11 Cheapest Caribbean Islands for All-Inclusive Resorts (2026 Guide)
All-inclusive resorts are the backbone of Caribbean tourism. For many travelers, they’re the easiest and most affordable way to enjoy a beach holiday — you pay one price and nearly everything is covered. But prices vary hugely depending on the island, the quality of the resort, and even the season.
To help you compare, we’ve ranked the main Caribbean all-inclusive destinations from cheapest to most expensive. Some islands have dozens of resorts and fierce competition that keeps rates low. Others have a much smaller inventory, which often means higher prices. Either way, this list makes it easy to see what your budget can get you in different corners of the region.
To make your decision at least a bit easier, we’ve sorted through the entire Caribbean to compare prices of these all-inclusive resorts, and listed the destinations from cheapest to most expensive below. We’ve previously ranked Caribbean islands by price for regular hotels, but the order here is quite different.
How we ranked these destinations
- We searched for all-inclusive resorts on major booking sites using **January 2026 dates** (high season) and **May 2026 dates** (low season) to capture the price range.
- Only resorts with a **7.5+ guest review score** and at least 100 reviews were included. This rules out poorly rated or untested properties.
- For each destination, we noted the **cheapest qualifying resort rate** plus the overall range to show how high-end properties compare.
- Resort counts are based on the total number of all-inclusives available on major booking sites. Some islands (like Cuba) have many more, but they are only sold as air-and-hotel packages in most markets.
High season vs. Low season
If you want the best mix of value and weather, aim for January 10 through late February. You’ll avoid holiday crowds but still get perfect conditions.
The list below is ranked by high season rates, since that’s when most people visit. But if your schedule is flexible, check off-season prices — in some destinations they drop dramatically, while in others they barely change.
Packages vs. booking separately
In many cases, **air + hotel packages** are cheaper than booking separately, but not always. Compare both before you buy.
Cheap Caribbean All-inclusive: Resorts you can afford and will love
The 11 Cheapest all-inclusive resort destinations in the Caribbean
Important: Americans are still restricted from traveling to Cuba. If you’re based in the U.S., skip down to the next destination.
1 – Varadero, Cuba (Cheapest)
- High season: US$125 and up per night for two people, all inclusive, tax included
- Low season: US$111 and up per night
- All-inclusive resorts: ~60+ (mostly concentrated in Varadero)
Pictured above: Starfish Varadero – From US$125/night for two, including tax (estimated from Canadian package prices)
Varadero has long been one of the most popular beach destinations for Canadians and Europeans, with more than 60 all-inclusive resorts lined up along its 12-mile beach. Americans are still restricted from traveling here, which is why you won’t see Cuba resorts listed on Expedia or Booking.com.
Because Cuba’s resorts are almost always sold as air-and-hotel packages, hotel-only prices are tricky to isolate. Based on January package rates, though, a solid 4-star resort works out to about US$100–125 per night for two people, making it the cheapest all-inclusive destination in the Caribbean by a wide margin.
Editor’s tip: Cuba is unique in the Caribbean because most resorts are operated by big European hotel groups under joint ventures with the government. Reviews tend to be more mixed than in places like Punta Cana or Cancún, with food and service often mentioned as weaker points. That said, if price is your main concern, nowhere else in the region comes close.
Nearest airport: Juan Gualberto Gómez International Airport (code: VRA)
Nonstop flights from: Mostly Canadian and European cities including Toronto, Montréal, Ottawa, Frankfurt, and London-GatwickLondon-Gatwick, Manchester, Madrid, Milan, Rome, and more
2 – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- High season: US$158 – $1,265
- Low season: US$125 – $870
- All-inclusive resorts: 88
Pictured above: Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana – From US$239/night for two, including tax
With nearly 90 all-inclusive resorts, Punta Cana is by far the largest single resort destination in the Caribbean. The area technically includes La Romana, which sits just to the west with its own small airport, but since most flights come into Punta Cana’s main airport it all functions as one big market. The beaches here face south, so the waters are calmer than the Atlantic side of the island, and the wide sandy stretches are lined with mega-resorts catering to every budget.
For pricing, Punta Cana is hard to beat. On my latest search I found a legit 4-star resort for just $158 per night for two people in high season, although the next cheapest qualifying resort was $265, so most travelers should expect something closer to that range. Still, compared with almost anywhere else in the Caribbean, Punta Cana offers the best selection of affordable all-inclusive packages — and that’s exactly why it has become the go-to destination for vacationers from North America and Europe looking for maximum value.
