All-Inclusive Resorts: Which Caribbean Islands offer them and why you get the most bang for your buck in Mexico!
Hey there, sun lovers! Dreaming of crystal-clear waters, endless buffets, and fruity cocktails included in your room rate? Then an all-inclusive resort might be your perfect vacation match. But have you noticed something? Mexico seems to be the all-inclusive capital of the tropics, while the Caribbean islands have way fewer options. What's the deal?
Here's the scoop: Mexico actively courted all-inclusive resorts in the 80s and 90s. They saw a goldmine in tourism and made it super easy for these resorts to set up shop. So, with years of experience and tons of competition, Mexico boasts a massive range of all-inclusive resorts – from budget-friendly to seriously luxurious. There are well over 100+ all-inclusive resorts to choose from in Mexico and competition drives pricing! You will have the largest selection and best pricing in Cancun and the surrounding areas or even Cabo or Puerto Vallarta. Hands down!
Now, let's talk about those other destinations. Some Caribbean islands are all about exclusivity. They cater to a high-end clientele who may prefer boutique hotels and private villas. This means fewer all-inclusive options, which can drive up the price on the ones that do exist. Think of it like this: fewer options mean more competition for those spots, so prices can climb.
So, if you're on a budget and have your heart set on all-inclusive, Mexico is definitely your best bet. With tons of resorts to choose from, you're guaranteed to find one that fits your style and wallet. But that doesn't mean you have to completely write off other islands!
Here's the good news:
There are at least 10 Caribbean islands that are home to resorts with all-inclusive packages.
At least 2-3 islands have more than 10 resorts to chose from which will make those a great value!
We know the islands that have the most/best all-inclusive options and can tell you the good, the bad and the ugly about all of them.
Here's why all-inclusive resorts can be fantastic:
Budget Bliss: Know exactly how much you'll spend upfront. No more sneaky resort fees or sticker shock at the bar!
Foodie Paradise: From gourmet buffets to à la carte restaurants, all-inclusives cater to all appetites (and dietary restrictions).
Activity Central: Never get bored with endless options, from water sports to live music.
Family Fun: Many resorts cater to families with kids' clubs, water slides, and teen hangouts.
Unwind and Recharge: Leave your wallet in the safe and just focus on soaking up the sun.
But they might not be for everyone:
Love to Explore? All-inclusive resorts can be a bubble. If you crave off-the-beaten-path adventures, you might feel limited.
Craving Culture? Immerse yourself in the local scene? Not as readily available at all-inclusives.
The key? Finding the perfect match! That's where we come in. We know all the ins and outs of all-inclusive resorts, from the hidden gems to the party hotspots. We can help you find a resort that ticks all your boxes, whether it's budget-friendly buffets or five-star gourmet dining. Here's the thing: We wouldn't send you anywhere we wouldn't send our family. We practically live and breathe all-inclusives (don't worry, we do get some sleep in between), so trust us, when we find the perfect fit, it'll be epic! We research these resorts all day, every day for travelers just like you. We get first hand reports from our clients and colleagues and we travel to them ourselves, often! No one is more up to date on these resorts than us!
Here is a quick run down of the popular islands in the Caribbean who have all-inclusive resorts (“AI”), those that don’t and those that pretend to but we would not recommend! This will explain why we do or don’t offer certain destinations to our clients!
Anguilla - No AI and very hard to get to!
Antigua - There are decent amount of AIs here but they can be pricey.
Aruba - Only a handful of AIs here because Aruba is an island you want to get out and explore and not stay at an AI resort!
The Bahamas - Contrary to popular belief, very few AIs here. Sandals is the best and there are 1-2 others that are very moderate. (And not in a good way)
Barbados - Like Antigua, there are decent amount of AIs here but they can be pricey.
Bonaire - No true AIs - don’t always believe what you see on google!
British Virgin Islands - No AIs in the BVIs and this is another destination that is difficult to get to.
Cayman Islands - One AI and not one we would normally recommend.
Costa Rica - Not really the Caribbean but they do have a few AIs that we like!
Curaçao - There is a Sandals resort here and maybe 1-2 others. Not a big AI destination!
Dominican Republic - This is your next best bet outside of Mexico for the most options and best value!
Exuma (Bahamas outer island) - There is one Sandals resort here but no other AIs.
Grenada - There is a Sandals resort here and maybe 1-2 others. Not a big AI destination!
Jamaica - After the Dominican Republic, this would be your next best bet for the most options and best value!
Puerto Rico - Nothing AI no matter what anyone tells you!
St. Kitts and Nevis - No AI resorts here but one or two do have an add on “AI package".
Saint Lucia - There are decent amount of AIs here and while more expensive than the Dominican Republic or Jamaica, not as expensive as others!
St. Maarten / St. Martin - There are maybe 2-3 AIs here but very few we would recommend.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines - There is one Sandals resort here but no other AIs
Turks and Caicos - There is one Beaches resort here (families) that is great but expensive. Maybe 1-2 others but very overpriced due to the amazing beach and lack of competition.
United States Virgin Islands - Nothing AI no matter what anyone tells you!
See? We know them all! So ditch the stress of trying to fit a square peg into a round hole! Let us take the wheel (or the plane, or the train, or the… well, you get the idea). We'll guide you towards that perfect all-inclusive getaway, leaving you free to focus on the real magic: making memories that'll last a lifetime. Give us a shout today and let us save you weeks of research that we have already done for you! Deal?