Our editors and writers scoured the globe to find the best all-inclusive resorts based on standout offerings, from top-notch dining options and cool bars to over-the-top suites and white-glove butler service. We also asked our readers to vote for their favorites in each category. We’re proud to present the winners of the 2019 Islands All-Inclusive Awards.
Some all-inclusive resorts know exactly how to cater to couples. Others are located on islands that appeal to travel twosomes or offer terrific value. Both factors make them a top choice for a quick getaway from work, the kids and the chaos of life in general. Here are the Caribbean properties that top our list of best all-inclusive resorts for couples.
Winner, Editors’ Choice and Readers’ Choice: Sandals South Coast, Jamaica
A couples-oriented resort should know how to please couples, right? Well this one, located on 500 secluded acres on Jamaica’s southern coast, certainly does. No matter what your budget or reason for being here (engagement, honeymoon, anniversary, quick getaway with friends), Sandals South Coast has a room to suit your needs.
Set in three villages (Italian, French and Dutch) along a two-mile white-sand beach, accommodations range from the wallet-friendly Beachfront Deluxe (with four-poster mahogany bed and ocean view) to the decadent Over-the-Water Honeymoon Butler Bungalow (arranged in a heart shape above the turquoise Caribbean and featuring an outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tub).
Socially, the resort also offers plenty to love: three pools, nine restaurants and seven bars (including a swim-up option and the sexy Latitudes over-the-water bar ringed by a dozen inviting hammocks), plus unlimited activities such as tennis, beach volleyball, snorkeling, wake boarding and a PADI diving program — all at no extra cost.
Winner, Editors’ Choice: Barceló Bávaro Beach, Dominican Republic
Sometimes just two words can be music to your ears: adults only. When the escape you crave means no one under 18 is within earshot, Barceló Bávaro Beach, located in Punta Cana, delivers affordable all-inclusive immersion of the delightfully grown-up sort.
Let’s start with the rooms: all of them at Barceló Bávaro Beach are located just steps from one of the island’s best beaches and most measure a generous 506 square feet. Trade up to a Premium Level Ocean Front Suite for twice the space and a Jacuzzi on the balcony.
When it’s time for sun, choose between the pool area (with its water beds and water jets) or the white-sand beach — or check out the action next door at the Barceló Bávaro Palace, which has an adults-only pool. You’ll also be able to dine around between properties in the Barceló Bávaro Grand Resort complex, which means access to more than a dozen restaurants and 16 bars. And if you’re feeling lucky, there’s a 24-hour casino, too.
Winner, Editors’ Choice: Divi Aruba All Inclusive, Aruba
With its brilliant sunshine, fiery sunsets and lively nightlife, Aruba is one of those islands that couples find simply irresistible. Add in the generous amenities at Divi Aruba All Inclusive — among them a spectacular mile-long beach, 10 restaurants and eight bars (shared between Divi and neighboring Tamarjin All Inclusive) and an adjacent Alhambra casino — and this property makes perfect sense for a couple’s escape.
Yes, there will be kids here, but the updated room décor (renovations in 2016-2017 added a contemporary polish), wide white-sand beach and calm sea (ideal for snorkeling or kayaking) make it easy to enjoy quality alone time.
Golf-loving twosomes can also tee up (at added cost) at The Links at Divi Aruba. And while you can dine in Mexican, Italian and Asian-fusion eateries, there’s something about fresh Caribbean cuisine that makes your heart race: Coconut shrimp — yum!
