The 15 Best Bang-for-Your-Buck Luxury Hotels in the Caribbean

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Have you ever booked a luxurious Caribbean island getaway promising delicious restaurants, posh rooms with high-end amenities, and a plethora of included features, only to feel like you overpaid at the end of a disappointing stay? Fortunately, we've visited hundreds of hotels throughout the Caribbean -- from Montego Bay in Jamaica to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic -- and analyzed all of their facilities to find which ones offer the best value. So if you want to ensure you get the most for your hard-earned money, check out the 15 best bang-for-your-buck luxury hotels in the Caribbean below.

 

1. Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, Dominican Republic

Beach at Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, Dominican Republic
Beach at Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, Dominican Republic

Casa de Campo Resort & Villas is easily one of the best all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. The resort is most well-known for its three golf courses, including Teeth of the Dog, Dye Four, and The Links, all of which were designed by Pete Dye. However, there’s a lot more to this 11-acre property: a beautiful white-sand beach, three small pools, an elegant spa with outdoor treatment areas, and a well-run kids’ club. The 454 sleek rooms have private outdoor spaces, bathrooms with separate showers and soaking tubs, and espresso machines. A whopping 20-plus restaurants are within the community, and all-inclusive packages help keep prices manageable. Packages also cover liquor and non-alcoholic drinks, horseback riding, and non-motorized water sports.

2. Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort, Curacao

Main Pool at Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort, Curacao
Main Pool at Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort, Curacao

The 350-room Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort is situated along a peaceful beach with ample loungers, outside the main town in Curacao. It’s suitable for both couples and families, thanks to a lovely spa, kids’ club with activities, and three ocean-view pools. An 18-hole golf course, spa, and gym are also on-site, as are multiple dining options, including an all-day buffet, a pop-up sushi bar, a pool bar, and more. Sophisticated yet homey rooms have furnished balconies or patios, iPod docking stations, and coffee- and tea-making facilities, plus ocean views in many.

3. Half Moon, Jamaica

Beach at Half Moon, Jamaica
Beach at Half Moon, Jamaica

One of the best hotels in Jamaica, Half Moon is a luxury property with two beautiful beaches. The expansive hotel houses a 50-meter lap pool, a main pool with a swim-up bar, and two whirlpools, plus a large spa with an oceanfront yoga studio, non-motorized water sports, free-to-use tennis courts, and a kids’ club. The 388 rooms range between modern and traditional, but all have rainfall showers, coffeemakers, extensive minibars, and flat-screen TVs. Multi-bedroom villas include perks like cooks and butlers. Buffet, Italian, and fine-dining island eateries are on offer, as is a jerk shack, coffee shop for pastries, and seven bars. The all-inclusive package is popular.

4. Zoetry Agua Punta Cana

Zoetry Agua Punta Cana, Domincan Republic
Zoetry Agua Punta Cana, Domincan Republic

The 96-suite Zoetry Agua Punta Cana is a luxury all-inclusive resort with a peaceful, romantic vibe. The chic, spacious suites have free beach bags and minibars, swish bathrooms with deep stone soaking tubs, and private terraces or balconies. Additionally, each has a personal butler. A long outdoor pool with ocean views and a swim-up bar, plus one of the area’s best spas (where guests get a free 20-minute massage), both lure travelers. The sensational all-inclusive package also covers limitless top-shelf liquor, four gourmet a la carte restaurants (no buffets), a cafe, and free horseback riding on the beach.

5. Geejam, Jamaica

Panorama Villa at Geejam, Jamaica
Panorama Villa at Geejam, Jamaica

With just five private villas and two nearby homes, the luxurious Geejam is an exclusive, intimate hideaway near Port Antonio in Jamaica. It has a loyal celebrity following, particularly with music artists such as John Legend and Gwen Stefani, thanks to an on-site recording studio. The uber-private rooms are swish and well-equipped, all with Apple TVs, preloaded iPods, and free guest cell phones (for summoning staff), plus special touches like original Banksy wall murals or private hot tubs. There’s no communal pool or spa, but many units have private pools and in-room massages can be arranged. All-day dining is available at Bushbar, where free breakfast is served. Plus, the hotel has its own beach club across the street.

6. The Cove Eleuthera, Bahamas

Pool at The Cove Eleuthera, Bahamas
Pool at The Cove Eleuthera, Bahamas

A great choice for honeymooners, The Cove Eleuthera has a beautiful and quiet 40-acre setting on Eleuthera Island. This property is also popular with celebs seeking privacy, thanks to its huge villas with full kitchens and private plunge pools, in addition to standard — though still impressive — rooms. A jaw-dropping infinity pool, two man-made, pink-sand beaches, an excellent all-day restaurant, a sushi bar, water sports, and beachside dining are all on offer. The cliffside bar that opens for sunset is a highlight, and guests have free use of kayaks, snorkel gear, and paddleboards.

7. Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort, Punta Cana

Aerial View of Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort/Oyster
Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort, Dominican Republic

The 554-room, all-inclusive Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort draws an equal number of couples and families with its array of top-notch amenities and stunning white-sand beach lined with daybeds. A jaw-dropping courtyard, a pleasant pool with a swim-up bar, and an open-air Asian-style spa are highlights, though the hotel really shines in the tasty buffet and a la carte restaurants (one from a Michelin-starred chef). Suites here are classically elegant and have coffeemakers, sitting areas, and private outdoor spaces. For a more exclusive experience, the Royal Service option adds amenities and special access to a posh lounge.

