Contents
- 1. Jumby Bay Island – an Oetker Collection Hotel, Antigua
- 2. Jade Mountain Resort, St. Lucia
- 3. Petit St. Vincent Resort, St. Vincent & the Grenadines
- 4. Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island, Montego Bay
- 5. Ambergris Cay Private Island, Turks & Caicos – All Inclusive
- 6. Hermitage Bay, Antigua
- 7. Sandals Grande St. Lucian, St. Lucia
- 8. Palm Island Resort & Spa, St. Vincent & the Grenadines
- 9. Alexandra Resort, Turks and Caicos
- 10. Sandals Royal Bahamian, Bahamas
- 11. Royalton Antigua, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort, Antigua
- 12. Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- 13. Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada
- 14. Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, Turks & Caicos
- 15. Baoase Luxury Resort, Curaçao
- 16. Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana
- 17. Fowl Cay Resort, The Bahamas
- 18. Pine Cay, Turks & Caicos
- 19. Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, Dominican Republic
- 20. The Caves, Jamaica
- Map of Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean
- Best Time to Visit Resorts in the Caribbean
Gleaming beaches, glamorous guest rooms, and gourmet cuisine are just some of the features of the best luxury all-inclusive Caribbean resorts. Knowing your stay includes food, beverages, and many activities means you can relax and enjoy your vacation without worrying about hidden extras.
The Caribbean offers all-inclusive luxury hotels to suit every type of traveler, whether you want to unplug from the workaday world or sign up for a busy schedule of tropical adventures. You can escape to a private island, hide away at an adults-only haven, or frolic with the family at an activity-packed resort.
Return guests are a testament to the quality of a resort, and all these contenders boast hordes of loyal followers. From private islands in Antigua to honeymoon havens in St. Lucia and family-friendly hotels in the Turks & Caicos, discover the best of the best with this list of luxury all-inclusive Caribbean resorts.
1. Jumby Bay Island – an Oetker Collection Hotel, Antigua
Accommodation: Jumby Bay Island – an Oetker Collection Hotel
Highlights: Private island resort on stunning white sand beach; epitomizes playful luxury
Accessible only by boat, the superlative Jumby Bay sits on 300 palm-dappled acres at the end of an exclusive, car-free private island off the coast of Antigua. Jumby comes from the Antiguan word “jumbee” for “playful spirit,” and it’s an apt description of the relaxed elegance and carefree vibe here. The staff genuinely seem to love what they do, anticipating your every whim.
In a country known for its beautiful beaches, those on Jumby Island more than live up to the hype, with glittering white sand and crystal-clear water, and the cuisine here is as impressive as the beaches. Meals in the fine-dining Estate House rival that of Michelin-starred restaurants, and more casual options beckon by the pool and beach.
The 40 air-conditioned luxury guest rooms and villas come with features like romantic four-poster beds, wraparound terraces, Italian linens, Bose sound systems, large TVs, and private outdoor gardens with rain showers.
The red-roofed villas and homes add extra features like swimming pools, private chefs, and personal butlers, but all the accommodations feature dazzling, palm-framed views of that impossibly blue sea.
You can spend your days honing your body at the gym; swanning around at one of the pools, including a stunning infinity pool; cycling around the island; playing tennis or golf; or luxuriating at the spa.
Guests with an eco bent, can sign up for the island’s well-established recycling and conservation projects, such as the Hawksbill Turtle Preservation Program.
Children are welcome here and enjoy a special list of activities crafted just for them.
2. Jade Mountain Resort, St. Lucia
Accommodation: Jade Mountain Resort
Highlights: Adults-only property on a cliffside with dramatic views, stunning design with panoramic ocean views from all rooms, great honeymoon choice
Jade Mountain Resort clings to the side of a cliff with one of the most dramatic views in the Caribbean: St. Lucia’s twin volcanic peaks, the Pitons, rising from the Caribbean Sea. This is one of the best all-inclusive adults-only resorts in the Caribbean.
Every space in the resort — including each guest room — is completely open on the ocean side, making you feel as though you are merging with the mesmerizing views. Curvy lines and stacked stone are the most distinctive features of the building, which is built on platforms extending out towards the sea. Bridges lead between the spaces, enhancing the outdoor focus.
