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
Do you have any insight on destination weddings? We are looking for all inclusive (middle of the road budget). We are flexible with dates to help keep the budget lower. I would like a resort with options for all ages as far as activities, pools, restaurants.
Kim,
I don’t have much information on destination wedding destinations, but I do know that many of the better resorts in the Caribbean offer really nice packages. You might check one of the Beaches resorts, as they are the family-friendly part of the Sandals chain, which is the finest in the Caribbean. I know they have packages that if you book, say, 5 rooms for guests then the wedding couple gets a free room and can do their wedding at one of the ultra-scenic locations on their properties. They are all-inclusive resorts and they are always offering pretty deep discounts on their normal (high) room rates. You can get similar packages like that from other Caribbean resorts, and generally you’ll get much better value than in Hawaii. You can get good package deals in the Mexico beach resort areas as well. I hope this helps. Best of luck with it. -Roger
I’m looking for vacation in March for my husband and I from Chicago. Where is the best place to go that will offer variety of thing to do beside sitting around on the beach. THANK YOU.
Joel,
My favorite tropical destinations that have a lot to do other than just sitting on the beach or staying within a resort complex are Playa del Carmen, which is just south of Cancun, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. As you’ve certainly heard, Puerto Rico was devastated by a hurricane a few months ago, but San Juan itself was the first area to get back to normal, and especially the tourist areas like Condado Beach and Old San Juan. From what I hear there are still businesses that have yet to reopen, but by March I think you’d barely notice it and not only could you probably get some good deals, but you’d be helping them out. Old San Juan is a gorgeous colonial town with fantastic bars, restaurants, shopping, and sights. And the beaches even near the center of San Juan are some of the best in the Caribbean. Still, I can understand why some people might not want to go there quite yet.
Playa del Carmen is also a full town that has hundreds of small hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, and everything else you’d want. Unlike Cancun itself, which is mainly just a strip of high-rise hotels and time-share buildings along a lovely beach, Playa del Carmen is a proper tourist city with many choices of things to do. The beach on Playa del Carmen is good rather than great, but you can also take the ferry across to Cozumel for better beaches. There are the interesting ruins of Tulum nearby, and the blockbuster ruins of Chichen Itza as the most popular day trip. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Norwegian Cruise Lines is offering 4 days trips to the Bahamas and Cuba leaving from Florida. They dock in Nassau and Havana and offer day long excursions in those areas. For many Americans like myself, this is a good way to visit Cuba. You’re doing a great job Roger. Thank you!
Phil,
Good point. I’d like to see Havana and a cruise seems like a good way to at least see the highlights. The normal “cultural” visits that Americans can still go on seem wildly overpriced at this point. -Roger
How come CUBA is not on the list. I LOVE to travel, been to a lot of these places and more but CUBA continues to be my favourite all inclusive budget destination!
Karen,
That is an interesting question. The majority (almost 60%) of visitors to this site are Americans, and we still can’t stay at the all-inclusive resorts in Cuba. A few years ago I added Varadero, Cuba to the main Caribbean islands by price article, for the sake of non-US visitors. But I also know that the all-inclusive resorts in Varadero are very popular and also very cheap, so I will add an extra entry for Cuba to this list soon. Thank you for the reminder. -Roger
Hi Roger,
Just discovered this site. I am single, not looking for a meet-up except with nature. I welcome good fresh food and drinks but my goal is for mindless relaxation by snorkeling, walking on the beach, napping etc. I would like to travel the last week of June. I hope to stay 10 days. I do have some flexibility. I am open to suggestions for the best places and prices. Your thoughts would be gratefully appreciated.
Cotton,
Since you mention that price is one of your issues, I’d recommend staying somewhere near Playa del Carmen. Flights into Cancun are relatively cheap, and the resorts in that area are very good value so you get a lot for your money. You might even consider staying on Cozumel, which is a short ferry ride away from Playa del Carmen.
You could get even better value in the Dominican Republic, but I wouldn’t recommend it for nature lovers, since most of the resorts are huge and built on giant plots of manicured land and beaches. There also are many worthwhile sights nearby, where in Playa del Carmen you can go to nearby Tulum and also Chichen Itza on a day trip, both of which are very worthwhile.
The main issue I’d recommend you research is to find an all-inclusive resort that suits the social scene that you want. The reason I say this is that I did a solo research trip to Punta Cana and I stayed in the adults-only luxury wing of the Bahia Principe Resort there. The resort was fabulous and I was extremely impressed by it, but it was not well set up for a solo traveler at all. I don’t blame them for designing the resort to cater to couples and groups, as that is 99% of their business. The problem I had was that all of the bars and restaurants were set up that each table was somewhat private. So if I had a drink in one of the lounges, I would take up a table for 4, and I’d be 10 feet away from the next tables. The only “social” bar was this tiny sports bar that was in a weird corner of the resort. I wasn’t going there to find romance or make friends, but still I did find it a bit awkward to be the only solo person in a sea of couples and groups.
