We’ve long said that some (maybe most) of the best vacation experiences happen around food — especially when traveling with families. And in the modern era, the all-inclusive experience in the Caribbean means top-level cuisine. Forget the loaded buffet and the lines – we’re talking haute cuisine, inventive eateries and top chefs from around the world. We’ve found very little difference between these resorts and foodie destinations. Although one really nice difference is not getting a check when you’re finished eating. It’s that combination of gastronomy, comfort and convenience (along with the Caribbean sea) that makes the following resorts such terrific destinations: the best Caribbean all-inclusive resorts for food.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Mexico
This is the premier all-inclusive resort for food in the Caribbean, with a wide-ranging culinary offering with eight restaurants that features everything from molecular gastronomy to authentic Mexican fare. The resort also has a robust guest-chef program, frequently bringing in top chefs from around the world for special experiences.
Sandals Barbados
There are 11 dining options here — and it almost feels like Sandals built this whole resort around food. The options are also wonderfully varied, from top steaks at Butch’s Chophouse to the Sandals brand’s first Indian restaurant, Bombay Club. And the variety makes for a great experience, giving the option of eating at a top restaurant every night of your trip.
Excellence Playa Mujeres, Mexico
The resort tells its guests to prepare for a “culinary adventure,” and in many ways that’s what staying at this resort is like. There are nine restaurants here across practically every global cuisine you can imagine, from Catalan to Indian.
Galley Bay, Antigua
There are four restaurant options here: Sea Grape, Gauguin, Ismay’s and the light-fare Barefoot Grill. Each has its own atmosphere but the food quality is universal: the only question is what kind of experience you’re looking for — a romantic meal at Gauguin or Caribbean-cuisine meal at Ismay’s.
Curtain Bluff, Antigua
A terrific family resort, Curtain Bluff offers a classic culinary experience at its signature Tamarind Tree Restaurant and its Seagrape buffet lunch, all under the oversight of top-pedigree French executive chef Christophe Blatz. That’s in addition to an impressive cellar with 400 wines. And it may seem like a minor detail, but this is the only all-inclusive we’ve ever seen that offers unlimited Perrier. Just saying.
Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
This boutique all-inclusive in Punta Cana has the feel of a wellness resort in the shell of an all-inclusive. But the food is superb, with four restaurants across local and international cuisines. The best part? You never have to make a reservation.
The Caves, Jamaica
Here, it’s not about how many restaurants, it’s about the quality of the signature eatery, which focuses on authentic, local, Jamaican-focused food. But beyond the food itself, the ambience is nearly unmatched — dining cliffside in Negril, with the option of a special private dinner inside a cave.
Sandals LaSource Grenada
When this property debuted in Grenada in 2014, it quickly set a new standard for all-inclusive design and, more importantly, for food. Like its sister hotel in Barbados, Grenada’s most modern all-inclusive resort has a wonderful selection of food, with 10 restaurants and terrific service. The philosphy here is “Discovery Dining,” bringing tastes from around the world into one lovely resort.
Hyatt Ziva and Zilara Rose Hall, Jamaica
This complex of adults-only and family all-inclusive resorts has every kind of all-inclusive dining experience, but the results are uniformly excellent, whether you’re at a “gourmet” buffet to hot dog and burger carts to shave ice to classic French haute cuisine. You’ll never run out of great food options.
Azul Sensatori Jamaica
This is a new Karisma hotel in Jamaica with 136 suites, and parent company Karisma’s philosophy is “Gourmet Inclusive.” That means a robust culinary offering, with top dining options at night and a number of options during the day that include the property’s “Gourmet Bites” program.