Honeymooners and couples love this tropical hideaway, which caters to those who are seeking privacy and pampering as well as more action-packed adventure — if you can tear yourself away from the resort.
Sprawling and spacious, the 24 open-sided guest rooms are aptly called “sanctuaries” and come with features like private infinity pools and 15-foot-high ceilings — yet all are totally private. Five SKY Jacuzzi suites come with hot tubs, but no pool, and all the suites feature large living areas, four-poster beds, sustainably harvested tropical hardwoods, local stone, jalousie louvers, Frette linens, and around-the-clock butlers (“Major Domos”) who can be summoned in seconds.
TVs and telephones are intentionally absent to preserve the resort’s peaceful ambience, although Wi-Fi is available.
Fresh produce from the resort’s organic farm stars in the cuisine, which flaunts a fusion of tropical flavors. You can dine by the infinity pool at the Jade Mountain Club, or at Anse Mamin or Anse Chastanet, the 600-acre sister resort on the silvery-sand beach below.
Favorite pastimes here include swimming in the infinity pool, hiking and biking on the resort’s 600-acre plantation, relaxing at the spa, bird-watching, and yoga.
Water sports like kayaking, sailing, scuba diving, and snorkeling on the coral reefs, are a walk away down steep stairs at Anse Chastanet beach, or you can hop aboard the resort’s shuttle. Fitness buffs can tone at the gym. Day trips to the botanical gardens, volcano, and sulphur springs are also popular.
The all-inclusive rates are optional here, but the remote location and high-quality cuisine make them a popular choice.
3. Petit St. Vincent Resort, St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Accommodation: Petit St. Vincent Resort, St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Highlights: On a private island, luxury property with spacious cottages and villas, perfect for a digital detox vacay
On the private island of Petit St. Vincent, you can be a social butterfly or hole up in your private sea-view cottage and never see another soul. This unpretentious island resort, a short hop by boat from Union Island, is a good match if you’re seeking an unplugged vacation with plenty of sea air, sunshine, and serenity. With a staff-to-guest ratio of 3:1, you’ll feel totally pampered.
Tucked along the hillside or strung along the beach, the bright and breezy stone-walled cottages and two-bedroom villas have dreamy sea views. They are all completely private and feature Italian linens, bright splashes of Caribbean blues and greens, air-conditioning, indoor and outdoor dining areas, Bose iPod docking stations, Nespresso coffee machines, and sliding glass doors that open up to expansive decks.
TVs, phones, and Wi-Fi are intentionally absent so that you can unplug and unwind, though Wi-Fi is available at reception. If you want something, just raise the yellow flag at your cottage, and the attentive staff will answer the call. You can also raise the red flag for total privacy.
The cuisine here spotlights fresh-caught seafood and fruit and vegetables from the island’s organic farm. At the Beach restaurant, you can dig your toes in the soft sand while you dine under rustling palms, or you can feast at the main restaurant perched on the hillside. Weekly beach barbecues with music and dancing provide a great chance to mix with the other guests.
Activities include swimming and snorkeling in the ocean (PSV doesn’t have a pool), sailing, yoga, tennis, golf on a nearby island, and private picnics at the location of your choice. If you need help shifting into relaxation mode, the Balinese-inspired spa can help you with its menu of soothing body treatments.
4. Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island, Montego Bay
Accommodation: Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort and Private Island
Highlight: One of only a handful of Caribbean resorts to offer an overwater bungalow experience like the Maldives or Bora Bora
Featuring over-the-water bungalows, among the first of their kind in the Caribbean, couples-only Sandals Royal Caribbean is a top choice for honeymooners and hopeless romantics.
One of the many perks here is the Play at 3 Program, which gives you unlimited access to two other nearby Sandals resorts and expands your choice of facilities to 20 restaurants, 12 pools, and 10 whirlpools. Round-trip transfers between the resorts are included in the rates.
The accommodation spans several different tiers, but the pick of the bunch are the new over-the-water bungalows, perched around the resort’s private island. See-through glass floors provide a window into the underwater wonderland below, and the outdoor soaking tubs for two and double hammocks amp up the romance.
All these bungalows come with butlers, 24-hour room service, air-conditioning, and smart TVs. Infinity pools also beckon from the outdoor decks in some of the bungalows, and water taxis whisk you back and forth between the island and the mainland.
