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
Hi Roger,
I am enjoying the quality of this blog. Thanks! It is giving me reassurance that my choice of an all inclusive in St. Lucia is a good one. I have an Interval International exchange opportunity at a resort that offers a mandatory All Inclusive. St. James We stayed at their sister resort in Antigua which at the time was not al all inclusive, but was first rate. We normally like to explore each island, but this exchange week is expiring in 6 months, so why not try our first all inclusive here. The air fare from New York is a pleasant surprise on Jet Blue.
Hello, I like to ask if I could have a 2 months vacation for 2 person in all inclusive Hotel from January 2017 in Dominican Republic for low Price, Thank you Best Regards A Bene
Andre,
You’ll have a better chance of getting a discount if you contact one of the resorts directly. Punta Cana generally has the best deals as far as quality and price. Good luck. -Roger
Hi,
I’m looking for a Caribbean all inclusive during the fourth of July week in 2017 for our 15 yr anniversary. Any recommendations within a budget of $5,000 (for two including airfare from NYC)?
Thank you
Take Care,
On that budget you can afford pretty much any island that has all-inclusives, so it’s hard to recommend one island and one resort. Strange as it may sound, the islands that have many of the more affordable AI resorts also have many of the best. You can find excellent resorts in the Cancun area and in Punta Cana, and they provide great value even at a higher price.
Another factor is that most people tend to stay within their resort the whole time, except for maybe a daytime excursion or two, so as long as the resort itself is wonderful, it doesn’t matter too much if there isn’t much else around. All of that said, at your budget if you are looking for something special, I’d probably recommend St. Lucia, which might be the most beautiful of the islands on this list, or Antigua or Barbados. Those islands have smaller resorts that might feel a bit more special and exclusive. Then plug in your dates to an online travel agency such as Expedia and see which places are offering the best promotions. You’ll be able to get something really good, even if you decide to spend a bit less. I hope this helps. -Roger
Roger, thanks for all your great analysis. I am planning to take my wife and 2 teenage kids somewhere in the Caribbean for our 25th anniversary next June. I want something family friendly, on the beach. All inclusive would be great but not required. Our budget will be approximately $7,000. We’ve been to Bahamas, Jamaica, Aruba and Mexico, and would like to try something different. We’ve started looking at St. Lucia and Barbados. What would you suggest?
Brad,
Since you have a pretty good budget, I think St. Lucia or Barbados would be ideal. There are a decent number of really nice all-inclusives on both islands, and in general you’ll get much more of an upmarket experience compared to Jamaica, Aruba, or most of Mexico. St Lucia is mountainous and definitely more photogenic, but that means that it’s also harder to get around the island. Barbados has more and better beaches, and it might be better for a family because there are more things to do in or near the resorts. It’s a tough call, but both have great reputations and people go back year after year, so either would be a good choice. -Roger
My biggest question in finding the best all inclusive Caribbean location is Entertainment. I wish there was an easy way to search the AI Resorts with the best entertainment.
Kris,
This is an interesting question and I’m going to think about how I might be able to answer it in the future. From what I’ve seen, the entertainment at all-inclusive resorts tends to be fairly generic family-friendly shows until 8pm and then generic variety shows and such after that. Then there are the resorts with casinos, but I’m not aware of any good place to find listings and reviews of specifically the entertainment at these resorts. If I come up with an idea, I’ll post it here. -Roger
Hi Roger, we have a wedding to attend in Miami, FL in November and were planning to take a flight from there to Cancun. We have been to Cancun 3 times but only in the summer(we really have enjoyed our time there).we have never traveled to the Caribbean in the fall and don’t know what to expect. Also, we like trying new resorts every time we go, can you recommend an all inclusive in the hotel zone, (not too expensive,we are on a budget), good for relaxing and that offer on site evening entertainment. We are in our early 50’s and we are not interested in the off property nightclubs 🙂 thanks for any suggestions in advance.
Martha,
It can be challenging to recommend specific hotels without knowing your preferred budget and travel dates, because a resort that might be US$250 a night for dates that I’m looking at, might be US$350 a night for your real dates. That said, if I were your travel agent based on the information you’ve provided, the first resorts I’d ask you to consider would be the Omni Cancun Hotel & Villas and the GR Caribe By Solaris Deluxe, and perhaps also the Beach Palace. All of those are top-rated all-inclusives in the Hotel Zone that have rooms in fall well under US$300 per night for two people. Between those three, I think you’ll find something that suits you very well.
