Location, style, and budget are the three most important factors for an all-inclusive resort. Easy enough. But wait! You’ve found several options that fit your criteria, and you notice that one hotel charges for internet access and water sports. At the same time, its competitor down the beach offers free Wi-Fi and unlimited scuba diving. Or maybe you realize that some resorts on your list require cheesy plastic bracelets and complicated reservation systems at their restaurants. Still, others are mercifully wristband-free and have no or minimal reservation policies. Is this the sort of all-inclusive with booming music on the beach and people getting blitzed before noon, or a couples-only, no-kids-allowed resort that’s overly sexed-up to an awkward degree? Researching the intricacies and distinctions of major all-inclusive brands can feel as complex as charting your own nautical course to reach the destination. Enter Oyster’s handy road map to major all-inclusive brands, where we break down their overall vibe and distinguishing characteristics.
The Brand: Sandals Resorts
Sandals Resorts Locations
Antigua, Barbados, Jamaica, Bahamas, St. Lucia, and Grenada
Sandals Resorts Scene
Upscale couples-only resorts with signature romantic touches — fire pits, gazebos, and swinging chairs overlooking the ocean.
Sandals Resorts Rooms
Various budgets and preferences are catered to with different room types and service categories, but all include extra-wide king beds, pillow menus, rainfall showers, and bathrobes. Couples searching for serious just-us time could splurge on the brand’s signature Love Nest suites, which come with private pools, 24-hour room service, and butlers.
Sandals Resorts Features
Pick a Sandals, any Sandals, and you won’t lack things to do (and neither will your partner). Every location features multiple pools, excellent Red Lane spas, weekly beach parties, diving centers with PADI training and certification, unlimited water sports — sailing, glass-bottom boat tours, water-skiing, kneeboarding, tubing, snorkeling — and drinking and dining spots that number in the double digits. There are a combined 162 restaurants across Sandals’ 15 resorts. (Don’t worry, each resort has its culinary concierge to assist with reservations and dietary issues.)
Sandals Resorts Details
Private airport transfers, gratuity, unlimited premium liquor, and resort-wide Wi-Fi — even on the beach — are all included.
Our Top Pick for a Sandals Resort: Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa
The 225-room Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa is spread over a sprawling 17-acre property on the southwestern tip of Grenada. And with five pools, a lovely spa and fitness center, numerous activities, and ten restaurants, couples won’t be at a loss for things to do.
The Brand: Beaches Resorts
Beaches Resorts Locations
Beaches Resorts Scene
Designed for families with kids and teens, these sprawling properties offer water parks, kids’ camps, teen hangouts and nightclubs, XBOX game garages, and even Scratch DJ Academy programs. Beaches partners with Sesame Street, so stage shows and sing-alongs with Grover and Abby Cadabby are on the docket.
Beaches Resorts Rooms
Rooms can accommodate any family or group size (more than 40 different room types at Beaches Turks & Caicos), but all feature coffee machines with 100 percent Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee, stocked minibars, plasma TVs, and free Wi-Fi.
Beaches Resorts Features
Peace and quiet may be hard to come by (parents could try the Red Lane spas or a candlelit dinner), but just about anything else you can imagine can be found here, and just about all of it is free with the all-inclusive rates. All Beaches have loads of pools, restaurants, and bars, plus free fitness classes, land activities, and water sports, including kayaking, windsurfing, snorkeling, and unlimited scuba diving.
Beaches Resorts Details
Airport transfers, taxes, gratuity, and access to spa facilities are all included (spa treatments are an additional charge).
Our Top Pick for a Beaches Resort: Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa
At Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa, a family-friendly all-inclusive in Turks & Caicos, guests can challenge themselves to eat at all 19 restaurants, drink at all 12 bars, and relax at all six pools before their vacation is over. There’s also a sprawling water park, shopping center, and spa complex for guests.
The Brand: Zoetry
Zoetry Locations
Mexico, Dominican Republic, Saint Lucia, Curacao, and Jamaica
Zoetry Scene
Peaceful, pristine luxury boutique resorts with a wellness bent. Zoetry Agua Punta Cana technically accepts guests of all ages, but its non-discounted rates for children and lack of kid-friendly amenities mean that almost all guests are couples.