Activities range from lawn chess and bocce ball to beach volleyball, croquet, and water sports. Even motorized water sports and SCUBA dives are included in the rates — another big bonus. You can also shape up at the fitness center, relax with soothing island-inspired treatments at the spa, or mingle with other lovebirds at the nearby sister resorts.
The style is decidedly British at this resort, with afternoon tea and prancing peacocks, but you can head to the Thai restaurant on the resort’s private island for an exotic taste of the Far East.
5. Ambergris Cay Private Island, Turks & Caicos – All Inclusive
Accommodation: Ambergris Cay Private Island, Turks & Caicos – All Inclusive
Highlights: Gorgeous private island locale; rates inclusive of everything, including charter plane transfer from Provo
On a 1,000-acre private island in Turks and Caicos, Ambergris Cay is part of the Turks and Caicos Collection. In operation for just under five years, it has gained a reputation as one of the top luxury all-inclusive resorts in this part of the Caribbean. The minimalist beach chic design incorporates stone, sand, and light wood with pops of Caribbean-hued colors.
Everything is included in the nightly rate when staying here, even the charter plane transfer from TCI’s main island of Providenciales. You can also partake in as many private excursions as you like that are limited to just the members of your group. A daily 30-minute spa treatment is also included.
The property is intimate, with just 20 villas and 10 suites. The suites have windows on three sides with ocean views, as well as outdoor showers and private plunge pools. Villas are huge, with either three or four bedrooms and offer butler service and complimentary golf carts to get around the property.
6. Hermitage Bay, Antigua
Accommodation: Hermitage Bay
Highlights: A luxury boutique resort with just 30 suites; set on a secluded, white-sand beach
For a luxury boutique resort experience that is eco-friendly and all-inclusive, check out Hermitage Bay in Antigua. The property has just 30 suites. These are set on the beachfront, in the gardens, or on the hillside. The beach and garden suites offer split-level living spaces and a large patio. The hillside suites come with private plunge pools.
Located in a secluded spot on a wide stretch of white sand beach at Hermitage Bay, the resort is best for those looking for a relaxed luxe vacation. If you like to cook, Hermitage Bay offers cooking classes, as well as tours of the organic farm where it sources much of its produce.
Other activities include fishing, swimming, and just relaxing on the beach. Water sports can be arranged. There is also a full-service spa; a fitness center; and yoga, pilates, and meditation classes. Water sports can be arranged
There is only one restaurant, but it showcases local dishes, and the menu changes daily. Live music is played nightly. During the day, you can also grab snacks from the grill by the infinity swimming pool.
7. Sandals Grande St. Lucian, St. Lucia
Accommodation: Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Highlights: Overwater bungalows with glass-bottom floor panels that are perfect for romantic getaways; Sandals markets exclusively to couples
Set on a gorgeous peninsula on the Caribbean Sea, Sandals Grande St. Lucian in St. Lucia is an adults-only, all-inclusive property.
Marketed directly to couples, the five-star property boasts some gorgeous overwater bungalows that are perfect for honeymooners. These have glass-bottom floor panels and balconies with deep soaking tubs for two, as well as direct access to the sea. The overwater hammocks and private butler service are other perks.
Besides the overwater bungalows, this Sandals property has a number of other room and suite options that are still very posh but in a more affordable price bracket. Amenities at the resort are plentiful, and literally everything is included. This means you won’t pay extra to go scuba diving or partake in any of the other water sports offered.
There are four swimming pools on the grounds, and each has its own vibe. There are also 12 restaurants to choose from, and the food spans the globe and is creatively prepared.
8. Palm Island Resort & Spa, St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Accommodation: Palm Island Resort & Spa, St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Highlights: On a private island, the beach is gorgeous here; caters mainly to adults (kids under 12 not welcome); many rooms are sea-facing.
On a 135-acre private island in St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Palm Island is a honeymoon haven. It’s also the perfect getaway for laid-back island lovers who want to totally relax and escape the rat race.
It’s all about the beach here. Five powdery hammock-slung (and yes, palm-lined) beaches fringe the shores, and you may struggle to see other guests as you stroll around the island. Almost half of the guest rooms, suites, and villas edge the beach. The others are only a short hop away.
