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All Inclusive Caribbean Vacation Packages – While we’ve had some disappointing experiences at big mega-resorts with mediocre food and watered-down drinks, we’ve also stayed in luxury properties with phenomenal food, top-shelf alcohol, and even spa treatments included in the rate.
So if you’re wondering if an all-inclusive hotel should be in your future, you’ve come to the right place. We asked all-inclusive and travel experts the what, when, where and why of all-inclusive so you can learn everything you need to know about all-inclusive resorts before booking your next getaway.
All Inclusive Caribbean Vacation Packages
Although it varies from hotel to hotel, rates at all-inclusive resorts usually include the room, all meals and snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, spirits, coffee, juice, soft drinks and water) and non-motorized water in sports if it is by the beach. Access to resort features such as the gym, pool and sports facilities are also typically free, except when there are premium level upgrades which often have their own pool, lounge and section of beach. Former editor-in-chief of FamilyVacationCritic.com, Lissa Poirot warns, “Although the term is ‘all inclusive’, not everything is included – like golf and the spa – which can sometimes catch guests off guard.”
Best All Inclusive Resorts For Families Looking For Some Sun
The most surprising is certainly when hotels do not include premium drinks, Wi-Fi or a la carte restaurants in the rates. For example, while we love the all-inclusive Villa Buena Onda in Costa Rica, you’ll be asked for your credit card if you want a beer or glass of wine with dinner (unless you specifically book the all-inclusive package with alcohol included. Do so basically do your homework beforehand and study the list of rate inclusions. If unclear, contact the hotel to confirm if there are any extra charges for specific restaurants, drinks and activities. However, be aware that rounds of golf and spa treatments are almost always additional fees.
Tipping at all-inclusive resorts is generally expected, unless you’re staying at one of the properties that expressly prohibits tipping. In the latter camp, both Couples and Sandals resorts have a strict no-fee policy, with exceptions made for personal butlers and spa services. For travelers who don’t want to worry about tipping staff, consider a stay at one of the many all-inclusive star couples and sandals resorts. Otherwise, expect to tip bartenders, waiters, room staff, etc. between $1-10. attention.
If you’re wondering how much and how often to tip hotel staff, check out our guidelines for tipping like a pro.
If planning which restaurants to go to or how much money to budget for food and drinks causes stress, you might want to go with an all-inclusive package. Families budgeting for more than two people can especially enjoy the convenience of all-inclusive resorts. “It makes it easy to stay on a budget – especially when you’re traveling with kids because so much is included, you don’t have to worry about saying ‘no’ to their requests,” Poirot said. And since a kids’ club, non-motorized water sports and poolside activities are typically included, the kids will be very busy.
Excellence Playa Mujeres
If you’re looking to simply relax at a resort and don’t want to do much in terms of exploring or eating outside the hotel, booking an all-inclusive getaway will almost certainly save you money and significantly cut down on research and organization. time.
To get a feel for the numbers, read our breakdown of What a week-long all-inclusive vacation in top destinations costs
Sure, you’ll find some all-inclusive hotels in the United States, even Hawaii, as well as Phuket and Bali, but most are located in Mexico and the Caribbean. In general, the best all-inclusive resorts are in places where you’re perfectly content to get some R&R at the pools and beach, or maybe the surrounding area is a little sketchy and you’d rather stay at a gated property . All-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico are often set on sprawling grounds, providing plenty of room for guests to move around and experience everything they desire—poolside lounging, evening entertainment, and relaxing massages—without having to worry about the property’s amenities. leaving gates.
“In my opinion, the best all-inclusive resorts are located in Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. The labor costs in these countries allow the guest to get the most bang for their buck. Plus, the beaches can’t be beat,” said Kristina D’Amico, senior analyst at HVS, a global hospitality and hotel development consulting firm.
Best All Inclusive Resorts In The Caribbean For Families
Obvious downsides to booking an all-inclusive hotel are that there can be hidden fees and an impersonal atmosphere at the resort (a pro for some), and you might miss out on sampling the local cuisine if you’re stuck. to eat every meal site. Additionally, all-inclusive resorts usually offer only a small glimpse of the local culture, although some have tours and experiences available to explore the destination. For example, rates for Couples Sans Souci in Ocho Rios, Jamaica include tours of the famous Dunn’s River Falls.
