All-inclusive resorts are the ultimate vacation
What’s better than leaving your wallet in your hotel room while you swim, sip piña coladas, go snorkeling, listen to live music, and more? Not much! We seriously can’t think of many things that compare to the ease, convenience, and fun of a vacation at one of the best all-inclusive resorts in the world.
Most people automatically think of the best all-inclusive resorts as being in warm, sunny climates and beach destinations. And while there are definitely some incredible all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, Aruba, Mexico, and other far-flung locales, you can also find them in some pretty unexpected places around the United States, complete with all sorts of fabulous included amenities.
How we chose the best all-inclusive resorts
According to data from TripAdvisor, there are around 11,000 all-inclusive resorts in the world. So, as you can imagine, it’s a pretty big challenge to narrow it down to just 25 of the best, especially given that what some travelers are seeking vastly differs from others. (Think fun, activity-filled all-inclusive resorts for families vs. more romantic adults-only all-inclusives.)
Because there are so many different types of all-inclusive resorts across the globe, we turned to TripAdvisor to level the playing field. All our picks have rave reviews from past guests, so you can be sure these resorts have everything you’d want in a dream vacation and more. We’ve also included both pros and cons from each all-inclusive resort, but think of them less as pluses and minuses and more as things to think about. For example, a place being adults-only might be a con for those looking for a holiday with kids, but it most certainly falls into the pro category for honeymooners. With that in mind, scroll through these options to find the perfect all-inclusive destination for you. Chances are, you’re going to find more than one!
Best for foodies
Twin Farms, Barnard, Vermont
For those who categorically don’t like all-inclusive resorts, we dare you to visit Twin Farms and not change your tune within minutes of arriving at this five-star Relais & Châteaux property. Besides the pastoral setting and a laundry list of gratis activities—from archery to bee tours hosted by the resident apiarist to cooking classes—the culinary offerings are really the star. The award-winning cuisine highlights ingredients sourced from the on-site gardens, and the rate includes all meals (yes, even chef-curated picnics by the pond and room service), wine pairings, and top-shelf spirits. After your stay, take a drive to Stowe, a storybook village just an hour north of Barnard, if you have the time.
Pros:
- World-class culinary program
- Endless activities
Cons:
- Limited cell service
- Pricey
Best for seaside sophistication
Curtain Bluff, Saint Mary’s, Antigua
Tucked between two beaches on the south coast of Antigua, Curtain Bluff sets the standard for relaxed island luxury, and its aesthetic redefines contemporary Caribbean sophistication. Guest rooms, which all face the ocean, are dominated by shades of blue and turquoise, and coastal furnishings, freestanding tubs, and large terraces enhance the upscale appeal. Other selling points include tennis and squash courts and the largest wine cellar in the Caribbean. The all-inclusive rate covers all food and beverages (even the mini bar), windsurfing, wakeboarding, snorkeling trips to Cades Reef, waterskiing, kayaking, yoga, and Pilates. Just note that spa services, cooking and wine-appreciation classes, and full-day fishing charters cost extra.
Pros:
- Two private beaches
- All rooms and suites face the ocean
Cons:
- Men are required to wear slacks and a collared shirt for dinner at Tamarind
- Closed in the summer
Best for a Greek getaway
Ikos Olivia, Gerakini, Greece
Set on a swath of beachfront on the Gulf of Toroneos, Ikos Olivia is a true Aegean paradise. The 22-acre resort doesn’t call itself an all-inclusive but rather prefers the term “infinite lifestyle,” which really fits, given the modern, boutique vibe and the fact that the staff goes above and beyond to make every guest feel like a VIP. Michelin-starred menus, 24-hour room service, an acclaimed wine selection, mixologist-made cocktails, evening entertainment, a kids club, and use of the state-of-the-art spa and fitness facilities are all included in the rate. Plus, it’s downright impossible to stay in a dazzling deluxe bungalow suite with a private pool and not get carried away in the Grecian fantasy of it all.
