Everything You Need to Know About the Best All-Inclusive Resort Brands

Antigua, Barbados, Jamaica, Bahamas, St. Lucia, and Grenada

Upscale couples-only resorts with signature romantic touches — fire pits, gazebos, and swinging chairs overlooking the ocean.

Various budgets and preferences are catered to with different room types and service categories, but all include extra-wide king beds, pillow menus, rainfall showers, and bathrobes. Couples searching for serious just-us time could splurge on the brand’s signature Love Nest suites, which come with private pools, 24-hour room service, and butlers.

Pick a Sandals, any Sandals, and you won’t lack things to do (and neither will your partner). Every location features multiple pools, excellent Red Lane spas, weekly beach parties, diving centers with PADI training and certification, unlimited water sports — sailing, glass-bottom boat tours, water-skiing, kneeboarding, tubing, snorkeling — and drinking and dining spots that number in the double digits. There are a combined 162 restaurants across Sandals’ 15 resorts. (Don’t worry, each resort has its culinary concierge to assist with reservations and dietary issues.)

Private airport transfers, gratuity, unlimited premium liquor, and resort-wide Wi-Fi — even on the beach — are all included.

The 225-room Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa is spread over a sprawling 17-acre property on the southwestern tip of Grenada. And with five pools, a lovely spa and fitness center, numerous activities, and ten restaurants, couples won’t be at a loss for things to do.

Turks & Caicos and Jamaica

Designed for families with kids and teens, these sprawling properties offer water parks, kids’ camps, teen hangouts and nightclubs, XBOX game garages, and even Scratch DJ Academy programs. Beaches partners with Sesame Street, so stage shows and sing-alongs with Grover and Abby Cadabby are on the docket.

Rooms can accommodate any family or group size (more than 40 different room types at Beaches Turks & Caicos), but all feature coffee machines with 100 percent Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee, stocked minibars, plasma TVs, and free Wi-Fi.

Peace and quiet may be hard to come by (parents could try the Red Lane spas or a candlelit dinner), but just about anything else you can imagine can be found here, and just about all of it is free with the all-inclusive rates. All Beaches have loads of pools, restaurants, and bars, plus free fitness classes, land activities, and water sports, including kayaking, windsurfing, snorkeling, and unlimited scuba diving.

Airport transfers, taxes, gratuity, and access to spa facilities are all included (spa treatments are an additional charge).

At Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa, a family-friendly all-inclusive in Turks & Caicos, guests can challenge themselves to eat at all 19 restaurants, drink at all 12 bars, and relax at all six pools before their vacation is over. There’s also a sprawling water park, shopping center, and spa complex for guests.

Mexico, Dominican Republic, Saint Lucia, Curacao, and Jamaica

Peaceful, pristine luxury boutique resorts with a wellness bent. Zoetry Agua Punta Cana technically accepts guests of all ages, but its non-discounted rates for children and lack of kid-friendly amenities mean that almost all guests are couples.

Gorgeous rooms feature upscale beach decor, balconies or terraces, satellite TVs, and sexy bathrooms with Bulgari toiletries and rainfall showers. Fully stocked minibars are refreshed at least once daily, bottles of champagne and fruit plates are delivered daily, and room service is available 24 hours.

Zoetry lacks the loud music of typical all-inclusive, but not the robust activities offerings: yoga, meditation, classes (cooking, cigar-rolling, cocktail-making, and more) are available to guests — once they can extract themselves from the beaches and pools, that is. The all-inclusive rates cover unlimited top-shelf liquor, craft cocktails, and tasty a la carte meals (featuring organic options) at the hotels’ health-oriented restaurants.

Gratuity, three-times-daily housekeeping, 24-hour laundry service, and unlimited worldwide calling are all included.

The 96-room Zoetry Agua Punta Cana is one of the most luxurious and tranquil all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic, period. It offers an uncrowded white-sand beach, spacious suites with butler service, a long pristine pool, and one of the area’s best spas. Guests also get a free 20-minute massage and free horseback riding on the beach.

