Nothing makes for a more ideal Caribbean vacation than the perks of an all-inclusive one. Like the many islands and nations that fill the region, all-inclusive resorts vary from island to island and hotel to hotel. From bare-bones minimal to world-class resorts where everything is included to clothing-optional adult-resorts, choosing an all-inclusive requires a little time and research to choose the resort that best fits your vacation needs.
Finding an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean is generally not a problem. Seemingly almost every island nation has an abundance of resorts to choose from. While places like the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and the Bahamas do indeed have an vast collection of all-inclusive resorts, some places like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have very few and do not specialize in this type of vacation. Another choice is beach or inland. Since this is the Caribbean, most vacationers find themselves at a beach resort, though many times resorts inland offer lower rates.
Generally speaking, vacation planners can choose from three types of all-inclusive resorts. Family-friendly resorts cater to and welcome guests of all ages, and many times cater to families with younger children. Couples-only resorts cater to couples and honeymooners looking for a "grown-up" and intimate setting. Adults-only resorts tend to welcome anyone over the age of 21 (18 in some cases) looking for an exciting island vacation. Many couples and adults-only resorts are clothing-optional or have clothing-optional areas.
One of the biggest considerations is what the hotel includes with the price of accommodations. One perk at almost every all-inclusive is three meals a day. Sometimes this means a-la-carte meals at the hotel's restaurants; other times it means unlimited meals, food, and snacks throughout the day. Many times drinks, both alcoholic and non, are included, though hotels often put limitations on top-shelf liquors and wines. Research the resort's website to learn the details. In addition, all-inclusives often include activities and entertainment on the resort's property. This can include non-water sport activities such as free kayak, canoe and windsurf board rentals, free bike rentals and free pool activities, along with free nightly entertainment.
Weather is one of the biggest things to consider when planning an all-inclusive vacation. For most of the year, the Caribbean's weather is pleasant and filled with sunshine. Unfortunately, the Caribbean's location makes it susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms that develop off the Atlantic coast of Africa, making landfall in various parts of North America. The hurricane season lasts from May to November, but storms do occur the before and after hurricane season. For those looking for better deals, the off-season does many times offer cheaper packages.
Located on the white sand beach, Playa de Bavaro, the Paradisus Punta Cana Resort offers guests a variety of meals at the resort's 12 restaurants as well as unlimited drinks at its eight bars. Live entertainment is provided every night, and guests can participate in many fun activities like photography lessons, tango lessons and sushi-making classes. The resort has a special Kids Zone where kids can run around and have fun.
Paradisus Punta Cana Resort
Playa de Bavaro, Punta Cana
Dominican Republic
+1809 688 5000
paradisus.com
The Couples Sans Souci offers all-inclusive, couples-only romantic Caribbean vacations. This beachfront hotel has six bars and four restaurants where guests where can eat and drink as much as they please. Hotel guests have unlimited access to the nearby golf course as well as water sport rentals such as jet-skis, and other activities like tennis and beach volleyball.
Couples Sans Souci
P.O. Box 103, Ocho Rios
St-Mary Jamaica, WI
+1876 994 1206
couples.com
Guest of the Paradise Island Harbour Resort sleep at the beach and can walk to the heart of Nassau in a matter of minutes. Every guest receives three meals a day and as many drinks (alcoholic and non-) as they desire. As part of the package, the resort provides unlimited use of its mountain bikes and snorkeling equipment as well as use of the tennis courts and fitness center.
Paradise Island Harbour Resort
Harbor Drive, Paradise Island, Nassau
P.O. Box SS-6249
Paradise Island, Bahamas
(888) 645-5550
paradiseislandbahama.com
