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When it’s time to plan a vacation, you need to know that all-inclusive resorts are good again. In fact, the best all-inclusive resorts break the stereotypes of watered-down drinks, mediocre food, kitschy activities and dated accommodations that need a face-lift.

Even better, the very best all-inclusive resorts truly span the globe, from the beaches of Mexico to the deserts of Dubai.

So whether you’re looking for all-inclusive resorts perfect for honeymooners or something more family-friendly, this list has it all. And, even if you’ve been to an all-inclusive resort before, there are still common mistakes you should avoid. But the biggest mistake you can make is not giving all-inclusive resorts a chance in the first place.

There are many reasons to love this adults-only, luxury Hyatt resort on the rugged coast of California. One major reason is that, back in 2020, it converted to an all-inclusive model. The 59 guest rooms and suites are chic and cozy. Each comes with a balcony or private deck, scenic views, a stocked mini-bar, a walk-in shower and a soaking tub. Many rooms even have fireplaces and hot tubs.

With Ventana’s inclusive offerings, guests can enjoy modern American meals at The Sur House, which uses local ingredients and organic produce grown on the property. Just note that alcohol is not included in the package. Guests can unwind with yoga, daily hikes, or reserved access to indoor or outdoor wellness studios. Take the day to chill in the sun at one of the pools, slip away to the Japanese hot baths for some mountainside serenity or hit up Spa Alila — the first in the U.S. — for a Body Renewal Reitutal starting at $330.

Rates at Alila Ventana Big Sur start around $1,300 per night for double occupancy, including all meals and various activities. World of Hyatt members can book this Category 8 property from 35,000 to 45,000 points per night.

At Hyatt’s sister Zilara and Ziva resorts in Cap Cana (a luxury, gated resort area in Punta Cana), adults can take advantage of both areas of the dual-branded property. Children are restricted to the Ziva side. Kids (and kids at heart) will enjoy the Canapolis Waterpark which has a handful of adrenaline-inducing slides. Adults looking for something more relaxing can hit up the cenote-inspired spa.

The resort is truly massive with more than 700 oceanview suites split between Ziva and Zilara; these include swim-up suites, one-bedroom options and even rooms with direct beach access. There are almost more restaurants and bars than you can imagine. Some highlights are French-Polynesian restaurant Brando’s, an Indian restaurant in a train-like setting and an Asian joint with teppan grills. There are also multiple buffets, coffee shops, beach and pool bars, and sports and martini bars. Also, 24-hour room service will help with those late-night cravings.

Rates for Hyatt Zilara and Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana start at $539, based on double occupancy. As a Hyatt All-Inclusive Category E property, award nights are 35,000 to 45,000 points per night for double occupancy. Additional guests require an additional 17,500 to 23,000 points per person, per night.

Dubai is known for its towering skyscrapers and over-the-top hotels. However, just 45 minutes outside of the overwhelming hustle and bustle is a desert oasis where guests can bask in the heat of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve or go for a sand-filled adventure. At this resort, part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection, each of the 42 suites features a plunge pool, a private deck and the utmost privacy. Plus they come with the chance to see gazelles and Arabian oryxes roaming in the wild.

While visiting, take a camel ride through the desert, learn the art of falconry or go on a desert drive to see some wildlife. If you need to relax, opt for a specialized treatment from the Timeless Spa — just don’t forget that two desert activities are included with full board.

Don’t worry about going hungry — food is serious business at Al Maha. Dining options are more gourmet than you might expect from an all-inclusive resort. Al Diwaan, the international restaurant, serves three meals a day with views of the reserve. Hajar Terrace Bar is the perfect place to sit back and take in the power of the desert, drink in hand.

Rates at Al Maha start around $720 a night for double occupancy or 88,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Grand Velas Los Cabos has a lot to offer guests spending a few nights in Baja California. It’s an all-suite property where every room has stunning ocean views, a spa-style bathroom with Jacuzzi tubs and large terraces to soak up the salty air.

Outside the rooms, guests can enjoy delicious food from seven upscale restaurants. Options include a 10-course tasting menu of international flavors at Cocina de Autor; French, Mexican and Italian spots; and a buffet.

The resort also offers Mexican cooking classes, yoga and a kids club. Paid activities range from whale watching to off-roading on all-terrain vehicles to camel excursions on the beach. Undercurrents prevent swimming at the resort’s beach, but there are three infinity pools — including a family-friendly one — overlooking the ocean. At the 35,000-square-foot SE Spa by Grand Velas, a spa valet can make all your wellness dreams come true.