Editor’s tip: I’ve often described Punta Cana as a “vacation factory” — and that’s not an insult. The resorts here are big, efficient, and designed to keep you fed, watered, and entertained without much effort. If you’re looking for authentic Dominican culture, you probably won’t find much of it inside the resort gates. But if your main goal is a week of sun, sand, and unlimited cocktails at a reasonable price, Punta Cana is almost impossible to beat.
Nearest airport: Punta Cana International Airport (code: PUJ)
Nonstop flights from: Most major US, Canadian, and European cities
3 – Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
- High season: US$171 – $387
- Low season: US$152 – $387
- All-inclusive resorts: 14
Pictured above: Iberostar Costa Dorada – From US$211/night for two in high season
Once the original hub of Dominican Republic tourism, Puerto Plata is now a quieter alternative to Punta Cana. There are about 14 all-inclusive resorts here, but most score below 8.0 in guest reviews, which puts them a step down from the country’s newer mega-resorts. The beaches are still wide and beautiful, and the prices can be very low, making it a potential bargain for those who don’t mind an older property or less-polished service.
On my latest search, the only resort with an 8.0 guest rating was also the most expensive option, while several of the cheaper ones came in below that threshold. That creates a mixed picture: you can find all-inclusive stays for as little as $171 per night in high season, but quality is inconsistent. For many travelers, Puerto Plata feels like a region that had its heyday a generation ago, and now caters mostly to repeat visitors who know what to expect.
Editor’s tip: Puerto Plata always reminds me of Blackpool in the UK — it was booming decades ago, and now feels a little past its prime. If you want the slick, modern Caribbean all-inclusive experience, you’ll probably be happier in Punta Cana. But if you like the idea of lower prices and a more old-school atmosphere, Puerto Plata can still deliver a fun week in the sun.
Nearest airport: Gregorio Luperón International Airport (code: POP)
Nonstop flights from: Miami, New York-JFK, Newark, Montréal-Trudeau, Ottawa, Québec City, Toronto-Pearson, Halifax, Winnipeg, Glasgow-International, London-Gatwick, Manchester (UK), Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich, Amsterdam, Brussels
4 – Cozumel, Mexico
- High season: US$229 – $590
- Low season: US$154 – $570
- All-inclusive resorts: 14
Pictured above: Grand Park Royal Cozumel – From US$248/night for two, including tax
Unlike the mega-resorts of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Cozumel feels like a world apart. The island is known more as a cruise port and a diving hub than a mainstream resort destination, and that gives it a much quieter, more relaxed vibe. There are about 14 all-inclusive resorts here, mostly clustered along the western shoreline, and prices are still very reasonable compared with other Caribbean islands.
High-season rates start at $247 per night, and even the higher-end resorts remain a solid value compared with Cancun just across the channel. The big trade-off is location: Cozumel is an island, so you’ll need to factor in the ferry crossing or a short flight from Cancun. The downtown area is fairly sleepy most of the time, coming alive mainly when a cruise ship is in port. That makes Cozumel a great choice if you want the island feel and easy access to excellent snorkeling and diving, but without the intensity of Cancun or Playa del Carmen.
Editor’s tip: I love that Cozumel gives you the real island experience at Mexican prices. It’s spread out and quiet enough that you feel like you’ve escaped the crowds, but you’re still just a short hop from the Riviera Maya if you want a night out or a day trip to the ruins.
Nearest airport: Cozumel International Airport (CZM) and the much larger Cancún International Airport (code: CUN)
Nonstop flights from: Most major US, Canadian, and European cities
5 – Cancun
- High season: US$231 – $1,595
- Low season: US$199 – $2,428
- All-inclusive resorts: 125
Pictured above: Occidental Tucancún – From US$190/night for two, including tax
Cancún remains one of the Caribbean’s most famous resort areas, with 125 all-inclusive resorts listed in high season. The Hotel Zone is an L-shaped peninsula lined with resorts, where you’ll find a mix of huge beachfront compounds and smaller, mid-market properties. Most face east onto the open Caribbean, but the southern side has calmer waters that can be great for families.
High-season rates start around $231 per night, making it one of the most affordable major resort hubs despite its size and reputation. The variety here is unmatched — from adults-only luxury towers with rooftop pools to family-focused properties with waterparks and entertainment. Cancún also has the nightlife edge: the corner of the Hotel Zone, Punta Cancún, is where you’ll find the city’s famous mega clubs and party scene, all within walking distance if you stay nearby.
