Best family-friendly hotels in St Lucia, as recommended by parents

Stunning St Lucia combines Caribbean culture, fun activities and family-friendly resorts, all wrapped up in one glorious package of palm trees, white sands and crystal clear waters. The coastline is studded with many of the best family-friendly resorts in St Lucia, whether you’re after waterparks and kids’ clubs or want to kick back in a luxury hotel with a spa and a private beach. We can’t say it’s going to be a cheap holiday but St Lucia offers families a memorable mix of experiences, from rainforest zip-lining to sailing trips and chocolate tours. If your family loves to relax but also wants to tick off bucket-list adventures, then this may be the island for you.

What are the best family hotels in St Lucia?

• Best overall: Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa

• Best on the beach: Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa

• Best for luxury: Sugar Beach

• Best for activities: St James’s Club Morgan Bay

• Best for older kids: Anse Chastanet

1. Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa | Check availability

"We've been three times to Coconut Bay. It's brilliant for kids, excellent food and only a five-minute transfer after the long flight. I'd definitely recommend it!" - recommended by Mumsnet user, loopsngeorge 

"Coconut Bay is amazing for children. Lovely pools and water slides. And you will be there in 5 minutes from the airport" - recommended by Mumsnet user, PestoSnowissimos

There’s a long list of reasons why this all-inclusive resort is a hit with Mumsnetters, not least because of its dedicated family wing. You’ll be dragging the kids away from the hotel’s CocoLand water park with its pool, waterslides and lazy river. There’s also a Kidz Klub which means you can enjoy the mile-long beach’s hammocks in peace. Some Mumsnetters comment that there are better beaches in St Lucia but you might find it hard to leave the resort’s oceanfront spa, yoga classes, kite surfing lessons and adults-only, cocktail-service pool.

Nine restaurants mean there should be something for the fussiest eaters, whether you dine a la carte overlooking the ocean or kick back at the Caribbean ‘treehouse’ with jerk chicken and sugar cane juice. Night-time entertainment includes steel drum bands and fire dancers. Like most resorts, Coconut Bay organises tours (with age restrictions) like whale watching boat trips and rainforest walks. Not everything is included in the all-inclusive rate so check beforehand.

Nearest airport: Hewanorra Airport (1 mile)

2. Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa

Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa | Check availability

"Bay Gardens on Reduit Beach is nice. It has interconnecting rooms joined by a living area and is in easy walking distance of lots of the restaurants, as well as being right on the beach" - recommended by Mumsnet user, strandednomore 

One for beach lovers, Bay Gardens sits in Reduit Bay, one of the most popular spots in St Lucia, where you’ll find soft white sand, views of Pigeon Island and an obstacle-course-style inflatable water park for kids and kids-at-heart (check the age and height restrictions). The hotel has beachside dining too, as well as a lagoon-style pool and a kids’ club (for ages 4-12). They’ll try crab hunts and beach games as you enjoy the beach or hit the spa, which offers stress-relief classes that might be handy if the kids have thrown one too many tantrums.

Accommodation comes with views of the sea, pool or gardens and you can pay for handy amenities like laundry and babysitting services. Suites have kitchens if you’re on a budget but there’s an all-inclusive option with exciting extras like a free daily spa treatment, access to the ‘Dine Around’ program to try other inclusive restaurants in nearby Rodney Bay Village and the perk of two kids aged 4-12 eating for free. Just check the T&Cs to make sure it works for you.

Nearest airport: Hewanorra Airport (6 miles)

3. Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort

Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort | Check availability

"I've been to St Lucia twice and really enjoyed it. Sugar Beach is a fabulous place. If you have the budget for it then do it. You'll not regret it. The service was amazing and the food was fantastic. We went pre-children and I would love to go back there but it’s soooo expensive for 2 weeks in the holidays for 5 of us!" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Doublechocolatetiffin 

"We stayed at Sugar Beach between the Pitons. It was amazing" - recommended by Mumsnet user, truelymadlysleepy

If you’re looking to splash out in St Lucia, the luxurious Sugar Beach resort allows you to stay right beside UNESCO World Heritage volcanic peaks, the Pitons - a site to wow guests of any age. Just prepare for the hefty price tag. Some rooms include a private plunge pool while guests can hire poolside cabanas for an additional fee. Handy amenities include butler service, turn down service and in-room dining.

Take indulgence a step further at The Rainforest Spa where treatments take place in treehouse gazebos. The little ones will be busy trying out archery and coconut bowling in the kids’ club. There’s a separate club for teens and tweens offering activities like kayaking and video games, and there’s a babysitting service too. Make memories together over meals in the decadent restaurants. Special occasion? Book a private dinner with an unrivalled view.