The spacious suites and some of the villas are ideal for families, although the resort only accommodates children older than 12 or 16, depending on the time of year. All the rooms are air-conditioned and come with rustic island features like bamboo and rattan furniture, as well as cotton robes, deep tubs, and private terraces. Four villas have multiple bedrooms and infinity pools.
You won’t hear TVs and telephones here, just the gentle slosh of the ocean, although you can get your electronic fix in the lounge.
Dining is a sea-view affair with international and island-inspired cuisine served in the two restaurants. Beach barbecues and social events add to the fun, and the resort arranges private beach dinners and picnics on request.
Activities at this relaxing resort are fairly low-key. You can swim, snorkel, and dive in the clear blue waters surrounding the island or at the nearby Tobago Cays, go deep-sea fishing, wander the nature trails, play table tennis and shuffleboard, or explore the island on the complimentary bikes. The resort also has a lovely pool, spa, library, and gym.
9. Alexandra Resort, Turks and Caicos
Accommodation: Alexandra Resort
Highlights: Location on Grace Bay Beach; a stylish, beach-luxe vibe
In a perfect location on stunning Grace Bay Beach, Alexandra Resort is one of Turks and Caicos top luxury all-inclusive properties. There are 90 condo-style rooms here that come in studio and one- and two-bedroom layouts with kitchens. These are great for families, but the property is equally popular with couples.
The ambience is beach chic with lots of light wood and coral, blue, and purple accents. The furnished balconies are lovely. If you need more space, the four-bedroom penthouse suite is huge and has a giant kitchen.
Relax on the powder white-sand beach or chill out by the lagoon-style pool. Both have plenty of comfy sun loungers. Non-motorized water sports are included in the rate, and if you want to book a snorkeling or diving excursion, the resort can help with that. There are also bikes that guests can borrow to get around the island. If you want to do some shopping, it is walking distance from Regent Village.
Meals are served at the Asu on the Beach restaurant. Or you can grab the free dining shuttle to the restaurants at their two sister resorts on the island.
10. Sandals Royal Bahamian, Bahamas
Accommodation: Sandals Royal Bahamian
Highlights: Access to a private island open only to guests; adults-only property catering to couples; lots of included restaurants, water sports, and activities
In an easy-to-access location in Nassau, Sandals Royal Bahamian is a favorite resort for honeymooners. The adults-only property caters especially to couples and offers five-star luxury and a truly all-inclusive experience.
Rooms and suites here come in a number of different layouts, but all boast modern Caribbean style. The top ones come with butler service and walkout patios with private zero-entry, swim-up pools. They also come with deep soaking tubs built for two. Room service is available 24 hours a day should you not wish to leave your love nest.
Venture out, and you’ll find 10 on-site restaurants with food from around the globe. Amenities are also plentiful here. Like at other Sandals resorts, all-inclusive means food and beverages and also all activities are covered in your daily rate. Here, that means access to a private offshore island, Sandals Cay, where you’ll find a restaurant and spa. Treatments at the spa are one of the only non-included amenities.
There are also a host of other water sports available. If you just want to chill in the pool, there are more than 10,000 square feet of swimming pools on-site. Finally, should you wish to check out the duty-free shopping The Bahamas is known for, the shops on Bay Street in downtown Nassau are just a few minutes away.
11. Royalton Antigua, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort, Antigua
Accommodation: Royalton Antigua, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
Highlights: Adults-only overwater bungalows that feature jetted infinity swimming pools and hammocks over the sea
If you want to sleep in an overwater bungalow set on stilts overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, then check out the all-inclusive Royalton Antigua. Reserved for adults only, (although other lodging at this resort is family-friendly) these five-star bungalows are perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway.
The two-story villas have jetted infinity swimming pools and overwater hammocks. Butler service is also included.
If you are traveling with children, the Royalton has a kids’ club on-site that offers supervised activities. Babysitting can also be arranged. Amenities include multiple swimming pools and hot tubs, a gym with fitness classes, and a full-service spa (extra fee). There are also a number of restaurants to choose from here. The resort is located in Deep Bay, just a 30-minute ride from the airport.
12. Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Accommodation: Zoetry Agua Punta Cana
Highlights: Classy all-inclusive on a pretty stretch of beach removed from the main resort strip; 24-hour butler service
If you’re seeking some serious downtime in the Dominican Republic, with a dreamy white-sand beach, sparkling pools, and a deluxe spa, Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana is a top choice.
