All-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean have changed to such a degree that many of them now defy categorization. While the term “all-inclusive” used to have an overarching, unified definition, there is now a dramatically diverse range of offerings in the Caribbean in 2019.
That means where you would once simply choose by destination, now you can choose by experience: do you want to stay in a boutique resort or a large one? A wellness-focused property or one for old-school beach vacations?
The point is, travelers have more choices than ever before. That’s why our new look at the top all-inclusive resorts to visit emphasizes this diversity — we’ve included resorts from all over the Caribbean, not just traditional all-inclusive hubs like Punta Cana; we’ve included all-inclusive resorts of all shapes and sizes — and we’ve gathered resorts offering all kinds of experiences, from castaway fantasies to family getaways.
Here are the top all-inclusive resorts to visit right now. The choice is yours. And don’t miss the 2020 edition of the top all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean.
Palm Island, St Vincent and the Grenadines No all-inclusive matches the sheer fantasy and romance of this private-island outpost in the heart of the Grenadines. It’s boutique, it’s beautiful and it’s a true-bucket list destination. It’s the ultimate all-inclusive experience in the Caribbean — bar none.
Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada The grande dame of Caribbean all-inclusive resorts, this Grenada institution is the epitome of relaxed luxury, with a beautiful perch on Grand Anse Beach and an excellent culinary offering, too.
Galley Bay, Antigua It on one of the Caribbean’s most serene stretches of beach, the eponymous Galley Bay, and it’s as authentic as it gets, even in the world of all-inclusives. Whether you’re staying in the gorgeous Gauguin Suites or sipping at the property’s impressive pan-Caribbean rum shack, it’s one of the region’s ultimate all-inclusive experiences.
Hermitage Bay Set on a spectacular stretch of sand on the pristine western coast of Antigua, this luxe boutique has some of the most remarkable rooms you can find in the Caribbean, eco-chic cottages set either just off the beach or on the hillside. You can’t go wrong either way.
Warwick Paradise Island, Bahamas Warwick’s retreat on Paradise Island is one of the Caribbean’s most energetic all-inclusive resorts, with extremely good food, a beautiful waterfront pool deck and a hard-to-beat location just minutes from most of the area’s top attractions.
The Caves, Negril The all-inclusive experience in Jamaica doesn’t get any better than this boutique cliffside getaway in the heart of Negril. This Island Outpost hideaway is artful, unique and oozing with personality — and home to some seriously good food, too.
Sandals Grenada The entry of Sandals to Grenada was a transformative one — both for the island and for the brand. Sandals’ Grenada resort set a new standard for the company’s design and overall quality, and that continues today, with stunning suites (particularly the SkyPool suites) and an impressive culinary offering.
Secrets Cap Cana, Dominican Republic One of the Caribbean’s newest all-inclusive resorts is also one of its best, with a privileged position on Cap Cana’s sparkling white sands. This luxurious all-suite resort is the new flagship property for the Secrets brand — and it’s not hard to see why.
Curtain Bluff, Antigua This venerable Antigua resort, which recently underwent a significant $13 million renovation, is better than ever, with the same clubby atmosphere, outstanding food and diverse beach offering. It’s also one of the top tennis resorts in the whole Caribbean.
Sea Breeze Beach House, Barbados Long a secret for in-the-know travelers, this Barbados beachfront boutique recently underwent a massive transformation that has resulted in a truly stunning property. It’s close by to the bustle of the St Lawrence Gap, but when you’re on the sand here you’ll have it almost all to yourself.
Cocobay, Antigua It’s hard to think of a resort anywhere with more spectacular views, but the boutique Cocobay pulls it off. This particular corner of Antigua has a truly brilliant shade of blue water, and, coupled with the surrounding green hills, makes for an intoxicating vistas. The terraced plunge pools and rustic-chic rooms don’t hurt, either.
Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana Equal parts all-inclusive and wellness retreat, this rarefied resort has just 96 rooms, a full-fledged boutique by all-inclusive standards, and they’re all gorgeously designed with rich woods and a thatched-roof aesthetic. Even better is the culinary offering, with four excellent restaurants and no reservations required — ever.
