Listen up: All-inclusive resorts have changed for the better. It’s well worth considering a visit to one — whether right here in the U.S. or on the beach of Mexico — if you want a seamless vacation where you know exactly what you have to pay.
Nowadays, all-inclusive resorts have great food (even multicourse tasting menus), deliciously crafted drinks and fresh, modern rooms. The best all-inclusive resorts in the world, ranked by TPG’s expert frequent travelers, include:
- Sandals Royal Caribbean: Montego Bay, Jamaica
- The Resort at Paws Up: Greenough, Montana
- Impression Moxche by Secrets: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
- Alila Ventana Big Sur: Big Sur, California
- Hyatt Zilara and Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Dubai: Dubai
- Grand Velas Los Cabos: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
- Castle Hot Springs: Morristown, Arizona
- The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa: Guanacaste, Costa Rica
- Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort: Cancun
- Mohonk Mountain House: New Paltz, New York
- Nihi Sumba: Hoba Wawi, Sumba, Indonesia
- Miraval Berkshires: Lenox, Massachusetts
- Jade Mountain: Soufriere, St. Lucia
- Blackberry Farm: Walland, Tennessee
- Excellence Playa Mujeres: Cancun
- Twin Farms: Barnard, Vermont
- Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos: San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
- Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort & Spa: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
- The Ranch at Rock Creek: Philipsburg, Montana
- Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Sandals Royal Bahamian: Nassau, Bahamas
- Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Methodology
Hotel roundups on TPG are curated by travel experts from our editorial staff and our global network of writers. Our team has an extensive background with the destinations and detailed knowledge of the hotels mentioned in this article. Factors we consider when choosing hotels include price point, quality of service, location, amenities, accessibility and sustainability practices. Only those that we deem the best across those categories are included on this list.
Sandals Royal Caribbean
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Best for: A reenergizing weekend away, a romantic escape or a girls trip.
Why stay here: A tranquil oasis in the middle of the desert, this resort, which doesn’t require a passport to visit, is an all-inclusive experience rooted in the healing powers of mineral-rich hot springs.
Best way to book: For now, book through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts to receive a $100 property credit, guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout and room upgrades if available.
You might be surprised to learn that the U.S. has a handful of deluxe all-inclusive resorts. Castle Hot Springs — a grand desert oasis about an hour north of Phoenix — is one of the best. Its 30 stand-alone bungalows and cabins are tucked away in a lush setting full of palm trees spread across 1,100 acres. Dating back to the late 1800s, the resort’s natural hot springs (which range from 86 to 106 degrees) have been helping people stay healthy and relaxed for decades.
Stays at Castle Hot Springs include breakfast, lunch and a five-course tasting menu for dinner each evening, all crafted with select ingredients grown at the resort. A $25 daily drink credit is available per guest. The rate also includes activities like yoga, meditation, farm tours, guided hikes and exclusive access to the hot springs. Additional experiences are available for a fee, including spa and wellness treatments. More adventurous options include UTV tours as well as the elevated adventure course and aerial walkway.
Rates at Castle Hot Springs start at $1,250 per night, based on double occupancy. Two- and three-night minimums are required for most dates, and the resort is closed for most of July and August.
The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa
Playa Conchal, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Best for: Couples who want an energetic food-filled getaway.
Why stay here: This adults-only Sandals outpost underwent a $55 million renovation in 2022 and introduced an innovative island dine-around program in 2023.
Best way to book: Book directly through Sandals for the best rates.
From intimate dining venues to rooms with romantic soaking tubs, Sandals invites travelers into an all-inclusive wonderland designed specifically for couples. Its 10 restaurants appease all palates, and options range from a chop house with tables under an imposing chandelier to a dreamy seafood restaurant on a wooden pier above the water. For a truly romantic experience, the resort can arrange a private candlelight dinner as well.
The resort’s 404 accommodations run the gamut in offerings. There are swim-up suites, hideaway villas with private pools, honeymoon suites, and options that include butler service. All-inclusive rates at Sandals include water sports, a comprehensive diving program, pool and beach parties, live entertainment, and even a visit to Barefoot Cay, the property’s private offshore island with beaches, snorkeling and a beach club.
Rates at Sandals Royal Bahamian start at $277 per person, per night.
Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Best for: Adults who want to be lazy in the sun then turn it up with live music and DJs.
Why stay here: At Breathless, you get the perfect mix of a relaxing vacation with high-energy social elements.
Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn and redeem points.
At Breathless Punta Cana, your vacation can be whatever you want it to be. If you want to relax and be lazy, spend your days lounging on the beach. If you’re looking for something a little more energetic, enjoy pool parties and thumping music surrounded by new friends from all over the world at the multilevel Freestyle Pool. The property’s 11 restaurants range from French and Italian to classic buffets and a steakhouse. Its eight watering holes include a sports bar, multiple swim-up bars and a moody lobby bar.
There are 750 suites available, including the 554-square-foot entry-level Allure rooms, which come with a furnished private balcony or terrace and a hot tub; there are also swim-up suites with direct access to the pool. On the Xhale club level, guests gain access to a private lounge with premium liquor and afternoon hors d’oeuvres as well as an exclusive restaurant and two pools. They also receive VIP host service and upgraded in-room amenities (like a premium minibar and a pillow menu).
Rates at Breathless Punta Cana start at $341 per person, per night. As a Hyatt All-Inclusive Category B property, award nights are 17,000 to 23,000 points per night for double occupancy. Additional guests require an extra 8,500 to 11,500 points per person, per night.
Finding the right all-inclusive
There are many factors that come into play when deciding which all-inclusive properties are the best, and the truth is that most of it comes down to personal preference and location.
For example, do you want to be at a resort with great beach access, or are you looking for an experience near Montana’s beautiful mountains? Do you want a nice experience that comes at an affordable rate, or are you willing to splurge for an all-inclusive resort that has fine dining?
One factor that’s really important: Do you want an adults-only experience, or are you OK with somewhere that’s family-friendly? If you’re unsure, there are plenty of incredible family-friendly resorts with secluded pools and restaurants for people without children (or that offer babysitting services or kids clubs for an adult date night or spa appointment).
Knowing what you want from an all-inclusive resort will make it much easier for you to find the right property for your trip.