This is a big step up from the bustling all-inclusive resorts that seem to dominate in the Dominican Republic. The resort sits only two miles from the busy resort strip of Bávaro, so you can access all the island action and then retreat to this peaceful sanctuary when you’re ready to relax.
The 96 suites range from one to three bedrooms and have a contemporary, island feel, with thatched roofs, hardwood floors, sleek bamboo four-poster beds, deep soaking tubs, and French doors opening out onto private verandahs with either sea or garden views. The resort’s 24-hour butler service ensures you can craft the holiday of your dreams.
Four chic restaurants, dish up everything from classic Dominican flavors, to organic, European, and Creole cuisine, and in-suite dining is available 24 hours a day. Spa-lovers can relax with a soothing treatment, from bamboo scrubs to deep sea mud wraps, and a gym is on site for fitness buffs.
Day trip possibilities are endless here, with plenty of nearby tourist attractions. You can visit historic villages, sail to secluded islands, go horseback riding, play a few rounds of golf, or choose from a huge menu of water sports.
Adults can also sign up for the enrichment classes, which include everything from yoga and painting to cooking, cigar rolling, and horseback riding on the beach.
Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana also participates in several green initiatives, making it a great hideaway for eco-sensitive travelers. Sign up for the Endless Privilege package, and you can score extras such as a free massage and horseback ride on the beach.
13. Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada
Accommodation: Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada
Highlights: Quaint, boutique resort with personalized service; top-quality Creole-style food
Sitting right on the soft sands of Grand Anse, Grenada’s most popular beach, the family-run Spice Island Beach Resort is as cute as its name. You won’t find flashy discos and butlers at this unassuming boutique resort, just warm and friendly personal service, comforting Creole-style food, and plenty of return guests.
Sea grape, lemon, and almond trees frame pretty views of the beach and provide plenty of privacy for the 64 suites sprinkled along the sand. All the suites are decorated in contemporary Caribbean style, and many boast four-poster beds, outdoor dining terraces, and private plunge pools.
The food here is as authentic as the hospitality. Zingy island flavors are served fine-dining style at the beachfront restaurant or terrace, with steel bands and other local music on select nights.
Activities range from swimming in the free-form pool, relaxing with spice-infused spa treatments, playing tennis or golf (green fees are included), working out at the fitness center, cycling, snorkeling, sailing, or kayaking.
Kids can keep busy at the Nutmeg Pod Children’s Activity Center. Eco-friendly initiatives add to the list of things to love about this resort, and Spice Island is also smoke-free.
This is a top choice if you prefer an unpretentious vibe, where you don’t have to dress up for dinner, and you can spend your days sprawled in a hammock gazing out at the beautiful blue sea.
14. Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, Turks & Caicos
Accommodation: Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, Turks & Caicos
Highlights: Great choice for families with little kids; set on Grace Bay Beach; massive water park located on grounds
Fantastic for active families with young kids, Beaches Turks and Caicos buzzes with energy. It sits on sublime Grace Bay, one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, but with the dizzying array of activities available here, you might never want to leave the resort.
Within the borders of this sprawling property are a massive Pirates Island water park, with a lazy river ride and wave simulator; four themed villages modeled on the Caribbean, Key West, Italy, and France; 19 international restaurants; six pools; an Xbox play lounge; teen disco; a spa complex; and shopping center.
Accommodation choices cover more than 24 different room types, from two-bedroom family suites to four-bedroom villas, and personal butlers are available in the top-tier categories. Typical features include 42-inch flat-screen TVs, X-Box systems, multi-function game tables, marble baths, and rain showers.
The choice of cuisine is just as varied, with everything from Japanese and Jamaican to Southwestern and sushi.
Free activities include all water sports and instruction — even motorized sports such as water skiing, glass bottom boats, and tubing. Divers will love the free scuba dives, an unusual feature for all-inclusive resorts. Multiple pools tick every swimmer’s fantasy box, and you can also sign up for a long list of sports and games.
The resort’s no-tipping policy also makes this a true all-inclusive.
If you’re seeking a romantic escape free from shrieking kids, this is not the best match, but for social, fun-loving families, it’s a hit.