Zoetry Rooms
Gorgeous rooms feature upscale beach decor, balconies or terraces, satellite TVs, and sexy bathrooms with Bulgari toiletries and rainfall showers. Fully stocked minibars are refreshed at least once daily, bottles of champagne and fruit plates are delivered daily, and room service is available 24 hours.
Zoetry Features
Zoetry lacks the loud music of typical all-inclusive, but not the robust activities offerings: yoga, meditation, classes (cooking, cigar-rolling, cocktail-making, and more) are available to guests — once they can extract themselves from the beaches and pools, that is. The all-inclusive rates cover unlimited top-shelf liquor, craft cocktails, and tasty a la carte meals (featuring organic options) at the hotels’ health-oriented restaurants.
Zoetry Details
Gratuity, three-times-daily housekeeping, 24-hour laundry service, and unlimited worldwide calling are all included.
Our Top Pick for a Zoetry Resort: Zoetry Agua Punta Cana
The 96-room Zoetry Agua Punta Cana is one of the most luxurious and tranquil all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic, period. It offers an uncrowded white-sand beach, spacious suites with butler service, a long pristine pool, and one of the area’s best spas. Guests also get a free 20-minute massage and free horseback riding on the beach.
The Brand: Secrets Resorts
Secrets Resorts Locations
Mexico, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Dominican Republic
Secrets Resorts Scene
Vast, luxurious adult-only resorts popular for weddings and honeymoons, each with its own laundry list of property features.
Secrets Resorts Rooms
Upscale in-room features like rainfall showers, well-stocked minibars, and furnished balconies or terraces are de rigueur at these resorts. So are “secret boxes,” two-door compartments that allow guests to pick up their room service deliveries (available 24/7) without having to open the door and compromise their privacy, even for a second. Most rooms have whirlpools for two people.
Secrets Resorts Features
These high-end all-inclusive have enough features to make leaving their premises virtually unnecessary. Things like expansive spas, gourmet restaurants, and secluded beaches (with food and drink service available here and at the pools) are all aimed squarely at adults and centered around romance and relaxation.
Secrets Resorts Details
Meals and drinks are included in the room rates for all guests, so all properties are wristband-free. Gratuities and taxes are included, and some activities, like scuba diving and fishing, cost extra.
Our Top Pick for a Secrets Resort: Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun
Located on the Riviera Maya, Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun is a romantic, adults-only resort on a private white-sand beach lined with sunbeds, cabanas, and palapas. Its pool complex sprawls over 86,000 square feet, with swim-up bars in many of its 13 pools (one, an infinity pool with panoramic ocean views). Several shallow pools feature tables, chairs, lounges, and hammocks set in the water. Meanwhile, a stunning spa offers couples’ treatments in private outdoor cabanas on the beach. In addition to the buffet, a wide range of high-quality dining options are available, including Japanese teppanyaki, French cuisine, a wine cellar with over 200 different vintages, and, for an extra charge, romantic dinners for two on the beach.
The Brand: Couples Resorts
Couples Resorts Locations
Jamaica (Negril and Ocho Rios)
Couples Resorts Scene
These mellow, family-run properties are reserved exclusively for couples, so their focus is on romance, relaxation, and adult features, like private candlelit beachfront dinners and adorable banners across room doors announcing honeymoons or anniversary statuses. Guests are more likely to be found sipping Red Stripes and daiquiris on the beach and breezing through light reads than boozing and partying hard.
Couples Resorts Rooms
Elegant, breezy, and modern, with ceiling fans, air-conditioning, balconies with either ocean or garden views, and free Wi-Fi. Free minibars are restocked based on guests’ specifications (minibars come standard with ginger ale, grapefruit soda, and Red Stripe; guests can request red, white, and sparkling wine and full-size bottles of vodka, gin, whiskey, and Appleton Special Rum for no additional cost).