Sandals Royal Caribbean, Jamaica Sandals’ flagship resort entered the stratosphere with the debut of the first overwater bungalows in the English-speaking Caribbean, and even if you don’t splurge for those, you can still find the perfect all-inclusive vacation. But the best amenity is the resort’s own private island, a short ferry ride across the water with its own spa cabana.
BodyHoliday, Saint Lucia Sometimes it’s hard to believe this Saint Lucia standout is all-inclusive at all. But that’s because the inclusions go far beyond what you’re used to — highlighted by, yes, a complimentary daily spa treatment. This is a place for active travelers looking for an active getaway. But those who make the trip will be rewarded, both mentally and physically.
VH Atmosphere The Dominican Republic has so many all-inclusive resorts that it’s hard to know where to look — or to start. But the recently-transformed VH Atmosphere, set in Puerto Plata’s Playa Dorada, is as good as any. The rooms are excellent, the nearby activities numerous (especially the golf) and the best part? It’s a great value.
The Beach House, Turks and Caicos All-inclusive resorts are few and far between in Providenciales, but this 21-suite boutique has changed that, offering the Grace Bay beach experience with all-inclusive comfort. A stay here also includes signing privileges at the property’s two sister resorts in Provo.
Excellence Oyster Bay, Jamaica The newest entry to Jamaica’s ultra-competitive all-inclusive sector sets a new level for the island. The first Jamaica outpost for Excellence Hotels, this $110 million project is set on a private peninsula in greater Montego Bay, with the high-level dining options you expect from the brand — and a truly gorgeous spa, too.
Waves Hotel and Spa, Barbados There’s just something delightful about this boutique Platinum Coast all-inclusive in Barbados. The beach is serene, the rooms are crisply designed and there’s just a palpable energy about the place. It isn’t like all-inclusives of yesteryear — it’s vibrant, it’s fresh and it’s legitimately hip.
Riu Palace Antaillas, Aruba Set on Aruba’s famous Palm Beach, this is everything you always get from the Riu brand, with a party atmosphere — no, it’s not for spring breakers, but this is resort for those in search of a higher-energy getaway, with the added bonus of being close to all of Aruba’s many attractions.
Sandals Barbados Like its aforementioned sister resort in Grenada, Sandals’ first Barbados resort took its hotel design to the next level when it debuted a few years ago. That includes amenities like the largest pool in Barbados and a range of room options from the more standard to the terrific Love Nest suites.
Sandals Royal Barbados The brand’s newest resort is a stunner, with the first company’s first rooftop pool at any resort, its own four-lane bowling alley and a total of five bars including a craft beer bar. And did we mention it’s exclusively suites?
Pineapple Beach Club, Antigua On an island known for its all-inclusive resorts, Antigua’s Pineapple Beach Club may be the most quintessentially Caribbean. It’s authentic, it’s real and it’s flat out fun. This resort is not shy about being laid back, with two pools, a beautiful quarter-mile of white-sand beach and the kind of throwback Caribbean experience that’s not that easy to find these days.
The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real, Dominican Republic When you’re staying at some of the larger resort properties in Punta Cana, it’s always a better bet to choose the resort-within-a-resort, and that’s particularly true at the Paradisus. The Reserve offers three of its own exclusive pools, a family concierge, a separate spa and a different level of service.
Royalton Blue Waters, Jamaica The Royalton brand has been expanding in the Caribbean at a breakneck pace, and while it’s hard to choose one, we’re partial to the Blue Waters outpost of the company’s two-property complex outside of Montego Bay, with a range of amenities (including some of the Caribbean’s fastest Wi-Fi).
St James’s Club, Antigua If isn’t clear already, Antigua has the Caribbean’s top concentration of high-quality all-inclusive resorts, each with its own personality and style. This wonderful resort is set on a beautiful 100-acre peninsula on Antigua’s rugged southeastern coast, with two beautiful beaches, a great watersports offering and spacious, well-appointed rooms — along with six pools.