Mexico, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Dominican Republic

Vast, luxurious adult-only resorts popular for weddings and honeymoons, each with its own laundry list of property features.

Upscale in-room features like rainfall showers, well-stocked minibars, and furnished balconies or terraces are de rigueur at these resorts. So are “secret boxes,” two-door compartments that allow guests to pick up their room service deliveries (available 24/7) without having to open the door and compromise their privacy, even for a second. Most rooms have whirlpools for two people.

These high-end all-inclusive have enough features to make leaving their premises virtually unnecessary. Things like expansive spas, gourmet restaurants, and secluded beaches (with food and drink service available here and at the pools) are all aimed squarely at adults and centered around romance and relaxation.

Meals and drinks are included in the room rates for all guests, so all properties are wristband-free. Gratuities and taxes are included, and some activities, like scuba diving and fishing, cost extra.

Located on the Riviera Maya, Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun is a romantic, adults-only resort on a private white-sand beach lined with sunbeds, cabanas, and palapas. Its pool complex sprawls over 86,000 square feet, with swim-up bars in many of its 13 pools (one, an infinity pool with panoramic ocean views). Several shallow pools feature tables, chairs, lounges, and hammocks set in the water. Meanwhile, a stunning spa offers couples’ treatments in private outdoor cabanas on the beach. In addition to the buffet, a wide range of high-quality dining options are available, including Japanese teppanyaki, French cuisine, a wine cellar with over 200 different vintages, and, for an extra charge, romantic dinners for two on the beach.

Jamaica (Negril and Ocho Rios)

These mellow, family-run properties are reserved exclusively for couples, so their focus is on romance, relaxation, and adult features, like private candlelit beachfront dinners and adorable banners across room doors announcing honeymoons or anniversary statuses. Guests are more likely to be found sipping Red Stripes and daiquiris on the beach and breezing through light reads than boozing and partying hard.

Elegant, breezy, and modern, with ceiling fans, air-conditioning, balconies with either ocean or garden views, and free Wi-Fi. Free minibars are restocked based on guests’ specifications (minibars come standard with ginger ale, grapefruit soda, and Red Stripe; guests can request red, white, and sparkling wine and full-size bottles of vodka, gin, whiskey, and Appleton Special Rum for no additional cost).

Couples resorts don’t just dish out free meals and drinks; rather, guests enjoy free unlimited golf, free motorized and non-motorized water sports (even scuba diving), and free excursions, including glass-bottom boat tours and sunset catamaran cruises with beer and rum punch. Also free are fitness classes like water aerobics and yoga, and tennis lessons, plus nightly entertainment. Perhaps it’s not all top-notch — for instance, the nightly live sets can be a little cheesy, and the “free” golf requires guests to hire a caddy on their dime. Still, with so much free stuff, there’s little room for complaint. Most Jamaican Couples resorts have a dedicated nude section; at Couples Tower Isle, it’s the resort’s namesake island, a small rocky refuge about a one-minute boat ride from the mainland. It’s a cool little spot with a small pool, a little beach, and a swim-up bar — but guests must be willing to bear it all to experience it. The island’s policy is not clothing optional — it’s clothing prohibited, which might be disappointing for guests who prefer to keep things covered.

Couples resorts have a no-tipping policy, though there are a few instances where it is suggested. For example, caddy fees at the golf course are mandatory, and tipping the airport shuttle driver per bag is customary.

With four Couples options between Ocho Rios and Negril, it’s tough to figure out why one might be better. Couples Swept Away has the famed Seven Mile Beach location, while Couples Negril sits just north on the somewhat quieter sands of Bloody Bay — but this may be a plus for those guests looking for a mellower beach vibe.

Jamaica, Curacao, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic

Crowded mega-resorts that are high on kid count and low on local personality. For families looking for mid-range to upper-middle-range beach vacations, Sunscapes can prove solid picks.

Expect terraces or balconies and flat-screen TVs with cable; minibars are refreshed every few days instead of daily.

