“All-inclusive vacations for food?” Seriously?
It’s a proposition that couldn’t have even been raised a few years ago.
But that’s a sign of just how dramatic the changes have been in the all-inclusive sector.
In the place of industrial buffets and trite continental food have come inspired cuisine, chef-driven menus and, most importantly, a focus on what the locals actually eat.
Now, while that certainly isn’t the case at every all-inclusive, there are now dozens of top all-inclusive properties that offer high-quality gastronomy — meaning you don’t have to sacrifice good food for all-inclusive convenience anymore.
Here are our top all-inclusive vacations for food — the places where you don’t just get an all-inclusive vacation — you get great food, too.
Here are the top all-inclusive vacations for food in the Caribbean right now.
Marigot Bay Resort, Saint Lucia The all-inclusive option is a rather new one at this luxury Saint Lucia resort — but it’s a revolutionary one, too. They call it “All-Inclucian,” and it doesn’t just include superb local and international cuisine all day long from lunchtime sushi to tapas — it also includes the option of dining out at a pair of local eateries, Masala Bay and Julietta’s. In other words, it’s an authentic, high-quality all-inclusive foodie vacation.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya The first true gourmet all-inclusive in the wider Caribbean, this Mexican Caribbean resort has long set the bar for all-inclusive gastronomy. The 539-suite resort has six world-class restaurants (including three all-day options), along with 24-hour room service and five terrific bars. And throughout the year, guest chefs (often wit Michelin stars) make the trek to launch special event menus.
The Caves, Jamaica Island Outpost’s Negril classic is all about offering true Jamaican cuisine in an all-inclusive package. There may be just 12 suites, but the culinary offering is broad, from the breakfast gazebo to The Sands (make sure you stay for Wednesday or Saturday jerk nights) to the Blackwell Rum Bar.
Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita, Mexico The unquestioned leader among AMResorts properties, this Mexican Caribbean retreat is a full-fledged bucket-list all-inclusive. And the food lives up to the hype: three restaurants, a sushi and ceviche bar (with two more eateries for “Impression” level guests) and, uniquely, a welcome focus on making accommodations for dietary needs, something we hope becomes a trend at all-inclusive around the region.
Sea Breeze Beach House, Barbados This recently-transformed resort has instantly turned into one of the top food-focused all-inclusives in the region, with an impressive program that ranges from on-site rum tastings to four excellent restaurants. The food is just plain good, and it includes a focus on Bajan cuisine that’s hard to beat at any Barbados hotel.
Sandals Royal Barbados This all-suite property, Sandals’ newest resort in the Caribbean, is at the pinnacle of the company’s always-improving food and beverage program, with several unique concepts for the brand: American Tavern and Chi Asian Fusion, with the latter offering a truly pan-Asian experience. Thanks to its perch adjacent to the Sandals Barbados resort, you get access to a whopping 17 restaurants and five bars.
Palm Island, Grenadines The best all-inclusive in St Vincent and the Grenadines has long perfected the art of castaway chic — and the food takes things to another level. At both the Royal Palm restaurant and the Sunset Grill, you’ll find locally-focused cuisine, with an emphasis on seafood. Even better? You can arrange private beach dining or even picnic lunches at one of four picnic spots around the private island (above).
Galley Bay, Antigua Antigua’s legendary all-inclusive has the culinary chops, led by top chef Andrew “Stan” Baxter. The farm-to-table focus pervades the property, whether you’re having comfort food at the Barefoot Grill or a romantic dinner at the outstanding beachfront eatery, Ismay’s.
UNICO 2087 This Riviera Maya adults-only hotel set out to “redefine” all-inclusive when it debuted a few years ago. And that’s exactly what it’s done, reinventing the all-inclusive offering with a focus on authenticity, experiences and local culture. And that’s nowhere more true than in the property’s dining concepts, with a rotating chef program and a superb expression of Mexican and international cuisine.
Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun It’s been the exemplar for all-inclusives in Cancun for years, and this Five-Diamond retreat boasts some seriously good food, with six a la carte eateries, a buffet, a cafe and a grill. And the best part? You never need to make a reservation.
Antiguan cinnamon toast with toasted coconut.
Hermitage Bay, Antigua While it’s the gorgeous design that immediately stands out at this boutique all-inclusive in Antigua, the food is just as impressive. Executive Chef Desroy Spence has cultivated a broad array of options with an admirable focus on local sourcing, with the latter buoyed by the resort’s on side organic garden.
Sandals Grenada When it debuted in 2014, Sandals Grenada immediately set a new standard for the brand, and that remains the case today, with its Global Gourmet program that includes 10 restaurants and 6 bars, including the steak-focused Butch’s Chophouse and the Caribbean-accented Spices.
Excellence Oyster Bay, Jamaica The Excellence just added its newest resort, Excellence Oyster Bay, its first in Jamaica. And the early results are wonderful. The new adults-only hotel has all of the brand’s trademark gastronomic quality, with 24-hour room service and 12 dining concepts that range from Teppanyaki stations to tapas to fresh lobster.
The Level at Melia Caribe Tropical, Punta Cana It remains a bit under the radar, but when you splurge for the Level resort-within-a-resort at the Melia Caribe Tropical, it makes a massive difference. Trying this beautifully designed Punta Cana all-inclusive means better service, better spa offerings and, most importantly, much better food — thanks to four dedicated eateries for Club guests: a beachside buffet, a steak house, a gastrobar and a Japanese fusion restaurant called Nikkei.
Curtain Bluff, Antigua We’ve long felt of this property as more of a private club than a resort – and we mean that in the best possible way. There’s a gentility, a degree of luxury and a comfort here that transcends the typical resort experience – and that’s exemplified in the elegant culinary experience. And then there’s the wine cellar, if you’re looking to make an extra splurge.
Warwick Bahamas The best value all-inclusive in The Bahamas (and one of the best value all-inclusives in the Caribbean, period) has a very good culinary offering, with seven culinary concepts from an Italian eatery to Bahamian signature cuisine. This brightly-designed Paradise Island retreat has become a must-visit stop on any trip to Nassau.
Club Med Punta Cana Club Med has been around forever, but there’s a reason for it. The product delivers. And a big part of that is its always-reliable culinary program, one that brings top-level food without abandoning the resort’s local culinary culture. And the brand’s Punta Cana outpost is a particularly good example, emphasizing waterfront dining.