overlooking a golden sand beach, so things are already looking up. This resort is cleverly split in two, with a Harmony Wing for adults and a Splash Wing for families, meaning your brood can be as loud as they like letting off steam at the island’s largest aqua park, learning to windsurf or playing at CocoLand kids’ club, with its own pool and zipwire. Be prepared not to see your kids much in the day, but you can always reunite in one of the nine restaurants at night to chat about your various adventures. Seven nights from £1491pp, including flights, based on a family of four (June 2024) with British Airways Holidays.

Beaches Negril, Jamaica 

Another family-friendly Caribbean hot spot overlooking a white sand beach, read our full Muddy Travels review here! 

Club Med Cancun Yucatan, Mexico

Bucket list family break with excursions to coral reefs, swim with dolphins and Mayan Pyramids on the must-do list. It lies on a peninsula with a choice of three beaches to play on, and there’s so much to see and do including an intro to scuba diving, plus a great kids’ clubs and childcare from as young as four months (great if you need a short break from baby to catch some zzz’s). Seven nights from £3072 for a family of four – that’s £694pp (31 Aug, 2024) with Club Med.

Lily Beach Resort & Spa, Maldives 

Yep, we know the Maldives archipelago in the Indian Ocean is known as a honeymooners’ paradise, but there are some islands that welcome families too and we’re here for it. Lily Beach is one of them and if you’re lucky enough to be able to afford a tropical island escape, this should be the place you land because everything from private dining on the white sand beach to excursions and the Turtle Kids club is included. You’ll even get to travel on a seaplane to reach the atoll from the airport. Stuff. Of. Dreams. Seven nights from £2403 (per adult) and £1954 (per child) including flights (June, 2024) with Kenwood Travel.