Couples Resorts Features
Couples resorts don’t just dish out free meals and drinks; rather, guests enjoy free unlimited golf, free motorized and non-motorized water sports (even scuba diving), and free excursions, including glass-bottom boat tours and sunset catamaran cruises with beer and rum punch. Also free are fitness classes like water aerobics and yoga, and tennis lessons, plus nightly entertainment. Perhaps it’s not all top-notch — for instance, the nightly live sets can be a little cheesy, and the “free” golf requires guests to hire a caddy on their dime. Still, with so much free stuff, there’s little room for complaint. Most Jamaican Couples resorts have a dedicated nude section; at Couples Tower Isle, it’s the resort’s namesake island, a small rocky refuge about a one-minute boat ride from the mainland. It’s a cool little spot with a small pool, a little beach, and a swim-up bar — but guests must be willing to bear it all to experience it. The island’s policy is not clothing optional — it’s clothing prohibited, which might be disappointing for guests who prefer to keep things covered.
Couples Resorts Details
Couples resorts have a no-tipping policy, though there are a few instances where it is suggested. For example, caddy fees at the golf course are mandatory, and tipping the airport shuttle driver per bag is customary.
Our Top Pick for a Couples Resort: Couples Swept Away and Couples Negril
With four Couples options between Ocho Rios and Negril, it’s tough to figure out why one might be better. Couples Swept Away has the famed Seven Mile Beach location, while Couples Negril sits just north on the somewhat quieter sands of Bloody Bay — but this may be a plus for those guests looking for a mellower beach vibe.
The Brand: Sunscape
Sunscape Locations
Jamaica, Curacao, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic
Sunscape Scene
Crowded mega-resorts that are high on kid count and low on local personality. For families looking for mid-range to upper-middle-range beach vacations, Sunscapes can prove solid picks.
Sunscape Rooms
Expect terraces or balconies and flat-screen TVs with cable; minibars are refreshed every few days instead of daily.
Sunscape Features
These resorts offer typical all-inclusive experiences for the Caribbean, with multiple pools (at least one with the requisite swim-up bar) and ample games and sports (snorkeling and rock climbing, among others). The Explorer’s Club provides supervised indoor and outdoor activities for younger kids, and Core Zone Teens Clubs offers video games, karaoke, and organized socials. Food and drinks are on hand 24 hours a day, though what’s available and when can be confusing, and the food quality might be lacking to some. Reservations at the a la carte restaurants are not required. Unlike some luxury all-inclusive on this list, food and beverage service is not offered at the pools or beaches.
Sunscape Details
All taxes and gratuities are included; no wristbands.
Our Top Pick for a Sunscape Resort: Sunscape Splash Montego Bay
Located right on the beach, close to Montego Bay’s highlights, Sunscsape Splash packs a big value. Resort features include four pools, three restaurants, a fitness center, a spa, a beauty salon, and a spectacular pirate-themed aquatic park. Though not ultra-luxe, the property offers an affordable vacation with a beautiful Caribbean Sea backdrop.
The Brand: Paradisus by Melia
Paradisus by Melia Locations
Dominican Republic, Cuba, Mexico, and Costa Rica
Paradisus by Melia Scene
Most of Paradisus by Melia’s nine luxury resorts are kid-friendly and suitable for romantics. Separate sections for families (called Family Concierge) and adults (called Royal Service) give the resort broad appeal for all luxury travelers. Couples will find that the well-behaved little ones here are hardly ever a bother. Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla in Mexico and Paradisus Princesa del Mar Resort & Spa in Cuba are fully dedicated to adults. Paradisus Playa del Carmen is emphatically for families.
Paradisus by Melia Rooms
Rooms are across-the-board luxe, though the adult-only Royal Service suites tend to come with higher-end amenities, such as whirlpools. All rooms have 50-inch flat-screen TVs, balconies or terraces, Nespresso coffee machines, minibars, Thierry Mugler toiletries, free Wi-Fi, and 24-hour room service.
Paradisus by Melia Features
Features here span from the expected (tequila and wine tastings, free non-motorized water sports like kayaking and snorkeling) to the above-and-beyond (elaborate spas and pools, impressive international buffets, and a la carte restaurants).
