Getaways to foreign places, domestic or abroad, have a natural excitement about them, with their mystery and opportunities to explore somewhere new. At the end of an active day vacationing, though, you want the commodity of being able to return in comfort and familiarity. The best resorts provide that.

Whether you’re looking for an all-inclusive resort to handle everything from food, lodging, drinks and amenities or a romantic resort primed to give you and your significant other the spicy experience you both have been waiting for, there’s a resort for your vacation needs. 

Perhaps you want to bring the whole family and need a kids club or, when necessary, an adults-only zone. Looking to be by the water? There are resorts perfectly situated beachside and, for the more adventurous, overwater bungalows, where the water sings you to sleep. Some resorts are more affordable than others, but, at the end of the day, this is vacation – live (and spend) a little.

The best all-inclusive resorts will not only have the typical amenities you’d expect of an all-inclusive; they also go the extra mile and have an extra bit of unique flair to them, too. Whether you are at the heart of three beaches in Aruba or need to take a wooden yacht to access an isolated resort in the Florida Keys, choosing which all-inclusive to spend your vacation at is sometimes more about what one resort’s competitors don’t have.

All-inclusive resorts are also good opportunities for newlyweds to save a buck or two after their big day. An all-inclusive honeymoon package includes all the expected commodities, but the resorts best suited for newlyweds will break out a flurry of rose petals over the bed, provide complimentary couples massages and light the candle at an isolated, beachside dinner.

For Islands’ best of the best all-inclusive resorts, check out our annual all-inclusive awards.

If we’re being perfectly honest, the words “vacation” and “kids” don’t always go together. But when they do, it’s imperative to find the ultimate resort and destination that’ll make the entire family happy. That means a family resort that can accommodate the needs of the parents with, say, an adults-only zone while never having to worry about their children’s safety or entertainment at a kids club, for example.

Beach family vacations are among the easiest to plan and execute: Attire is simple, and you never have to worry about the climates in these typically warm and comfortable sites. Looking for something more luxurious? Even the youngest of children know that Hawaii is among the best vacation spots ever. The Caribbean and its plethora of islands are always warm and welcoming, too, offering idyllic settings with palm tree-laden beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Apart from stays on chartered yachts or big cruise ships, you won’t find many opportunities to experience your vacation as close to the water as an overwater bungalow will bring you. No matter your preferred vacation destination, there are resorts with these paradisiacal setups in the Caribbean, the U.S., Mexico, French Polynesia and more.

The literally beautiful aspect of an overwater bungalow is its direct access to the water. Privacy is another appeal, as your bungalow is oftentimes isolated from the others, as you are accompanied only by who you want to be with and the songs of the water melodically easing you into paradise.

Focus on the words “paradise” and “vacation” for a moment. What image comes to mind? Perhaps sunshine spread across vibrant blue skies with little to no cloud shade, for starters. Pan downward. What do you see? Most likely, it’s a beach with shining sand impaled by sprawling palm trees and, perhaps, a coconut falling.

There’s a reason why beaches are the ideal vacation destinations, making the reasons for going to a beach resort more credible. Whether you’re traveling to fabled Hawaii or wanting to explore the many Caribbean islands and their offerings of beach and island life, your body will be warmed by the sun above your head and the drinks inside your stomach at the best of the best beach resorts.

Whether you’re saving money or need to save it, luxurious vacations aren’t always attainable. Expensive vacations usually turn out great, but not all great vacations have to be expensive. We’re not just talking about an inexpensive trip to the three-star hotel an hour away from home; in fact, you can go to Hawaii or any of the U.S. Virgin Islands, for example, and find affordable rates at resorts in exotic locales you might’ve previously thought unreasonable.