All-inclusive resorts get a bad rap. Sadly there are some that favor the quantity over quality. For most, images of endless buffets and cheap booze come to mind. But there are plenty of upscale all-inclusives scattered throughout the Caribbean that cater to discerning traveler. They will include gourmet food, top-shelf spirits, and world-class amenities as part of the package. Our top picks are guaranteed to change your mind about all-inclusives. Here are the best luxury all-inclusive Caribbean resorts:
Iberostar Parque Central, Havana Cuba
This resort features an outdoor pool and spa center, and is located in central Havana, housed in an Spanish colonial building. Guests can enjoy 3 on-site restaurants and 2 bars. All rooms feature a terrace or balcony. For your comfort, you will find bathrobes and slippers. This is a great choice for travelers interested in atmosphere, walking and live music.
Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
This luxury resort is on Playa Bavaro Beach. It offers nightly live entertainment, an on-site casino, and a spa. The resort has 5 on-site restaurants and 6 bars. Relax in the free-form pool or snorkel and windsurf on the beach. A variety of sporting activities, including bowling, tennis and volleyball are available.
Sanctuary Cap Cana, Dominican Republic
This luxury resort provides a full-service spa, 24-hour room service and beach. Guest suites feature an ocean view or direct beach access. The suites also include an espresso machine, silk bathrobes and a mini bar refreshed daily with bottled water, soft drinks and domestic beer. This resort features 5 on-site restaurants, including the Blue Marlin. A full breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are served each day.
Secrets Cap Cana, Dominican Republic
Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa – Adults Only offers accommodations with water sports facilities, free WiFi throughout the property. Among the various facilities of this property are a casino, a bar and a restaurant. Freshwater lagoons is 2.7 mi from the resort. Cap Cana is a great choice for travelers interested in tranquility, swimming pools and friendly locals.
Chic by Royalton, Dominican Republic
This resort is on the golden sands of Uvero Alto beach, and provides discerning adults an All Exclusive™ social vacation experience. It captures the poolside atmosphere and luxury offerings with all 320 stylish rooms and suites. The exceptional design here means every memory and the photos that capture them are vivid and stylish with rich attention-to-detail.
Waves Hotel & Spa, Barbados
This 70-room boutique hotel will attract people who never thought they’d choose an all-inclusive package. There are three restaurants, cabanas on the terrace, and a late-night lounge, which has a contemporary appeal for couples (though families aren’t overlooked). The beach along Prospect Bay feels private, and the calm waves are perfect for swimming and kayaking. There is also a spa and adults-only pool.
Hotel Nacional de Cuba, Havana Cuba
This resort is considered a symbol of history, culture, and Cuban identity. The guns that made up the old Santa Clara Battery are on exhibition at the garden, they were declared part of the World Heritage Site. The Hotel Nacional de Cuba was declared a National Monument and it was inscribed in the World Memory Register.With its privileged location in the middle of Vedado, the center of Havana, it stands on a hill just a few meters from the sea, and offers a great view of the Havana Harbor; the seawall and the city.
Royalton Bavaro Resort & Spa, Dominican Republic
Escape to the shores of Punta Cana on a luxurious vacation experience for families, couples, singles and guests of all ages at Royalton Bavaro. Discover Royalton’s signature All-In Luxury® features of elegantly styled suites, world-class reservation-free dining with chef-curated menus, and award-winning hospitality together with unique programming for children and teens. This modern resort features two sections offering a family-friendly vacation experience in the general resort and Diamond Club™ for a higher level of service and exclusive pool, beach and dining areas.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Dominican Republic
Resort includes 1,790 rooms, 13 pools and restaurants, 23 bars, an 18-hole golf course, a spa and fitness center, and the Dominican Republic’s largest casino. This massive luxury property is one of the nicest all-inclusives in Punta Cana. It’s equally suitable for families, couples, and those just looking to have a good time. With so much space, it’s easy for each group to find its own space, and the hotel’s mile-long list of amenities ensures everyone will find something to keep themselves occupied.
Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa, Dominican Republic
This resort is on the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic with ultra-contemporary luxury. Relax in a cabana by the beach all day or join the DJ parties by the pool. Enjoy gourmet cuisine at eleven dining venues and sipping cocktails at eight chic bars & lounges. Breathe Deep with a rejuvenating spa treatment at the relax Spa by Pevonia®, soaking in incredible views or hitting the state-of-the-art fitness center.
What to Pack For a Luxurious Beach Vacation:
You have your plane ticket booked and hotel reserved, and what to pack still remains. But if you think that any accessory or swimsuit will suffice, think again. A luxurious beach vacation involves so much more than shedding clothes and jumping in the ocean. You have to look good, especially if you staying at five star resort. Such resorts warrant items that have a little more posh than practical. For the basics you can visit our best beach gear page. Here are the items you’ll need for your luxury beach vacation:
Women
Swimsuit: This is a must, whether you are exploring the beaches or just chilling in the pool, you must have at least one swimsuit for your luxury beach vacation.
