What is an all-inclusive resort? In recent years, the answer to that question has changed dramatically. Today, all-inclusive means a resort that is at the cutting edge of travel trends, one that is catering to the demands of a massive number of sophisticated travelers and offering an unrivaled blend of convenience, comfort and service.
That’s because, contrary to what you may have heard, all-inclusive is the most popular concept in travel, period. There is a reason, after all, that the biggest names in hospitality have all entered the all-inclusive space in the last half-decade: Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt,are just a few of the hotel giants that have seen where travel is going and looked to capitalize — and continue to add new resorts all across the Caribbean.
The growth of all-inclusive is not, however, because travelers simply want to sit at their resorts and enjoy the unlimited beverages. The best modern all-inclusive resorts are all about experience, looking to ensure that their guests are able to blend the relaxation and leisure they seek with complete, active enjoyment beyond the walls of the resort — and an appreciation for and impact on the local communities where they’re set.
Our 2024 edition of the Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean highlights every kind of all-inclusive in the Caribbean: remote adventure hotels, private-island destinations, large family resorts, wellness retreats, a reminder that in the Caribbean, there is an all-inclusive resort for every kind of vacation. (Note: we only considered resorts that are exclusively all-inclusive for this list, not those that offer periodic all-inclusive packages).
Hammock Cove, Antigua The number one all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean again, this Elite Island Resorts jewel has taken all-inclusive resorts to new heights, with its unrivaled blend of stunning infinity-pool villas, impeccable service and Michelin-level food that sets a new standard for the region.
Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada Set on Grenada’s sparkling Grand Anse Beach is this legendary Caribbean resort, where the Hopkin family has stewarded a Caribbean-leading standard for five-star hospitality with a mix of beachside and pool cottages and some of the best food you’ll ever experience at an all-inclusive resort.
The Verandah Antigua The best new adults-only resort in the Caribbean manages a rather difficult feat: it’s both wonderfully, deliciously quiet and serene and a place where you will never, ever be bored. Sounds like the perfect adults-only, doesn’t it?
Palm Island Resort, The Grenadines Take every Caribbean fantasy you can imagine: the exotic sliver of sand, the palm-lined beach, drinks in coconuts and an entire island to yourself. That’s pretty much exactly what you get at this Caribbean classic in the heart of the Grenadines, where the vibe is Crusoe-luxe and the memories are infinite.
Lopesan Costa Bavaro Resort Spa and Casino The best all-inclusive in Punta Cana is also arguably the most complete family-friendly-resort in the Caribbean, with an almost endless slate of amenities like a top-flight water park and an elevated shopping “boulevard” that’s perfect for evening strolls.
S Hotel Montego Bay, Jamaica The hottest all-inclusive resort in Jamaica just may be the coolest place to stay on the whole island, from its breathtaking Irie Spa to its always-hopping pool deck. Here, it’s all about cultivating a unique personality as a “boutique” all-inclusive resort, and that’s precisely what you get, from the authentic Jamaican fare to thoughtfully-styled rooms.
O2 Beach Club & Spa The hottest place to stay on Barbados’ emerging South Coast, this sleekly-designed 130-room Ocean Hotels property has a full slate of creative programming and thoughtful touches, from a sangria cart to a curated series of “how to” classes on Bajan signatures (including how to make the island’s famous macaroni pie).
Los Establos Boutique Resort, Panama The sister resort to Hammock Cove in Antigua, Los Establos is a truly unique property: set on a working coffee plantation, it’s a portal to a side of the Caribbean Basin few ever see — and, in a very cool touch, guests get a complimentary excursion every day of their stay, from rum tastings to zip lines to volcano hikes.
Secrets Cap Cana Secrets’ Caribbean flagship has 457 suites, from bungalows to beautiful swim-up options, along with all of Secrets’ signatures: 24-7 room service, a spa by Pevonia and, if you’re looking to use points, it’s part of the World of Hyatt program.