Rates at Grand Velas Los Cabos start at $1,035 a night based on double occupancy.

When we sent a reviewer to Hilton Rose Hall in 2021, he was impressed enough to give it our “recommended” seal of approval — and it’s easy to see why. The property boasts a beautiful, well-maintained beach, free nonmotorized water sports equipment (like kayaks and water tricycles), tennis and basketball courts, a 24-hour fitness center and plenty of entertainment, such as karaoke and DJs.

A great resort for families, it has everything the kiddos could want, including a massive 280-foot waterslide at Sugar Mill Falls, the on-site waterpark (and one of the largest in Jamaica). Across its nine bars and restaurants, even the pickiest eaters are sure to find something they love; among the options are Italian fare, Caribbean classics and an American burger bar. For adults, a swim-up pool bar slings island favorites during the day while an open-air cocktail bar is a great place to end the night.

Rates at Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa start as low as $325 a night, based on double occupancy, while Hilton Honors members can book an award night starting at 74,000 points per night.

You might be surprised to learn that there are a handful of deluxe all-inclusive resorts in the U.S., and Castle Hot Springs — a luxury 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 Fahrenheit) 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, and 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 seasonally for most of July and August.

All-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica just hit different, thanks to the combination of beautiful beaches and tropical rainforests. At the Westin Reserva Conchal resort, you get the best of both. Set on 2,400 acres, the resort has a lagoon-style pool as well as access to a championship golf course, tennis courts and pristine beaches.

With 406 rooms — ranging from entry-level deluxe junior suites with a balcony to club-level suites (with access to the club lounge and private pool) and larger family suites — there’s plenty of room for the entire family to spread out. Families can take advantage of the kids club or go for a three-hour hike in the rainforest. The resort fields a handful of bars and restaurants, including a barbecue joint, seafood options and a steakhouse.

Rates at The Westin Reserva Conchal start at $425 a night while Marriott Bonvoy members can book award nights starting at 71,500 points per night, both based on double occupancy.

In Mexico, Hilton has been opening new hotels left and right, one of which is Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort. Each of the resort’s 715 guest rooms and suites has a balcony. Also, select premium suites offer swim-up pools and extra outdoor space. The crafts of local artisans inspire the rooms’ decor, which is full of modern touches like subtle pops of color and plenty of charging ports.

Activities abound at this Hilton. Guests can partake in arts and crafts, sports on the beach, nightly fiestas with music and themed parties. A great resort for families, a kids club is available to occupy young children, as is a designated family pool with a splash playground. A teen club is available for the older ones, too. This resort shares grounds and some facilities with the new, ultra-luxe Waldorf Astoria Cancun.

With 12 dining options, there’s a meal for every appetite. There is traditional Mexican food at Maxal, wood-fired pizza at Italian trattoria La Luce, a Southeast Asian-inspired menu at Auma, and unlimited ice cream and churros at La Churrería.

Rates at Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort start at $333 a night, based on double occupancy, while Hilton Honors members can book an award night starting at 95,000 points per night.

Believe it or not, the Hudson Valley is home to a picture-perfect, fairytale-like castle that offers year-round fun for the whole family (or a dreamy romantic retreat). This all-inclusive resort sits just 90 minutes from New York City.

Mohonk Mountain House, which dates back to 1869, is set within 40,000 acres of forest. It offers ample space for hiking, horseback riding, learning archery or ax throwing, and canoeing on the lake (where you can bask in the faux Victorian castle’s beauty).

Guests at Mohonk receive three included meals a day (alcohol is additional) from an upscale buffet or one of the specialty restaurants. The Main Dining Room has breathtaking views of the Catskills Mountains to accompany the farm-to-table dishes and wine pairings.

A treatment from the spa is not included, but worth the splurge. The 60-minute Mohonk Red massage treatment ($240), which uses the distinct “Mohonk Red” witch hazel growing on the property, is a highlight.

When you enter your room, you’ll immediately be transported back to the grand days of the past thanks to traditional decor; gilt wallpaper, sturdy wooden furniture and views of the forest and mountains create a memorable ambience. The move here is to opt for a room with a balcony and fireplace, like one of the Victorian Rooms, so you can have a special experience. If you’re worried about getting the fire going, ring reception and they’ll send someone up to do it for you.

Rates at Mohonk Mountain House are typically over $1,000 a night, based on double occupancy. Kids under 12 stay and eat for free during select weeks each year (limited to one child per adult guest, two children maximum).