Cancun in the fall isn’t much different from Cancun in the summer. It’s just a bit cooler, and there can be those fast rainstorms, but you always see them coming and they are almost over in 30 minutes or so. Have a great trip. -Roger
Hi Roger. Never been to an all inclusive but wanting to try one this fall, mid October. We’ve been to several Caribbean islands (via cruise) and really like Aruba. Never been to Punta Cana but want to go there as well. Any particular resort in Punta Cana you recommend? Our ages are early 50’s. We don’t care about excursions, etc. We’re mainly looking for nice relaxing time with an upscale modern/contemporary resort, but something that isn’t stuffy or that requires dressy attire, etc. We also like to be close to casino for some night time entertainment. Thanks for your help!
Mark,
Based on what you’ve said, it sounds like Punta Cana is indeed the ideal destination. The newer and larger resorts there are gorgeous, modern, and immaculate, which is hard to believe when you see how low the room rates are for what you get.
As for recommendations, if a casino is important then there are a few resorts that have them, and a couple others (like the Hard Rock) that are easy to visit for an evening from other resorts. Aside from that, I can highly recommend the Grand Bahia Principe Punta Cana Resort, which is where I stayed most recently. Like several others, there are 5 or 6 different hotels in the same compound, with some being family oriented and others being adults-only, and some being a bit more upscale (although still at amazing prices). If you are staying at one of the adults-only hotels along the beach (others are a bit inland from the beach), you can go into any restaurant or pool or bar in the whole place. The beach is amazing along there, and it’s very relaxing.
I also toured the similar place next door (also enormous) Riu Palace Punta Cana, which has a similar set up and similar room rates. Both get great reviews, and I can see why. Both are part of large and well respected Spanish resort chains, so they really know how to create a professional product.
The Hard Rock Casino is just north of those two resorts, but I didn’t visit it. Before I went, I narrowed it down to those two resorts I mentioned, which seemed almost identical and both had great reviews. In the end I chose Bahia Principe because they had free wi-fi all over the resort, and I need it. I think in the Riu it was only in the rooms. Still, from the looks of it, there are many other great resorts along that gorgeous beach area, so if you see a deal somewhere else, don’t limit yourself. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Thanks for the quick response!! Will definitely check it out. From the website it looks like it’s formal attire for dinner. Am I reading that correctly?
Mark,
Hmmm…while I was at the Bahia Principe, I only ate at the buffet restaurants, although there are a few included a la carte places if you make a reservation. And at least in the buffet, the dress code could not have been more casual. There’s even a lunch buffet just a few steps from the beach, overlooking a huge pool, and people in there often ate in swimwear. In the main buffet, which is definitely kind of a high-end place with very good food and many choices, shorts and t-shirts were fine, and that’s all I wore the whole time I was there. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Hi Roger,
A group of us travel annually around February. We have been to Punta Cana, Cabo San Lucas, Montego Bay Jamaica, and Cozumel. We really came to enjoy the great snorkeling experience right from the resort beach in Cozumel. Do you have any other suggestions for an all inclusive that may offer the same experience?
Eileen,
This is an interesting request. I’m not much of a snorkeler or scuba person myself, but I do know a fair amount about which are the Caribbean places most known for that. And unfortunately, they tend to be clustered in certain islands, while the all-inclusives are very clustered in other islands. As you can see on the list above, the all-in resorts are mostly in 6 or 7 areas in the Caribbean, with a few spread around a few other places.
From what I can see, Ocho Rios has quite good snorkeling, even better than nearby Montego Bay. As you might know, Ochi is about 90 minutes from the Montego Bay Airport along the north coast, and there are quite a few large all-in resorts along there. There’s also that amazing waterfall just outside of Ocho Rios, so that’s another good day.
Aside from that, I think you might have to go to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or the area along the so-called Riviera Maya between them to get room rates similar to what you are used to. My favorite is the Playa del Carmen area, which you probably know is just across the straight from Cozumel itself. There are many great all-in resorts there, and it’s a really fun city in general.
Or you could look into Antigua & Barbuda, or St. Lucia. I believe there is good snorkeling off those, and both of those have at least a few all-ins to consider, although just a bit up the price scale. Good luck and let me know if you have other questions. -Roger
Hi Roger, I am planning a kind of last minute trip to the Caribbean for the last weekend of June. Either 4 or 5 nights. I don’t care for Jamaica so that’s out. I’m wondering what you suggest as a good place for 2 women in their late 20’s? Kind of looking for a good mixture of party scene and other young adults, but also a nice spa, maybe shopping and surfing and restaurants. It would be nice to stay somewhere that there is a little more to offer than just the resort, but not a requirement. Oh and maybe a casino? And looking for an all inclusive, especially if it includes airfare. With it being “low” season, and last minute, where would you suggest to book through? Is there any sites that do good last minute travel deals?
