If you’re the type of person who seeks out travel primarily for some carefree relaxation, nothing beats spending a week at a beautiful all-inclusive resort. All-inclusive hotels and resorts allow you to eat and drink to your heart’s content, enjoy endless activities and shows, and find your own little vacation friend community — all without opening your wallet.
We all need a little permission to spend a week with our toes in the sand and delivered piña colada in hand once in a while. The top all-inclusive resorts perfect top-notch service, delectable and authentic cuisine, luxury amenities, and, of course, swoon-worthy tropical locations. Here are the best eight all-inclusive resorts in the world in 2022.
(Photo Credit: Jade Mountain Resort)
1. Jade Mountain Resort (Winner)
Saint Lucia
Jade Mountain Resort in Saint Lucia tops our list for 2022! This stunning resort overlooks the sparkling southwestern Caribbean coastline and its sister resort, Anse Chastanet, sitting on 600 acres of beachfront property. Perhaps one of the most unique aspects about this architectural marvel is that all of the 29 hotel suites have only three walls, with the remaining side flowing into a private infinity pool with panoramic ocean views.
Jade Mountain doesn’t let the beautiful surroundings steal the entire show. The resort’s James Beard Award-winning chef prides himself on crafting premium cuisine for the guests. Meals and specialty cocktails can be enjoyed at Jade Mountain Club, privately in your sanctuary, or atop the Celestial Terrace, the highest deck in the resort. Guests may also dine at the sister resort. Don’t forget to treat yourself at their boutique spa or stretch through a complimentary yoga class to burn off the extra vacation calories!
Please note, in addition to the all-inclusive packages, Jade Mountain offers packages without meals and packages that include breakfast and lunch only.
(Photo Credit: Allison Weston)
2. Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana
Dominican Republic
Secrets Royal Beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic is an AAA Four Diamond adults-only fully all-inclusive paradise. Many couples flock here annually to celebrate their honeymoons (myself included!), anniversaries, birthdays, and just because! This resort is set on 700 acres of sparkling white Caribbean sand, catering to those that want to indulge in romance and relaxation.
Secrets ensures all of their guests receive premium accommodations and service. All guest suites include a private terrace with a hydro tub for the ultimate relaxing soak following a worry-free day at the beach and pools.
For wallet-free dining options, this resort has 18 restaurants and bars onsite, and even more included free at their nextdoor resort, Dreams Royal Beach, plus 24-hour room service.
The adventurous types will enjoy the wide array of resort-hosted entertainment and onsite late-night disco club, and can utilize the resort’s concierge team to book vetted off-site excursions. Those who choose to kick their feet back during their stay will absolutely love the resort spa and on-beach massage options.
(Photo Credit: Jam Travels / Shutterstock.com)
3. The Caves Hotel
Jamaica
The Caves in Negril, Jamaica, prides itself on meshing a traditional Jamaican feel with a modern, metropolitan flair. The Caves is the opposite of a cookie-cutter resort; each guestroom features a unique tropical design and sits atop the coast’s magnificent sea caves. Additionally, the resort offers 12 boutique cliffside cottages for those who enjoy more of a homey feel.
The Caves’ cuisine incorporates local Jamaican favorites into its wholesome home cooking. Guests may enjoy everything from a casual Jamaican jerk chicken barbecue to a private, five-course candlelit dinner inside one of the caves. We recommend topping it off with a drink at the Blackwell Rum Bar, a sexy spot located in another one of the secret caves. Snacks and drinks are also available 24 hours daily at the Bamboo Terrace.
Pro Tip: If you’re feeling adventurous, The Caves has onsite caves, water sports, and a cliff-diving expert to guide you on a snorkel excursion through some of the fascinating caves.
(Photo Credit: Sandals)
4. Sandals Montego Bay
Jamaica
This Sandals 5-Star Luxury Included resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, is located on some of the calmest waters and whitest sand beaches the island offers. The resort boasts romantic luxury for those who need a getaway with their beaus but also prides itself on keeping the party going every day and night of the year.