15. Baoase Luxury Resort, Curaçao
Accommodation: Baoase Luxury Resort
Highlights: Bali ambience; boutique resort with just 23 rooms, suites, and villas, some of which have private plunge pools
Do you love Bali? You can enjoy a taste of it in the Caribbean at the boutique Baoase Luxury Resort in Curacao. Dark woods, antique furniture, and ultra-luxurious open-air villas evoke Balinese elegance, but the feel here is friendly and relaxed.
The stylish accommodations comprise 23 rooms, suites, and capacious villas — 12 come with generous private plunge pools surrounded by lush gardens. Many also feature fully-equipped kitchens. Smart TVs, Sonos sound systems, and iPads are other luxury features.
Traveling with a group and seeking some privacy? Book the private island hideaway, which comes with an infinity pool and a powerboat.
Baoase Culinary Beach Restaurant conjures up creative French cuisine with an Asian accent. Opt for the all-inclusive option, and you can enjoy a personal butler at your side — or a private dinner created by the award-winning Michelin-starred chef if you so wish.
In your spare time, you can sign up for a soothing spa treatment, bask on the pretty slice of white-sand beach, work out at the gym, zip around the bay on a Jet Ski tour, or sign up for a dolphin experience.
16. Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana
Accommodation: Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana
Highlight: Adults-only, luxury all-inclusive resort; beautiful landscaping on a pretty stretch of beach
Live Aqua Beach Resort in Punta Cana recently opened and is a luxury adults-only, all-inclusive experience.
Right on a pretty stretch of white-sand beach backed by turquoise sea, the accommodations here are swanky modern and come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The most basic rooms are junior suites, but the best ones come with Jacuzzis or swim-up pool access from your terrace.
The landscaping here is beautiful, with well-maintained gardens and lush, tropical vegetation. Multiple swimming pools are on the property, including one with an infinity edge and amazing sea views.
Seven restaurants serve everything from local specialties to French and Pan Asian cuisine (although not all are always open). A posh spa offers a full range of treatments, and the fitness center has spinning rooms and a water zone. Also expect cushioned sun loungers and umbrellas on the beach.
17. Fowl Cay Resort, The Bahamas
Accommodation: Fowl Cay Resort
Highlights: On a private island in the Exumas, it takes a max of 28 guests in six luxe villas; all sorts of water-focused activities can be arranged
Closet castaways will feel right at home at Fowl Cay Resort. A maximum of only 28 guests are ensconced on their own private island here in the Exumas. This remote island chain in the Bahamas boasts some of the most sublime beaches on the planet, where the water comes in eye-popping shades of blue, and the sand is as white as sugar.
Fowl Cay Resort is a place for privacy-seekers who prefer a casual vibe (no need to dress for dinner here). Best of all, each villa comes with your own golf cart and motorboat with unlimited gas — an excellent option for independent types, who love to create their own adventures.
The six luxury one- to two-bedroom villas, with fully-stocked kitchens and wet bars, are strung along the dazzling shores of this private 50-acre island overlooking the luminous sea. Staff deliver fresh fruit and warm breakfast pastries to your villa each morning, and gladly prepare picnic lunches to take on all your adventures.
Spend your days here on the island swimming in the pool or playing tennis, bocce ball, or horseshoe. You can also venture out onto the hypnotic blue sea to go bonefishing or deep-sea fishing, or to snorkel the famous Thunderball Grotto, swim with nurse sharks, explore the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, or meet the famous swimming pigs.
In the evenings, guests gather at Hill House to dine and chat about their adventures.
18. Pine Cay, Turks & Caicos
Accommodation: Pine Cay
Highlight: On a private island, just a short boat ride from Provo; intimate resort with just 13 rooms that exude barefoot luxury
Pine Cay is your tropical island fantasy come true. Strung along a stunning white-sand beach on the private 800-acre Pine Cay in Turks & Caicos, this is a fantastic choice if you really want to get away from it all, yet still have the opportunity to mingle with a small group of low-key, nature-loving guests.
Barefoot elegance is the mood here, and shoes are always optional. Beach connoisseurs can bask on one of the most spectacular beaches in the Caribbean, with two miles of blindingly white sand and luminous turquoise water.