If you want a tailor-made luxury experience, and one that’s all-inclusive, look no further than Nihi Sumba, one of the world’s dreamiest — and most talked about — resorts. It’s a little tough to get to (because it requires a trip to Bali and a connecting flight to Tambolaka Airport as well as a more than hourlong car ride or a private helicopter transport). Still, the jet lag quickly fades away once you get settled in one of the resort’s 27 villas. Villas have a private pool, canopy beds, views of the Indian Ocean and even handmade chocolate waiting in the mini-fridge.

Guests who check into Nihi Sumba can eat at Ombak, an open-air, sandy-floored restaurant serving a la carte breakfast and dinner. Or, they can enjoy fresh-caught fish and pizza made with organic ingredients grown by the property at Nio Beach Club & Pool.

As for activities, it’s impossible to decide between swimming with horses, stand-up paddle boarding in the crystal-clear water, hiking to a beautiful waterfall or just lazing by the pool. Luckily, you don’t have to choose — the resort wants you to have it all (though some activities are an extra expense).

Rates at Nihi Sumba start at $895 during the shoulder season and $1,795 during the high season per villa, per night based on double occupancy.

Hyatt’s wellness-centered Miraval brand has three locations across the country, and we’re big fans of all of them. We’re exceptionally smitten with the baronial outpost in the Berkshires, though. At this adults-only resort, focusing on yourself is the primary task of any visit. Rates include “life-enhancing wellbeing activities” such as yoga, hiking, aqua barre classes in the pool and nutrition classes. Paid experiences include pottery, archery and even therapeutic sessions with horses.

Accommodations at Miraval Berkshires range from spa-inspired guest rooms stocked with Tibetan singing bowls and meditation cushions to 600-square-foot suites with balconies. The resort’s newest offering, Wyndhurst Mansion, is a Gilded-age stunner with ten rooms and suites named after famed writers. Rates include three meals daily at the health-conscious restaurant Harvest Moon or through in-room dining. For an extra fee, head to 1894 for a four-course prix fixe menu with dishes like black truffle risotto or dry-aged bison ribeye served through an interactive experience.

Rates at Miraval Berkshires start at $1,154 per night or 57,500 or 72,000 points per night, both based on double occupancy. Note that every award booking includes a $175 resort credit per person.

If you’re looking to escape the party scene of Cancun, give Puerto Vallarta a chance — and book a great stay at this towering Hilton all-inclusive resort. It has 444 rooms and suites, each of which has a private balcony and ocean views. For an exclusive-feeling experience, book a club-level room to access a private check-in area, the club lounge and its daily happy hour.

Take a culinary trip around the world by visiting the resort’s Italian, Asian and Mexican restaurants, or grab a juicy steak at Seasalt steakhouse. Like all the best all-inclusive resorts, room service is available 24/7.

By day, catch some rays by the pool or on the beach; at night hit up the sunset pool party for dancing or attend the evening fiesta for live entertainment. If you’d rather take it slow, visit the Eforea Spa to sweat away the day in the steam room or get a Hawaiian-inspired, deep-tissue massage.

Rates at Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort start at $330 a night or 80,000 points per night, based on double occupancy.

St. Lucia is one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, and Jade Mountain — an independent resort offering all-inclusive pricing options — might be one of the most beautiful resorts. There are picture-perfect views of the island and its geological splendors from each of the 24 unique “sanctuaries,” or suites. Every accommodation (except for whirlpool suites) also includes a large private infinity pool, 15-foot-high ceilings and an open fourth wall to allow for unobstructed views of paradise.

Meals of “tropical cuisine” are served around an infinity pool at Jade Mountain Club, helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Allen Susser. At the Kai en Ciel spa, couples can indulge in “The Alchemy of Two,” a 110-minute experience ($595) that unites the loving duo through massages, poetry and handcrafted chocolates. Couples who want to take their Jade Mountain stay to the next level can book the “Total Romance” package. It starts at $6,980 for a three-night stay, and it includes three meals daily, most alcoholic drinks, a bottle of Champagne, a snorkel trip, a scuba diving lesson, one-hour massages, jungle biking, a yacht sail and more.

Rates at Jade Mountain start at $1,675 per night based on double occupancy.

Tucked away in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Farm is a 4,200-acre estate that’s one part working farm, one part luxury hotel and one part culinary destination that attracts visitors from all over the world to East Tennessee. Stays here include all meals, from dinner on the night of arrival through lunch on the day of checkout. Menus consist of “Blackberry Farm’s Foothills Cuisine,” made with local products and seasonal ingredients grown in the four-acre garden.