Pros:
- Attentive service
- Delicious food
Cons:
- Need to book far in advance
- Limited seating at restaurants
Best for eco-friendly travelers
Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Savusavu, Fiji
The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort has long been a leader in responsible tourism. Green initiatives include Fiji’s first paper and plastic recycling program, as well as sustainable fishing and agriculture. This luxury eco-minded all-inclusive overlooking Savusavu Bay is also an incredibly beautiful and relaxing place to spend a vacation. An educational kids club and complimentary nannies mean the kiddos will be content and cared for, leaving you plenty of time to discover the many magical snorkeling sites, go on a glass-bottom boat tour of Savusavu Bay, or arrange a dive trip with the resident marine biologist.
Pros:
- Environmentally responsible
- World-class snorkeling and scuba diving
Cons:
- Arrive on a small plane
- No air-conditioning in the rooms
Best for honeymooners
Hermitage Bay, Saint Mary’s, Antigua
Serene and stunning Hermitage Bay is tailor-made for honeymoons. From the instant you arrive, it’s all five-star service, fine dining, spa rituals, and stunning panoramic views. (Truthfully, the VIP treatment starts even earlier with fast-track immigration and round-trip airport transfers.) What’s more, the property partners with local organizations to provide guests with authentic island experiences, such as learning how to cook Antiguan dishes using fresh produce and scuba diving in sparkling secret bays. For the ultimate in romance, book one of the hillside suites with a large wraparound deck and private plunge pool.
Pros:
- Private beach
- Food menu changes daily
Cons:
- Wi-Fi can be spotty
- Mosquitoes
Best for an adults-only vacation
Jade Mountain, Soufriere, St. Lucia
Situated on St. Lucia—one of the least-crowded islands in the Caribbean—Jade Mountain is the type of place you go to get away from it all (including the kids) and relish a few days of romance. It’s also the perfect spot for a babymoon or honeymoon. All 29 guest sanctuaries flaunt colorfully tiled en suite infinity pools and sweeping views of the UNESCO-listed Pitons. Spa services, sunset cocktails (or mocktails, if you’re expecting), and stargazing are just a few of the enticing things couples can do together here.
Pros:
- Private infinity pools with incredible views
- World-class cuisine
Cons:
- Hard to secure a last-minute reservation at Jade Mountain Club
- Lots of steps
Best for outdoor enthusiasts
Explora en Torres del Paine, Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Explora en Torres del Paine doesn’t stick to the standard all-inclusive playbook. Tucked away in Torres del Paine National Park and surrounded by a UNESCO biosphere reserve, this is a picture-perfect home base for exploring the rugged, untouched beauty of southern Patagonia. It lures outdoor enthusiasts from all around the world with its eco-conscious design that puts the majesty of nature on display from virtually everywhere in the hotel; plus, it boasts on-site horse stables and bespoke excursions to explore one of the most remote regions in the world, whether by foot, horseback, or car. Guests also get to enjoy authentic local gastronomy and relaxing amenities such as open-air Jacuzzis with views of the Paine River.
Pros:
- Tons of outdoor activities
- Impressive eco-centric architecture
Cons:
- Remote
- Wi-Fi can be spotty
Best for a family safari
andBeyond Bateleur Camp, Rift Valley Province, Kenya
Anyone with a case of wanderlust will tell you that a safari is the ultimate bucket-list trip. Bringing the kids on a next-level safari at andBeyond Bateleur Camp? Well, that’s sure to earn you the title Parent of the Year—or Decade. At this family-friendly all-inclusive resort, you’ll find a WILDchild program that takes the kiddos on various outdoor expeditions and teaches them how to track animals and build a fire the Maasai way. Adults can sip a fun twist on a G&T at the gin bar. And everyone will bond over seeing giraffes, buffalo, and elephants on game drives, bush walks, and around the luxurious tented camp.