Nearest airport: Hewanorra Airport (21 miles)

4. St. James’s Club Morgan Bay

St. James's Club Morgan Bay | Check availability

"We went to St. James Morgan Bay in St Lucia which we really liked and DD (8 at that time) loved as well. Negative side - we found St Lucia an island where you only go on organised tours. We didn't really like going out on our own" - recommended by Mumsnet user, reluctantbrit

"StJ has a good family vibe, food selection is pretty good (alcohol choice/quality is not the best, but drinkable). Staff are friendly. Decent watersports. Everything is easy to access (good paths for pushchairs - not all resorts have that). I have stayed at this resort a couple of times and have never had any issues" - recommended by Mumsnet user, iwantsomesun

We challenge anyone to get bored at this all-inclusive resort where there’s (deep breath) seven restaurants, five bars, four pools, four tennis courts, fitness classes, a bay-view spa, ocean watersports, a playground, guided excursions and more. Phew! The kids’ club (ages 4-12) will have your little ones enjoying lessons in local dance or cooking. There’s a hilltop, adults-only pool for when you get some alone time, and another with waterslides to splash around in together. The eateries offer something for everyone. Beach day? BBQ station. Family dinner? French-Creole. Fussy kids? Buffet. Also pizza - does it ever disappoint?

End the day by watching fun evening entertainment. Suites sleep up to six and you can choose a range of views or a swim-up room if your budget permits. St. James’s is located on quiet Choc Bay and is close to Rodney Bay Village where there are shops, restaurants and cafes.

Nearest airport: Hewanorra Airport (3 miles)

5. Royalton Saint Lucia

Royalton Saint Lucia | Check availability

"Look at The Royalton resorts in the Caribbean. We went to the one in St Lucia in August and it was excellent. We had our teenage DDs with us but there were families there with much younger children" - recommended by Mumsnet user, suze28

"Regular traveller to St Lucia here. Royalton is another that you can sometimes get in that price bracket. Quality is so much better (food, drink, beach, kids entertainment). This one is further north but if you were planning on staying on the resort it's worth it" - recommended by Mumsnet user, iwantsomesun

There are amenities for all at this all-inclusive family resort near popular Rodney Bay - because let’s face it, you need to have as much fun as the kids. Enjoy the spa’s signature treatments, massages and manicures while they’re busy in the kids’ club, teens’ club or Seaside Summer Camp that’ll teach them about Caribbean culture through games and activities.

Shake off yesterday’s rum cocktails (there are seven bars, after all) at a fitness class like sunset yoga or kickboxing. There are watersports too, including introductory scuba lessons. Little ones will love the pool’s water slides park and you can all enjoy nightly shows. With eight restaurants and 24/7 room service, you needn’t lift a finger, no matter how early the kids wake up. Mornings are made more bearable thanks to private balconies or terraces from every room or suite. If you want to splash out, book one with a Jacuzzi or swim-out pool.

Nearest airport: Hewanorra Airport (8 miles)

6. Windjammer Landing

Windjammer Landing | Check availability

"Windjammer Landing in St Lucia is fabulous for children and adults - best holiday ever" - recommended by Mumsnet user, elastamum

"We went to Windjammer Landing in St Lucia with a 12-month old and had a fantastic time. This was over 6 years ago, but remains very memorable. Didn't use kids’ club but met lots of families that did and were happy with it" - recommended by Mumsnet user, SunnySomer

This family-friendly resort has just about every amenity you could need, from a spa to a kids’ club that throws pizza parties and coconut bowling competitions. Babysitters and a teen centre means kids of all ages are looked after and, if your child only needs a kids’ pool for endless fun, there are thankfully two. You’ll also find the usual resort perks like a tennis court, a fitness centre, watersports, wellness packages and sea or land excursions for family days out. Highlights include panoramic helicopter tours and the pricey-but-unique Full Moon Ritual package.

Colourful Windjammer resort climbs the hill in pretty Mediterranean style, making for lovely views. It’s located by Labrelotte Bay where the hotel beach boasts in-water hammocks. Book a two-, three- or four-bedroom family villa to benefit from a kitchen, a dining area, a living room and outdoor space. There are several restaurants and an all-inclusive option if you want a break from cooking.

Nearest airport: Hewanorra Airport (6 miles)

7. The Landings Resort & Spa

The Landings Resort & Spa | Check availability

"The Landings St Lucia has 3-bedroom hotel rooms - extremely £££ but beautiful and great for families" - recommended by Mumsnet user, GoodHeavensNoImAChicken

"The Landings in St Lucia - amazing for kids, amazing for adults!" - recommended by Mumsnet user, sergeantmajor

Not many resorts can say they have their own luxury yacht marina but The Landings is an exception. Your holiday will be a classy one at this all-suites resort on Rodney Bay where you can opt for a stylish, marina-view room to watch the yachts pass by from the comfort of your bed. There are also beachfront and ocean-view suites and all of them - which sleep up to six - have living areas, and kitchens that are handy for early breakfasts and endless snacks. If you don’t want to think about cooking, plump for an all-inclusive stay.

You’ll all appreciate the kids’ club, fitness centre, 7,000-square-foot spa and watersports equipment like sea kayaks. There’s a kids’ pool, a marina-view pool and a beach club pool to enjoy when the kids are off having their fun. The Landings offers unique family experiences with tour highlights including rainforest ziplining and a helmet diving tour where you’ll walk underwater (age restrictions apply). Keep an eye out for special events like movie nights on the beach.