Paradisus by Melia Details
Tipping is not mandatory, but tax is not included.
Our Top Pick for a Paradisus by Melia Resort: The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real
With less than 200 suites, The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real, the family-friendly section of Paradisus Palma Real, has a serene environment, a top-notch spa, yoga, and a seemingly never-ending pool area. Guests also get free access to the services, facilities, and restaurants next door Palma Real — particularly the beach area, which this property lacks.
The Brand: Barcelo Hotels & Resorts
Barcelo Hotels & Resorts Locations
All-inclusive locations throughout Mexico, Dominican Republic, Aruba, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.
Barcelo Hotels & Resorts
Not all Barcelos are all-inclusive resorts. However, the Spain-based hotel group is still a major player in the market, with more than a dozen all-inclusive venues in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. The smaller Barcelo Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana is for adults only. Still, the other locations have broad appeal and massive acreage that allow families, partiers, and couples to mingle seamlessly.
Barcelo Hotels & Resorts Rooms
Stocked minibars, coffee machines, and bathrobes are all standard amenities. Room service is available 24 hours; it’s free for guests staying in Premiere Rooms but comes at a cost in standard rooms.
Barcelo Hotels & Resorts Features
The usual suspects are in full force: large pools, tons of eating and drinking options, fitness centers, theaters, tennis and basketball courts, mini-golf courses, soccer fields, kids’ and teens’ clubs, and activities like dance classes and water games. Some offer 24-hour casinos and nightclubs. All locations have a spa, but all-inclusive guests generally don’t get access to the spa’s facilities without paying for treatment. Though Barcelos are slightly generic-style resorts best suited for the masses, they encourage culturally immersive experiences. For example, at the two sister properties in Punta Cana — the aforementioned adult-only Barcelo Bavaro Beach and the family-friendly Barcelo Bavaro Palace — guests can take excursions to local rum factories or learn bachata, a traditional Dominican dance.
Barcelo Hotels & Resorts Details
Almost all services at the hotel are covered, including all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks throughout the day), unlimited drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), daily activities, and non-motorized water sports. Taxes and gratuity are covered in the rates.
Our Top Pick for a Barcelo Hotel: Barcelo Maya Palace
Guests staying at the high-end Barcelo Maya Palace (15 minutes south of Playa del Carmen on Mexico’s Riviera Maya) can use all the facilities at its sister properties, the Barcelo Maya Colonial and the Barcelo Maya Caribe. Still, the reverse is not true, which makes Barcelo Maya Palace feel more serene and exclusive.
The Brand: Dreams
Dreams Locations
Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, and Dominican Republic
Dreams Scene
Laid-back all-inclusive that appeals to all types of travelers.
Dreams Rooms
Nearly all upscale rooms feature balconies or terraces, with daily refreshed minibars, free 24-hour room service, and daily housekeeping.
Dreams Features
Notable among Dreams’ expected features are its food and drink programs — many of the gourmet dining options are a la carte restaurants that don’t require reservations, don’t usually have long wait times for dinner, and serve surprisingly good and varied food. Bars serve name-brand liquor and local and international beers — a perk that’s hard to find at most all-inclusive hotels. And in addition to the 24-hour room service, guests can order meals and drinks via beach and pool service.
Dreams Details
No wristbands here. All Dreams guests are on the all-inclusive program, which covers taxes and gratuity, Wi-Fi and calling, kids’ and teen clubs, daily activities, and nightly entertainment.
Our Top Pick for a Dreams Resort: Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa
Situated on a white-sand beach, Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa is a lovely upscale all-inclusive property in Bavaro. It offers a laundry list of features, such as water sports, daily and nightly entertainment, and numerous kid-friendly amenities. But the Dreams goes above and beyond with one of the largest pools in the D.R. (it never feels crowded).
The Brand: Breathless Resorts & Spas
Breathless Resorts Locations
Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica
Breathless Resorts Scene
Adult-only all-suite properties are so massive that guests rarely feel overwhelmed by crowds. Guests looking for a party can certainly find one at these resorts’ many bars, lounges, and theaters with nightly entertainment.