Pros:
- Year-round Big Five game viewing
- Gourmet cuisine
Cons:
- Shared vehicles
- No air-conditioning in the tents
Best for holistic wellness
Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa, Tucson, Arizona
A pioneer in the well-being space, Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa is the ultimate holistic sanctuary where guests can find balance at a true desert oasis. The nightly rate includes healthy meals and snacks, luxury accommodations, wellness-oriented daily activities—meditation, rock climbing, yoga, slacklining, breathwork, and hands-on healthy-cooking classes, to name a few—and a built-in nightly credit to use toward unique spa treatments such as a desert sage body polish or a juniper leg and foot massage. For more options, check out these other wellness retreats to help you recharge and relax.
Pros:
- Wide array of wellness activities
- World-class spa services
Cons:
- Must be 18 or older
- Device-free zone
Best for tranquility
The Palms, Zanzibar, Bwejuu, Tanzania
Looking to trade the stress of daily life for a far-flung paradise of pure serenity? The Palms, Zanzibar is an exclusive respite of privacy and tranquility on the southeastern coast of the island with just seven bungalows and a resplendent reputation for Swahili hospitality. It’s the sort of place where hours pass as you sip a coconut under the shade of a palm tree and perhaps get up to swim in the turquoise water or stroll on the powder-soft sand. You can relax even further knowing that you won’t have to pay extra for food, drinks, or recreational activities like beach volleyball and bike rentals either.
Pros:
- Private
- Romantic
Cons:
- Only seven bungalows
- Men are required to wear long trousers for dinner
Best for a mountain vibe
The Swag, Waynesville, North Carolina
Get ready to fall in love with The Swag, an award-winning hideaway bordering Great Smoky Mountains National Park—one of the best national parks to visit for spring wildflowers—at an elevation of 5,000 feet. It’s exactly the type of place you’d want to steal away to with your sweetie for a quiet weekend of fresh air, hiking, and snuggles by a wood-burning stone fireplace in your own cozy log cabin. It feels like a quaint mountain lodge, but with the bonus of having everything from deluxe meals to cool experiences included in the rate.
Pros:
- Access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Copper soaking tubs
Cons:
- No TVs in the rooms
- No pets (only service animals)
Best for eco-adventurers
Sonora Resort, British Columbia, Canada
Tucked away on a remote, unpopulated, gulf island off the West Coast of British Columbia, Sonora Resort is an off-the-beaten-path jewel that’s surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty in every direction. Here, you can participate in a slew of unforgettable eco-adventures—from trekking through old-growth forests and fishing for rainbow trout to more over-the-top excursions like a once-in-a-lifetime heli-hike to glacier paddleboarding (seriously, that’s a real thing). Or you can simply sit on your private balcony and soak in the spellbinding views of the Yuculta Rapids.
Pros:
- Breathtakingly beautiful scenery
- Tons of outdoor activities
Cons:
- Remote
- Closed in the winter
Best for an elevated ranch experience
The Ranch at Rock Creek, Philipsburg, Montana
Prefer to explore the great outdoors rather than sip fruity cocktails by the pool? The Ranch at Rock Creek is a high-end, Western-style all-inclusive resort that offers five-star service, awesome amenities like a four-lane bowling alley and a ropes course, and a spate of outdoor activities—horseback riding, clay shooting, fly-fishing, archery, and more. After a day out in nature, guests can refuel with locally sourced fare and retire to the comforts of a glamping cabin with a cedar soaking tub. If you have the time, combine a stay here with a road trip to Glacier National Park, which is about a three-and-a-half-hour drive away.
Pros:
- Tons of outdoor activities
- Upscale amenities
Cons:
- Pricey
- Remote
Best for poolside bliss
Excellence Playa Mujeres, Costa Mujeres, Mexico
Nothing says a romantic, grown-up vacation quite like a two-story rooftop terrace suite with ocean views and a Jacuzzi or private plunge pool at a five-star adults-only resort. To be clear, we’re talking about Excellence Playa Mujeres, and it’s not just the accommodations that wow. Seven pools wind through the property, creating countless visually stunning spots to swim. There’s also an award-winning spa, a Greg Norman signature golf course, and a martini bar. And what’s vacation without great food? Indulge in gourmet cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—all included in the rate, of course.