These resorts offer typical all-inclusive experiences for the Caribbean, with multiple pools (at least one with the requisite swim-up bar) and ample games and sports (snorkeling and rock climbing, among others). The Explorer’s Club provides supervised indoor and outdoor activities for younger kids, and Core Zone Teens Clubs offers video games, karaoke, and organized socials. Food and drinks are on hand 24 hours a day, though what’s available and when can be confusing, and the food quality might be lacking to some. Reservations at the a la carte restaurants are not required. Unlike some luxury all-inclusive on this list, food and beverage service is not offered at the pools or beaches.

All taxes and gratuities are included; no wristbands.

Located right on the beach, close to Montego Bay’s highlights, Sunscsape Splash packs a big value. Resort features include four pools, three restaurants, a fitness center, a spa, a beauty salon, and a spectacular pirate-themed aquatic park. Though not ultra-luxe, the property offers an affordable vacation with a beautiful Caribbean Sea backdrop.

Dominican Republic, Cuba, Mexico, and Costa Rica

Most of Paradisus by Melia’s nine luxury resorts are kid-friendly and suitable for romantics. Separate sections for families (called Family Concierge) and adults (called Royal Service) give the resort broad appeal for all luxury travelers. Couples will find that the well-behaved little ones here are hardly ever a bother. Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla in Mexico and Paradisus Princesa del Mar Resort & Spa in Cuba are fully dedicated to adults. Paradisus Playa del Carmen is emphatically for families.

Rooms are across-the-board luxe, though the adult-only Royal Service suites tend to come with higher-end amenities, such as whirlpools. All rooms have 50-inch flat-screen TVs, balconies or terraces, Nespresso coffee machines, minibars, Thierry Mugler toiletries, free Wi-Fi, and 24-hour room service.

Features here span from the expected (tequila and wine tastings, free non-motorized water sports like kayaking and snorkeling) to the above-and-beyond (elaborate spas and pools, impressive international buffets, and a la carte restaurants).

Tipping is not mandatory, but tax is not included.

With less than 200 suites, The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real, the family-friendly section of Paradisus Palma Real, has a serene environment, a top-notch spa, yoga, and a seemingly never-ending pool area. Guests also get free access to the services, facilities, and restaurants next door Palma Real — particularly the beach area, which this property lacks.

All-inclusive locations throughout Mexico, Dominican Republic, Aruba, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.


Barcelo Hotels & Resorts


Not all Barcelos are all-inclusive resorts. However, the Spain-based hotel group is still a major player in the market, with more than a dozen all-inclusive venues in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. The smaller Barcelo Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana is for adults only. Still, the other locations have broad appeal and massive acreage that allow families, partiers, and couples to mingle seamlessly.

Stocked minibars, coffee machines, and bathrobes are all standard amenities. Room service is available 24 hours; it’s free for guests staying in Premiere Rooms but comes at a cost in standard rooms.

The usual suspects are in full force: large pools, tons of eating and drinking options, fitness centers, theaters, tennis and basketball courts, mini-golf courses, soccer fields, kids’ and teens’ clubs, and activities like dance classes and water games. Some offer 24-hour casinos and nightclubs. All locations have a spa, but all-inclusive guests generally don’t get access to the spa’s facilities without paying for treatment. Though Barcelos are slightly generic-style resorts best suited for the masses, they encourage culturally immersive experiences. For example, at the two sister properties in Punta Cana — the aforementioned adult-only Barcelo Bavaro Beach and the family-friendly Barcelo Bavaro Palace — guests can take excursions to local rum factories or learn bachata, a traditional Dominican dance.

Almost all services at the hotel are covered, including all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks throughout the day), unlimited drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), daily activities, and non-motorized water sports. Taxes and gratuity are covered in the rates.

Guests staying at the high-end Barcelo Maya Palace (15 minutes south of Playa del Carmen on Mexico’s Riviera Maya) can use all the facilities at its sister properties, the Barcelo Maya Colonial and the Barcelo Maya Caribe. Still, the reverse is not true, which makes Barcelo Maya Palace feel more serene and exclusive.

Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, and Dominican Republic

Laid-back all-inclusive that appeals to all types of travelers.

Nearly all upscale rooms feature balconies or terraces, with daily refreshed minibars, free 24-hour room service, and daily housekeeping.

Notable among Dreams’ expected features are its food and drink programs — many of the gourmet dining options are a la carte restaurants that don’t require reservations, don’t usually have long wait times for dinner, and serve surprisingly good and varied food. Bars serve name-brand liquor and local and international beers — a perk that’s hard to find at most all-inclusive hotels. And in addition to the 24-hour room service, guests can order meals and drinks via beach and pool service.

No wristbands here. All Dreams guests are on the all-inclusive program, which covers taxes and gratuity, Wi-Fi and calling, kids’ and teen clubs, daily activities, and nightly entertainment.

Situated on a white-sand beach, Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa is a lovely upscale all-inclusive property in Bavaro. It offers a laundry list of features, such as water sports, daily and nightly entertainment, and numerous kid-friendly amenities. But the Dreams goes above and beyond with one of the largest pools in the D.R. (it never feels crowded).

Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica

Adult-only all-suite properties are so massive that guests rarely feel overwhelmed by crowds. Guests looking for a party can certainly find one at these resorts’ many bars, lounges, and theaters with nightly entertainment.

All Breathless rooms are sleek and stylish suites designed with couples in mind; floor plans are open, beds are comfy, bathrooms feature large showers and double vanities, and balconies are decked out with private whirlpools. Room service is 24 hours, and minibars are restocked every day.

The breadth of features on hand here is truly, well, breathtaking (most are included in the rates). Pristine pools (which include swim-up bars, whirlpools, and lazy rivers), tennis courts, water sports such as snorkeling and sailing, and daily dance, workout, and Spanish classes are among the offerings. Food and drink service is available on the sandy beaches, as well as by the pools.

Rates include everything from the food and alcohol to the water sports and themed pool parties, plus taxes and gratuities.

The Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa is massive, so guests rarely feel overwhelmed by crowds. Common spaces are calm with earth-toned decor and teak accents, while rooms are decorated with bright geometric patterns. Shady walkways and manicured lawns weave throughout the resort’s restaurants, bars, shops, and pools, and a lazy river also snakes through the grounds. Rates include everything from the food and alcohol to the water sports and themed pool parties.

Caribbean, Mexico, Italy, France, Portugal, Turkey, Brazil, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Mauritius, Maldives, Japan, Malaysia, China, and Thailand


Club Med Scene


One of the most recognizable and long-lasting brands in the all-inclusive chain game, Club Med began as slightly hedonistic adult-only properties, but most locations have made the family-friendly switch and now allow all ages.

Oyster’s reporters have consistently noted that Club Med rooms are somewhat on the small side (true at the Marrakech, Guadeloupe, and Turks & Caicos locations that we’ve reviewed), but they’re generally tastefully decorated and well-equipped; all rooms in all resorts have free Wi-Fi.

Almost all of the expected all-inclusive features are present and accounted for, plus a heavy emphasis on activities. Club Med’s all-inclusive package allows guests to try exciting sports like waterskiing, archery, and wakeboarding or even enjoy circus activities like tightrope walking and swinging on a life-size flying trapeze. These activities would be expensive elsewhere and add value to Club Med’s rates. Tamer activities include yoga, golf, tennis, beach volleyball, snorkeling, and guided walks.

Gratuities and tips included.

Bahamas, Aruba, St. Martin, Panama, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Morocco, Mauritius, Bulgaria, Turkey, Sri Lanka

With nearly 70 all-inclusive locations worldwide, Riu resorts range from outdated and bland to super-stylish and modern. Most provide lively and somewhat alcohol-fueled atmospheres for couples, spring breakers, and — except the chain’s nine adult-only locations — families.

Some resorts’ rooms include Riu trademarks, such as stocked minibars with liquor dispensers (restocked daily) and 24-hour room service (both free).