Sandals Royal Curacao The resort that almost single-handedly turned around Curacao’s tourism fortunes is well worth the trip, whether you’re savoring its striking Awa seaside bungalows or, depending on your room category, trying the property’s unique dine-around program.
Galley Bay Resort and Spa, Antigua Nature lovers will delight at this tropical oasis on a peninsula on Antigua’s western coast. It’s a serene, endlessly tranquil resort, from its terrific spa to the secluded, plunge-pool Gauguin Suites.
Serenity at Coconut Bay, Saint Lucia This hotel-within-a-hotel at the popular Coconut Bay resort on Saint Lucia’s south coast has 36 suites with private pools, butler service and top-quality food and drink in an indulgently private, exclusive setting.
Warwick Paradise Island Bahamas Ideally set right on the turquoise water of Nassah Harbour, this adults-only getaway has colorful, well-designed rooms, a fantastic pool, always-lively entertainment and a great location that puts all of Paradise Island and the dynamism of downtown Nassau at your fingertips. It’s also a great value.
St James’s Club Antigua The biggest story at the St James’s Club just might be the location, perfec tfor exploring some of Antigua’s most beautiful corners, from world-class snorkeling to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nelson’s Dockyard.
BodyHoliday, Saint Lucia When it comes to wellness-focused resorts, it’s hard to top this Saint Lucia standout, where the biggest selling point has long been the inclusion of a spa treatment every day of your stay.
Keyonna Beach Resort, Antigua There are 29 rooms and cottages at this charming little boutique on the southern coast of Antigua that’s focused on delivering an Antiguan hospitality experience, incluidng some seriously good, locally-sourced food. (Unsurprisingly, we recommend one of the cottages that come with their own plunge pools).
Sea Breeze Beach House, Barbados We just love the look and feel of the 122-room Sea Breeze Beach House, which marries a sleek, contemporary aeshetic with an impressive commitment to deliverng an authentic Bajan experience, including some seriously good flying fish.
Cocobay, Antigua The views at this 65-room adults-only Antigua resort are just plain spectacular. A particularly good honeymoon resort, the place just oozes romance, especially if you make the splurge (and we recommend you do) for one of the plunge-pool suites.
Sanctuary Cap Cana, Dominican Republic Marriott’s top all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic has 323 rooms and suites on the sugar-white sands of Cap Cana’s Juanillo Beach. The Spanish colonial, castle-style design somehow works perfectly here, joined by great service and an impressive food and beverage program.
Sandals Royal Bahamian, Nassau, The Bahamas. This recently-reimagined Cable Beach classic is better than ever, with a plum perch on one of New Providence’s most beautiful stretches of sand. We particularly love the new river-pool zero-entry swim-up suites.
Royalton Antigua There’s a bit of everything at this 294-suite resort on a private beach in Antigua, from five bars to eight restaurants to the island’s only overwater bungalows.
The House, Barbados The daily champagne breakfast still draws travelers to this private-club style boutique retreat on Barbados’ lovely west coast with 34 suites and a cool adults-only vibe. There’s a certain extra romance here, one that starts the moment you go over the wooden “drawbridge” lit by torches. It’s also part of All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy.
Small Hope Bay Lodge, Andros, The Bahamas There are just 21 rooms at this adventure resort on the mysterious, exotic island of Andros in The Bahamas. This historic resort is all about experiencing Andros’ natural environment, whether you’re bonefishing, diving, or navigating its plethora of creeks and islets.
Pineapple Beach Club, Antigua This adults-only resort on Antigua’s magnificent Long Bay beach just might be the ultimate all-inclusive beach resort. The 180-room resort has something for everyone: an impressive pickleball offering, a broad watersports selection, a terrific spa and even daily afternoon tea.
Club Med Buccaneer’s Creek, Martinique This isn’t just the only all-inclusive resort in Martinique, it’s also the best large resort on the island, set on the fabulously beautiful sands of Sainte Anne on the island’s southern coast. And as with all Club Meds, the food is a true standout. Even better? The resort just went through a large-scale revamp.
This Top Nassau Resort Has a New Sommelier