Nearest airport: Hewanorra Airport (7 miles)

8. Coco Palm

Coco Palm | Check availability

"We stayed here last year which has local dishes in the restaurant. Walking distance to lots of other restaurants too if you want a change, as well as the beach. We had a fab time" - recommended by Mumsnet user, PatriciaHolm

Families wanting an authentic stay and simple accommodation might like Coco Palm Resort in Rodney Bay, where accommodation options include a two-bedroom family suite. The colourful resort has elegant French-Croele decor and the cool Ti Bananne restaurant offers Caribbean cuisine, a Friday night barbecue and live bands on some nights.

Book a Coco Family Moon package and you’ll get extras like a children’s amenities pack and an hour’s babysitting while you have a couples’ massage. The spa has plenty of nice treatments (did someone say chocolate scrub?) and there are a range of excursions on offer.

Nearest airport: Hewanorra Airport (5 miles)

9. Anse Chastanet Resort

Anse Chastanet | Check availability

"There are some truly spectacular resorts if you have the budget. Top of my list would be Sugar Beach or Anse Chastenet" - recommended by Mumsnet user, backinthebox

Travelling with older kids? This unique stay is sure to impress even the grumpiest teen - and it’ll leave your jaw dropping too. The beautifully furnished suites were specially designed to make the most of their natural surroundings; none more so than the one without a fourth wall so you’ve spectacular views of the Pintons. Yep, you read that right! The resort is luxuriously one-of-a-kind - but expect a hefty price tag.

Anse Chastenet only welcomes children over 10 years old (six in summer months). If this works for your family, it means you can kick back and enjoy the relaxing resort with the help of yoga classes, a spa and the two beaches that are part of a designated marine reserve. Family-friendly excursions include tasting and making chocolate from a cocoa tree farm - is there a better way to bond with kids? The restaurants serve home-grown produce from their farm, whether you’re having East Indian Caribbean Fusion dishes at the beachside restaurant or modern tapas-style meals at the dedicated vegan place. It’s certainly not your average family resort and it’s quite a way from the airport, but it’ll be a stay to remember.

Nearest airport: Hewanorra Airport (23 miles)

10. East Winds

East Winds | Check availability

"Have a look at East Winds in St Lucia. It's a small hotel. We have booked for next summer, after reviewing lots of hotels. Mainly adults but in summer you will get families" - recommended by Mumsnet user, marbeth

Looking for a peaceful, luxurious all-inclusive resort with loads to do? East Winds by Labrellotte Bay might be the place for you if your children are over eight. Its pretty cottages, rooms and suites are spread across a stretch of private beach for ultimate tranquillity. The sand-side restaurant has a daily changing menu offering fresh seafood and locally sourced or home-grown veg and there’s an open-air garden spa. There’s a range of fun activities on offer: think sunset cruises, sailing trips, cocktail making, cooking classes and pantime steel orchestra shows.

There isn’t as much for kids to do on-site as there is in some of the bigger resorts but there’s a beach, a hotel pool and, let’s face it, sometimes that’s all they need. Just make sure you check the rules regarding children per room and permitted ages before you book.

Nearest airport: Hewanorra Airport (4 miles)

Is St Lucia good for families?

St Lucia has plenty of family-friendly resorts. It’s great if you’re a family that likes to make the most of resorts with beautiful views and fun activities on-site, then go off on guided excursions to experience the area. Prefer a holiday where you explore the area yourself? Maybe it’s not for you. Perhaps you’ll like our guide to the best family holiday destinations for 2024 or our roundup of the best short-haul destinations for families.

When’s the best time to visit St Lucia?

Tropical weather means lovely year-round temperatures, but there’s also a wet and dry season. It’s likely to be dry and sunny in the high season, which is roughly between December and May. The wet season runs from June to November, during which you can expect heavy showers and thunderstorms.

What’s the best area to stay in St Lucia? 

Rodney Bay is a popular spot with Mumsnetters, while Reduit Bay offers a lovely beach. We think a St Lucia holiday is generally led by your hotel, as you’ll spend lots of time in the resort or on hotel-organised excursions, so it might be best to choose your preferred hotel first. Just be wary of long journeys from the airport if your kids get travel sick as some Mumsnetters reckon the roads can get bumpy.

What’s the best family-friendly hotel in St Lucia?

Every family is different. Thankfully, the resorts on our list offer so many amenities, facilities and excursions that there has to be one that ticks all your boxes. Are you wanting a fun all-inclusive stay with endless activities? Try Coconut Bay. Beach holiday? Bay Gardens. Blowing the budget? Sugar Beach is luxurious with impeccable views. We hope this list inspires. You might also find our guides to holidaying with teens, babies and toddlers and family packing useful.

How we chose our recommendations 

We spent several hours sifting through Mumsnet's forums for recommendations from our users on the family hotels in St Lucia. We then consulted recommendations from trusted publications and websites and looked at reviews for each resort to check that most previous visitors were satisfied with their stay. By doing this, we chose a selection of hotels that we think offer something for everybody to inspire your research.

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.