Franklyn D Resort & Spa All Inclusive

We had an amazing family vacation at the FDR. We always struggle with the pull of wanting to return to places we love vs exploring new places, but with two young kids, we've decided that the experience the FDR provides our family with their personal nanny service included, along with the comfort, care and village feel from all of the staff is something we will do annually. It was the first vacation we've had with kids that still felt like a vacation. We visited in February when there was not a school break, so there were few others at the resort (I'd say 3-7 other families on a given day). This meant that there was only one of the four restaurants open, altered hours, fewer kids to play with and less activities happening on schedule, but it also meant never waiting for a table or lounger and personalized care and attention. We will choose a similar time again and again. We are not usually "resort" people; we generally prefer to stay in Airbnbs and explore the local scene, so the feel of the FDR was more our style compared to the super fancy prim and proper resorts. If you're looking for everything to be perfectly maintained, staff to excessively and formally yessir and yesmaam, and everything to be 100% as expected and on schedule -its not the place for you. If you're looking for a place where your child(ren) will be well cared for while you do you, the food is amazing with a mix of local and standard American fare, with small beach access steps from your door and full beach access with a 5 minute walk, a dive pool (note: scuba is an additional cost), full pool and kiddie pool, children's and adult (with fun prizes) activities, arts and crafts, playground, kayaking, snorkeling, boat rides, wonderful people who go the extra mile to make your day -this is the spot. Note, it is over an hour from the airport, which can be over 2 hours on the included shuttle, depending on how many other resorts it stops on the way (we stopped at 2 others on the way there and 3-4 times on the way back). It may be worth considering the cost of a private transfer. We are vegan - based on another review we emailed weeks ahead to let them know. They said they would set up a meeting with the chef upon our arrival to ensure a great experience. We wound up arriving later than expected and were trying to do a lot in a short time, so that meeting didn't go to plan. We wound up just having some fries from the snack shack to tide us over until dinner. We were a little nervous going into the first meal as the server didn't seem to know what to do with us, but once we shared that we were open to the chef's choice, they wound up providing a delicious meal for breakfast lunch and dinner each day. Some meals the option was on the menu, others they made something just for us. The woman chef (didn't catch her name!) created our favorite meals, one of which introduced us to "veggie chunks" a soy based meat alternative. Our nanny, Cynthia, quickly became "besties" with our 3 y

We just returned to FDR on our second visit and have nothing but rave reviews. We discovered Franklyn D Resort while looking for a family escape with our two year old while my wife was expecting in May 2023 and had such an amazing trip that we knew we had to return. This time we had a three year old and 15 month old and I will echo other reviews that the nanny experience is life changing - it really does help you unwind. We requested the same nanny from our first visit Roxanne who we trust to help take excellent care of our children so that we could enjoy the lovely spa, or other various activities. You can pay extra to have them stay longer at a very reasonable $10USD/hrs which comes in handy on the nights where entertainment can run late. I would highly recommend taking the kids on a day trip to dolphin cove or Dunns River Falls which can be arranged by local tours or the on driver/photogrpaher Lorenzo who captures lovely family shots. There are so many wonderful staff and things to do here. This is a smaller resort with a family feel - definitely try out this gem.

We stayed for a week during thanksgiving break. Absolutely fabulous. Our nanny sharnette was amazing and so kind to our 5 year old. The beach was beautiful and the grounds well kept. It's not sandals but I LOVED that. It's very authentic Jamaican. You aren't climbing over people to get a pool chair or fighting for a drink. It's a very relaxed resort and very laid back. We loved it! The bartender is great and the food was delicious. They definitely have food for picky eaters like my son which was great. 10/10 great resort for relaxing with little kids. My only complaint was the bedding could be much more comfortable. The sheets were pretty scratchy and I needed a heavier blanket. The couples massage was excellent and my son loved the water slide and kid activities! They also have lots of trilobite fossils in their rocks! Don't believe the weather apps either. We had some wet weather from the very active hurricane season but if it did rain, it was only for a short time and then it was lovely again. I was very anxious because the forecast said rain and thunder everyday but that definitely wasn't the case.