Editor’s tip: Cancún is really about knowing what you want. If nightlife is a priority, base yourself near Punta Cancún. If you’d rather avoid the chaos, head south along the strip where the beaches are calmer and the vibe is much more relaxed.
>>>Best Cancun all-inclusive resorts for couples, families, spa lovers, and more
Nearest airport: Cancún International Airport (code: CUN)
Nonstop flights from: Most major US, Canadian, and European cities
6 – Montego Bay, Jamaica
- High season: US$240 – $1,327
- Low season: US$214 – $1,271
- All-inclusive resorts: 52
Pictured above: Iberostar Rose Hall Beach – From US$373/night for two, including tax
This entry covers Jamaica’s main north coast resort corridor, stretching from Ocho Rios in the east to Negril in the west, with Montego Bay roughly in the middle. Between them you’ll find 52 all-inclusive resorts, including seven Sandals properties, which remain some of the most consistently polished options in the Caribbean.
High-season rates now start at about $240 per night, which is actually cheaper than in past years. For a while prices were climbing even as guest review scores slipped, but this year at least, there are some solid deals to be found. That said, reviews in this region still tend to average lower than in other major destinations, so it’s worth being selective.
Montego Bay itself can be disappointing — it’s crowded and lacks the charm many visitors expect. The real draws are Negril, with its famous Seven Mile Beach and gorgeous sunsets, and Ocho Rios, which makes a great base for excursions like Dunn’s River Falls.
Editor’s tip: If you can stretch the budget, the Sandals resorts along this coast deliver a much more reliable experience than most competitors. Otherwise, Negril generally has the best balance of beaches, nightlife, and value in this region.
Nearest airport: Sangster International Montego Bay Airport (code: MBJ)
Nonstop flights from: Most major US, Canadian, and European cities
7 – Playa del Carmen & Tulum, Mexico
- High season: US$247 – $2,101
- Low season: US$209 – $2,101
- All-inclusive resorts: 101
Pictured above: Hacienda Tres Rios Resort Spa & Nature Park – From US$407/night for two, including tax
Playa del Carmen sits right in the heart of the Riviera Maya, about an hour south of Cancun Airport, and it has developed into one of the Caribbean’s most versatile resort areas. There are about 100 all-inclusive resorts in the region, with everything from sprawling beachfront compounds to boutique-style properties right at the edge of Playa’s famous Fifth Avenue shopping and nightlife district. Tulum, about an hour farther down the coast, has joined the mix in recent years, offering a blend of smaller, design-focused resorts and a growing number of all-inclusives of its own.
High-season rates start at $247 per night, and there’s a wide range of mid-tier and upscale resorts depending on whether you prefer convenience, seclusion, or something in between. Playa’s unique advantage is flexibility — you can stay in a large, private resort community with all the amenities, or book a smaller property where you can step out and be in the middle of restaurants, bars, and shops within minutes. Tulum tends to attract a younger, trendier crowd, with eco-chic touches layered onto the classic beach escape.
Editor’s tip: I really like Playa del Carmen because it offers both worlds — you can go full resort mode, or you can stay right near Fifth Avenue where the city vibe blends with the beach. If you want nightlife and dining variety without the chaos of Cancun, this is the sweet spot.
It’s also worth noting that the most expensive all-inclusive resort in this area are stunning overwater bungalows at the El Dorado Maroma Resort. These are the only true honeymoon-style overwater bungalows in Mexico and they are very popular.
Nearest airport: Cancún International Airport (code: CUN)
Nonstop flights from: Most major US, Canadian, and European cities
8 – St. Lucia
- High season: US$347 – $3,072
- Low season: US$242 – $2,442
- All-inclusive resorts: 24
Pictured above: Mystique St Lucia by Royalton – From US$472/night for two, including tax
With 24 all-inclusive resorts, including three Sandals properties, St. Lucia has by far the biggest resort inventory of any of the smaller Caribbean islands. That variety means there are options across the price spectrum, starting around $347 per night in high season, which makes it surprisingly competitive considering the island’s reputation.
St. Lucia consistently ranks among the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, with its lush mountains, rainforest, and the iconic Pitons framing the southwest coast. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want something more dramatic and romantic than the flat, beach-heavy resort zones in Cancun or Punta Cana.
