Articles Mentioning Luxury

Iberostar Grand Rose Hall

The most upscale of the three Iberostar resorts in Montego Bay, the 295-room Iberostar Grand Rose Hall is an adults-only all-inclusive resort offering a quality beachfront getaway. This hotel is mores impressive than its neighbors — Iberostar Rose Hall Beach and Iberostar Selection Rose Hall Suites — in terms of decor, food, and features, though guests do get access to their facilities. Suites here are well-outfitted with whirlpool tubs, separate showers, furnished terraces, and daily restocked minibars, but decor is outdated and in need of a refresh. The butler service and swim-up suite options are pros nonetheless. Quality resort features include a pleasant lounger-filled beach, huge infinity-edge pool with a swim-up bar and ocean views, full-service spa with hydrotherapy, daytime activities, and evening shows. Restaurants include buffet, Italian, and Japanese cuisines, but past guests have complained of the reservation system. All meals, snacks, and drinks, including top-shelf liquor, are part of the rate. For a romantic resort with more impressive rooms and features, consider the all-inclusive Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay.

Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa

The 225-room Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa is a luxury all-inclusive for couples only, offering a beachfront setting just a four-minute drive from the airport. This adults-only hotel is spread over 17 acres on the southwestern tip of the island, but all the main property features are centrally located, so it’s not difficult to find your way around. With five pools, a lovely spa and fitness center, numerous activities, and 10 restaurants, couples won’t be at a loss for things to do. It’s the romantic touches such as fire pits, gazebos, and swinging chairs on a pier overlooking the water that make the property distinctly Sandals, in addition to free perks such as scuba diving, airport transfers, and even weddings for stays of three nights or longer. However, the romance may stop short at long walks on the beach – the beachfront area is limited due to rough waters on this part of the island, and ocean swimming is reduced to a roped-in cove. For another romantic all-inclusive resort with a bit more intimate vibe, consider the 64-suite Spice Island Beach Resort.

Beloved Playa Mujeres

The 109-room Beloved Playa Mujeres is a sleek boutique all-inclusive resort with a couples-only, adults-only policy that affords a relaxed atmosphere along a beautiful white-sand beach. There’s little in the immediate surrounds, but most guests are content to use the on-site features such as three outdoor pools with whirlpools — one with a swim-up bar and ocean views – a 35,000-square-foot spa with impressive hydrotherapy facilities, and free non-motorized water sports. All-inclusive rates cover unlimited premium liquor, quality dining at four a la carte restaurants, where no reservations are required, and 24-hour room service. Suites are huge and have furnished balconies, whirlpool tubs, and free liquor bottles. Occasionally, seaweed can be a nuisance. For an adults-only hotel with more facilities and an upbeat vibe, consider the next-door Excellence Playa Mujeres.

Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa

Opened in November 2013, the 750-room Breathless Punta Cana is an adults-only all-inclusive resort along a beautiful beach, and it’s one of the most luxurious options in the area. The property is massive, so guests rarely feel overwhelmed by crowds, whether they are in one of the several a la carte or buffet restaurants, lounging by one of the many swimming pools, or relaxing on the gorgeous white-sand beach. A stellar full-service spa, fitness center and classes, entertainment, and non-motorized water sports are all also available, alongside a casino. The Unlimited Luxury rates include everything from the food and alcohol to the water sports and themed pool parties, but some guests complain that the food and service at the restaurants lag. Xhale club guests get access to exclusive lounges and pools, plus upgraded minibars and room service menus. The Breathless is a stylish property catering to a young clientele, but it’s worth comparing rates with the similar and nearby Excellence Punta Cana.

Royal Hideaway Playacar

The 201-room Royal Hideaway Playacar is an adults-only all-inclusive resort offering a luxury beachfront experience in Playa del Carmen. Extensive features consist of six swimming pools, a full-service spa with great treatments, lovely beachfront with sunbeds, and a good array of activities and entertainment. Unfortunately, guests have complained of loungers at the main pool getting snagged early. Six restaurants serve well-regarded food, including Mexican, Italian, and Asian cuisines, but there’s no buffet and all eateries require reservations. Premium-branded liquor and non-alcoholic beverages are served at the three bars. Colonial-style rooms range from attractive standard units with jetted tubs, separate showers, and furnished terraces to two-level Casitas with living spaces and kitchens. The beautiful grounds, overall sophisticated vibe, adults-only policy, and beautiful coastal location a short drive from shopping on Playa’s Fifth Avenue make it one of the most attractive options for couples in Playacar. Families, meanwhile, should consider the kid-friendly Grand Velas Riviera Maya, an all-inclusive luxury resort.

