Is an all-inclusive Caribbean vacation the right choice for you?
Lobby of the Barcelo Maya, Riviera Maya, Mexico
With more and more all-inclusive resorts being built or re-modeled into all-inclusives in many Caribbean destinations, we’re receiving more inquiries from our readers on whether an all-inclusive resort would be a good vacation choice for them. After all, vacation dollars are hard to come by and no matter what your vacation budget, you want to choose the best accommodation for you and your family.
Beach at the Hark Rock Hotel, Punta Cana
We enjoy staying in all types of accommodations during our Caribbean travels from cruise ships to catamarans, high end resorts to budget resorts, villas to condos, etc., and, all-inclusive resorts. We’ve had the pleasure of enjoying quite a few all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Antigua and even one in St. Croix. So, how do we decide whether or not to stay at an all-inclusive? What are some things to consider prior to booking?
The first thing to know right off the bat is that all all-inclusives are not equal and all-inclusives are not available everywhere. As with other resorts, all-inclusives range from budget to very high end and everywhere in between. Do your research, ask your friends, look at on-line reviews, call the resort with questions and then enjoy what can be a wonderful stress-free vacation! All-inclusive resorts can be an excellent value for the money and an easy way to budget vacation dollars by including all of your meals, drinks and entertainment in one price!
Caribbean Lobster dinner at the Divi Carina Resort, St. Croix
Here are some things to consider when exploring all-inclusive options:
1. Are you a foodie? Be sure to look for the all-inclusives that offer a wide range of dining options, including fine dining. Some offer buffet dining only, but many offer dining at several themed and very nice restaurants on site. In addition to premium dining experiences, some resorts also offer or include premium wine & other liquor options.
Some of the water-sports included at Jewel Runaway Bay, Jamaica
2. Do you just want to relax at the resort all week? Look for a resort that offers the amenities you desire, i.e., a great beach, good swimming pools, golf, tennis, water-sports, nightly entertainment, etc.
Sunset by the pool at Jewel Runaway Bay Resort, Jamaica
One of the many pools at the Hard Rock Resort, Punta Cana
3. Want to explore the island outside of your resort? Look for a resort that offers good excursion packages, or if you’re like us and like to see what you want without traveling in a larger group, choose a resort that is in good proximity to the sights you want to explore.
4. Want to enjoy some pampering at the spa? Many resorts offer spa services (most at an additional cost) such as a wide range of massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, etc., and some have over-the-top spa facilities offering some of the finest pampering around.
5. Is the resort family-friendly or adult only? There are some terrific all-inclusives that cater to the young ‘uns with resort attractions (lazy rivers, waterslides, kiddie pools), entertainment and dining options. If you’re traveling without children, you may want to opt for an adult-only resorts that offer amenities, dining options and entertainment geared more for the grown-ups.
Waterslide at the Beaches Resort, Negril, Jamaica
5. Pricing. There are all-inclusive resorts geared for the budget minded all the way to luxury all-inclusives, and there can be a huge difference in amenities and level of services. If you’re traveling on a budget and don’t require a lot of services or amenities, you might opt for the less expensive resorts. If you want to be completely pampered, there are resorts that can offer that to you, at a higher price, of course. Again, just do your research to make sure there are very few surprises when you arrive.
Enjoying coffee on the deck at Divi Carina Resort, St. Croix
6. Transfers. Does the accommodation provide transfers to the facility? This is not a big deal in some cases, but if you will have to travel quite a distance from the airport and are not renting a car, having transfers included in your package can be a big bonus.
One of the beautiful and comfortable rooms at the Beaches Resort, Negril, Jamaica
7. Last, but certainly not least – your room. Again, there can be a BIG difference in the rooms provided at all-inclusives – as with other resorts. What are the rooms amenities? Does it include a decent sized safe? Is there a mini-bar (usually included in the price) or refrigerator? In room hot tub? Is it located in a good area of the resort? (Check to see if there is a map of the rooms on the website) Is it size that will comfortably accommodate your party? Is the bed size guaranteed? If you can’t find this information on the website, you might try to call the resort to see.
In room Hydro Spa at the Hard Rock Hotel, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Negril Sunset from a cabana at Beaches Resort
Have you enjoyed vacationing at an all-inclusive resort? What did you like the most about it?
To see more posts on Caribbean islands and travel, check out our Island Blog Directory
For helpful travel hints, check out our posts in Tropical Tips & More
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Recently a few of our readers asked if we had a recipe for a Hummingbird – a frozen rum cocktail that they enjoyed while vacationing in Jamaica. We hadn’t, but it sounded interesting, so we started searching for one. We ran across several of them – all slightly different and then made just a few small adjustments of our own. So – here’s our version of the Hummingbird. Sorry we can’t provide the beautiful Jamaican beach to go with it!
The first time I experienced a drink called the a Dirty Banana was in Jamaica after spending the day on a Cool Runnings Sail to Dunn’s River Falls. The sail offered endless pours of rum punch and to be honest with you, by the time someone ordered a Dirty Banana cocktail for me later that evening, I was nearly rummed out for the day. I know, what a lightweight. However, the lovely flavor of fresh banana mingled with dark rum and coffee flavored liqueur remained etched in my mind.