8. Round Hill Hotel & Villas, Jamaica

Pool at Round Hill Hotel & Villas, Jamaica
Pool at Round Hill Hotel & Villas, Jamaica

The luxurious Round Hill Hotel & Villas is a phenomenal property set along a small private beach about a 30-minute drive from the airport in Montego Bay. It’s considered one of the best hotels in Jamaica, thanks to its beautiful expansive grounds and plantation-style design, sincere hospitality and exceptional service, and array of features. Private child care, a lovely adults-only spa area with an outdoor pool and adjacent sunbed-lined lawn, and a main infinity pool are all available. Plus, food at the on-site restaurants is delicious. Guests particularly like the beach barbecues and free afternoon tea with snacks. A mix of 36 hotel-style rooms designed by Ralph Lauren and 27 more private, individually owned villas with living spaces (and pools in most) are offered.

9. Sublime Samana, Dominican Republic

Three-Bedroom Casita at Sublime Samana, Dominican Republic
Three-Bedroom Casita at Sublime Samana, Dominican Republic

A lovely departure from the Dominican Republic‘s many mega-resorts, the 27-villa Sublime Samana is a beautiful, exclusive property situated on a large, pristine beach that feels private. The villa-like suites have simple, contemporary decor, full kitchens, and big terraces — some with ocean views. For those who don’t want to cook themselves, there are two al fresco restaurants serving tasty local and Mediterranean cuisines. A rustic spa, a nearly 500-foot-long outdoor pool, and free Wi-Fi are offered. This is a secure, gated property, located 15 minutes by car from Las Terrenas’ dining, shopping, and nightlife scene.

10. Excellence Punta Cana

Excellence Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Excellence Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Thanks to a 45-million dollar renovation completed in 2017, the Excellence Punta Cana is now one of the best luxury all-inclusive properties in Punta Cana. This adults-only hotel has a lovely and secluded beach ideal for long walks, two outdoor swimming pools — one that nearly extends the length of the property — and a two-story spa with a free-to-use hydrotherapy circuit. The fabulous all-inclusive package covers top-shelf liquor, lobster, 12 bars, and 10 gourmet restaurants serving everything from Mexican to French fare. The 450 contemporary suites all have jetted tubs, well-stocked free minibars, and free welcome sparkling wine.

11. The Reserve at Paradisus Punta Cana

The Reserve at Paradisus Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
The Reserve at Paradisus Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The 170-room Reserve at Paradisus Punta Cana is a bit pricier than its larger sister property next door, the Paradisus Punta Cana, but for good reason. In addition to all the next-door facilities such as the fun beach area, multiple pools, and tennis courts, guests here have access to a kids’ club, several pool options (including one for children), and an excellent all-day buffet restaurant. All rooms here are spacious one-bedroom suites, featuring separate living/dining areas, pull-out sofas, and bathrooms with two-person jetted tubs.

12. GoldenEye, Jamaica

Main Pool at GoldenEye, Jamaica
Main Pool at GoldenEye, Jamaica

Although not the cheapest luxury resort in Jamaica, the 21-room GoldenEye is one of the island’s top options. This historic property is famous for being the former home of Ian Fleming, and the hideaway at which the author scribed all 14 of his James Bond novels. Its 52 acres are home to a serene, private beach and lagoon, two oceanfront pools, a lovely tree house-style spa, and a host of free activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, yoga classes, and mountain biking. The cottages and villas are luxe, all with clawfoot bathtubs, outdoor showers, and furnished terraces. Two happening restaurants serve Jamaican fare (one serves a free breakfast), plus there’s an oceanfront bar.

13. Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa

Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa, Dominican Republic
Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa, Dominican Republic

Opened in November 2013, the adults-only Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa feels fresh and luxe, making it a stellar all-inclusive option in Punta Cana. The 750-suite property is massive, with ample room for travelers to spread out at one of the many pools (which have features such as swim-up bars, whirlpools, and lazy rivers), the pretty white-sand beach, and lovely spa. Rates include all food at the buffet and a la carte eateries — with Lebanese, Italian, French, and Asian cuisines on offer — alcohol at the nine bars and lounges, and non-motorized water sports. All rooms have whirlpools and coffeemakers.

14. Marigot Bay Resort and Marina, St. Lucia

Two-Bedroom Suite at Capella Marigot Bay Resort & Marina, St. Lucia
Two-Bedroom Suite at Capella Marigot Bay Resort & Marina, St. Lucia

This 124-room Marigot Bay Resort and Marina in St. Lucia has a pretty hilly setting that affords pleasant views of the sailboats and yachts that dock just outside. The one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites with modern kitchens and washer/dryers are sleek and spacious, and suitable for couples and families. Additionally, each room is assigned a personal assistant. Some units have their own plunge pools, plus there are two outdoor pools (one for adults only) for everyone. Other highlights include a spa with a yoga studio, a fine-dining eatery, a rum cave, and a sushi bar. To top it off, there’s a small beach across the bay.

15. Now Onyx Punta Cana

Now Onyx Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Now Onyx Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The all-inclusive Now Onyx Punta Cana is located on Punta Cana’s quiet Uvero Alto Beach. Its 502 modern rooms have free minibars, rainfall showers, and balconies with whirlpool tubs. In addition to the beautiful beach, features here consist of two freshwater infinity pools with swim-up bars, a saltwater pool for kids, free non-motorized water sports, a full-service spa with options for kids, and a teens’ club. Restaurants include buffets and Asian and French a la carte options, and numerous bars are spread across the property.

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