The 13 rooms are strung along the beach and typically feature bright tropical colors, outdoor showers, screened porches, and in-room Wi-Fi. Four premium beachfront rooms also come with air-conditioning. Honeymooners love the Sand Dollar Cottage, with its secluded setting, and families usually book one of the island’s private homes.
The cuisine spotlights seafood and fresh tropical fruits, and dining venues range from the bistro to your own private stretch of beach.
Activities are low-key, and you can put your phone away, because water sports take center stage. Snorkeling, diving, and fishing are superb in the surrounding waters, with excellent visibility and flourishing coral reefs. You can also kayak, swim, sail, and paddleboard.
Landlubbers can play tennis, bike, beachcomb, or play one of the many games, and you can also work out at the new fitness center or sign up for a pampering spa service. The resort also offers fun social events like drive-in movie nights on golf carts.
Many guests leave here with life-long friends, and the repeat clientele is a testament to the warm, friendly service. This is also an environmentally sensitive resort, with many green initiatives to minimize the impact to this pristine island.
The resort prides itself that it’s what they don’t offer that keeps guests coming back here year after year: no phone, no TVs, and no locks.
19. Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, Dominican Republic
Accommodation: Casa de Campo Resort & Villas
Highlights: Luxe resort in La Romana; activity choices ranging from horseback riding lessons to sailing to sport fishing.
On the Dominican Republic’s southeastern shore in La Romana, Casa de Campo is the island’s oldest resort. It offers an all-inclusive package that includes a huge range of activities and amenities.
Guests can take riding lessons at the equestrian center; book a sailing, sport fishing, or diving excursion; or get in some green time at the three Pete Dye golf courses on-site, including the Caribbean’s top tier “Teeth of the Dog” course.
Guests have access to three private sections of beach, as well as the resort’s marina. If you are traveling with the kids, there is a supervised day program for children between the ages of one and 17.
When it comes time to eat, you’ll have a few different restaurants to choose from. A fitness center with complimentary classes and personal training is also available.
20. The Caves, Jamaica
Accommodation: The Caves
Highlights: Booking a meal in a candlelit sea cave; quirky atmosphere and cliffside locale in Negril
Clinging to a cliff top above a network of sea caves in Negril, adults-only The Caves scores top points for its unique setting and colorful personality. But don’t let the name fool you, the bright Caribbean-style cottages strung along the cliff top here are anything but cave-like.
All are air-conditioned and completely private, and each is unique, from the one-bedroom suites to the three-bedroom Clandestino private villa. Typical features include bright Caribbean colors, thatched roofs, white louvres, outdoor showers, four-poster beds draped with mosquito nets, fans, and nightly turndown.
The colorful Jamaican style continues with the cuisine. Authentic Jamaican jerk barbecue and fresh banana pancakes are just some of the dishes on the menu, which spotlights wholesome cooking and fresh local produce. You can dine in sea-view gazebos, in the dining room, or in a candlelit sea cave. The ability to help yourself to food and snacks in the kitchen and the warm, friendly staff make guests feel at home here.
Cave swimming, cliff jumping, and snorkeling are the most popular things to do, with ladders and stairs descending to the turquoise waters sloshing right under your room. You can also take a dip in the cliff-top pools and hot tubs or relax with a Jamaican brown sugar body scrub at the spa.
While not ultra-luxurious, this intimate resort in Jamaica is much loved for its quirky personality, warm hospitality, and spectacular setting.
Address: 144 One Love Drive, Negril, Jamaica
Map of Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean
Best Time to Visit Resorts in the Caribbean
The Caribbean is a year-round destination, and when you choose to visit will depend on how much you want to spend on your all-inclusive resort vacation. The best time to visit, from a weather perspective, are the months of February, March, April, and May. These are the driest months, and you’ll find plenty of blue skies and bright sun.
Temperatures stay mostly the same throughout the year, however, with highs averaging around 82 degrees Fahrenheit. The only difference is rainfall and humidity.
July, August, September, and November are the wettest months, and these also correspond with the Atlantic hurricane season. Some islands like Aruba and Curaçao lay outside the traditional hurricane belt, have a desert climate, and see less summer rainfall.
From a cost perspective, the most expensive times to visit resorts are over Thanksgiving in November, the December holiday period, and Spring Break and Easter in March and early April. If you want to save some cash, book one of these all-inclusive resorts during the summer season when rates drop.