This is also one of the better Caribbean islands for active travelers, with popular excursions like ziplining, hiking, waterfall visits, and sailing trips adding variety beyond the beach. Couples especially tend to favor St. Lucia for honeymoons and anniversaries, but with so many all-inclusives, it works equally well for families.
Editor’s tip: If natural beauty is your top priority, St. Lucia deserves to be near the top of your list. Just be ready for winding roads — this is not an island where you’ll want to rent a car casually.
Nearest airport: Hewanorra International Airport (UVF)
Nonstop flights from: Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte, Philadelphia, New York-JFK, Montreal-Trudeau, Toronto-Pearson, London-Gatwick, Frankfurt
9 – Antigua & Barbuda
- High season: US$356 – $5,050
- Low season: US$293 – $3,476
- All-inclusive resorts: 14
Pictured above: Pineapple Beach Club Antigua – From US$656/night for two, including tax
Antigua & Barbuda might not have the sheer number of resorts as St. Lucia, but with 14 all-inclusive properties it still offers a solid mix of choices. High-season rates start around $356 per night, which is fairly competitive for a smaller island with a strong reputation.
Antigua itself is famous for its “365 beaches” — one for every day of the year, as the saying goes. Most resorts are on Antigua, but if you’re looking for something quieter, Barbuda has an almost deserted feel and some of the most beautiful pink-sand beaches in the region.
This destination is best for travelers who want a more laid-back and intimate vibe than the Dominican Republic or Mexico, but still with enough resort options to compare. Flights aren’t as frequent as to the larger hubs, but Antigua’s VC Bird International Airport handles direct service from several U.S. and European cities, so it’s not difficult to reach.
Editor’s tip: Antigua’s resorts tend to be more spread out than in other destinations, so pick one carefully — once you’re there, you’ll likely be spending most of your time on-property.
Nearest airport: V. C. Bird International Airport (code: ANU)
Nonstop flights from: Miami, New York-JFK, Newark, Charlotte, Montreal-Trudeau, Toronto-Pearson, London-Gatwick, Frankfurt
10 – Barbados
- High season: US$484 – $1,516
- Low season: US$375 – $2,109
- All-inclusive resorts: 14
Pictured above: Turtle Beach by Elegant Hotels All Suite – From US$638/night for two, including tax
Barbados isn’t the cheapest island by any stretch — high-season rates at the better all-inclusive resorts start around $484 per night — but it remains one of the most appealing Caribbean destinations for those who want a blend of culture, nightlife, and beach life. With 14 all-inclusive resorts to choose from, there’s enough variety, though most are mid-sized rather than mega-resorts.
What sets Barbados apart is its local flavor. Unlike many Caribbean resort areas, you’re never far from bustling towns, lively nightlife, and excellent local food. The south coast is especially popular, where smaller hotels and resorts cluster near St. Lawrence Gap, giving travelers a chance to easily meet other visitors and locals.
The beaches on the west coast, nicknamed the “Platinum Coast,” are stunning but home to some of the island’s most expensive resorts. Still, if you’re looking for an island that combines relaxation with things to do beyond the resort gates, Barbados is one of the top choices.
Editor’s tip: Barbados has a real social energy — if you don’t just want to sit by a pool for a week, this is one of the best islands to mix sun with nightlife and culture.
Nearest airport: Grantley Adams International Airport (code: BGI)
Nonstop flights from: Miami, New York-JFK, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Montreal-Trudeau, Toronto-Pearson, London-Gatwick, Manchester, Frankfurt
11 – Aruba
- High season: US$683 – $1,161
- Low season: US$568 – $983
- All-inclusive resorts: 8
Pictured above: Divi Aruba – From US$708/night for two, including tax
Aruba is one of the most famous names in Caribbean tourism, though with only 8 all-inclusive resorts, it has a smaller inventory than you might expect. High-season rates start around $683 per night, making it one of the pricier islands on this list. That said, the island is extremely popular with American travelers, thanks to direct flights from dozens of U.S. cities and a well-developed tourism infrastructure.
The island’s biggest draw is its reliably sunny weather. Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt, so it’s a safe bet year-round, especially in late summer and fall when other islands can be stormy. Resorts are mostly clustered along Palm Beach and Eagle Beach, both wide, calm stretches of sand that consistently rank among the best beaches in the world.
