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
Hello,
I enjoy your site and find that it offers more detail and honesty than many other websites. My family (hubby, 17, 18, 20 year old children) have traveled to Punta Cana and the Riviera Maya several times at various all inclusives. We love entertainment and one requirement for us is nightly entertainment in the form of a show of some sort. Which resorts provide nightly shows that last more than an hour? Our experience is that some resorts have a 30-45 minute show and that is it. Sometimes there is nothing to do after the show :-(. My older children are not into the club scene so we are always looking for something to do as a family after dinner and the show. Any suggestions regarding resorts with nightly entertainment that last more than an hour or at least offer something else to do other than the club? thank you
Tara,
Thank you for the kind words. I’m not sure how much help I’ll be on this though. My experience has been similar to yours in that the resorts that have shows tend to have a main feature that lasts a bit under an hour, and they end fairly early. I’m going to look into this and see if I can come up with something. I know some resorts are more focused on “nightlife” than others, but that tends to be the club scene that you mentioned. If I find something I will add it to this comment and send you an email. This is a good question.
Have you considered a cruise? I assume you are aware of those as an option, but just in case I thought I’d mention it. The larger ships that do the main Caribbean cruises are seemingly endless shows and activities for all age groups. Sorry I couldn’t be more help right away on this. -Roger
Thank you for your reply. Yes, my husband and I have been on several cruises, but we much prefer land vacations.
Hi, Roger.
Your site is proving to be invaluable as we try to plan our honeymoon during the fist week of October 2017. I’m leaning toward DR, am also considering Negril, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos. I definitely want to do all inclusive with flight, but we would also be interested in doing things outside the resort. I think the ruins and activities outside of some of the resorts in Mexico or Central America would have been ideal, but it seems as if the rain averages are extremely high in that part of the world in the early fall. Any ideas and/or guidance? I would love to keep this around $3000ish USD, if possible, but I’m reasonable and flexible when it comes to both price and location. But I keep getting hung up on what to do outside the resort, especially since we plan on staying for about a week.
Hartsel,
I’m happy to hear that this information is useful. I see your conundrum.
Punta Cana has a very mild rainy season so October is yet another mostly-sunny month, but honestly there isn’t even really a town there to visit, much less any ruins or other cultural attractions. You can take a day trip to Santo Domingo from the all-inclusive resorts, but it’s not really too interesting or photogenic.
Negril is a lot of fun, though there also isn’t really a town to visit or good nearby cultural sights. There are some natural sights in that area that you can visit. And really the great thing about Negril is that it’s “old school Jamaica” compared to the huge resorts along the northern shore.
I’ve yet to make it to Los Cabos, and I’m not aware of any real cultural sights around there. I believe it was a small fishing village up until 40 or 50 years ago, so almost everything there is fairly new.
Puerto Vallarta, on the other hand, is a historic colonial town that is really nice and interesting. It looks like October isn’t a very rainy month there either. There is plenty to do outside of a resort in that area, including cultural and natural sights. I think you’d be happy there.
And Cancun does get quite rainy in October, which is a real shame because the Tulum and Chichen Itza ruins there are fabulous, and the town of Playa del Carmen is also a really nice place to spend some out-of-resort time. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Hello Roger,
I’m planning a trip for April 2018. Budget of around $3500. Willing to go above if it is exceptional but would rather go below. Location doesn’t matter because we plan to spend the whole day at the resort. We would like a lot of food options is probably our only need. Obviously a lot of wants (activities, swim out room, etc). I have read a lot of your comments and you seem to keep pointing to Punta Cana and Cancun. Do you have any particular resort recommendations because there is such a wide variety it can be overwhelming looking through all of them. Basically any advice on making a choice, I am open for any advice.
Thanks for your time,
Jesse Mortensen
Jesse,
I’m glad you read the comments above because it’s true that Punta Cana is really your best bet for what you have in mind. For those who want to do things outside of a resort, there are some better options in some cases. But the resorts in Punta Cana are really wonderful for those seeking a pure all-inclusive experience. There are plenty of off-site excursions you can do from Punta Cana resorts, so you aren’t trapped there. It’s just that Punta Cana is a mostly new region that has been developed by Spanish resort chains that are able to offer an excellent product at a very good price. And as mentioned, the airport is quite new, and so are the main roads, so getting in and out is very easy compared to most other islands.