Beach Shorts/Denim: You need something casual to wear around the resort during the day, like these.
Cover-Up: Easy breezy just to cover up that swimsuit and move around the resort during the day.
Summer Tops: Stay cool with a cute summer top to go with your denim shorts.
Sunglasses: Gotta have a good pair of sunglasses to wear around the resort and the classic Ray Bans do just the trick.
Sunhat: Try this fashionable Fedora Hat to make you look more elegant and casual.
Beach Bag: Don’t forget to bring a beach bag to keep items like your kindle, phone, ipod, room key or camera while your chilling on the beach or around the resort.
Maxi Dress: Maxi dresses are hands down the best way to be super comfortable and look glam in the evening! Rock them with a nice pair of sandals and you are ready to party all night long!
Sandals: Try Plaka Sandals, with unique designs using high-quality materials and special color mixes you’ll love. Also great to have is a good pair of platform sandals for going out.
Face Cream: You will want a a good face moisturizer with sun block to keep your face looking vibrant and healthy.
Men
Board Shorts: You’ll need board shorts with that are functional and colorful for relaxation, by the pool and for a day at the beach.
Tank Tops: You’ll want a few cool and fun tank tops to take with you.
White Dress Pants: A good pair of white dress pants will be great for your evening out, or a comfortable pair of dress shorts.
Polo/Button Down Shirt: Required by some of the restaurants for dinner, we commend something like this.
Hat: Men need to keep the sun off their face too. Try this great twill hat.
Sunglasses: Gotta have a good pair of sunglasses to wear around the resort and the classic Ray Bans do just the trick.
Flip Flops: Get these great beach-ready sandal featuring a fabric thong strap.
Dress Shoes: A must have for dinner, casual yet comfortable and stylish. The classic boat shoe silhouettes designed to perform on or off shore.
Hi Leahrae,
This list of Luxury All-Inclusive Caribbean Resorts really has me interested.
I’m glad I came across this post; my household is planning our first holiday away in years an we’d very much like to visit someplace with a tropical atmosphere.
I think we’d prefer the resorts that offer a more private, personal feel to our outing. Small and cosy yet filled with a good rest, right?
I’d say my top pick is the Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana.
Hi Ian, thanks for visiting my luxury all-inclusive Caribbean Resorts post. Yes, I prefer small and cozy too!
This is a very glamorous array of beach hotels, and just the thing for a luxury break with your,family, or even just your spouse,in the Caribbean,these are my choices,which I would love to visit myself..
For those who prefer city life there is also,the Iberostar Parque Central in Havana,with on site restaurants and bars,with an outdoor pool and spa, and features,walking and live music.
The Secrets Royal Beach,in the Dominican Republic,has many activities to enthrall you,with it’s casino and spa,or windsurfing and snorkeling,at the beach,and tennis,bowling and volleyball in the Grounds.
The Secrets Cap Cana,of the Dominican Republic is,for you and your spouse,if you want to get away alone,as it is for adults only,where you can enjoy tranquility,swimming pools,and a casino ,bar and restaurant. It also offers free WIFI,and water sports facilities.
Yes they are all luxury for sure, but so worth it! Thanks for visiting and taking the time to leave me comments :O)
Thank you for your article. My husband and I have been looking for a great Caribbean vacation spot. I think we have narrowed it down to two. Thank you for the tips on airfare and for the things that we will need for our trip. It was so nice to see for both men and women. My husband would pack cargo shorts to go every where.
Thank you again
You are very welcome LeeAnn! Glad I could help narow down your vacation plans. Thanks for visiting the best luxury all-inclusive Caribbean Resort.s
Thank you so much for reviving my interest in visiting a sea side Caribbean escape! Of those you have highlighted here, I think my personal favorite would be the Waves Hotel & Spa in Barbados. The fact that the hotel includes only 70 rooms leads me to believe it would feel more private and less busy than some of the others. I have a huge affinity for beautiful ocean beaches, especially in the Caribbean where the water always appears so crystal clear and blue. I can’t wait to plan my next trip! Thanks for showcasing some great options! I will definitely bookmark your site and refer back to it as I plan!
I am glad you enjoyed my list of luxury all-inclusive Caribbean resorts. Probably my favorite too is going to be the Waves Hotel. I like smaller and more intimate….and less crowds. Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
I really enjoyed your post as I have been to many of the Caribbean Islands many times. The place I have always wanted to travel to is the Dominican Republic and I can see by your post that there are many amazing resorts to choose from.
I have been to Barbados and Cuba. I stayed at an all-inclusive in Varadero and find it interesting that there is a resort right in Havanna. I guess it’s for those who enjoy the city more than the beach atmosphere.