Aruba is also known for being more Americanized than many Caribbean islands — English is widely spoken, U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere, and food and nightlife cater heavily to visitors from the States. That makes it less exotic than some alternatives, but much easier for first-timers to navigate.
Editor’s tip: If guaranteed sunshine is your top priority, Aruba is hard to beat. But if you’re hoping for lower prices or a more local vibe, the Dominican Republic or Jamaica might offer better value.
Nearest airport: Queen Beatrix International Airport (code: AUA)
Nonstop flights from: Atlanta, Baltimore, Orlando, Miami, New York-JFK, Boston, Chicago-O’Hare, Houston-Intercontinental, Newark, Washington-Dulles, Toronto-Pearson, Amsterdam, Milan-Malpensa
Looking to go somewhere nice the end of June. The last week. I’ve been to punts Cana, Mexico and was looking at Jamaica. But it’s hurricane season. So what do you think would be my best bet going June 27 to July 3. And what hotel. I like adults only. Luxury with jacuzzi on balcony! Please help. And what should I book on?
Sarah,
This is a bit tricky. First off, I wouldn’t worry about hurricane season until you get into August. The season “officially” begins on June 1, but the storms that might alter holiday plans almost never appear until August or September. I visited many Caribbean islands from June through October of last year, and never thought twice about it, and of course there were barely any clouds, much less storms.
If you are looking for luxury with a private Jacuzzi I think St. Lucia might be your best option in an all-inclusive. I haven’t been there yet, but people rave about the high-end resorts there and the scenery is far nicer than in the DR or Jamaica.
There are actually a few excellent resorts that might fit what you are looking for just a bit north of Playa del Carmen, which is just south of Cancun. I haven’t stayed in any of them, but that is a wonderful area for resorts and the flights into Cancun are always reasonable. Also, it’s actually on the mainland so in the unlikely event of a storm, it would be easy to go inland a bit.
As for Jamaica, I’m not a big fan to be honest. I quite like the Negril area, though not really for luxury all-inclusive resorts. There are some incredible Sandals all-inclusives in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, as well as the ultra-luxury Royal Caribbean resort near Montego Bay. But of course, they are quite expensive.
As far as where to book, you should start by clicking on the links on the article above. I link below each destination to the online travel agency that offers the best deals for each place. In the Caribbean it’s mostly to Expedia because they offer daily deals and offer full service packages. Believe it or not, they also have or match the best rates you can get anywhere, and their resort-area pages are nicely designed for the user. Best of luck with this and let me know if you have any other questions I can answer. -Roger
Hello Roger,
I am looking to invite my friends on a 40th birthday bash at a island resort 2016 in Nov. Some are married and other singles. Any suggestions? Looking to have fun not to expensive since its about 8 months away..
Shawn W,
I’ll try to help if I can. First off, the article above is only about all-inclusive resorts, and I just want to make sure you are clear that that’s what you want. Those resorts are built such that guests arrive there straight from the airport, and pretty much stay at the resort until they go back to the airport. You can book excursions like as fishing or swimming with dolphins or cultural tours of ruins and that sort of thing, but those cost extra and many people just stay in the resort the whole time.
The nice part about that is that the larger Caribbean all-inclusives are designed to be large resort complexes with a variety of restaurants and bars and such within each one, so you can get plenty of variety. But of course you are pretty much shielded from the culture and every day life outside the resort. If that’s what you want I’ll repeat once again that Punta Cana offers the best quality at the best prices.
The Punta Cana Bahia Principe complex has 6 separate hotels inside and guests can use most of the facilities at all of them, depending on which one you book. And the Rui Punta Cana next door has 5 hotels in its complex. The room rates are very reasonable, the rooms are large and fairly luxurious, the food is surprisingly good, the beaches are gorgeous, and the drink service is excellent. I recommend either of those, although there are about 20 other resorts in the Punta Cana area that are also quite good.
However, if your group is more interested in interacting with a local culture, then I’d recommend either Playa del Carmen or the nearby island of Cozumel. Both of those also offer excellent value with reasonable flights into Cancun International. Better still, you can choose from dozens or hundreds of different restaurants and bars, with generally very good prices, depending on your mood. The beaches aren’t as nice as the Punta Cana beaches, but they are still pretty nice.
I hope this helps. If you were thinking about something different, let me know and I’ll give it another try. -Roger
Hey Roger –
Planning honeymoon vacay for July 2016 and looking for tropical all-inclusive .. DR, St. Lucia? What resort would you recommend? Any specific suggestions?