We do have a list of our favorite Punta Cana resorts for different types of visitors. That should help you narrow it down a bit. But honestly with those resorts you can rely on the recent reviews from Expedia and TripAdvisor. The places are so large and busy that they get many reviews and the reviews tend to agree on most things.
Personally I can recommend the group of resorts at Grand Bahia Principe as well as the Rui resorts next door. Each of those complexes has 5 or 6 different hotels that make up one huge place, and guests can use most of the facilities within their group. There is one meant for families and another for adults-only, and a luxury hotel on the beach itself, and a few other options. Check Expedia for your travel dates and look for the best promotional rates for a place that gets great reviews. Places that aren’t too full yet will often offer really good rates, and it’s hard to know which ones will be doing that for any given set of dates. Have a great trip. -Roger
Hi…..planning July 017 vacation getaway and Cancun was our choice. We have actually already paid deposits.
However I am getting wary of the destination with the current status of the relationship between the US and Mexico and the talks of building walls.
Am I being paranoid….should we change destination and if so where would you suggest that would be same price points.
Thanks in advance….
Tonya,
I may not have any more information than you do, but I wouldn’t worry about Cancun being different in July than it is now. Tourism a huge industry in Mexico and it’s very important to all parties that it continues, in spite of some of the threats. If you hadn’t paid a deposit you might consider shopping around, but personally I’d stay the course and assume you’ll go.
Just in case something really big does happen, you’d probably have plenty of time to make a new plan, and they might even return your deposit. Nevertheless, I think you’ll be fine. -Roger
Hi and thank you for your expertise.. What is the best website to Purchase an all inclusive resort and flights for a couple on a budget?? looking to celebrate our five anniversary.
James,
I prefer Expedia, which actually has the same prices as other sites, and they often have their own special promotions. When I compare prices on other sites, they all tend to be the same in the end, but some show lower prices until you get to the last screen, where the other taxes and fees show up. Sometimes CheapCaribbean.com has good deals as well, but that’s one of the sites where your price jumps up only when you are about to pay. You might also try kayak.com, which shows the room rates from many other sites. They don’t offer package deals though. Expedia does offer package prices including airfare. Sorry I don’t have a better answer. -Roger
Hi Roger,
My friend, my sister and I would like to get out of the cold (MN)and find a very warm beach to stay at for 2-3 wks. We are open for suggestions. All-inclusive is great as we all love to eat. We will have my 19 mth old son with us. We are not huge partiers. Looking more for warmth, beach, ocean, food, and culture and SAFETY. It doesn’t matter if we stay in a hotel or bungalow. We would just like to be on/near the beach/ocean. Please give me your ideas. We are ready to go.
Dawn,
If you really want to stay in an all-inclusive then your best bets would be Punta Cana or near Playa del Carmen. Two to 3 weeks sounds like a long time to be eating at the same buffets for every meal, however. And if you don’t drink much, an all-inclusive may not be great value, especially with a toddler to look after.
Another thing about those all-inclusives is that you are generally very safe as long as you stay within the compound, but once you get outside of those compounds you can be in much less-safe neighborhoods. So again, if you want to spend 2 to 3 weeks in a compound, you’ll be fine.
Still though, my favorite place to hang out for a longer period in the Caribbean is San Juan, Puerto Rico. The touristy areas along the beaches are very safe and quite well organized compared to most of the rest of the Caribbean. It is the United States, after all. There are some dodgy areas inland a bit, but you can stay away from those and have a fantastic time. The beaches in and near the city are wonderful as well.
One reason I like it and recommend it there is that there are many nice apartment buildings in San Juan where the residents rent them out most of the year. That competition keeps prices reasonable, and a large apartment can be cheaper than a small hotel room. There are loads of great restaurants there, as well as large supermarkets to do your own shopping. My preference is the Condado neighborhood, which is also close to the gorgeous and historic Old San Juan. But the areas along the beach closer to the airport are quite nice as well, if a bit farther from Old San Juan.
You can get by quite well with just English, which isn’t true in many Caribbean places. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Roger,
Are you able to comment or rank the quality of the drinking water in the various Caribbean/Mexican locations?
We’ve been to Cancun and a few islands, and we’ve had a few trips where one or both of us have gotten sick. Nothing ruins a trip more than getting sick. We suspect we caught the bug during a day trip to Chichen Itza, more so than in Cancun.