Terranea Resort

One of the few large resorts in Southern California, the 102-acre, 582-room Terranea Resort along the coast in Rancho Palos Verdes offers a range of luxury features that’s unrivaled among L.A.-area properties. Aside from the sensational Pacific Ocean views and access to a rocky beach, top-notch resort amenities consist of gourmet restaurants and casual cafes, four outdoor swimming pools – including an adults-only pool – an expansive spa and fitness center with free yoga classes, nine-hole golf course, and gorgeous grounds filled with walking paths and native flora and fauna. Accommodations range from standard guest rooms to huge Casitas and Villas with full kitchens and fire pits. A kids’ club adds value, but be aware that there are a hefty daily resort fee and fee for on-site parking. In terms of oceanfront real estate and level of luxury, there are a couple of properties in the region that can compare — Montage Laguna Beach and The Resort at Pelican Hill — but they’re significantly farther from Los Angeles.

Excellence Punta Cana

Thanks to a 45-million dollar renovation completed in 2017, the adults-only Excellence Punta Cana is now one of the best luxury all-inclusive properties in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Kids aren’t allowed, so expect a peaceful scene at the spacious beach, two outdoor swimming pools, and two-story luxe spa with a hydrotherapy circuit. Lobster and premium alcohol are included at the 12 bars and 10 gourmet restaurants — only the teppanyaki restaurant requires reservations. The 450 contemporary suites are divided into six categories, and all have romantic jetted tubs, free Wi-Fi, and free minibars. Some have ocean views, swim-up access, or private pools. Upgrade to the Excellence Club for extra perks like better beach beds and a private swimming pool. The only real downsides are the 45-minute drive from the airport and that the ocean can be too rough for swimming. For a more intimate luxury all-inclusive resort, consider the nearby 96-room Zoetry Agua Punta Cana.

Sanctuary Cap Cana

The 323-room Sanctuary Cap Cana is a romantic adults-only all-inclusive resort set along a lovely white-sand beach a 15-minute drive from Punta Cana International Airport. This luxury hotel looks like a Spanish castle town by the ocean and it’s located in the still developing Cap Cana complex, a bit removed from the main resort area. All rooms have attractive decor, jetted tubs, and furnished outdoor spaces, while upgraded units add outdoor hot tubs, living rooms, and/or private plunge pools. Its beautifully decorated swimming pools, full-service spa and fitness center, and array of daily activities and nighttime entertainment are standouts in the Dominican Republic. All-inclusive restaurants include buffet, Asian, Italian, and overwater seafood options, plus there are 24-hour room service and bars serving non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. However, some past guests have complained of a lack of variety and quality when it comes to both food and alcohol. Nevertheless, this is one of the D.R.’s best options, though it’s worth comparing rates with the similarly impressive Zoetry Agua Punta Cana, which has a more intimate feel.

Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay

The sprawling 350-room Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay is one of the more luxurious adults-only all-inclusive resorts along the beach in Jamaica, and it’s located a convenient 20-minute drive from the airport. It has a laundry list of property features, including several ocean-view pools, 10 restaurants and cafes – Mexican, Asian, and Italian among them — nine bars and lounges, and full-service spa, nightly entertainment, and daytime activities. The “Unlimited Luxury” all-inclusive package covers all dining, top-shelf liquor, 24-hour room service, non-motorized water sports, and fitness facilities. A dive center, shopping center, and casino round out amenities. However, it’s worth noting that the resort shares virtually all of its features with next-door sister property Secrets St. James Montego Bay, and some of the best amenities and freebies are reserved for the Preferred Club guests – who also get free access to Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa.

Zoetry Agua Punta Cana

The beachfront, 96-room Zoetry Agua Punta Cana is one of the most luxurious and tranquil all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic. The rustic ambience and zen energy are on the opposite end up the spectrum from what you’ll find at the booze-fueled all-inclusives around Bavaro. Instead, Zoetry offers an uncrowded white-sand beach, 96 spacious suites with butler service, a long pristine swimming pool, and one of the area’s best spas. The resort prides itself on offering Endless Privileges, which includes no formal check-in/check-out times, limitless top-shelf liquor, and free laundry service on top of four gourmet a la carte restaurants (no buffets), a cafe, and three bars (one swim-up). Guests also get a free 20-minute massage and free horseback riding on the beach. It’s a 45-minute drive from the airport, about as far as you can get in Punta Cana. Couples wanting to be closer to the airport may prefer the swish Sanctuary Cap Cana, while families should consider Majestic Colonial Punta Cana, which has a kid-friendly side and adults-only section.