Breathless Resorts Rooms
All Breathless rooms are sleek and stylish suites designed with couples in mind; floor plans are open, beds are comfy, bathrooms feature large showers and double vanities, and balconies are decked out with private whirlpools. Room service is 24 hours, and minibars are restocked every day.
Breathless Resorts Features
The breadth of features on hand here is truly, well, breathtaking (most are included in the rates). Pristine pools (which include swim-up bars, whirlpools, and lazy rivers), tennis courts, water sports such as snorkeling and sailing, and daily dance, workout, and Spanish classes are among the offerings. Food and drink service is available on the sandy beaches, as well as by the pools.
Breathless Resorts Details
Rates include everything from the food and alcohol to the water sports and themed pool parties, plus taxes and gratuities.
Our Top Pick for a Breathless Resort: Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa
The Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa is massive, so guests rarely feel overwhelmed by crowds. Common spaces are calm with earth-toned decor and teak accents, while rooms are decorated with bright geometric patterns. Shady walkways and manicured lawns weave throughout the resort’s restaurants, bars, shops, and pools, and a lazy river also snakes through the grounds. Rates include everything from the food and alcohol to the water sports and themed pool parties.
The Brand: Club Med
Club Med Locations
Caribbean, Mexico, Italy, France, Portugal, Turkey, Brazil, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Mauritius, Maldives, Japan, Malaysia, China, and Thailand
Club Med Scene
One of the most recognizable and long-lasting brands in the all-inclusive chain game, Club Med began as slightly hedonistic adult-only properties, but most locations have made the family-friendly switch and now allow all ages.
Club Med Rooms
Oyster’s reporters have consistently noted that Club Med rooms are somewhat on the small side (true at the Marrakech, Guadeloupe, and Turks & Caicos locations that we’ve reviewed), but they’re generally tastefully decorated and well-equipped; all rooms in all resorts have free Wi-Fi.
Club Med Features
Almost all of the expected all-inclusive features are present and accounted for, plus a heavy emphasis on activities. Club Med’s all-inclusive package allows guests to try exciting sports like waterskiing, archery, and wakeboarding or even enjoy circus activities like tightrope walking and swinging on a life-size flying trapeze. These activities would be expensive elsewhere and add value to Club Med’s rates. Tamer activities include yoga, golf, tennis, beach volleyball, snorkeling, and guided walks.
Club Med Details
Gratuities and tips included.
The Brand: Riu Hotels & Resorts
Riu Locations
Bahamas, Aruba, St. Martin, Panama, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Morocco, Mauritius, Bulgaria, Turkey, Sri Lanka
Riu Scene
With nearly 70 all-inclusive locations worldwide, Riu resorts range from outdated and bland to super-stylish and modern. Most provide lively and somewhat alcohol-fueled atmospheres for couples, spring breakers, and — except the chain’s nine adult-only locations — families.
Riu Rooms
Some resorts’ rooms include Riu trademarks, such as stocked minibars with liquor dispensers (restocked daily) and 24-hour room service (both free).
Riu Features
Hotel offerings vary from location to location, but rarely do they exceed the realm of what’s expected for the all-inclusive category. It’s safe to expect a mega pool (or three), diverse entertainment day and night, group fitness classes, and non-motorized water-sports equipment like stand-up paddle boards, snorkel gear, and kayaks (some locations offer one free scuba lesson in the pool). Locations with on-site casinos and nightclubs permit guests free entry.
Riu Details
Rates cover breakfast, lunch, dinner (buffets and a la carte), and drinks, plus taxes and gratuities. Most (50) of Riu’s all-inclusive resorts are 24-hour all-inclusive, so food and alcohol are available around the clock. Wristbands required.
Our Top Pick for a Riu Hotel: Hotel Riu Ocho Rios
With more services and entertainment than some U.S. towns, this massive all-inclusive resort feels like a city unto itself. Amenities include seven restaurants, an enormous private beach, and two large pools. In-room facilities are also excellent, including daily-stocked minibars, liquor dispensers, and private balconies, many with ocean views.