There are just 69 accommodations. They range from Historic Rooms decorated with period pieces to Hill Cottages which average 1,080 square feet and feature fireplaces, front porch rocking chairs and a personal golf cart.

For bigger groups, book a self-contained house that has three to five bedrooms. Beyond simply coming for the mouthwatering food, activities abound (many of which cost an extra fee). Go hiking, fly fishing, horseback riding, cycling, or do yoga. You can even take a hand at shooting spring clays. There’s a spa with a slew of rejuvenating wellness treatments and even concerts with major headliners (like the country group Little Big Town) scheduled throughout the year.

Nightly rates at Blackberry Farm start at $1,045 per night and require a three-night minimum stay.

Booking an all-inclusive resort in Cancun can be tough thanks to the sheer number of options, but for an upscale all-inclusive experience, look no further than Excellence Playa Mujeres. Every room is a suite and includes picture windows, outdoor spaces, romantic oversized Jacuzzis, rainfall showers and natural design elements.

There’s even a club-level option that offers upgraded amenities like Bulgari bath products and top-shelf liquors (not to mention access to a private beach and pools, and the club lounge).

At the resort, dining options include The Lobster House, a restaurant specializing in juicy crustaceans. There is classic French fare at Chez Isabelle and bold Mexican cuisine at Agave. Stop at the lobby bar, Martini, for a stiff take on the eponymous classic or enjoy a handful of other bars dotting the resort.

With a total of seven pools and a beach, there are plenty of loungers to go around. For even more fun, borrow snorkeling gear, take a dance or Spanish lesson, or head to the theater (and its Stars bar) for a night of live entertainment. When you need some “me time,” head to the Miilé Spa for a treatment.

Rates at Excellence Playa Mujeres start at $536 a night, based on double occupancy.

South of Cancun in Playa Del Carmen, this Hilton all-inclusive resort checks all the boxes for travelers who want to show up and let the hotel take care of every detail for them. Thanks to the 14 bars and restaurants — including sushi at Asiana, multiple Mexican restaurants and even an outdoor tequila bar — there’s no chance you’ll go hungry. With an Olympic-size pool, live entertainment, a rooftop tennis court, dancing lessons and the Innan Spa, you’ll also never be bored.

When it’s time to retreat to the room, you’ll be comfortable no matter which type of room you choose. You can crash in an entry-level, 653-square-foot junior suite with a 55-inch TV, furnished patio and whirlpool spa; or a beachfront walkout suite that allows you to open your doors to the salty air and sounds of crashing waves. Even better, 24-hour room service and an in-room bar restocked daily mean you technically never have to leave the suite if you don’t want to.

Rates at Hilton Playa Del Carmen start at $293 a night or 65,000 Hilton Honors points, based on double occupancy.

Not everyone loves the all-inclusive spirit, but at Vermont’s Twin Farms, the experience is so unique, even the biggest naysayer will fall in love.

Guests can find seclusion in the 20 individually designed suites and cottages decorated with art that stands well above what you’d find in a regular hotel. The various design aesthetics look like they came straight from the pages of a fashion magazine. In addition to rooms, the all-inclusive experience includes meals, wines and spirits at the restaurant or in your suite or cottage. You can even order lunch to be served as a picnic anywhere on the 300-acre property.

Guests can take advantage of the resort’s long activity list which includes canoeing, kayaking, fly fishing, snowshoeing, sledding and even skiing on Twin Farm’s private mountain — necessary equipment and instruction included.

At the fitness center, yoga classes and Peloton bikes are on offer. Meanwhile, the Bridge House Spa’s menu includes facials, massages and in-room rituals for an extra fee. To really let it all go, especially if you visit in the snowy winter, make sure to go for a soak in the Japanese furo — a unique experience that’s included with your stay.

Rates at Twin Farms start at $2,550, based on double occupancy.

Hotels and resorts are a dime a dozen in the Cabo area, but Hyatt’s Ziva resort is one of the best all-inclusive options. And, thanks to the World of Hyatt’s generous points chart, it’s also one of the best places to burn some Hyatt points for a memorable vacation.

This Ziva has seven restaurants and seven bars to indulge at. Whether you’re getting dinner with a show at the Japanese restaurant Dozo or eating fresh grilled seafood at beachside Cortez, know you’ll go to bed full.