Some other islands I have been to on cruises and have considered as land stays are Grenada, Guadeloupe, and Aruba.
I never saw a Caribbean Island I didn’t like except perhaps for Jamaica as they are very aggressive toward tourists.
An excellent post and I have copied the link in the event I make my trip to the DR.
Great Ray, and sounds like you are well traveled 🙂 I can see that you are ready for your next vacation to the Dominican Republic. I know you will have a wonderful time. Thanks for stopping by!
Hello Leahrae,
This is a wonderful and helpful article about Luxury All-Inclusive Caribbean Resorts. I almost read your all post and I am waiting for your new article. In your article, you discuss Caribbean Resorts details. I think this holiday I want to go to Waves Hotel & Spa, Barbados. I think this the best place for refreshment and enjoy. I like all placed which are you mention in your article but I and my friends chose this place to travel.
Thanks for writing such a wonderful and helpful article.
You are welcome ! You will love Barbados 🙂
I appreciate both the resort selection and the suggestions concerning things we should take on vacations (both for women and men). We have already made our mind to go to the Dominican Republic, but there are a couple of things we hadn’t considered to make our vacations more enjoyable. Thanks for suggesting them at the end of this post. It’s time to go shopping! 🙂
You are very welcome Henry! Please let me know how your vacation was . I would be interested to hear back from you. Thanks for visiting the best luxury all-inclusive Caribbean resorts.
I was playing Kokomo in my mind as I was reading your thrilling article. If I would go to an all inclusive carribean tour, I’d really like to experience the lively music, the beaches, exotic food, bar, spa and some fire dancing! It would be awesome to roam around with my friends and experience all the fun.
Dressing up with all your suggested wardrobe is a must, and who wouldn’t want to look posh during a walk in the beach or hanging out in a bar. In my own opinion, Caribbean tour is an getaway which is great for adults. I see a lot of energy from those places. Tour packages are great, by the way especially for those who saved up and plan for a trip like this. Thanks for sharing all these luxurious Carribean destinations!
You are very welcome! You do paint a great picture in my mind! Now I am ready for my next Caribbean vacation as well. For all of the same reasons too! Glad you enjoyed and thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
Thank you for your article about Beach Travel Destinations. I do love travelling and exploring a new culture. Spending vacation near the sea beach is always amazing. These are really beautiful resorts and hotels to stay in. Thank you again for all the reviews about these amazing places. I will definitely consider these luxurious hotels and resorts when I travel to these places.
You are so welcome Fahim!
Talk about an island getaway, these places are just breathed taking. I myself live in a county which is part of the Caribbean which is the Bahamas. Every year we have visitors by the millions which come to experience this island paradise along with the culture, the sand and sea and of course the foods. What you have shared is pretty amazing which will excite your readers to vacation in one of these spots.
I am glad you enjoyed Normal. I agree that they are all wonderful! Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
Hello Leahrae, I must say that this article is very helpful and informative. When I see those images I think it is like a paradise. I have never been to the Caribbean but I would like to go this summer with my family. Thank you a lot for sharing such great info regarding the Caribbean.
You are welcome Daniel, glad you enjoyed!
As I was looking at the beautiful pictures of these luxurious all-inclusive Caribbean resorts, I wondered what it would be like during rainy days. Perhaps, it will be a little bit duller than during sunny days. Maybe the best season to visit these beautiful resorts is from December to May when most of the days are sunny. The wet season begins at June so that makes the month not ideal. Also, tourists should avoid going there from August to December when hurricanes are frequent.
I take the opportunity on a rainy day to get out and do things that I would not do on a hot sunny day. Makes venturing out to some places a bit cooler, and less crowded. So I don’t mind the respite. As far as hurricanes go, I live in hurricane country, and they are forecasted pretty far in advance. So for me, I can plan around them and/or make preparations when necessary 🙂
Wow– these destinations are so beautiful. I have heard of a few, but many were new to me and such beauty surrounding them all.
My mother goes on a lot of cruises, but that doesn’t appeal to me as much as staying at a resort like the ones you have shared. Do you have a favorite place you like to visit?
Do you find that resorts are accommodating enough? I love to adventure and wouldn’t want to feel “cooped” up.
Thank you so much for sharing,
Ciara
I have been on three cruises, with the most recent just a few months ago. I won’t go on a cruise again. Those I feel cooped up on and they are way too overcrowded making it not enjoyable at all….for me anyway. I just don’t want to lounge around a pool where it is wall to wall people, or same with the dining options. So for me I love going to a resort. You have so much more flexibility in being able to go to see and o things, and on your own schedule. Don’t get me wrong, cruises are really a bargain, but just not for me. I think that a beach resort provides everything you could ever need and then some. Plus the fact that you can go see and do things when you want. I have been to many places, and so far Tenerife (Canaray Islands) has been my favorite spot 🙂 Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations Ciara.