Hotel offerings vary from location to location, but rarely do they exceed the realm of what’s expected for the all-inclusive category. It’s safe to expect a mega pool (or three), diverse entertainment day and night, group fitness classes, and non-motorized water-sports equipment like stand-up paddle boards, snorkel gear, and kayaks (some locations offer one free scuba lesson in the pool). Locations with on-site casinos and nightclubs permit guests free entry.

Rates cover breakfast, lunch, dinner (buffets and a la carte), and drinks, plus taxes and gratuities. Most (50) of Riu’s all-inclusive resorts are 24-hour all-inclusive, so food and alcohol are available around the clock. Wristbands required.

With more services and entertainment than some U.S. towns, this massive all-inclusive resort feels like a city unto itself. Amenities include seven restaurants, an enormous private beach, and two large pools. In-room facilities are also excellent, including daily-stocked minibars, liquor dispensers, and private balconies, many with ocean views.


Pricing for Hotel Riu Ocho Rios

All-inclusive locations throughout Mexico and the Dominican Republic

Fun and upscale rock-n-roll-themed mega-resorts with a little (actually, a lot) for everybody: rowdy college kids, romantics, and families.

Huge, stylish rooms with double-jetted bathtubs, free liquor dispensers, and 24-hour room service. Hard Rock’s “The Sound of Your Stay” program offers free music-related loaners, including guitars (full electric “menu”), headphones, and amps.

Hard Rocks are very popular with couples and friend groups, but they’re surprisingly family-friendly, thanks to many great amenities for kids of all ages, such as kids’ clubs, signature family suites, kiddy pools, and kid-friendly menus. And speaking of the restaurants, many all-inclusive have multiple dining options that look and feel the same and serve strangely similar dishes, but this is not the case at Hard Rock. Here, the staggering assortment of restaurants — from all-you-can-eat buffets to international a la carte options to grab-and-go places — have individualized menus, custom decor, and consistently good food. Restaurants do not take reservations, but with so many dining options, they’re not even necessary.

Tipping is not mandatory, but tax (20 percent) is not included.

With 1,790 rooms, 13 pools and restaurants, 23 bars, an 18-hole golf course, 65,000 square feet of meeting space, a massive spa and fitness center, and the Dominican Republic’s largest casino, the word huge doesn’t even seem big enough to describe the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana. But the Hard Rock isn’t all about size — the massive luxury property is one of the nicest all-inclusive in Punta Cana.

Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic


Excellence Resorts Scene


Luxurious, adult-only resorts that achieve an upscale feel without the least bit of pretension. Their excellent service helps with this immensely; upon arrival, prompt porters will whisk away luggage, and guests are handed a glass of Champagne. Excellences are popular for weddings (there are a few key spots on the beach for ceremonies), so it’s not just honeymooners here but also partiers in celebration mode.

Elegant, contemporary suites with private balconies and an array of modern amenities, like flat-screen TVs, iPod-docking radios, and free Wi-Fi (though some guests complain it’s unreliable). Marble bathrooms are large and have separate jetted tubs and two-person rainfall showers, as well as double vanities and separate toilet rooms. Stocked minibars have beer, wine, and liquor plus snacks, and 24-hour room service is available at no extra charge. Excellence Club guests get premium minibars, Bulgari toiletries, and Nespresso machines.

These luxury resorts on beautiful beachfront grounds offer tropical vacations with activities, dining options, and pools. The massive, meandering pools (Excellence El Carmen has a whopping 23) never feel too crowded, and at night, guests can choose from several high-end restaurants before hitting one of the many bars. Food and beverages, as is entertainment, are especially good for an all-inclusive resort. Since restaurant reservations are unnecessary, it’s easy to be flexible depending on the mood. Dining options constantly evolve and include various gourmet and casual (mostly gourmet, given the crowd).

All meals, snacks, and alcoholic drinks — even premium brands – are included in the price. Taxes and tips are technically included, but tipping is quite common. Golf, spa treatments, and use of business facilities are available for extra fees.