Thank you! Sorry for a million questions! Lol
Katiee,
Yes, Jamaica has its fans, but I also understand why many people prefer not to go back. For what you have in mind I’m going to suggest Playa del Carmen, which is an hour south of Cancun airport by shuttle or taxi. Actually, that whole coastal area is known as the Riviera Maya, and it has dozens of large stand-alone resorts, many of which are all-inclusive. Those tend to be the huge resorts that are designed so guests never leave, except for perhaps a daytime excursion or two. That might not be what you are looking for, but there are also smaller resorts in and near Playa del Carmen, as well as over on the nearby island of Cozumel.
I’m not sure if there are any proper all-inclusives right in Playa del Carmen, but you might consider just a normal hotel instead. Cancun, as you may know, is mostly a long strip of high-rise hotels and time-shares, with a few spring-break-style nightclubs near the center. Playa del Carmen, on the other hand, is a real town with hundreds of restaurants and quite a few night spots that are better suited to people out of their college years. So even if you booked at an all-inclusive hotel and you weren’t enjoying the nightlife there, you could easily jump in a taxi and be in PdC shortly. I do believe there is at least one casino there, but I think that it’s mostly slot machines and not like a proper resort casino that you could find on some of the smaller Caribbean islands.
If that doesn’t appeal to you then I’d suggest St. Lucia or Aruba. Those both have what you have described, although at a much higher price. They are also far smaller so you have fewer options, but there is something to be said for more of an “exclusive” destination, if you know what I mean.
You should be able to get a great deal this time of the year for a last-minute booking. June is slow in this region because it’s before the Europeans arrive in July. Believe it or not, I find that Expedia is the best choice to book these resorts and air+hotel packages. They do offer loads of last-minute resort deals, and the same airfares that you can get anywhere else, which can be bundled in. Best of all, they make it clear how much you would pay if you booked all through the process. There is another company called CheapCaribbean and you might check them as well, but I find them incredibly annoying because they seem to try to sucker you in with low rates and package prices, which suddenly jump up to the same as every other site on the last screen after you put your credit card in. No worries about the questions, and feel free to ask more if you have them. -Roger
Hi Roger,
I am going to Jamaica and staying with my bro for the first week I am there. 2nd week I will need accommodation and want to relax, so all incl resort is what I am looking for. So, couple of questions: Is it better to look for something once I am there? Or better to book hotel/AI thru internet or agent before I go. And, if I book thru an agency is it better to book with air, even though I will not be staying the entire time at a resort? The dilemma… if I book before is it more expensive? If I wait until I’m there will they raise the prices to a ridiculous amount so I pay more? Thanks!!
Sandra,
I’ve never heard of anyone booking an all-inclusive resort in person on the spot, although I’m sure that at least a few people do it every day. I’m 99% sure that you’d get a far better price booking online before you leave. Those all-in resorts are very competitive in price at online travel agencies because they know that cheaper places get listed on top. If you show up in person, they know that it’s a huge hassle for you to go from place to place shopping around, so they don’t have much incentive to give you a decent discount. But online, they have to discount heavily just to stay full.
Expedia tends to have the same discounted rates as the other online sources, and they are the easiest to use with the most information at your fingertips, so I’d start with them. As for doing an air-hotel bundle, you’ll have to test it yourself. I think on some websites you can only bundle a flight for the same period as the resort you booked, though Expedia should let you just add your flight and resort, even if they are different dates. If you can do that it will probably be your best deal, but it should be pretty easy to compare the separate prices in just a few minutes, so you will know for sure before you book.
Also, the all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica are quite large and spread out, so you’d have to pay a taxi to take you to one and wait for you and then take you to another one a few kilometers away to check their prices, which would be a headache. It’s MUCH easier to have a place booked and then take a shuttle or taxi directly there from your brother’s place, knowing you’ll be staying there. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Roger,
Thank you so much for your quick response. I kind of figure they’d have you paying more showing up in person, however, I’d probably just call around, rather than travel. That being said… it kind of takes time away from the water & beach & sun… lol! I did check with some of the online travel agencies and I think that is the best route. So, thanks again,,, Very much appreciate your expertise on the subject!! Cheers… S