I have a short list of favorites when it comes to all-inclusive vacations and I have a lot of experience to back my opinion on these resorts and brands.
But before I get into my suggestions, there are some helpful things to know about All-Inclusive vacations.
All- Inclusive means exactly what the word says. Everything is included in one price. There is a caveat to that though. Some AI resorts have extra charges for way too many things, in my opinion. If you’re already paying a premium for everything to be included, you probably do not want to feel nickel and dimed for extras to make your vacation feel perfect.
The standard things that are included in an all-inclusive resort are:
Room, Meals, Snacks, Drinks (alcohol/non-alcohol), Activities
Depending on the resort, you might also see these things included:
Transportation from the airport to the resort and back to the hotel, room service, private concierge, specialty dining and drinks, water sports, airport lounges, and special celebrations.
Some resorts do a better job in caring for those with food allergies or medical needs and some resorts cater more towards specific age groups or families. The location matters too. I personally would rather stay at a resort on the beach instead of having a beach nearby. I want to walk to the beach from my room instead of take a shuttle.
So which resorts are my favorites and why?
In Cancun, I love three: Live Aqua, Atelier, and a few of the Iberostar ones. Live Aqua and Atelier are my go-to choices for Adults-only in Cancun because they provide fantastic customer service, entertainment (Live Aqua), care for food allergies (Atelier), and generally great beaches (sargassum is an issue in Cancun and these two resorts usually manage it well). I like Iberostar because they have some of the best room configurations for families, amongst other reasons.
In the Caribbean, I love Sandals! They take phenomenal care of their guests and include so many amenities beyond traditional inclusions. They’re adults only, so if you’re wanting to bring kids, Beaches resorts are their co-brand.
Do I only recommend these options? No. Some clients would not be a good fit for any of the above options, and I work with my industry connections to find the perfect fit for them. I have never been led astray. Part of why I require a consultation is so that I can learn about your travel style and personality. I cannot recommend only one place to everyone. Instead, I match you with the resort that will likely be the best one for you.