We’re big fans of all-inclusive vacation packages on the world’s most beautiful beaches. But some all-inclusive beach resorts rise above the others. These are our top 10 all-inclusive resorts, including one bonus option you probably never considered.
1. Pink Sands Resort, Bahamas
Even a color-blind Islands editor saw that the sand on Harbour Island was pink; the photos don’t do it justice.
When to go: Deals start springing up at the hotels (there are only 10 or 11) in May and stick around all summer, but your best bet for weather is December through April.
2. Kanopi House, Jamaica
Only if you know that this luxury treehouse resort exists will you ever find it. You can’t see it from above, nestled in the lush jungled hills surrounding Port Antonio on Jamaica’s northeast side. You can’t see it from the water of the Blue Lagoon, even if you’re kayaking so, so close. But when you do enter this special world, you’ll never want to leave.
Only here: Think minimal carbon footprint here, as no tree lost its life in the building of Kanopi House. It also boasts one of the only overwater spas in the Caribbean.
When to go: Year-round, sleepy Port Antonio doesn’t get near the crowds of more popular spots like Mo’ Bay or Negril. Visit in shoulder season (late April to May) for the best deals.
3. Hotel Chocolat, St. Lucia
A boutique resort that lives up to its promissory name 24/7. Yesterday we drank cocoa martinis and cocoa bellinis before dinner. Downed iced chocolate shots. Noshed on seared tuna with cocoa pesto.”
Only here: A trip to the beach means hopping in Hotel Chocolat’s speedboat. This is a good thing. St. Lucia’s rugged terrain (and famous Pitons) entail winding roads.
When to go: Save big in May but book early. St. Lucia is a favorite destination for weddings.
4. Sanctuary Cana, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
This luxury resort provides a full-service spa, 24-hour room service and beach. Guest suites at the Sanctuary Cap Cana by Alsol feature an ocean view or direct beach access. A separate living area with a plasma TV are in each suite.
The suites also include an espresso machine, silk bathrobes and a mini bar refreshed daily with bottled water, soft drinks and domestic beer. Guests also enjoy a furnished terrace or balcony with panoramic ocean views, plus double vanity sinks and an elegant tile and coral bathroom with a shower and bathtub.
Only here: A private-island feel among a slew of all-inclusives.
When to go: From March to May, the peak-season crowds start dipping out. June through November sees lots of deals (but the weather can be iffy).
5. Huvafen Fushi, Maldives
The island is home to the first underwater spa and what’s said to be the largest wine collection in the Maldives. A-lister Kate Moss is a frequent guest. Actually, anyone who stays here is on the A-list, if only for a few days.
Only here: The spa is more aquarium than therapy room. A treatment’s challenge is closing your eyes.
When to go: May through November offers great deals, fewer neighbors and fantastic snorkeling.
6. Medjumbe, Mozambique
Medjumbe Island is one of the Quirimbas Islands off the northern coast of Mozambique, within the Quirimbas National Park. It is privately owned, operated as an exclusive resort.
Only here: The island is just a half-mile long and a quarter-mile wide. Aside from Medjumbe, its only sign of man is a lighthouse.
When to go: May through December is the cooler dry season, and best for deals. Humpback whales arrive from August to October.
7. Sandals LaSource, Grenada
Known as the “Island of Spice” Grenada is a truly exotic paradise, one that just happens to be the perfect landscape for a Sandals Resort. This “Island of Spice” is known for it’s remarkable natural beauty, pristine beaches, impossibly blue seas, and a veritable treasure trove of spices – cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and particularly nutmeg, it’s most sought-after spice.
Only here: Notions of an all-inclusive resort expand. Live shows, sailing lessons, and snorkeling and diving tours are included in the nightly rate (from $339 per person).
When to go: Early December sees deals and sunny skies.
8. Fowl Cay Resort, Exumas, Bahamas
Fowl Cay is a private island with a difference: discover six uniquely beautiful villas spread across a private 50-acre retreat in the secluded chain of the Exumas, Bahamas. No neighboring hotels, no passing ships, no crowds – just you and the excitement of exploring a special kind of wilderness. Made up of 365 tiny islands and cays, stretching across more than 120 miles of crystal-clear, warm turquoise water – the natural beauty of the Exumas is one of the most extraordinary settings on the planet.
Only here: Villas come with a boat, but no boat captain. That’s your job. Private picnics, castaway fantasies — anything is possible amid 365 cays and islands.
When to go: Winter offers the best weather; June the best deals, though there’s a greater chance of rain.
9. Jade Mountain, St. Lucia
Romance is having no fourth wall, no doors, no windows — and no distractions — separating you from one of the world’s most iconic views.
Only here: Sleep, eat, lounge and bathe inside a screensaver scene.
When to go: May is best for savings, and for securing the Galaxy Sanctuary, which offers a 270-degree wall-less view of the Pitons and Jade Mountain’s private beach.
10. Eden Rock Hotel, St. Barts
Hotel is on the romantic island of St. Barts, with a dynamic vibe, beautiful artwork and something always going on. Our editors especially love dining at the On the Rocks restaurant, perched romantically on the cliff overlooking St. Jean Bay. That’s a romantic dinner worth every penny.
Only here: Each room at Eden Rock is unique. So unique, the Rockstar Villa comes with a recording studio.
When to go: St. Barts’ resorts tiptoe into affordable realms during May and June.
