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 2020 Islands All-Inclusive Awards.
Modern all-inclusive resorts look beyond the traditional daily buffet to provide an unmatched culinary experience for guests with adventurous tastes. International flavors combined with locally sourced ingredients make the dining options at these resorts stand out from the crowd.
Winner, Editors’ Choice: Hotel Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun
Set right in the heart of Cancun’s entertainment district, the 602-room Hotel Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun features all the class of a fine European hotel, with all of the warm and gracious service that travelers have come to expect of Hotel Grand Fiesta. Experience Managers are ever present to ensure that guests every minute of their stay in the resort’s sophisticated luxury suites, making relaxation a priority.
Gourmet cuisine can be found at any one of the Coral Beach’s nine onsite restaurants and bars, where guests experience casual luxury dining in a relaxed atmosphere. The unlimited, all-inclusive package allows for the ability to sample a wide variety of culinary delights, without being confined to a single bar or restaurant.
When we recently visited and experienced Grand Fiesta Americana’s VIP all-inclusive experience known simply as Ú, we were especially fond of the interactive elements of some of the dining experiences. The Table at La Joya turns dinner into an educational affair, as you learn about Mexico’s deeply rich history in between courses. And art lovers might find the food to be the second-best thing about Le Basilic, as local artist León Alva creates his unique art to the delight of this AAA five-diamond restaurant’s customers.
Winner, Editors’ Choice: Anse Chastanet, Saint Lucia
Nestled into a lush, 600-acre tropical estate on the southwestern coastline St. Lucia, you’ll find Anse Chastanet—a one of a kind resort from architect and owner Nick Troubetzkoy, who committed to designing an environmentally conscious experience while taking advantage of the unique location. The resort is bordered by two soft, sandy beaches with crystal clear bays that serve as a designated marine reserve to protect miles of colorful coral reefs that are home to a variety of tropical fish.
Aside from the gorgeous location and countless activities and amenities, Anse Chastanet boasts some of the finest dining options in St. Lucia. There are a number of menus that can be enjoyed at any one of the resort’s hillside and beachside locations, and intimate, private dining arrangements can also be made right on the Anse Chastanet beach or in a spa cottage overlooking the Caribbean.
Just a few of the enticing gourmet options include traditional Caribbean fare, exotic Creole flavors, and a completely vegetarian restaurant, where the kitchen receives organic produce grown right on the resort’s farm.
Winner, Editors’ Choice: Royal Hideaway Playacar, Riviera Maya, Mexico
Set on the gorgeous, white sandy beaches of Playa del Carmen, Mexico is the Royal Hideaway Playacar, Riviera Maya, where personalized service and attention to detail are of utmost priority. The adults only resort is an ideal setting for complete rest and relaxation in a serene environment, where 11 villas all with private concierge are located throughout the property’s immaculate grounds.
Six gourmet onsite restaurants, including a dinner theater, offer a wide variety of menus highlighting traditional Mexican cuisine—as well as imaginative chef creations that transport guests to different corners of the globe without ever having to leave their seats. It should be noted that dinner reservations are required at the resort’s a-la-carte restaurants, and some restaurants do enforce dress codes.
Winner, Readers’ Choice: Jade Mountain Resort, Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia’s Jade Mountain Resort is perhaps known for its sweeping views overlooking the Caribbean Sea and the legendary Pitons twin mountains—which can be viewed from any one of the 29 unique open air “sanctuary” suites that feature private infinity pools. However, the fabulous onsite gourmet dining at the resort’s proprietary Jade Mountain Club is certainly not to be overlooked.
James Beard Award winner Chef Allen Susser mashes up the flavors of the tropics with modern fusion cuisine for exotic and delicious dishes that will literally take guests to new heights. Although the menus found at the Jade Mountain Club change by the season and availability of local produce, one thing that remains consistent are the Caribbean influences Chef Allen brings to his dishes. “The cooking is fresh, simple and succinct,” says Susser. “As a chef my passion is taste. The bottom line here is that food comes down to nature and the nature of taste.”
Guests are also welcome to dine at any one of the restaurants at Jade Mountain’s sister resort and aforementioned Editors’ Choice winner, Anse Chastanet.