Set in a private resort community north of Cancun, the Excellence Playa Mujeres is an adults-only all-inclusive property with lots to keep guests occupied: seven swimming pools, a high-end spa, a theater for nightly entertainment, fitness classes, Spanish lessons, and non-motorized water sports. Ten buffet and a la carte restaurants serve various cuisines such as Italian, Asian, Mexican, and Indian, plus 11 bars offering premium alcohol and 24-hour room service. Rooms are modern and luxurious and have big whirlpool tubs; all have balconies, some with ocean views. Visitors can also upgrade to one of the swim-up suites and rooftop terrace suites with plunge pools.

All-inclusive locations in Greece, Montenegro, Spain, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Cape Verde, Tunisia, Brazil, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Cuba

With 71 all-inclusive locations throughout Africa, Europe, and the Americas — all beachfront — it’s tough to sum up the vibe at each one. Amenities at Iberostar Premium and Premium Gold locations run the gamut from family-focused kids’ clubs, teen clubs, and pools to adult-friendly nighttime entertainment and clubs. Iberostar’s upmarket Grand Collection hotels are for adults only.

Except for Iberostar’s nine Cuban resorts, in-room Wi-Fi is free. Grand Collection suites have personalized butler service, pillow menus, and special room scents.

Those who wish to take advantage of the all-inclusive amenities at Iberostar will be busy. The resorts don’t simply dole out free food and drinks at their pool bars, snack counters, global buffets, and specialty sit-down restaurants; rather, guests enjoy free non-motorized water sports (kayaking, snorkeling, windsurfing); free fitness activities at the hotels’ gyms, pools, and beaches led by certified instructors (yoga, pilates, Zumba, spinning, TRX workouts, kickboxing); and even a free round of golf at Grand Collection properties.

Taxes and gratuities are covered by the all-inclusive rates.

The best of the three Iberostar resorts in Montego Bay, Iberostar Grand Rose Hall is an all-suite hotel with top-notch decor, food, and amenities. While some elements remain shared with the lesser Iberostar Rose Hall Beach and Iberostar Rose Hall Suites — like the spa, fitness center, casino, nightclub, and shops — guests at Iberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall get the pick of the litter with free access to all three resorts’ restaurants, bars, pools, and beaches

Cuba, Dominican Republic, St. Lucia, Jamaica, Mexico

Busy mega-resorts with great pools and lots of all-inclusive perks (especially for their upgraded Diamond Club guests). Some Royalton locations have sections exclusively for adults, and others are adult-only.

Room style ranges from classic colonial (like at Cuba’s Royalton Hicacos Varadero Resort & Spa) to contemporary and understated (as seen at the Dominican Republic’s Royalton Punta Cana Resort & Casino). Paying extra for Diamond Club room categories unlocks a slew of extra amenities and services, like pillow menus, nightly turndowns, free late checkout, and a separate dedicated butler team (who can provide property tours, unpack and pack belongings, iron clothing, and arrange birthday or anniversary celebrations).

Nicely maintained beaches are a given, and Diamond Club members typically have access to exclusive beach space with a private bar and lounge area. On the food front, Royalton’s straightforward all-inclusive package happily lacks the many restrictions and reservations required at competing hotels. Instead, there’s unlimited reservation-free dining plus 24-hour (but occasionally slow) room service.

Royalton’s all-inclusive rates cover most taxes, though prepare for additional exit taxes and reef taxes, depending on the location. Gratuity is included, but you should still tip the staff like at all resorts. Rates include 24-hour food and drink (Diamond Clubbers get the top-shelf stuff), ample organized activities, non-motorized water sports, resort-wide Wi-Fi, and select international calling.

Many all-inclusive properties advertise that they have multiple a la carte options but have one large room divided into several smaller “restaurants.” This is not the case at CHIC by Royalton Luxury Resorts in Punta Cana, where each restaurant is thoughtfully designed and feels like a standalone establishment. Other noteworthy features include ultra-modern rooms, an on-site spa, a beautiful pool, and beach facilities.