A few decades ago, the term “luxury all-inclusive” might have seemed like an oxymoron. But that’s how much the all-inclusive space has changed, particularly in the Caribbean — where all-inclusive has become far more of a technical term than a qualitative one.
And at the finest all-inclusives in the region, the luxury abounds, from truly gourmet cuisine to cutting-edge design and world-class service.
That means things like champagne breakfasts on the beach. Your own ocean-view plunge pool. A room that opens out right onto the sand. Your own private, fully-gassed boat.
Luxury all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean range from tiny boutique all-inclusive resorts to more “traditional” large resorts; but wherever you choose: two things main remain constant: you’ll never have to reach for your wallet, and you’ll have everything your vacation needs.
Here are our favorite luxury all-inclusive resorts to try in 2022.
Hammock Cove, Antigua It’s the quintessential luxury all-inclusive resort, set on one of the most majestic bays in Antigua. But the biggest story at Hammock Cove is the design: every single room has its own private plunge pool and entertainment deck, meaning no matter where you stay, you’ve got your own mini resort. The food is outstanding, as is the beverage and cocktail program, which even includes an all-inclusive rum bar featuring some of the region’s finest aged expressions.
Ambergris Cay, Turks and Caicos The ultimate Turks and Caicos all-inclusive, this private-island getaway is comprised of 10 one-bedroom beachfront suites and another 20 standalone villas. The beachfront suites all have their own private plunge pools facing the sand, along with touches like Nespresso machines and outdoor showers. And then there’s the all-inclusive offering, which also features 24-hour room service, complimentary “deserted island catered lunches”, complimentary bone fishing and even a complimentary 30-minute spa treatment — every day.
Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada It’s not just the best all-inclusive in Grenada, it’s the island’s leading resort, where the Hopkin family has been cultivating its signature vision of Grenadian hospitality for decades. There are 64 suites here, some with their own private pools, some opening directly to the beach. And then there’s Janissa’s Spa, a modern wellness destination that marries perfectly with the elegant, throwback feel of the resort.
Jumby Bay Island, Antigua and Barbuda This private-island destination off the coast of Antigua has been making luxury all-inclusive an art form for years; but it got a major boost four years ago, when the Oetker Collection, most famous for the Eden Rock St Barth, took over. Now, it’s better than ever, with 28 picturesque suites and a bevy of villas, with a food and beverage program that’s hard to match, from an impressive wine list to unlimited Moet & Chandon. The all-inclusive offering is broad, too, with rum tastings, cooking classes, boat trips and snorkeling and a great kids club.
Fowl Cay, The Bahamas Six villas, 50 acres. That’s the kind of density many luxury travelers dream about. The ultra-exclusive Fowl Cay is set on a private island in the heart of the Exuma cays, surrounded by the most beautiful water on earth. But everything you need is here: fully stocked kitchens, a tennis court, a bocce court, a splendid pub, a pool and, of course, unlimited food and drink, from chef-prepared picnic lunches to four-course meals at the Hill House. And yes, each villa comes with its own private motorboat, giving you the chance to explore the endless turquoise of a true natural sanctuary.
Palm Island, St Vincent and the Grenadines It’s hard to imagine a greater luxury than having your own beach-filled private island in the heart of the Grenadines. For many, Palm Island is the ultimate expression of the Caribbean fantasy: just you and the beach, an island in the sun, channeling Robinson Crusoe. But there’s nothing castaway about the experience here, where outstanding food and drink abound and every day is its own water-filled adventure, from snorkeling to, well, afternoon tea.
The House, Barbados It’s a bit of its own private club, a sought-after retreat hidden away on the Platinum Coast of Barbados. Everything here feels romantic and rarefied; the torch-lit drawbridge at the entrance, the beachside bar, the daily champagne breakfast, the breezy terrace dinners at Positano. And it’s delivered in an intimate, adults-only, boutique package, with just 34 rooms, a mix of junior and traditional suites.
Sandals Royal Bahamian, The Bahamas It’s the latest Sandals in the region to get a complete makeover, making it among the most innovative and entertaining resorts for a brand that’s been setting trends in the all-inclusive space since Caribbean legend Gordon “Butch” Stewart founded the company in 1981. This Cable Beach stunner has just about everything, including new swim-up suites, 10 different dining concepts, a terrific Red Lane Spa, its own offshore private island to boot and new touches like three different food trucks.
The Caves, Jamaica It’s the only Island Outpost resort that’s an all-inclusive, and that makes it rather good indeed. There are 12 rooms here on the mystical cliffs of Negril, each with a unique design. And here, the luxury is in immersion, with the sounds and sights of the cliffs, and, more importantly, with Jamaica. The island is savored and revered in every corner of the resort, from its splendid nightly entertainment to the glorious local food (and rum) and even in the spa, where the Jamaican brown sugar body scrub is the house favorite.
Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Set in Uvero Alto at the edge of Punta Cana, this 96-suite property has one of the most serene settings you’ll find at any resort in the Caribbean, luxury or otherwise. The thatched-roof aesthetic immediately sets the tone the moment you arrive, and that extends to every corner of the Zoëtry: sweeping suites with vaulted ceilings and outdoor tubs or pools; the outstanding eponymous spa; the excellent collection of eateries, where you never have to make a reservation. But it all comes back to the property and the grounds; you just feel good being here, like you’re somewhere very special.