Sometimes a Caribbean all-inclusive resort is exactly what you need. Or, in the case of an extreme winter, exactly what the doctor ordered: sun-drenched beaches, no wallets, no stress, no schedules and plenty of space to wind down … or wind up, depending upon your mood and disposition. But the best Caribbean all-inclusive resorts can be purposeful as well. There are Caribbean all-inclusive vacations that are perfect for weddings and family reunions, there are special ones for romance and couples and still others for families and watersport adventures. There are even Caribbean all inclusive resorts where you can go for fitness and wellness. But we’ve always said that “the best Caribbean all-inclusive resort” is the one that’s right for you.” And that means that finding the best Caribbean all-inclusive resort is a matter of finding that perfect mix of beach, food, activities, romance and, well, adventure. These are the best Caribbean all-inclusive resorts, with even more properties than last year, looking at all factors, from food and service to beaches and bars. To see where to visit in the Caribbean this year, check out the top All Inclusive Resorts in all of the Caribbean region.
Spice Island Beach Resort – Grenada
You won’t realize this family-run gem of a property is an all-inclusive at all — until you have dinner or hit the bar, that is. A quintessentially Caribbean all-inclusive resort, with all the trappings of laid-back luxury (and terrific food), right on Grand Anse Beach in Grenada. Right now, this is the best all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean, given its lovely mix of romance, elegance, high-quality food and, of course, a perfect Caribbean beach.
The BodyHoliday — St Lucia
Yes, you can head to a Caribbean all-inclusive resort and come back, not just refreshed, but actually healthier. From advanced exercise to top-notch spa treatments, this wellness-focused all-inclusive in St Lucia says that “if you give us your body, we will give you back your mind.” And it’s true.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya — Mexico
The Riviera Maya is home to many of the best all-inclusives in the world, but for us, the Grand Velas Riviera Maya takes the cake. It’s only been around for about six years, but it’s quickly risen to the top. The Grand Velas has unmatched cuisine, oversized suites with ocean or jungle views and a great spa to boot.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana — Dominican Republic
Sure, it’s a large, expansive all-inclusive resort on the surface. But underneath all of the flash is a truly terrific resort — with great food, raucous concerts, an awe-inspiring number of pools and a naturally beautiful Dominican beach.
The Caves — Jamaica
A Jamaican classic. Set in bohemian Negril, The Caves redefines the idea of a boutique all-inclusive resort, with breathtaking cliffside vistas, flowing Blackwell rum and impeccable service.
Sandals Emerald Bay — Bahamas
When it comes to an all-inclusive titan like Sandals, it’s hard to pick a favorite. But this year, we went with the company’s hotel in Great Exuma. You can’t find a location much more stunning than the Exumas — nor can you find a much more beautiful beach.
Couples Tower Isle – Jamaica
Couples resorts are all about romance; at this Ocho Rios resort, romance surrounds you, from the beach to the piano bar to the private island.
Galley Bay — Antigua
This Elite Island Resort in Antigua has that perfect cocktail of romance, beach, food and relaxation, all in an intimate beachfront setting with less than 100 rooms. Make sure you go for the Gaugin Cottages.
Tiamo — Bahamas
Tiamo is located on the island of South Andros, an island that feels remote even for the Out Islands of the Bahamas. And that’s a wonderful thing. This tiny property is nothing like the traditional conception of the All-Inclusive — it’s solar-powered, organic-focused and quite possibly the greenest all-inclusive in the region.
Jumby Bay — Antigua
This property is set on a 300-acre private island off the coast of Antigua. It has all of the luxurious features you’d expect in a Rosewood, with the comfort and ease of an all-inclusive.
Beaches — Turks and Caicos Islands
When it comes to all-inclusive resorts targeted for families, Beaches Turks and Caicos is as good as it gets. Of course, if you’re looking for an all-inclusive romantic couple’s retreat, you can find it here, too. And with its recent expansion, the property is firing on all cylinders.
Palm Island — St Vincent and the Grenadines
A short boat ride from nearby Union Island in the Grenadine chain, Palm Island is an all-inclusive with one overarching theme: the romantic getaway. Here, it’s about feeling utterly disconnected from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And it’s oh so easy to do.
Casa de Campo — Dominican Republic
Calling this a resort isn’t really fair —it’s more like an entire city. While it’s not exclusively an all-inclusive (all-inclusive is an option), that’s the way to go at this Dominican Republic original. This resort simply has everything you can think of on a vacation.
Petit St Vincent — St Vincent and the Grenadines
This isn’t a large resort — although you’ll have as much room as you’ll ever want. Petit St Vincent is the traditional ideal of a Caribbean private island resort. (Note — alcoholic beverages are not included).
Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita — Mexico
Set in a sandy corner of the Riviera Maya, the Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita emphasizes great food and a high-level spa experience. It may be an all-inclusive, but it’s boutique through and through.
Cayo Espanto – Belize
No, this is not a “typical” all-inclusive resort. Located on a private island about five kilometres from San Pedro, it’s a place to get in touch with nature and the beauty of the Belizean ecosystem. And unpretentious luxury.
The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real — Dominican Republic
The Reserve is a new stratum at Paradisus’ resorts — a higher-echelon “boutique resort within a resort,” as the company calls it. And this is an exceptional enclave at an already impressive resort on the gorgeous Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana.
Wyndham Reef Resort — Grand Cayman
All-inclusive resorts aren’t the first things that come to mind when you think of Grand Cayman, but The Reef brings all-inclusive convenience right on the beach on the East End of the island. Happily, every suite and studio at the property is beachfront
Van der Valk Plaza Beach Resort — Bonaire
It’s not often you can combine some of the best snorkeling and diving anywhere in the Caribbean with a classic all-inclusive concept, but that’s precisely what happens at the Plaza Beach Resort in Bonaire — but not without the laid-back charm that defines the Dutch Caribbean island.
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort — St Thomas, US Virgin Islands
This family-run resort in St Thomas is a US Virgin Islands institution, and it’s very simply a fun place to spend a vacation, from its award-winning Iggies Beach Bar to a fantastic beach.
Couples Negril — Jamaica
Another standout from Couples, the resort emphasizes what it calls an “eclectic” style that is a bit more laid back than the Tower Isle property — but equally romantic.
Cocos Hotel — Antigua
Small and charming, the Cocos Hotel is another great example of a boutique Caribbean all-inclusive resort. The tiny collection of bright-white, hillside cottages is a hidden gem in Antigua and Barbuda.
Excellence Playa Mujeres — Mexico
This isn’t the Cancun you think you know. Far from the parties and the nightclubs, the Excellence Playa Mujeres is a refined, elegant, luxurious, adults-only oasis on the Caribbean coast of Mexico.
Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado — Dominican Republic
Far from the all-inclusive hub in Punta Cana, the Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado is tucked in Samana on its own island, Isla Cayo Levantado. This adults-only getaway has six bars, four restaurants and one show-stopping beach.
Live Aqua — Mexico
Another star in Cancun, the Live Aqua (sister to a Mexico City hotel) is a culinary-focused, adults-only hotel that mixes traditional all-inclusive accoutrements with a zen-style sensibility.