Pricing for Hotel Riu Ocho Rios
The Brand: Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos
All-inclusive locations throughout Mexico and the Dominican Republic
Hard Rock Scene
Fun and upscale rock-n-roll-themed mega-resorts with a little (actually, a lot) for everybody: rowdy college kids, romantics, and families.
Hard Rock Rooms
Huge, stylish rooms with double-jetted bathtubs, free liquor dispensers, and 24-hour room service. Hard Rock’s “The Sound of Your Stay” program offers free music-related loaners, including guitars (full electric “menu”), headphones, and amps.
Hard Rock Features
Hard Rocks are very popular with couples and friend groups, but they’re surprisingly family-friendly, thanks to many great amenities for kids of all ages, such as kids’ clubs, signature family suites, kiddy pools, and kid-friendly menus. And speaking of the restaurants, many all-inclusive have multiple dining options that look and feel the same and serve strangely similar dishes, but this is not the case at Hard Rock. Here, the staggering assortment of restaurants — from all-you-can-eat buffets to international a la carte options to grab-and-go places — have individualized menus, custom decor, and consistently good food. Restaurants do not take reservations, but with so many dining options, they’re not even necessary.
Hard Rock Details
Tipping is not mandatory, but tax (20 percent) is not included.
Our Top Pick for a Hard Rock Hotel: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana
With 1,790 rooms, 13 pools and restaurants, 23 bars, an 18-hole golf course, 65,000 square feet of meeting space, a massive spa and fitness center, and the Dominican Republic’s largest casino, the word huge doesn’t even seem big enough to describe the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana. But the Hard Rock isn’t all about size — the massive luxury property is one of the nicest all-inclusive in Punta Cana.
The Brand: Excellence Resorts
Excellence Resorts Locations
Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic
Excellence Resorts Scene
Luxurious, adult-only resorts that achieve an upscale feel without the least bit of pretension. Their excellent service helps with this immensely; upon arrival, prompt porters will whisk away luggage, and guests are handed a glass of Champagne. Excellences are popular for weddings (there are a few key spots on the beach for ceremonies), so it’s not just honeymooners here but also partiers in celebration mode.
Excellence Resorts Rooms
Elegant, contemporary suites with private balconies and an array of modern amenities, like flat-screen TVs, iPod-docking radios, and free Wi-Fi (though some guests complain it’s unreliable). Marble bathrooms are large and have separate jetted tubs and two-person rainfall showers, as well as double vanities and separate toilet rooms. Stocked minibars have beer, wine, and liquor plus snacks, and 24-hour room service is available at no extra charge. Excellence Club guests get premium minibars, Bulgari toiletries, and Nespresso machines.
Excellence Resorts Features
These luxury resorts on beautiful beachfront grounds offer tropical vacations with activities, dining options, and pools. The massive, meandering pools (Excellence El Carmen has a whopping 23) never feel too crowded, and at night, guests can choose from several high-end restaurants before hitting one of the many bars. Food and beverages, as is entertainment, are especially good for an all-inclusive resort. Since restaurant reservations are unnecessary, it’s easy to be flexible depending on the mood. Dining options constantly evolve and include various gourmet and casual (mostly gourmet, given the crowd).
Excellence Resorts Details
All meals, snacks, and alcoholic drinks — even premium brands – are included in the price. Taxes and tips are technically included, but tipping is quite common. Golf, spa treatments, and use of business facilities are available for extra fees.
Our Top Pick for an Excellence Resort: Excellence Playa Mujeres
Set in a private resort community north of Cancun, the Excellence Playa Mujeres is an adults-only all-inclusive property with lots to keep guests occupied: seven swimming pools, a high-end spa, a theater for nightly entertainment, fitness classes, Spanish lessons, and non-motorized water sports. Ten buffet and a la carte restaurants serve various cuisines such as Italian, Asian, Mexican, and Indian, plus 11 bars offering premium alcohol and 24-hour room service. Rooms are modern and luxurious and have big whirlpool tubs; all have balconies, some with ocean views. Visitors can also upgrade to one of the swim-up suites and rooftop terrace suites with plunge pools.
