Twenty years ago, Jamaica invented the "all-inclusive resort" and while singles and couples love the concept, surely guests with kids and grandkids need it most of all.  Since family resorts these days have thought of everything: convenient suites, kids-own restaurants, waterslides, toddler pools, minigolf, trapeze, kids clubs, family-together games and crafts; it's time the multi-generational traveler took a closer look. Below is an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica that will show a good time to both kids and grandparents and of course, the long-suffering parents in between. 

Beaches is part of the Sandals group, which now includes Jamaica's newly renovated Boscobel Beach family resort as well. The resort is 81 km from the Montego Bay Airport, approximately a one-hour drive on a new road. Beaches, Negril is located on Jamaica's famous Seven Mile Beach, which typically has calm water for snorkeling and scuba, even when the weather is choppy along the north coast.

Security is always a concern in Jamaica, but throngs of tourists take walks along the beach, especially in the early morning. Beaches has an opulent Great Room, attractive grounds, and 215 rooms in low-rise buildings. Suites feature four-poster beds and mahogany furniture; some can sleep eight people. More than 80% of the clientele is families, and a sizeable number are returning guests. 

Beaches handles big numbers, but does it well. Snorkeling trips, for example, depart promptly and frequently, and every step of the process is efficiently done. Be sure to sign up early, though. 

Mealtimes can get crowded, too. Luckily the food choices are many, from big buffet (with Kids Korner), to poolside snackbar, Teppenyaki, pasta bar and pizza, southwestern quick meals, and grownups-only "Jamasian" cuisine. Kids will like the ice-cream stand.

And what about the beach, at Beaches? It's 1,400 feet of fine white sand. The resort also has an interesting connected-pool layout, and a toddler's pool. A big draw for kids is the huge Sega Games Center, next to the Kids Kamp. The Kids Kamp serves three age groups (including infants 0-3 years, 4-7 years, 8-12 years) and is open daily until 10:30 pm. Another zone of fun has a playground and a few holes of minigolf.

Teens, meanwhile, have their own pizza bars, soda bar, and "nightclub" with karaoke; teen outings and dinners are organized too. A great feature for teens is free scuba, with instruction. General entertainment includes theme nights such as Jamaica Day, and a nightly show in the Big Top (kids' talent show, dance contest, or other entertainment.)

Off-property outings around the island can be booked for Black River and Y.S. Falls ($70/adult, $35/child), mountain trail horseback riding ($45), shopping trips ($8/adult and $4/child), Rick's Cafe Sunset (where crazy tourists jump off cliffs at sunsets), and more. 

Check the Beaches main office at 888/BEACHES or Sandals Resorts at 888/SANDALS for promotions, including deep discounts off-season. Kids pay a fraction of the adult price, depending on their age. 

Top Points for Grandparents:

• Morning walk along a seven-mile beach
• Negril shops and restaurants nearby 
• Furniture with character
• Umbrellas and covered area by the pool for shade 
• Eight rooms designed for the physically challenged 
• Nature walk, daily aquacize, tennis lessons
• European Spa at nearby Sandals resort

From Beaches, visit YS Falls and underground caves, or heritage seaside towns, or mangrove swamps with crocodiles. From FDR, take a Blue Mountain eco-adventure in the rainforest. Outings can be arranged from all resorts, and feature Jamaican lunch and chance to meet local people.

Prices start at $40/adult, $20/child, plus transportation.  Call 876/962-7758 for information and reservations.  

Teresa Plowright mothers three active boys, guides the TravelwithKids.About.com website, finds time to write, and travels extensively from her home base in British Columbia, Canada.