Secrets Montego Bay recently updated its suites and amenities, including adding many beachfront and swim-up suites and numerous butler-included uber-luxury suites and villas. The resort also expanded its masterchef-led dining and cocktail options, adding two new restaurants to its existing 10. One of the coolest new additions is the Latitudes Over Water Bar, where guests can enjoy drinks in hammocks or around a firepit, all on top of the ocean.
(Photo Credit: Allison Weston)
5. Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun
Mexico
Live Aqua Beach Resort is one of Cancun’s most luxurious all-inclusive resorts. The resort prides itself on providing a full sensory experience, and its signature blend of peppermint, eucalyptus, and rosemary welcomes guests the second they enter the lobby. Throughout the resort, five carefully-selected unique scents wake the guests’ senses; some are designed to calm, like in the spa, and some to energize, like in the lobby.
Live Aqua maintains this same level of attention to luxury details across every aspect of the resort. Their award-winning spa embodies the sensory experience, offering services designed to heal the body and mind. For epicurean guests, the resort has over 10 restaurants, each specializing in a different type of cuisine — as well as daily poolside made-to-order options.
Speaking of poolside, the service at Live Aqua is impeccable and it’s hard to lounge on one of the many pool decks or in a beach cabana without a friendly server immediately asking what cocktail they can bring.
(Photo Credit: Linsey D. D. Stevens)
6. Sandos Caracol Eco Resort
Mexico
Sandos Caracol Eco Resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, focuses on providing an “All Nature Experience” for its guests. The resort encourages guests to explore its beautiful jungle settings through a series of daily activities, including snorkeling in the natural on-site cenote or a mangrove forest and taking a river boat ride to spot nearby spider monkeys. This resort is eco-certified and part of the Rainforest Alliance thanks to its dedication to the environment.
Of course, Sandos Caracol still treats guests to the full luxury all-inclusive experience. The resort is home to an impressive spa, multiple swimming pools, and an exciting full-size waterpark. The international cuisine offers something for everyone to enjoy across its 10 onsite restaurants and through its 24-hour room service. The resort takes fun very seriously as the talented staff puts on nightly themed entertainment shows for the whole family.
(Photo Credit: RIU)
7. Hotel Riu Palace Tropical Bay
Jamaica
Hotel Riu Palace is the second that made the list in Negril, Jamaica. This resort sits on Negril’s beautiful white beaches overlooking the vibrant aqua blue ocean water. Each of its 400 hotel rooms has a balcony or terrace so guests can take in the views.
Hotel Riu Palace has three relaxing swimming pools onsite and provides direct beach access. Guests may also destress at the resort’s Renova wellness spa, which offers a full range of services including couples’ massages (try them at a beach cabana!), traditional beauty treatments, and soothing after-sun body scrubs. The resort ensures every guest will eat to their stomach’s delight, offering both fresh Jamaican dishes and a wide array of delectable international meals, plus 24-hour room service.
(Photo Credit: boivin nicolas / Shutterstock.com)
8. Barceló Bávaro Beach
Dominican Republic
We finish out our best all-inclusive list with another resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic — the luxurious Barceló Bávaro Beach Resort. Bávaro Beach is one of the top 10 beaches in the world and the resort sits a bit further back, meaning guests enjoy a deep stretch of sand with plenty of space for oceanside lounging. While it may be easy to let the beach steal the show, the resort matches its draw with its luxury offerings.
Barceló Bávaro Beach caters to adults only, but guests also have access to its family-friendly sister resort, Barceló Bávaro Palace.
Barceló Bávaro Beach’s mature setting has made it a favorite for honeymooners and couples celebrating together. This resort provides two casual buffets and two specialty dining restaurants, but again, guests may choose to explore the restaurants at the Palace property, too.
Barceló Bávaro Beach’s spa faces the oceanfront and guests can indulge while taking in magnificent views of the tropical paradise.
To discover more 2022 Best Of Travel 2022 winners and finalists, consider:
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