Thanks
Whitney,
If you are looking for an all-inclusive in the Caribbean then your best value by quite a bit will be in the Punta Cana area of the Dominican Republic. St. Lucia has a few resorts and it’s definitely a bit more scenic, but the resorts are quite a bit more expensive for the quality you get. Also, Punta Cana is excellent in the sense that it has a fairly new and efficient airport with lots of incoming flights, and new highways that make ground transportation a breeze.
On my trip there last year I booked at the Luxury Bahia Principe Ambar Don Pablo Collection, which is the adults-only hotel within the enormous Bahia Principe resort on the beach. The room was huge and lovely, the service was excellent, and the food was surprisingly good even in the buffets. They also have several a la carte restaurants that are included. There were many honeymoon couples there, for what it’s worth.
And amazingly, the price was so low that it felt like a mistake, yet it was all legit and you really don’t even need to tip (much) while you are there. The downside might be that the resort is huge when you include the 5 or 6 different hotels within the complex. However, at the Ambar resort, only guests staying in that hotel could use the facilities because it’s the most expensive one and it’s adults-only, so it’s actually quite exclusive and not over crowded while you are there.
In some ways it’s like a perfect vacation factory that they have set up, and the Riu resort complex immediately next door also looked amazing and guests there said it was fantastic. That said, if you would prefer a smaller hotel that feels more secluded and less polished, especially if you don’t mind paying more, then St. Lucia could be a good option. I’ve not stayed in any all-inclusives there, so I can’t personally recommend one. I hope this helps, and congratulations. -Roger
Hi, Have been to Punta Canta about 10 years ago @ an all inclusive and food options were tettible. Have they improved food quality?
John,
I was in Punta Cana in late 2015 and I was extremely impressed with the food at the buffets, and they also had included a la carte restaurants that people were quite happy with. I stayed at the Bahia Principe cluster of resorts, which I chose over the Riu cluster of resorts next door. Both of those (about 11 hotels in total) get great reviews and positive comments on food, and my experience was the same.
I can’t comment on all of the all-inclusives in Punta Cana, obviously, and I’m sure there are at least a few that spend less on food and preparation. So what I’d recommend is reading the reviews carefully on the resorts you are considering, and see what people are saying about the food. As far as I can tell, the heavy competition there has pushed many of them to do a great job with food, and the rates on those places are still really good considering all that you get. Best of luck with whatever you decide. -Roger
A good friend of mine & I (2 adult females) are looking for an all inclusive affordable vacation. We’ll be going in January next year. Prefer not to go to Mexico. Ideas?
Melanie,
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic has the best all-inclusive deals on high quality resorts in the Caribbean, so I’d look there first. It also has a new and efficient airport so getting in and out is quite easy. You’ll be amazed at what you can get for your money there. Have a great trip. -Roger
Hello Roger,
We are currently trying to decide on a winter holiday destination (Feb) and are at a bit of a crossroads. In the past we have traveled from Canada to the Bahamas (2x), Cuba(3x) and for the past 6 years to Punta Cana (we agree with best value for our money). We do love it there but would like to try somewhere new (but still affordable-mid range). We do not require nightlife or “action” but are looking to swim, relax and enjoy time as a family with our daughter (age 8). Our musts are: warmth, beautiful, clear, turquoise waters, lovely sand, we enjoy lots of palm trees on the beach but it is not a must. We are open to non all-inclusive’s as long as there are good and affordable eats nearby…we are not overly fussy (pizza/pasta is always popular with us). Are there any new places you would recommend for us? Many Thanks, Patricia
Patricia,
Whether you still want to do an all-inclusive or you are open to an a la carte hotel, I’ll highly recommend the area around Cancun. There is the main hotel zone in Cancun itself, with great beaches and a mix of all-inclusives and other hotels. Nearby you’ve got the Riviera Maya area with many large resorts leading down to the town of Playa del Carmen and the close island of Cozumel. The beaches in Playa del Carmen aren’t quite as nice as the others, but there is plenty to do and many great and affordable restaurants in the pleasant downtown area.
The only other suggestion I have is greater San Juan, Puerto Rico. There are almost no all-inclusives but it does have affordable restaurants and great variety. Most people you’ll encounter speak English so it’s easier than many other islands. Hopefully this helps and I’ll be happy to try to answer more questions if you have them. -Roger
Any suggestions for a nice spot all-inclusive, mexico, Caribbean, costa Rica, Caymens etc open to just about anything. Going on spring break but with 2 teenagers so not really “adult only” but not looking for kid-friendly either. Looking around $1500/person.
