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FTF tells you the perks and facilities for all ages at this Jamaican resort, one of the island's favorite family all-inclusives.

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.