12 of the Best Bang-for-Your-Buck All-Inclusives in the Caribbean

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The Caribbean is packed with all-inclusive properties, ranging from cheap spots with subpar food and disappointing entertainment to luxurious resorts with high prices that reflect the quality of service. Whether you're looking to spend a low amount or an entire paycheck on a nightly rate, you want every dollar to be worth it. To help ensure you're getting the most for your money, we've rounded up 12 of the best bang-for-your-buck all-inclusives throughout the Caribbean.

 

1. Zoetry Agua Punta Cana, Dominican Republic


The 96-room Zoetry Agua Punta Cana wins points for its peaceful atmosphere, upscale design, and beautiful setting on an uncrowded private beach. Although cheaper all-inclusives can be found in the Dominican Republic, the Zoetry’s package goes above and beyond; it covers gourmet meals at the four a la carte restaurants, top-shelf liquor, a 20-minute massage, and activities such as yoga, snorkeling, and one horseback riding session. An ocean-view pool and one of the D.R.’s best spas are just icing on the cake.

2. Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort, Dominican Republic


Some all-inclusive properties can skimp on food quality and service, but the opposite is true at the upscale, 554-room Paradisus Palma Real. Food and beverage options here are excellent, consisting of impressive international buffets, a la carte restaurants (one from a Michelin-starred chef), and bars that dot the grounds. Guests also have access to a spectacular beachfront, multiple pools, fitness classes, non-motorized water sports, and facilities at the sister property next door. Golfers also get green fees waived at the nearby country club.

3. Iberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall All-Inclusive, Jamaica


The best of the three Iberostar resorts in Montego Bay, the Grand Hotel Rose Hall is light-years beyond its neighbors in terms of decor, food, and features. While some elements remain shared with the lesser Iberostar Rose Hall Beach and Iberostar Rose Hall Suites — for instance, the spa, fitness center, casino, nightclub, and shops — guests here get the pick of the litter with free access to all three resorts’ restaurants, bars, pools, and beaches. All meals (including specialty restaurants and room service), top-shelf liquor, non-motorized water sports, and a free round of golf with a three-night (or longer) stay are covered in the rates. The price might be higher than neighboring hotels, but for good reason.

4. Iberostar Costa Dorada Hotel, Dominican Republic


For a massive, all-inclusive mega-resort, the Iberostar Costa Dorada is the best in Puerto Plata, offering great buffets, activities such as merengue lessons and bocce ball, enthusiastic nightly entertainment, and name-brand liquor. Staff service also receives consistent praise from past guests. The resort can get busy, and visitors should expect to see boisterous kids, but the bang-for-your-buck here is exceptional.

5. Majestic Colonial Punta Cana, Dominican Republic


The Majestic Colonial is a family-friendly resort in Punta Cana that attracts travelers with its pretty beach setting and affordable all-inclusive prices. Food doesn’t wow, but it’s above average for an all-inclusive at this price point, and variety at the numerous restaurants is excellent. The all-inclusive package covers six restaurants and 11 bars, domestic drinks plus premium liquor at some bars, an after-hours snack bar, beach loungers and umbrellas, non-motorized water sports such as snorkeling and kayaking, daytime and evening entertainment, and sports facilities.

6. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, Dominican Republic


Featuring 1,790 rooms, 13 pools and restaurants, 23 bars, an 18-hole golf course, 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. And while this is a luxury property, rates are certainly reasonable for the breadth of amenities covered: dining at nine buffet and a la carte restaurants (no restrictions or reservations required), poolside snacks, top-shelf alcohol, free Wi-Fi, and entertainment throughout the day and night.

7. Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa, Jamaica


Affordable all-inclusive rates, a lagoon-style pool complex with Jamaica’s largest water park, and several varied dining options help the Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa consistently receive positive reviews. In addition to contemporary rooms, the package covers all food, all non-premium brand liquor, draft beer, and wine by the glass, non-motorized water sports, access to the kids’ club, Wi-Fi, and daytime activities and classes. Evening music and shows continue the fun. The hotel’s wide, private beach is lovely, and it’s a 15-minute drive to Montego Bay’s Hip Strip restaurants and shops for those looking to leave the resort.

8. Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort and Spa

Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort and Spa/Oyster

The Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort and Spa has a removed location and tons of amenities, resulting in many guests spending their entire vacation on the property. The 86,000-square-foot pool complex is exceptional, plus there are 10 restaurants, late-night entertainment, and eight bars with nearly 24-hour drinking opportunities. Also covered by the all-inclusive rate are unlimited snacks, water sports, loungers and umbrellas at the beach, and in-room minibars (replaced daily). Honeymooners receive a couple extra perks.

9. St. James’s Club Morgan Bay, St. Lucia


St. James’s Club Morgan Bay is a three-and-a-half-pearl resort located on Choc Bay in St. Lucia. The big draw here is the resort’s reasonable all-inclusive rates, which include food and drinks at five of the six restaurants, plus an extensive array of activities and entertainment. The resort’s solid on-site features include four big pools, a small spa, a well-equipped fitness center, and a decent beach. Although the hotel doesn’t offer anything out of the ordinary, travelers wanting a convenient, all-inclusive experience are likely to be satisfied.

10. Sanctuary Cap Cana, Dominican Republic


Couples seeking a romantic, adults-only getaway at a cheaper cost than Sandals properties should consider Sanctuary Cap Cana. Built in 2009, this all-inclusive luxury hotel provides five restaurants (no reservations required), six bars with unlimited drinks, 24-hour room service, five pools, a private beach, minibars that are restocked daily, daytime activities, and evening entertainment. The value here is great, and the complex’s architecture, which resembles a Spanish castle, is beautiful.

11. The Caves, Jamaica


The Caves is one of the most renowned properties in Jamaica, with most past guests agreeing it’s worth every penny. This adults-only all-inclusive has a spectacular cliffside setting that makes it popular for cliff jumping, and just 11 rustic cottages that afford intimacy. Several grottos at the base of the cliffs can be booked for private five-course dining by evening candlelight. Blackwell Rum Bar occupies another grotto, and the clifftop bar, The Sands, offers outdoor imbibing and authentic jerk-barbecue nights. Food and drinks receive rave reviews, and free snorkeling and kayaking are also available.

12. Jewel Paradise Cove Resort & Spa Runaway Bay, Jamaica


The adults-only Jewel Paradise Cove Resort & Spa is an upscale all-inclusive resort a half-hour drive from Ocho Rios. It’s also a good value, as guests can expect plenty of loungers on the beach and at the three pools (all with a swim-up bar and hot tub) as well as modern rooms that all have private outdoor space and turndown service. All-inclusive rates include a whole lot on top of tasty food and drinks, including glass-bottom boat tours, a daily scuba dive (for certified divers), a sunset cruise, a reef snorkeling excursion, use of non-motorized water sports equipment (kayaks, peddle boats, Hobie Cats), pool and beachside movies, a Konoko Falls tour, and a shopping tour.

What to Pack on Your All-Inclusive Vacation: A Cover-Up

This simple and cozy cover-up from Summersalt is an ideal, easy-to-pack choice for your next Caribbean vacation.

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