Pros:
- Seven pools
- Suites with private pools
Cons:
- Adults only
- Not all rooms have ocean views
Best for an anniversary trip
Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos, San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
A posh, oceanfront playground for grown-ups on the Baja Peninsula, Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos is a luxurious all-inclusive that makes surprising your spouse, fiancé, or significant other with a special trip easy to plan and impossible to forget. So, exactly what sort of indulgences are included in the rate? Gourmet meals, made-to-order cocktails and wine, sunset sails, live music, and butler service. (Yes, a capable set of hands will handle the unpacking while you hang by the pool!)
Pros:
- Lots of dining options
- Great entertainment
Cons:
- Activities book up quickly
- Need to make chef’s-dinner reservations in advance
Best for a far-flung beach escape
Lux Belle Mare Resort & Villas, Belle Mare, Mauritius
Lux Belle Mare Resort & Villas on the east coast of Mauritius is one of those rare places that appeals to honeymooners and families alike. Powder-soft sand, turquoise water, swaying palms, and thatched buildings make it look like a postcard. Rooms and suites are swathed in neutrals with bright tropical pops of color and have comfy beds, stand-alone tubs, and furnished balconies. Villas up the ante with extra space, privacy, and heated swimming pools. Standout amenities—such as the island’s largest swimming pool, water sports, tennis, and access to the spa facilities—plus global dishes, artisanal ice cream, afternoon tea, and cocktails are all part of the all-inclusive package.
Pros:
- Beautiful beach
- Concierge goes above and beyond
Cons:
- Rooms near the bar area are noisy
- Amari by Vineet isn’t included in the meal plan
Best for overwater bungalows
Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives
A front-runner for the most Instagrammable accommodations, the impeccably designed overwater bungalows at Sun Siyam Iru Veli are sleek, modern, and boast the most beautiful views of the lagoon. A few more things you won’t want to miss posting on your social channels? The floating breakfast, which is served in your own private pool, and the dolphins swimming through the turquoise waters at sunset. Beyond dreamy digs, the resort has a dive center, tennis courts, a spa, a fitness facility, and tons of water-sport equipment. If you love this idea but have a different destination in mind, check out these other overwater bungalows that are truly like heaven on earth.
Pros:
- Overwater bungalows
- Sunset dolphin cruise
Cons:
- Wi-Fi can be spotty
- Food lacks variety
Best for family fun
C Lazy U Ranch, Granby, Colorado
For an authentic dude-ranch experience, tip your (cowboy) hat to C Lazy U Ranch. Located in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, the property gives visitors a taste of Western fun for the whole family, with a touch of luxury. Horseback riding, fly fishing, and hatchet throwing are all included in the rate. Ditto for hearty chuckwagon breakfasts—and all meals, for that matter—as well as cabins with stone fireplaces, comfy beds, and L’Occitane toiletries. It’s a family vacation idea the whole family will love.
Pros:
- Tons of family-friendly outdoor activities
- Experienced team of wranglers
Cons:
- Rustic accommodations
- No pets (only service animals)
Best for stargazing
Nayara Alto Atacama, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
A blissful eco-luxury hotel with jaw-dropping design in a Dark Sky reserve, Nayara Alto Atacama is where desert daydreams and stargazing fantasies become reality. Besides hiking through the Atacama Desert and looking at the constellations from a private outdoor observation deck—which, by the way, are just a couple of the activities and excursions available—guests can unwind with spa treatments (for an additional cost), take a dip in one of the six swimming pools, and savor meals showcasing regional ingredients.