With 591 rooms and suites, guests can stay in a standard 584-square-foot Master King or double with furnished balconies and hydro-massage bathtubs; or they can opt for a club-level suite, which includes swim-up options, a private check-in area and access to the club lounge.

For families, the Kidz Club has a water park with slides and supervised activities. Meanwhile, parents can hit the adults-only pool and bar area. At the two-story Zen Spa, 19 indoor-outdoor treatment rooms are available for a moment of calm. You might need the relaxation after taking advantage of the resort’s “Olympics” beach games, dance lessons and live shows.

Rates at Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos start at $520 a night, based on double occupancy. As a Category D all-inclusive resort in the World of Hyatt program, award nights cost 25,000 to 35,000 points per night, based on double occupancy. Additional guests require an additional 13,00 to 17,000 points per night, per guest.

Some all-inclusive resorts are about sitting back and relaxing. Others, like Breathless Cabo, are designed to provide moments of tranquility but are also big on the party scene. Guests can enjoy a robust lineup of entertainment options from bubble parties to carnival-themed Champagne pool parties — all with a live DJ. When it gets too much, guests can retreat to the quieter infinity pool overlooking the marina or visit the spa for a hot stone massage to work out all the knots.

All 169 rooms have either a private balcony or terrace with marina views. Expect chic design, stocked minibars, 24-hour concierge service and room service. You can upgrade to an Xhale club suite and get access to personalized check-in service, the club lounge with premium liquors and snacks, upgraded minibars and even a pillow menu.

There are seven bars and restaurants at this Breathless, including a contemporary tapas bar, Mediterranean and Italian options, and a beachside grill. Speaking of the beach, this resort has one of the few swimmable ones in the area.

Rates at Breathless Los Cabos start at $479 a night, based on double occupancy. As a Category C all-inclusive resort in the World of Hyatt program, award nights cost 21,000 to 29,000 points per night, based on double occupancy. Additional guests require an additional 10,500 to 14,5000 points per night, per guest.

A trip to Montana’s beautiful, natural landscape should be on everyone’s must-experience list. At The Ranch at Rock Creek, you can have the best of it all without worrying about every little detail: The resort’s all-inclusive pricing means most of what you want to experience is already paid for.

Guests can choose from 29 accommodation options which range from glamping tents and cabins to multiroom homes and even a historic barn converted into three suites that can be booked together or separately.

During a visit to The Ranch, guests can enjoy (upscale) cowboy-style food with various dining options for breakfast; they can tuck into lunch at the Buckle Barn and dinners with creative menus that rotate seasonally. For entertainment, there are summer rodeos with a barbecue, autumn dinners with barn dances and tasting menus organized by the chef.

For fun, learn the art of archery, go fly fishing or try horseback riding. In the winter, enjoy sports like snowboarding and skiing, or simply take in the magic of fresh snow with a ride on a tube. A highly customizable experience, every reservation includes a “Ranch Ambassador” who helps plan every trip detail. All you have to do is show up and have the time of your life.

Rates at The Ranch at Rock Creek start at $2,000 a night, based on double occupancy.

Another entry from Hyatt’s Ziva brand, the Puerto Vallarta property is a force to be reckoned with. Home to five restaurants and five bars, the culinary experience here is a trip across the globe with stops at an Italian trattoria, a beachside East Asian restaurant and an outpost serving Mexican cuisine. The resort has five infinity pools, including an adults-only pool, two kiddie pools and even an infinity-style hot tub. Guests can enjoy live entertainment nightly as well as activities such as non-motorized water sports, cooking demonstrations and daily fitness classes.

In the more than 335 rooms and suites, guests can expect ocean views, white marble bathrooms, large TVs, and — in select rooms and suites — hydro-massage bathtubs and rainfall-style showers. Club-level rooms and suites are available, offering in-room upgrades, private check-in areas and access to the club lounge. For a really special stay, splurge on a swim-up suite, so you can access semi-private pools directly from your room.

Rates at Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta start at $360 a night, based on double occupancy. As a Hyatt All-Inclusive Category C property, award nights are 21,000 to 29,000 points per night for double occupancy. Additional guests require an additional 10,500 to 14,500 points per person, per night.

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 watersports, 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 beach club.

Rates at Sandals Royal Bahamian start at $379 per person, per night.

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 multi-level 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 that 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 mini-bar and a pillow menu).

Rates at Breathless Punta Cana start at $186.50 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.

Looking for more inspiration to help plan your next all-inclusive vacation? Read on:

Source: thepointsguy.com