That said, I’m sure some resorts are better set up for solo travelers. And Playa del Carmen itself is a very cool town where you can take a taxi into the center and have everything at your fingertips. If that appeals to you it would be better to find a resort that is close to the town, as many of them are spread way up and down the coast.
If I was to do another all-inclusive resort by myself, I’d check the reviews to see what other solo visitors said. I’m sure there are some places that are better suited to singles than the place I went to. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Hello!
Roger you are so helpful and informative, I just knew when I started reading that you were the BEST person to ask for advice for what we are trying to plan. My husband and I are celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary on May 30th and are trying to decide where to go. We may be bringing our 14 year old son, not sure on that yet, but basically what we are looking for is an all inclusive trip for a week and to a place that’s NOT crowded. We love our privacy and if we could afford to stay at a place with only us we would lol.
Is there anywhere you would recommend staying that would be somewhat less crowded and not a lot of people left and right?
Thanks so much!
Tracey
Tracey,
Congratulations on the upcoming anniversary, and it’s flattering that you think I am the one to help. The obvious dilemma is that the standard business model for all-inclusive resorts is to have enough guests there at any given time to make providing all of those things affordable enough to be worthwhile. So in general, all-inclusive resorts tend to be large. I might have other ideas if I think about it more, but right now my first idea could interest you…
In Central America there are a handful of small overwater bungalow resorts that mostly run on an all-inclusive basis. They are mostly “eco resorts” where rooms do not have all of the electronics, but are still very comfortable. Have a look at some of these a bit down the page on this list of overwater bungalow resorts in the Caribbean. A few of these places have about 6 total rooms, which are far smaller than any other all-inclusive that I know of.
If none of those appeal to you you might still have a look in some of those areas, particularly in the San Blas Islands of Panama. From what I’ve seen they have smaller resorts there and you might find a land resort that could work. Another place to look would be the islands of Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker in Belize. I don’t know how many all-inclusives they have there, but I do know that nearly all of the resorts are fairly small and also spread apart to some degree. Belize seems to specialize in small-scale tourism, and it has a totally different feeling than the Dominican Republic or Mexico. Hopefully that gives you a few ideas. Let me know if I can help more. -Roger
I am going to Now Larimar in punta Cana in May. I have seen that unlike other Caribbean islands I’ve visited, The Dominican Republic has MalarIa, along with the typical problems of chikungunya, Dengue and Zika, they seem to have more problems with food poisoning, cholera and typhoid! I’m wondering if Jamaica or Cuba might have been a safer option. Also as it is on the Atlantic side and I prefer swimming in calm flat warm water I was wondering how rough the water is, as I like swimming in the sea not pools?
Olivia,
I’m no expert on insect-born Tropical diseases, but I can tell you that the Dominican Republic has hundreds of large all-inclusive resorts, mostly in Punta Cana, and I haven’t heard of any guests contracting malaria or any of the others. I believe malaria is common in jungles and rain forests and less common on windy beaches.
As for food poisoning I believe that is more of a resort-by-resort issue. If a restaurant has lax hygiene procedures you can get food poisoning anywhere. If hotel reviews start showing groups of people who have come down with food poisoning, it could ruin their reputation quickly. In my experience the big chain hotels do a great job with this because they know how important food safety is. But if you see a hotel that has problems with it, then avoiding it is probably best.
As an American I haven’t been to Cuba so I can’t comment. But Jamaica is definitely more wild than the DR. In Punta Cana the resorts are set in manicured grounds that were mostly empty before that, but in Jamaica they are more set in the natural forest and beaches and such. In other words, I’d guess that the DR is a bit safer than Jamaica, but it’s only a guess.
The sea water in the Bavaro Beach area where your resort is is quite calm. It’s not turquoise, of course, but the tiny waves aren’t nearly big enough even for body surfing, much less actual surfing. I think you’ll have a great time there. -Roger
I am looking for an affordable family-friendly all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean. Mexico is an option, but Jamaica is not. The budget is extremely important but so is safety and quality. Any come to mind? If I could choose, Turks/Caicos, Barbados, USVI, St Marteen, Bahamas, Aruba…but am open to suggestions. If kids stay free, that’s an added bonus! Thanks!
Marcia,
One sort of strange thing about all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean is that they are almost all concentrated on the islands listed here. We list any island or destination that has at least 4 all-inclusive resorts, so the islands not listed have 3 or fewer. If you aren’t interested in the Dominican Republic, which has the most, you should probably focus on Mexico if budget is a priority. Flights into the Cancun airport are going to be quite a bit cheaper than to most of the islands on your list, and since there are well over 100 all-inclusive resorts in that area, you get more for your money as well.
In my opinion the area around Cancun is extremely safe. Personally, I’m more partial to Playa del Carmen and Cozumel, which are both on the list above, than Cancun itself. Cancun has slightly better beaches, but those other two have far more things to see and do outside of the resorts. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Hey Roger,
Can you please help and potentially give me some advice?
My girlfriend and I (both 25) are looking pretty last second to plan a trip in either Puerto Plata or Punta Cana for the week of April 17.
We took a look at the weather and it appeared every single day has the forecast of rain/thunderstorms. Is it a bad time to go during the middle of April or are those weather forecasts most likely false? Also, I read a few comments above regarding Luxury Bahia resorts. Is there a specific one you’d recommend? We are looking to just go and relax. Additionally, would you suggest Punta Cana over Puerto Plata? I noticed the prices are significantly cheaper at Puerto Plata, but I’d rather spend a bit more to not be disappointed.
Looking forward to hearing back from you,
Thank you!
Peter,
The real wet season in the Dominican Republic starts in May and goes on through November, but it doesn’t have a season where you can expect long periods of rain over days and weeks. The rain storms are typical of the Tropics, where it’s clear in the morning and then starts clouding up in the mid afternoon. Then around 3pm the skies might open up for 20 minutes or so, but you can see what is happening so it’s usually easy to reach shelter. Then it suddenly stops and starts clearing up, with the skies often being blue again by 6pm. As a result, the weather forecast will have to mention that thundershowers are possible or likely for that day, even though they usually only last 30 minutes or so. And sometimes they happen overnight.
Once in a while you might get unlucky and a storm will last for a few hours, but almost never more than that, and usually way shorter. The rain also brings temperatures down a bit, which can feel welcome. These thunderstorms can happen any time of year, although more from May through November than the other months.
Punta Cana has a better and newer airport, and most of the big resorts there are newer as well. The beaches are also a bit nicer.
Bahia Principe is a Spanish chain of higher-end resort hotels, and the Luxury label is used for their best properties. The only one I’ve stayed at is the one in Punta Cana and I was extremely impressed by the quality and what you get for the money. Overall I think you should pay close attention to the reviews of the resorts and find one that matches what you are looking for. Many of the resorts in Puerto Plata are very nice as well, and there are some less-nice ones in Punta Cana. The Spanish chains, including Riu, seem to offer very good value there. I’m sure you’ll have a great time if you find a resort that gets mainly positive reviews and get it at a good price. -Roger
Hi Roger,
Hoping for a little advice. My husband and I plus our two daughters (10 and 8) are in the beginning stages of planning our first vacation in a long time. Hoping for May. I was originally thinking all inclusive would be the way to go but saw a few comments above stating that a lot of the price goes towards alcohol so I am wondering what your advice would be (my husband and I would have a drink or two, but nothing excessive). We really want gorgeous sand, turquoise water, and something a little more exotic than DR and Mexico, but price is also a consideration (hoping to not go over $7000 CND). We were looking at Grand Bahia in Negril at the recommendation of a travel agent, but then heard some bad reviews of Jamaica in general.
Basically, we know nothing about the different islands and are starting to feel a little overwhelmed. Just wondering what you would suggest for us. We are looking at staying for 10 days. My daughters want to swim with dolphins and maybe do another excursion or two, but we really want good food, a great resort, and a great beach.
Looking forward to your advice! Thank you.
Overwhelmed,
Out of the thousands of comments on this site, you are the first one to use this kind of a Dear Abby-style name. Congrats!
I understand your confusion on this. Negril is my favorite part of Jamaica, but the whole island does deserve much of the criticism it gets. Unfortunately, the local merchants and roaming souvenir sellers in Jamaica do become very annoying. Each one becomes more aggressive and more manipulative than the next one, and this ends up causing many visitors to vow never to come back. If you were to book into an all-inclusive that controls the roaming sales people, which I think some of them do a good job with, then I think it’s worth considering. Grand Bahia is a well run chain, but I don’t know about that one.
As for the all-inclusive thing, if you barely drink or don’t drink, it’s easy to feel like you are subsidizing all of the drunks (including me) around you. On the other hand, you also get buffet meals with an all-inclusive, and the ones at the better resorts can be fabulous. They are also so efficient that normal resorts are often the same price, even though they only include breakfast.
You might want to have a look at our main list of Caribbean destinations by price. There are many more islands on that one, including some less expensive ones that have few or no all-inclusives. Something like St. Lucia might be good, as it’s very scenic but without the huge all-inclusives. Or St. Maarten, which also has very few big hotels. I think your budget should be enough for all but the most expensive islands.
And when you are looking you can also look for resorts with a “full-board” option, which includes all meals but not drinks. Many resorts offer different options, and give each guest a wristband depending on which level they paid for. At least with full-board, you wouldn’t have to worry about food, but you also wouldn’t be paying for drinks for people like me either. I hope this helps. Best of luck. -Roger