The Franklyn D. Resort & Spa is authentically Jamaican. A family resort where you have a truly local experience, and can have a vacation with the kid care they provide (it’s the only place with included nanny care). And to top it off, it’s not financially out of reach like many resort chains are for many folks. I believe there are two types of folks: first, those that won’t like this place because it’s not as polished, new, sprawling, or pristine, or has 19 restaurants including a teppanyaki grill like the mega resorts. The second: folks that appreciate a place like FDR because it’s NOT the above. It’s local. It’s small. The staff will know your names and your kids names. They tailor activities and venues that are open to capacity. There are some unfinished projects next to new finished ones, interspersed with charming and beautiful gardens and pathways. The small cove is not a curated beach; it’s like an aquarium TOUCH POOL with corals, fish, anemones, crabs and snails. The food is mostly Jamaican cuisine with options for European and American travelers. If you’re like me, you only want to drink Red Stripe, Appleton, and Wray & Nephew overproof. You won’t complain about the odd things, and you appreciate the authenticity, local flavor, and UNMATCHED hospitality. THESE are the folks that will LOVE FDR - they are my people. There is no other place we would rather go in the Caribbean.

Excellent Jamaican owned resort for a real family experience. Staff was excellent and receptive to our needs. We went with a 1.5/3/5 year old and our nanny Charise was beyond excellent. Food and restaurant staff was great and they accommodate all of our request. Shaneil from the aquatic staff took us fishing and glass bottom boat tour. Older resort but has more than what would need. I will be going back and highly recommend especially if you have multiple young children.

If you are looking for a quiet relaxing trip with family and kids this is a wonderful hotel to book. The hotel can be described as old time Jamaican property not to be compared with a big chain inclusive. It's much smaller but quaint with personality. The grounds is well kept with lots of trees, gardens and beautiful sunsets. The best part of the trip was the people. People 10/10 Everyone was super pleasant and accommodating. Not to mention Sharlene our nanny. We only had her for 2 days but she felt like true family. She genuinely shared love for my daughter and we felt safe in her care. Food 8/10 I didn't give 10 as I am used to lots of buffet options/restaurants in a typical inclusive. There was sufficient food at min 3 options for breakfast lunch and dinner but only 1 restaurant open due to low occupancy. The grill was opened which was a plus but I didn't eat there so cant give a comment.The food was overall super tasty and consistent (i am Jamaican so I should know!). Room 7/10 again not your typical modern room, but for the weekend getaway it was comfy and functional. It felt old time but homey. Value 9/10 the price is one of the most affordable you will get. It doesn't have a million add-on, but for the nanny experience it's more than worth it! You will not get this anywhere else in Jamaica! There was little entertainment. Again this property is more for relaxation and family bonding time. There was a beautiful singer at dinner which was a nice sing along with my family and we played luudo after dinner. Honestly the big hotel entertainment/night club wasn't missed. They also offer night time nanny service for us$12 per hour which is more than value. So couples can feel free to explore a restaurant off property (Ocho Rios is 20 mins aways via taxi). Beach 10/10 there is small cove at the hotel but you have access to a beach next door and let me tell you it's one of the best stretch in Ja. Prestine beautiful clear blue water with soft sand. I spent hours in there! They also had water activities for the kids glass bottom boat, kayaking, snorkeling and water slides. There is a whole playground area with swings, live rabbits, kids club, tennis and basketball court. In summary if you are looking for a quiet retreat or quality family time with a boutique Jamaican hotel experience this is for you. If you have kids and you need a break this hotel is even more suited. They even take care of young kids. The nannies are superb hands down best ppl experience as well. They treat you like family. I am going back with more family members in July based on the good experience I had. Also key to note as the property is small it's great for older family members to get around as everywhere is easily accessible and close by.