Are some places better than others?
thanks
Peter,
This is an interesting question, but I’m afraid I won’t be of much help. I think the tap water might be safe in San Juan, Puerto Rico, but I’m not even sure of that. Especially with your Cancun experiences, it’s best to stick to bottled water in the Caribbean. I think the bigger problem is that sometimes they wash fruits and vegetables in unsafe water at street stalls and casual places, so even if you are drinking bottled water you might still get unlucky. I had horrible food poisoning in Guatemala, which I think I got from eating a couple small slices of watermelon. I wish I knew more about this. Good luck. -Roger
Hi Roger,
This is a fantastic website you have here. I am looking for advise on planning a trip in March 2017. We will be traveling as 2 adults and 2 children aged 11 and 6 years old and we are leaning towards an all inclusive for 2 weeks but at this point we would be open to a la carte, we are price conscious. The last time we hoped on a plane to travel was in 2013 for our destination wedding from Canada to Punta Cana. New years resolution is to travel more 🙂 any advise would be greatly appreciated
Zaina,
For an all-inclusive resort that is suited for families, you really can’t beat Punta Cana or Puerto Plata for value. For a modest room rate you get an excellent room, good food, and a long list of included activities that the children will enjoy. You can find some similar resorts in the Cancun area, although prices will be a bit higher.
You mention that you are intending to “travel” more. One thing about an all-inclusive resort is that it’s more like visiting one resort than it is like traveling. So you get away from home, but you don’t really learn much about the place you are visiting.
If you are open to a non-all-inclusive experience you might consider Playa del Carmen, which is a bit south of Cancun. Two weeks might be a long time there, but there is plenty to see and do, including some good nearby cultural sights such as Tulum.
Another option that could be a good budget choice is San Juan, Puerto Rico. The strategy there would be to rent an apartment near one of the beaches, so you could do a bit of your own cooking. The hotels in San Juan tend to be pricey, but there are so many nice apartment buildings in the Condado area and elsewhere around San Juan that are rented by the week, that they are really good value. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Hello Roger,
You seem to be the guru here, so I have a question for you. I was planning a 5-7 day vacation with my 12 year old daughter. Do you have any suggestions that might cater to some outdoor adventures and hiking? We are also both certified SCUBA divers, so that would be nice to include in the mix.
Thank you.
Larry,
Since you are asking this question at the bottom of an article about all-inclusive resort destinations, I am wondering how important that is to you? I’d think for a trip with a 12-year-old daughter that an all-inclusive might not be good value, since a good chunk of the room rate goes towards the free-flowing alcohol.
Based on what you have in mind, the island that sounds best for you is Curaçao. It’s got really good SCUBA diving and also some national parks with interesting sights and very good hiking. It’s also not much of a party island, so I think it would suit you.
Another island that has what you are after is Barbados. It’s larger with a wider range of resorts, so you might compare both of those. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Hello Roger,
I am looking to have my bridal party (6 of us) on a beach somewhere in February for my bachelorette. Do you have any suggestions on the best place with the best activities (things chicks like to do- shop, go on a boat, swim, jet skiing and look pretty on a beach lol!) around that time of the year?
Many thanks in advance.
Bride-to-be,
Sorry for the delay in responding. I just returned from a holiday road trip.
You can find most or all of the things on your list on just about every Caribbean island, although some are much quieter than others and not all of them have nice beaches. And depending on your budget, some islands might be better than others. Hmmm…
My first suggestion would be either Cancun or Playa del Carmen, and both of them have many great accommodation options in a wide range of prices. Cancun is mostly a strip of hotel towers along an excellent beach with a few shopping malls, night clubs, and restaurants in between. Playa del Carmen is about 40 miles south, and it’s a complete town (rather than just a strip of hotel) with far more to do and far more shopping and dining choices. The beaches aren’t quite as nice, but you can take a ferry across to Cozumel for nicer ones and more to see and do. Personally, Playa del Carmen is my pick for what you have in mind.
Since you asked this question below a list of islands for all-inclusive resorts, I’m wondering if you want an all-inclusive? I really wouldn’t recommend it for this sort of trip, although you can actually find some great all-inclusive choices in that same area I mentioned. I think all-inclusives are ideal for couples and families, and not ideal for singles or groups who want to mingle and mix with locals and the destination.
More expensive and with no all-inclusive choices, Nassau, Bahamas could be perfect for you as well. More specifically you could find resort no Paradise Island, which is just across the bridge from Nassau, and going back and forth is easy by taxi. The beaches there are great and you’ll find everything on your list in a really fun atmosphere.
Another one to consider is St. Lucia, which is also more expensive and harder to reach than the Cancun area, but it has everything you are after. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger