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
Hotel Only Option
Hi Roger, I am looking for a hotel only All-Inclusive in St. Lucia that would be on the less expensive side but a nice option, any suggestions? Thank you
Jack,
St. Lucia only has about 10 all-inclusive resorts, and it appears that only two of those are in the lower price category. Of those two it looks like the Bel Jou Hotel is definitely the best option. It’s just up in the hills behind the main town (Castries), which is a nice area and St. Lucia is probably the most photogenic island in the Caribbean. That place gets great reviews, especially for a hotel that is half the price of Sandals and most other all inclusives. Have a great trip. -Roger
I am looking for an affordable all inclusive vacation to any of these islands, antigua, st maarten, aruba,barbados.any suggestion? i am traveling with families about 15 adults and 6 kids under 15
Nanda,
St. Maarten has almost no all-inclusive resorts, but you’ll notice that the bottom of the list above contains Antigua, Barbados, and Aruba. There is a wonderful Sandals Resort on Barbados in a nice area and you might look into that one because they are known for offering group discounts and I think you’d qualify. I was actually just in Antigua and Barbados a few weeks ago and both have very impressive groups of beach resorts. Antigua has the more affordable ones, especially outside of high season, but Barbados also has some good deals and the quality on both islands tends to be high. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Hi Roger,
My husband and I went on our honeymoon cruise 2 years ago and saw very little of some beautiful places, now we have an addition to our little family (3 mo old) and I am trying to plan a reasonably priced family vacation, somewhere colorful, warm, beaches, and very family friendly. The time of year does not really matter to us as long as it is warm. all inclusive would be nice but not necessary. I am so lost and have no idea where to start. Any advice and recommendations you can give would be much appreciated!
First Time Family Vacation,
For a family all-inclusive I’d first look at Punta Cana, which has dozens of large beach resorts that cater to families. The one major knock I have with Punta Cana is that there is no real town or culture available nearby, so once you are at the resort it’s best to stay there. The all-inclusive options there are excellent value and very safe. The airport is reasonably new and so are the highways to the resorts, so it feels like you are in a very nice place the whole time.
One thing to be aware of is that most of the larger chain resorts (Rui, Bahia Principe etc) have multiple hotels within each resort. You’d probably want to focus on the kid-friendly hotel within each complex, although I realize that your child is too young (I think) to even go in the pools with you. Just check the hotel listings for family resorts and I’m sure you’ll find many great choices at surprisingly good prices. -Roger
I went to all inclusive Jamaica resort, took cab one day to roam island but when we went to the local market during the cab trip, cab driver asked us not to leave cab. i saw island, homes, farms, people, market but could not talk and mingle with locals. I like to talk to locals and know their day to day life in any of the Caribbean islands what would you recommend and for how many days trip?
Herman,
I know exactly what you mean about Jamaica and that seems to be a common complaint. When you drive around the island you notice that almost every home and business has bars in the windows, which tells you something about the situation. I’d recommend going to Playa del Carmen, which is not far south of Cancun Airport, as an alternative. It’s a really fun touristy town on the beach and there are many all-inclusive resorts of various sizes along the coast near there. The great thing about staying close to Playa del Carmen is that you can take a cheap taxi or shuttle into the town and you’ll be in the middle of everything, and it’s generally very safe. A week there would be plenty for most people, and 3 days would still be fun.
The Dominican Republic has hundreds of lovely all-inclusive resorts, but the towns around them are pretty sparse so almost no one leaves the resorts themselves. -Roger
Roger
I have only been to Cancun and the Bahamas. My partner has been to Bahamas on a cruise. But this is our first vacation together. We are females and looking for cheap all inclusive vacation. Do you have any recommendations?
Tonya,
When it comes to relatively cheap all-inclusive vacations in the Caribbean the best value is usually in Punta Cana. There are dozens of large and fairly new resorts there on a great beach and with a fairly new airport and even new roads between them all, so competition is fierce and it keeps rates pretty low, especially in the low seasons. If you are looking for a place where you go from the airport to a beautiful resort and stay at that resort until you fly home then Punta Cana could be a great choice.
However, there is almost nothing in Punta Cana EXCEPT for those large hotels, so it’s really dead for those who want to explore the culture a bit. For me, if you want to stay at an all-inclusive resort AND explore the local culture a bit the best option is Playa del Carmen. Cancun, as you know, is mostly a long stretch of large hotels and time-share buildings with a few shops and restaurants in between. Playa del Carmen is a full-on tourist town with hundreds of little restaurants and bars and shops and other things to do. There are dozens of all-inclusive resorts along the coast from Cancun down to Tulum (which is another good choice actually as it has more of an artsy vibe, if you know what I mean), and if you stay within 10 miles or so of one of the towns you can take a cheap taxi ride or shuttle back and forth. One problem with many of the larger resorts is that the nightlife stops early and the entertainment can be cheesy. If you go into Playa del Carmen or Tulum you’ll have many choices and the drinks are pretty cheap anyway. I hope this helps. -Roger
Roger, I’m looking for an all-inclusive place for my husband and myself in May of 2019. In 2017 we went to the Dominican and had a great time. Can you suggest a good resort in St. Lucia or maybe even back in the Dominican on the beach, doesn’t have to be adults only but also wont break the bank.
Thanks Dawn
Dawn,
My first visit to St. Lucia will be this coming December, but I have been researching these resorts for years and I think the best of the cheaper all-inclusives is the Coconut Bay Beach Resort. St James Club Morgan Bay also looks really good and it’s cheaper than Coconut Bay. You probably already know that flights to St. Lucia will cost more than a flight to Punta Cana, and your money generally goes a lot further in Punta Cana because the resorts are so huge that they have economies of scale on their side. The smaller islands like St. Lucia definitely feel more special (and St. Lucia is really beautiful), but that special feeling comes at a cost.
As for the DR, Excellence Punta Cana is a bit remote so it’s not close to the outside activities, but it’s definitely one of the best all-inclusives and very good value. Even a bit less expensive is the Luxury Bahia Principe group of resorts, which have a very good location and an excellent beach. I have stayed there in the beachfront adults-only hotel and it was very impressive for a large chain like that. Those places tend to be a bit generic and they don’t make it too easy to meet other couples or groups, but they do offer a very good product that nearly everyone really enjoys. I hope this helps and I’ll be expanding our St. Lucia coverage in a few months. -Roger
Hi Roger,
I I’m looking to go someplace special for my birthday in November 2018 towards the end… all exclusive, fun a little bit of this and that. ALL Adult friendly, not boring not too restricted to one area etc. I have a group that’s planning to come alone. Its last minute kinda and don’t want to ask others to invest in a lot of money. My 1st choice was Dubai(I could have gone alone) but needless to say I back out of until next year. Because everyone complained that wanted to go and couldn’t, next year I will go even If I go by myself.
Do you have any great suggestions? Ask I’m on crunch time
Boslahia,
I’ve been to Dubai a few times and it never occurred to me that they had all-inclusive resorts there, so that is interesting. I like it there, but it doesn’t feel like a party place to me because of the tight alcohol restrictions. Since you are asking this question below a Caribbean article I assume you are open to the Caribbean.
My top choice for this would be somewhere in the Playa del Carmen area, which is just south of Cancun. There are loads of all-inclusive resorts along the coast there, and many that are pretty close to the town of Playa del Carmen itself, as well as others in and near the Hotel Zone in Cancun. Because there are so many the prices tend to be good, and flights into Cancun are relatively cheap as well.
The main reason I suggest it is that unlike, say, Punta Cana, Playa del Carmen is a really fun and interesting city with hundreds of little restaurants and bars and things to see and do, and Cozumel is a short ferry ride away too. If you are staying in the area you can get a taxi (they have van taxis there) and it won’t cost much to get into town and back. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Hello,
I’m interested in visiting Puerto Rico. Are there family friendly all inclusive hotels there? what do you recommend? We do want to get out and visit the island, but traveling with two children 7 and 4 yrs old. Do you recommend Puerto Rico over Cancun? How safe is it?
Rose,
One interesting thing is that Puerto Rico has almost no all-inclusive hotels at all, so if that is your preference then it is not a good choice. Some people don’t like having all-inclusive hotels in their areas because they tend to create a lot of worker jobs for servers and housekeepers and such, but the guests almost never leave the resorts so they don’t support other local restaurants or activities. I think Puerto Rico must have laws or something to discourage them.
I think Puerto Rico is generally quite safe, even compared to other Caribbean islands. It feels quite safe and because it’s part of the US I think they would crack down on some things that go on on other islands like Jamaica for example. The Cancun area including Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cozumel has generally been very safe as well, and they have extra security to protect the tourist areas because it’s most of their economy. Still, there have been a few isolated incidents in that area in the last few months. No tourists have been targeted and I’d go there myself in a heartbeat, but it still makes some people a bit nervous. Petty crime is actually quite common on most Caribbean islands and destinations, although violent crimes against tourists is still very rare.
All of that said, if you don’t need an all inclusive then San Juan could be a good choice, especially if you are sticking to the popular beach areas such as Condado. Best of luck with this. -Roger
I’m looking for an all-inclusive (hopefully adult) vacation. I’m open to location; however, I’ll be travelling from Atlanta, while my sweetheart will be travelling from Moscow Russia. A lot of the packages require two people, so I’m not sure how to navigate this. The other thing is budget … I’d like to get everything under $4K.
Stephen,
I don’t know how you’d get a hotel+airfare package with flights starting from two different places. So most likely your best bet will be to get the flights as cheap as possible and then book a hotel package separately.
The list above speaks for itself as far as the cheaper islands and destinations for all-inclusive resorts. The Punta Cana area in Dominican Republic tends to offer the best value because there are so many large all-inclusive resorts there, mostly run by Spanish chains that do a great job and offer a very good product. In my experience the hotel+airfare deals aren’t much cheaper than if you bought individually, so I don’t think you’ll be losing too much to book separate. Sorry I’m not more help on this. -Roger
Check out Negril in Jamacia. Can’t remember the name, but it is the sister resort to Hedonism II … and no, it is not anything like Hedonism. They specifically cater to couples and offer a “free” wedding package with a 5 night stay. There are some others in Jamacia too.