Especially for vacationing families, the stress of planning and budgeting virtually disappears with a resort that includes everything from meals to day activities. As Leora Halpern Lanz, a full-time lecturer at Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration, said, “It’s such a relief not to have to take out your wallet; you don’t have to worry every time
Once you eat a meal, that adds up.” For her, the added sense of comfort that she has already paid for her trip is worth any possible disadvantages.
The takeaway? Do your research beforehand to check the atmosphere (party-centric, family-friendly, or relaxed luxury) and features/amenities included in the rates to find the best hotel for your style.
Planning An All Inclusive Vacation In The Caribbean
With less than 200 suites, this family-friendly part of Paradisus Palma Real all-inclusive offers a tranquil, luxurious environment. The property offers expansive grounds, winding pathways and luxurious amenities such as a top-of-the-line spa, yoga and a seemingly never-ending pool area; couples will find that the well-behaved little ones here are hardly ever a nuisance.
The luxurious, 260-room Le Blanc Spa is the best (and most expensive) adults-only all-inclusive in town. It stands out for its beautiful white-sand beach in the heart of the Hotel Zone, decadent spa (guests get free access to the hydrotherapy area), beautiful swimming pools (two with swim-up bars), and especially its pampering service, from the butlers who will unpack to the pool attendants who will provide cool towels for your eyes. It has a hip, beautiful aesthetic throughout the pristine white property, and the modern, bright rooms have two-person spa baths; most have either ocean or lagoon views.
With its upscale boutique atmosphere and dramatic cliffside setting, The Caves is considered one of Jamaica’s most romantic escapes. The 12 unique, private cottages and suites at this luxury all-inclusive property unfold along lush garden paths and dramatic sea cliffs carved with steep steps down to the water and into incredible caves.
The 658-suite Majestic Colonial Punta Cana manages to be an excellent all-inclusive option for both couples and families. Located along beautiful Bavaro Beach, the resort offers a 1,300-foot lazy river-style pool, numerous well-known restaurants and bars serving great drinks, tons of day and night activities, and rooms with hot tubs and outdoor spaces.
Best All Inclusive Resorts In The United States To Visit In 2022
All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. If you buy something through our links, you may earn an affiliate commission. Warm weather, calm waters, white sand beaches—what doesn’t the Caribbean offer? If you’re looking for your next getaway, look no further than the Caribbean. By staying at an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean, you can enjoy some of life’s simplest pleasures, whether it’s tanning on the beach, snorkeling with marine life, or enjoying a new culture. Check out some of the best resorts in the Caribbean below.
The Jade Mountain Resort, overlooking the iconic Pitons in St. Lucia, is a far cry from some of the all-inclusive mega-resorts found elsewhere in the Caribbean. It also happens to be one of our favorite all-inclusive boutiques in the world. At Jade Mountain, you’ll find just 29 suites (called “sanctuaries”) – all with open walls and incredible ocean views. Twenty-four of those sanctuaries feature an infinity pool, and the remaining suites include a large tub that can accommodate two people.
Highlights of this adults-only resort include guided hiking and walking tours, water sports including windsurfing and sunfishing, and access to activities and facilities offered at its nearby sister property, Anse Chastanet. The open plan restaurant offers a wide range of options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The resort also has an optional all-inclusive package that covers meals and drinks.
Jade Mountain Resort is one of the most romantic, splurge-worthy resorts in the Caribbean – and the world – and is easily one of the most tranquil escapes you can book.
The 12 Best All Inclusive Caribbean Resorts For Seniors
Located on a quiet, secluded beach, Le Sivory Punta Cana by PortBlue Boutique is an all-inclusive adults-only Caribbean resort with a relaxed, peaceful atmosphere. Le Sivory Punta Cana is popular with couples looking for quiet and romance, and the overall atmosphere is relaxed
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