Barb,
In my opinion, the best value for all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean is in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, or in the greater Cancun area. Those airports have the most and cheapest flights from the most places, and they are both very efficient in how they are able to treat guests with a very good experience from the time you land until the time you leave again. For absolute best value and an excellent product you can’t beat Punta Cana. There are a bunch of Spanish hotel chains there that have these resort complexes that are made up of medium sized hotels that each cater to a different audience. The Riu and Bahia Principe are among the better options, and each has about 5 different hotels within one complex. One will be adults only, another is family oriented (water slides and such), and others are for mixed groups like yours. You can use the facilities at any of them (except kids can’t go into the adults places, of course), so you have an incredible number of options.
The one thing I’d point out about Punta Cana is that it’s most ideal for people who are mainly there to relax locally. There are various tours and day trips like an island excursion or swim with dolphins etc, but they are all very mass market. The Cancun area, on the other hand, has huge nightclubs and various outside restaurants, as well as trips to Chichén Itzá or Tulum, which are both famous ruins that are worth a look. Depending on where you stay, you might also be close to the town of Playa del Carmen or Cozumel, both of which are really interesting (tourist-oriented) towns with loads of other things to do.
So if you are more in the mood to stay in the resort like most people do, then Punta Cana has the best product and best value. But if you might want to see some interesting things nearby, then the Cancun area is probably the best choice. Best of luck with this and feel free to ask other questions if you have them. -Roger
Hi there Roger,
Looking for adults only AI in either eastern Caribbean or possibly southern Caribbean. Have been to both Cancun, (Playa Del Carmen, Myan Riveria, and Isla Mujeres numerous times) as well as Aruba and the Punta Cana in the DR. Now looking for something relatively easy to get to from the east coast states, preferably direct flights. Possible stay, February/March 2016. Any suggestions or favorite places of yours would be greatly appreciated.
Geri,
This is a bit tricky because something like 80 or 90% of the all-inclusive hotels in the Caribbean are all bunched in the DR, Mexico, and Jamaica, so there aren’t a great number of options on the other islands.
Jamaica isn’t everyone’s favorite island (I quite like Negril, although not necessarily for all-inclusives), but at least there are many direct and affordable flights into Montego Bay. There are many nice resorts near Montego Bay itself, as well as heading towards Ocho Rios as well as down to Negril.
But you might be happier in Antigua and Barbuda or St. Lucia, from the sound of where you’ve already been. Both of those islands have close to 20 different all-inclusive resorts, and both have frequent nonstop flights from many large North American airports. St Lucia in particular has some really good deals as long as you can get a convenient flight. Best of luck with this. -Roger
We are a wedding party of 30-40 people, is Punta Cana a good place to spend 3-4 days?
thanks,
Cathy
Cathy,
Interestingly, I’m in Punta Cana as I write this, at the Luxury Bahia Principe Ambar Resort. Punta Cana is perfect for large groups like that because the resorts are huge and the infrastructure is new and robust so you can move around quickly. Better still, the value at these all-inclusive resorts here is amazing. They deliver a first-class product at a surprisingly reasonable price.
Also, there are dozens of honeymoon couples at this resort at any given time, so they are well suited to helping with celebrations and decorations and such. This particular resort is actually 6 resorts in one, with over 3,500 total rooms. I’m in the adults-only wing, and there are also family wings and more modestly priced areas. And there are quite a few similar resorts nearby, including the Riu resort next door, which also looks great. So yes, I highly recommend Punta Cana for a large destination wedding, and you won’t find a better deal anywhere. Have a great trip. -Roger
Is November a bad time to go to Dominican Republic? I read that it rains alot in Nov.
Reg,
The Dominican Republic doesn’t actually get very much rain at all. It’s true that November is officially part of the wet season, but most of the island only gets a few inches (10 cm) during the month. In Punta Cana, which is the most popular resort area, it’s even less. I’m actually headed to Punta Cana myself on October 19.
Also, the rain in tropical areas like the DR tends to come and go quickly. In other words, it will be sunny for most of the day, and then clouds form around 3pm. Then it pours for maybe 20 minutes, and the clouds are gone by 4pm. So even if it does rain, you just get under cover for a short time and then resume your holiday. Have a great trip. -Roger