Make A Splash!
There’s something about waterslides that tends to light people up—the steady determination of the climb, the fluttering anticipation of the pause, the exhilaration of the drop, the breathless satisfaction that bubbles up as your head breaks the surface after the final splash. For kids, it’s a high-stakes adventure on a manageable scale. For adults, it’s a shortcut straight back to summer.
The hotels I’m most excited about right now have leaned fully into this, building waterparks, lazy rivers, and aquatic complexes that make the pool area the most-talked-about part of the trip. Bookings for properties like these are up 171%. Here’s the best of what’s out there.
Photo: Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas
Where you’ll find a full-on waterpark
Atlantis, Paradise Island (Nassau, Bahamas)
Aquaventure—the 141-acre waterpark at this Nassau resort—is one of the most ambitious water experiences in the Caribbean, and staying on property means unlimited access from check-in. The Leap of Faith slide drops you through a shark-filled lagoon, the mile-long rapids river winds through the grounds all day, and the scale is staggering enough that most families find three full days there still feels short.
Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club (Anguilla)
This Anguilla resort has one of the more impressive waterparks in the Caribbean: a 600,000-gallon complex with three waterslides—including a flying saucer drop—a 1,400-foot lazy river, a zero-entry lagoon, and a dedicated splash pad for the youngest guests. Cabana rentals, a swim-up bar, and a waterside café keep the whole group settled for the day, and the views across Rendezvous Bay to St. Maarten are worth taking in.
Jumeirah Beach Hotel (Dubai)
Complimentary, unlimited access to Wild Wadi Waterpark is among the strongest perks that come with a stay at this Dubai hotel—including a dedicated entrance that bypasses the public queue and early admission a full hour before the park opens. Wild Wadi sits between the hotel and Souk Madinat Jumeirah, the Burj Al Arab is visible from the rides, and the thrills are legitimately good. For a Dubai trip with kids, this is the property I’d book first.
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali (Ka’anapali, Maui)
The Kawaiola aquatic complex at this Ka’anapali resort spans 87,000 square feet across six pools—including a 270-foot waterslide, a family splash zone with interactive water features, and a sleek adults-only infinity pool overlooking the Pacific. The family and adults-only areas are thoughtfully separated, which means the energy can shift from full-throttle to genuinely calm depending on where you plant yourself. Ka’anapali Beach runs directly in front of the property, so the Pacific is always there when you’re ready to trade the pool for something bigger.
My favorite lazy rivers
The Boca Raton (Boca Raton, Florida)
The Harborside Pool Club at this historic Florida resort has more going for it than most pool complexes in the state: a 450-foot lazy river, two waterslides, a FlowRider surf simulator, and luxury cabanas with personal butler service. The adults-only pool sits at a comfortable remove from the family zone, and the overall setting—an Addison Mizner landmark on the Intracoastal—gives the whole day a sense of occasion that’s hard to replicate.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa (Poipu, Kauai)
The pool complex here is one of the most visually striking in Hawaii: four pools set into black lava rock, cascading waterfalls, and a lazy river that winds past hidden caves before delivering you to the main activity pool. A 150-foot waterslide runs right through the lava formation, making the whole complex feel carved from the terrain rather than placed on top of it. The sand-bottom saltwater lagoon is the right move once the slide lines get long.
Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort (Cancún, México)
The lazy river here is reserved for Preferred Club guests—a perk genuinely worth upgrading for—and the full water offering includes an all-ages waterpark, a dedicated children’s area, and six pools spanning more than 65,000 square feet. Two infinity pools handle the ocean-view ambitions, kayak and paddleboard rentals fill in the gaps, and the all-inclusive format means none of it comes with a separate tab. A strong pick for families who want comprehensive water access without tracking what each afternoon costs.
Something extra…
Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo (Guanacaste, Costa Rica)
The 23-acre Papagayo Park that opened here late last year is a different kind of resort amenity—two hillside waterslides and a splash pad for water time, a custom pump track for bikes and scooters, and six pickleball courts for when you’re ready to dry off. It’s one of the more genuinely all-ages setups I’ve seen, and it pairs with everything that already makes Guanacaste worth the trip: Pacific coast sunsets, wildlife, and some of the warmest water in Central America.
Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui (Wailea, Maui)
This Wailea property’s pool complex runs across 22 oceanfront acres and six pools, connected by a waterslide that earns its place as the centerpiece of the setup. The pools step down toward the Pacific, each with its own energy, and the Wailea location means some of Maui’s best restaurants and beaches are just a short drive away when you’re ready to venture out.
Let’s dive in!
Whether you’re planning a family trip around a waterpark or just want a resort that goes the extra mile on pool time, I can help you find the right match.