They aren’t all-inclusives. They’re low-density luxury resorts, or boutique hotels with personality, or rarefied private-island destinations.
But they have a secret.
You see, some of the best places to stay in the Caribbean may not be traditional all-inclusive hotels, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stay there and get the all-inclusive convenience you may be looking for.
Because these hotels offer special all-inclusive programs that give you the best of both worlds: character, luxury and personality, without the need to ever have to take out your wallet.
Here are seven secret all-inclusive hotels to try in the Caribbean right now.
Jade Mountain, Saint Lucia Is there any more spectacular view in the Caribbean than the one from your own private sanctuary at Jade Mountain? Well, this ultra-romantic outpost actually offers an all-inclusive plan, with the plan available to add onto any room booking. The Pitons are still free, however.
Round Hill, Jamaica Yes, one of the most magical hotels in the Caribbean offers an all-inclusive program. The boutique hotel’s All-Inclusive Platinum Plan includes three meals per day, along with all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages by the glass, room service, round-trip airport transfers and a welcome bottle of sparkling wine, among other amenities (room service does incur a delivery fee).
Marigot Bay Resort, Saint Lucia One of the most recent luxury hotels to add an all-inclusive option, this leading marina hotel has added a new option called, cleverly, “All-IncLucian,” which covers everything from dinners to drinks and even offers travelers an option of dining around local eateries as part of the all-inclusive plan.
Blue Waters. Antigua You’d never guess that this effortlessly charming boutique hotel in Antigua had an all-inclusive option. But Blue Waters, one of our favorite places to stay on the island, has just that, with a broad program including breakfast, lunch and dinner; afternoon tea; room service (with a delivery fee), house wines by the glass and premium spirits, along with beers and cocktails and bottled water and soft drinks. That’s along with tennis, Wi-Fi and non-motorized water sports. It’s the perfect way to enjoy this terrific luxury hotel.
Grand Residences Riviera Cancun Long one of our favorite places to stay in the Mexican Caribbean, this 144-suite Puerto Morelos property known for its impeccable service — and its massive guest rooms — has an impressive all-inclusive program, including unlimited 24-hour room service, food and drink, concierge services, a complimentary bottle of tequila, daily fresh and dried fruits and roundtrip airport transfers. Oh, and kids under 12 eat and stay free.
Ladera, Saint Lucia The boutique hotel that pioneered the three-wall vacation experience is the quintessential luxury hotel — from its authentic construction to its marvelously warm service. But even this eco-outpost high above the Pitons gives travelers the option of going all-inclusive: wine by the glass, all meals, along with house-brand cocktails and spirits.
Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic This sprawling resort complex in La Romana is the most legendary place to stay in the Dominican Republic, from its spectacular golf offering to its impressive villa collection. And yes, you can do all-inclusive here, too. Casa de Campo’s “luxury all-inclusive resort experience” is wide-ranging: three meals a day and snacks at the hotel’s signature eateries; wine and cocktails, along with unlimited activities like horseback riding, tennis and non-motorized water sports. It even covers nanny services, rare for all-inclusive hotels or any hotels for that matter.