The Brand: Iberostar
Iberostar Locations
All-inclusive locations in Greece, Montenegro, Spain, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Cape Verde, Tunisia, Brazil, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Cuba
Iberostar Scene
With 71 all-inclusive locations throughout Africa, Europe, and the Americas — all beachfront — it’s tough to sum up the vibe at each one. Amenities at Iberostar Premium and Premium Gold locations run the gamut from family-focused kids’ clubs, teen clubs, and pools to adult-friendly nighttime entertainment and clubs. Iberostar’s upmarket Grand Collection hotels are for adults only.
Iberostar Rooms
Except for Iberostar’s nine Cuban resorts, in-room Wi-Fi is free. Grand Collection suites have personalized butler service, pillow menus, and special room scents.
Iberostar Features
Those who wish to take advantage of the all-inclusive amenities at Iberostar will be busy. The resorts don’t simply dole out free food and drinks at their pool bars, snack counters, global buffets, and specialty sit-down restaurants; rather, guests enjoy free non-motorized water sports (kayaking, snorkeling, windsurfing); free fitness activities at the hotels’ gyms, pools, and beaches led by certified instructors (yoga, pilates, Zumba, spinning, TRX workouts, kickboxing); and even a free round of golf at Grand Collection properties.
Iberostar Details
Taxes and gratuities are covered by the all-inclusive rates.
Our Top Pick for an Iberostar Resort: Iberostar Grand Rose Hall
The best of the three Iberostar resorts in Montego Bay, Iberostar Grand Rose Hall is an all-suite hotel with top-notch decor, food, and amenities. While some elements remain shared with the lesser Iberostar Rose Hall Beach and Iberostar Rose Hall Suites — like the spa, fitness center, casino, nightclub, and shops — guests at Iberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall get the pick of the litter with free access to all three resorts’ restaurants, bars, pools, and beaches
The Brand: Royalton
Royalton Locations
Cuba, Dominican Republic, St. Lucia, Jamaica, Mexico
Royalton Scene
Busy mega-resorts with great pools and lots of all-inclusive perks (especially for their upgraded Diamond Club guests). Some Royalton locations have sections exclusively for adults, and others are adult-only.
Royalton Rooms
Room style ranges from classic colonial (like at Cuba’s Royalton Hicacos Varadero Resort & Spa) to contemporary and understated (as seen at the Dominican Republic’s Royalton Punta Cana Resort & Casino). Paying extra for Diamond Club room categories unlocks a slew of extra amenities and services, like pillow menus, nightly turndowns, free late checkout, and a separate dedicated butler team (who can provide property tours, unpack and pack belongings, iron clothing, and arrange birthday or anniversary celebrations).
Royalton Features
Nicely maintained beaches are a given, and Diamond Club members typically have access to exclusive beach space with a private bar and lounge area. On the food front, Royalton’s straightforward all-inclusive package happily lacks the many restrictions and reservations required at competing hotels. Instead, there’s unlimited reservation-free dining plus 24-hour (but occasionally slow) room service.
Royalton Details
Royalton’s all-inclusive rates cover most taxes, though prepare for additional exit taxes and reef taxes, depending on the location. Gratuity is included, but you should still tip the staff like at all resorts. Rates include 24-hour food and drink (Diamond Clubbers get the top-shelf stuff), ample organized activities, non-motorized water sports, resort-wide Wi-Fi, and select international calling.
Our Top Pick for a Royalton Resort: CHIC by Royalton Luxury Resorts
Many all-inclusive properties advertise that they have multiple a la carte options but have one large room divided into several smaller “restaurants.” This is not the case at CHIC by Royalton Luxury Resorts in Punta Cana, where each restaurant is thoughtfully designed and feels like a standalone establishment. Other noteworthy features include ultra-modern rooms, an on-site spa, a beautiful pool, and beach facilities.
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