Pros:
- Beautiful views
- Cool excursions
Cons:
- Remote
- Wi-Fi can be spotty
Best for affordable luxury
Kurumba Maldives, Vihamanaafushi, Maldives
The Maldives is known as a super luxurious and Instagrammable destination. Kurumba Maldives certainly fits that description—but at a lower price point than you might imagine. Guests arrive from the airport via luxury speedboat transfer, which takes just 10 minutes. The entire experience—from the breathtaking white-sand beaches to the free daily activities such as snorkeling and cooking classes—is top-shelf. The hardest decision you’ll have to make the entire time? Which of the eight different restaurants to treat your taste buds to at each meal.
Pros:
- Multiple restaurants
- Beautiful views
Cons:
- Some airport noise
- Excursions can be expensive
Best for multigenerational families
Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
A relatively new addition to the Dominican Republic’s robust all-inclusive scene, the Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana sets itself apart from the pack with an unparalleled location on the shore of Juanillo Beach, swim-up suites, and activities to delight the entire family. For kiddos, there’s a water park with a lazy river, as well as a kids club and teen club. Adults will enjoy the rum bar and the option to pop over to the adults-only Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana for a date night.
Pros:
- Water park
- Swim-up suites
Cons:
- In a tourist area
- Limited off-site excursions
Best for a girls’ getaway
Akumal Bay Beach & Wellness Resort, Akumal, Mexico
What should you do when you have limited vacation days and can’t decide between a wellness retreat and a luxury beach resort for your next girls’ getaway? Book a stay at Akumal Bay Beach & Wellness Resort and get the best of both worlds! Located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, this little slice of all-inclusive paradise has a white-sand beach, snorkeling with sea turtles, paddleboarding, yoga, meditation, and a lovely spa. And since everything is included, you can really just soak in the relaxed atmosphere.
Pros:
- Beautiful beach
- Excellent snorkeling
Cons:
- Limited food options
- Lack of shaded beach lounges
Best for nature lovers
Tortuga Lodge & Gardens, Tortuguero, Costa Rica
An argument could be made that what’s missing from many sprawling all-inclusive resorts is a connection to nature. That’s certainly not a problem at Tortuga Lodge & Gardens. The laid-back property honors its natural environment at every turn. Rooms trade TVs for river views. Guests are encouraged to get out and explore. While booking an all-inclusive package (which includes lodging, food, and excursions to Tortuguero National Park) is optional, it’s definitely the way to go.
Pros:
- All rooms have river views
- Homemade Costa Rican food
Cons:
- No TVs in the rooms
- No air-conditioning
Best for parents who need a break
Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
If you’re in need of a getaway but don’t have family members or a nanny to take care of your kiddos, opt for an all-inclusive with a first-class kids club like Grand Velas Riviera Maya. This way, everyone enjoys the vacation—and you get a break from parenting for a little while. What will you do with those precious child-free hours? How about a massage at the spa, a jungle excursion, dinner at one of the five restaurants, or a few hours of peace, quiet, and room service? Yep, that works! Speaking of accommodations, there are three different types of suites, so you’ll just have to decide whether you’d rather reside by the infinity pool, the beach, or the jungle.
Pros:
- Spacious rooms
- Kids club
Cons:
- Rocky ocean floor
- Hosts conventions
Best for romance
The Caves, Negril, Jamaica
Perched on the postcard-perfect westernmost point of Jamaica, The Caves, a member of the Island Outpost collection, is the antithesis of all-inclusive resorts with long buffet lines, overcrowded swimming pools, and cheesy entertainment. Instead, this adults-only retreat puts an emphasis on romance and relaxation. That winning combination comes in many forms—swimming in azure waters, strolls through lush tropical gardens, candlelit dinners in a private grotto, and snoozing in cliffside cottages. Jamaica is also home to beaches with the warmest water in the world.
Pros:
- Private grotto dining
- Jaw-dropping views
Cons:
- No TVs in the rooms
- No beach
Next, check out the best resorts in Puerto Rico you’ll want to book ASAP.