What's better than a vacation in a laid-back locale with a white-sand beach, turquoise waters, and balmy breezes? A vacation with all of those perks plus some exciting casino action. If you think you need to head to Las Vegas or Atlantic City for high-stakes thrills, you're in for a pleasant surprise. Curacao, Aruba, and the Bahamas are among the tropical paradises that are home to resorts with casinos. The Dominican Republic, with more than 100 casinos, and Mexico are also on the list of beautiful places where you can couple relaxing spa treatments, fine dining, and beach time with exciting gambling opportunities. Even better is when the fun casino is part of an all-inclusive resort, offering great overall value. Feel a winning streak coming on? Check out 10 of the best all-inclusive resorts with casinos.
1. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana
The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean hot spot for casinos. And this massive resort — as in 13 pools and 23 bars massive — has the biggest casino in the country. At 45,000 square feet, the space feels like a real, Vegas-style spot, with 40 gaming tables, 450 slot machines, and the Dominican Republic’s largest Sports Book. But the Hard Rock isn’t all about size — it also happens to be one of the nicest all-inclusives in Punta Cana with a long list of amenities. Many travelers assume that the Hard Rock is a spring break gone wild type of place, but in reality, it’s a luxury property where expensive nightly rates tend to deter the college-age crowd. The rock ‘n’ roll vibe and fascinating collection of music memorabilia here make it a unique and compelling pick for music fans, but it’s equally suitable for couples, families, and folks looking to have a good time.
2. Hotel Riu Palace Antillas, Aruba
The atmosphere at this adults-only all-inclusive is booze-fueled and high-energy. After being welcomed with a Champagne drink, plied with free wine at every meal, and presented with a liquor dispenser in the room, it’s hard to resist the partying spirit. The property’s location on Palm Beach — arguably the best on the island — is ideal, thanks to its proximity to casinos, shopping, dining, and other tourist draws. The pool is huge and well-designed for relaxing and socializing (a swim-up bar is at your service). Plus, the food gets high marks and there’s a small casino where smoking is allowed.
3. Hideaway at Royalton Riviera Cancun
About a 20-minute drive from Cancun International Airport, the Hideaway is set within the larger Royalton Riviera Cancun complex. The decor here is opulent, yet bright and trendy, setting the tone for a romantic vacation. The hotel is known for its incredible dining, plus extras like tequila tastings, in-room aromatherapy, and mixology lessons. The 10 restaurants range from Japanese to Greek, and none require a reservation. The Royal Spa features a hydrotherapy circuit and an impressive list of massage, body, and facial treatments. Salon services, including nails, hair, and makeup application, are also available. The hotel also has tennis courts, well-equipped gym, and access to a pretty stretch of beach. For more entertainment, guests can check out Casino Del Mar in the Royalton Riviera Cancun. Hideaway guests get $50 worth of free play.
4. Sunscape Curacao Resort Spa & Casino
Sunscape Resort — one of few all-inclusives on the small island — is popular with all types of vacationers. You’ll see families with kids and grandparents, solo travelers, and couples strolling hand-in-hand. Aside from the large Princess Casino, this resort boasts 1,500 feet of white-sand beach. Thanks to a rock jetty, the water is calm enough for swimming and snorkeling. Curacao is loved by divers, who come here for the more than 60 dive sites. Family fun is in abundance here, with movie nights, soccer, kayaking, and even a rock wall for climbing. Plus, the nightlife of Mambo Beach and the BLVD shopping mall are only a 10-minute walk away.
5. Paradisus Punta Cana Resort
Highly regarded among all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, the Paradisus Punta Cana earns its reputation partly through its nine stellar restaurants, six bars, and 24-hour room service, all of which surpass most people’s expectations of all-inclusive food and cocktails. Water sports aficionados will appreciate the complimentary windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, and kayaking. Landlubbers can be found playing tennis, joining a beach volleyball team, trying their hand at archery, biking around the expansive property, or hitting the fitness center. The luxury YHI spa is Asian-themed with indoor and outdoor treatment areas. Guests also get free access to the nearby Cocotal Golf & Country Club. The beach stays hopping well into the night, thanks to the Gabi Beach Bar. Don’t be surprised to see a bride and groom dancing barefoot in the sand, as the Paradisus Punta Cana is a popular pick for destination weddings, too. A bustling casino, which lures both high-rollers and casual slot players with a variety of gaming options and friendly attendants, rounds out the offerings.
6. Barceló Bávaro Palace, Punta Cana
This crowd-pleasing resort in the Dominican Republic consistently gets high marks for its range of activity offerings and quality of food. Despite its expansive size, it is laid out in such a way that it rarely, if ever, feels crowded. The entire property, including the grounds and gorgeous beach, is kept in pristine condition. Families, singles, and couples can all enjoy themselves here, whether participating in lively games at one of the pools, relaxing during indulgent spa treatments, dancing in the nightclub, running around with new friends in the kids’ club, or hanging out at the chic swim-up bar. The fitness center is above par, with Pilates and spinning studios. Or, you can try your luck at the slots, blackjack, or another game in the casino any time Lady Luck beckons: it’s open 24/7.
7. Melia Nassau Beach – All Inclusive, Bahamas
An upscale, sprawling resort, Melia Nassau Beach sits on beautiful and serene Cable Beach. It’s a 15-minute drive from both the airport and downtown Nassau attractions, such as the Straw Market, Pirates of Nassau Museum, the Government House, and Christ Church Cathedral. If you’re without a car, an inexpensive bus stops frequently in front of the resort. Aside from the beach, the three pools are the highlight of the property. The main pool tends to have most of the action, with a swim-up bar, loud music, and pool games. The other pools are much quieter with waterfalls and palm trees. And the casino, with an assortment of games and slots, is on the lower level, along with a Starbucks, in case you’re in need of a pick-me-up as you close in on that big win.
8. Royalton Punta Cana Resort & Casino
Located next door to the pricier (and older) Memories Splash, this 485-room upscale all-inclusive resort is better suited to couples, with its on-site casino and adults-only options (including a pool and dedicated room buildings). In addition to the casino, amenities include an attractive ocean-view pool with a swim-up bar, an adjacent kiddy pool, a gorgeous white-sand beach, six restaurants, and stylish, modern rooms (some even have swim-out pool access). Even better, guests have access to the options offered at Memories.
9. Grand Paradise Playa Dorada
Located in the mini-tourist city of Playa Dorada, this family-friendly all-inclusive resort has an above-average buffet, 425 clean rooms, and one of the best beaches on the north coast. Though the Grand Paradise is known for having a quieter atmosphere than at some other resorts, the casino (the only one in Playa Dorada) attracts even non-guests to the property. Overall, it’s a great value, especially if you can look passed the mediocre pool.
10. Grand Palladium Bavaro Suites Resort & Spa, Punta Cana
The 674-room Grand Palladium Bavaro is spread over spacious grounds (guests also have access to two sister properties) offering 15 bars, five buffets, and eight restaurants. Family-friendly amenities like a kids’ club, a pretty — albeit crowded — beach, and contemporary rooms (including swim-up options overlooking the beach) are big draws. As for evening entertainment, the animation team puts on a nightly performance, or guests can hit up the casino and disco.
What to Wear at the Casino: A Little Black Dress
Although resort casinos are definitely a little more casual and laid back than something you’d see in Vegas, we’re always looking for a reason to dress up on vacay.
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