Baby, it’s cold outside. That got us thinking about warm days, sunshine and sandy beaches. Like those found in the Caribbean. Did you know that the Caribbean islands enjoy a hot, tropical climate all year with average highs of 82° F? These islands are full of resorts, ready to make your vacation unforgettable. And if you’re looking for the best all-inclusive Caribbean resorts, you’re in luck because we’ve found the best ones for you, according to expert recommendations!
These destinations are totally Instagram-worthy with white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Interestingly, researchers surveyed 3,000 U.S. adults and more than a third (36 percent) of those who use social media don’t feel like they’ve had a real vacation unless they post about it. Even if you don’t usually post about your vacations, you may be tempted by the beauty of a Caribbean backdrop.
And make sure you book your stay for long enough to fully enjoy it. A survey found that it takes about four days on average for Americans to completely relax and forget the stress and worries from work while on vacation. This means during a week-long vacation, workers spend just 43 percent of their time without work in mind. With Wi-Fi available nearly everywhere, it may be hard to disconnect from the workplace, even if you’re far, far away.
Thankfully, the Caribbean does a great job at encouraging you to leave your cares behind. After all, it’s hard to work from your pool float or ocean kayak! That said, we found the places you’ll want to go to disconnect from it all. Hint: You may want to head to St. Lucia. You’ll see why below! Read on for the list of the five best all-inclusive resorts, according to 12 travel experts.
The List: Top 5 All-Inclusive Caribbean Resorts, According To Pros
1. Jade Mountain Resort, St. Lucia
Oyster gives the top spot to Jade Mountain Resort, raving, “At Jade Mountain, you’ll find only 29 suites (dubbed “sanctuaries”) — all with open walls and incredible sea views. Twenty-four of those sanctuaries feature an infinity pool, and the remaining suites include a large bathtub. Highlights of this adults-only resort include escorted walking and hiking tours, water sports and access to activities and facilities. Jade Mountain Resort is one of the most romantic, splurge-worthy resorts in the Caribbean — and the entire world.”
“Not only is Jade Mountain a luxurious all-inclusive resort, but it is also adults-only. It is clinging to a cliff with a silvery beach below. I loved the remoteness on one hand and on the other, that all spaces are open, affording unobstructed views. There is plenty of activity in the resort, which comes with an infinity pool, gym, restaurants, and butler service, but without TV and phones to guarantee soothing peace and quiet. Wi-Fi, however, is available, and you can go on day trips to volcanoes, botanical gardens, or sulfur springs. I loved the privacy and open spaces and didn’t mind climbing down the steps to the beach,” Travel Awaits writes.
Trips to Discover says it’s world-class: “Jade Mountain Resort is one of the best all-inclusive resorts in the world, as it has long-attracted honeymooners and other romance seekers with its stunning views of the Piti and Gros mountains combined with countless decadent amenities. All suites include dedicated butlers, whirlpool tubs, and in-room infinity pools in addition to overlooking the famous peaks and sea. The award-winning fare is organically sourced from the nearby plantation, while the spa offers a wide range of rejuvenating services. On the sky deck, enjoy live music, creative cocktails, and unforgettable stargazing.”
2. Windjammer Landing, St. Lucia
The Times compares this beautiful resort to buildings in Santorini, Greece: “Looking not unlike a Greek village, Windjammer Landing hangs over Labrellotte Bay in St. Lucia’s northeast coast as though it were moonlighting as Santorini. Though the white, airy decor calls to mind the Mediterranean, there’s no mistaking the Caribbean location — especially when you get to the resort’s Dragon Fly restaurant, which specialises in regional cuisine. It’s one of five restaurants included in the all-inclusive package and sits alongside four bars. The resort also provides activity programmes for children and teens, creating enough distractions to allow you to finish your daiquiri.”
Family Destinations Guide recommends this choice as a slice of paradise, writing, “They have a gorgeous private beach and absolutely stunning scenery. This property is a special little slice of paradise where comfort and hospitality come first. Jamaica is known for their amazing hospitality to visitors, and you can’t go wrong with these accommodations. The package includes unlimited food and drinks, access to water sports, five restaurants, and luxurious villas for privacy.”
According to Jetsetter, it’s surprisingly affordable but you wouldn’t know it: “Despite the affordability you’ll find at Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, don’t expect to stay in your standard hotel room. Guests have their pick among 80 Mediterranean-inspired villas built right into a hillside, each with their own private plunge pool. Another six swimming pools are spread throughout the property (ensuring you never have to fight for a lounger), but it’s the 64,000-square-foot white-sand beach on the hotel’s doorstep — one of the finest on St. Lucia — that trumps it all. Non-motorized water sports like windsurfing, snorkeling, and Hobie Cat rentals are all included in your rate, so dive in.”
3. Serenity at Coconut Bay, St. Lucia
Yep, St. Lucia yet again. Experts say this resort is as luxurious as it is romantic.
“Walk into any one of Serenity at Coconut Bay’s 36 suites and you’ll be greeted by luxury. A four-poster mahogany king bed looks out through a glass wall onto your private patio with a personal plunge pool and waterfall, hammock, and wet bar. Inside, there’s a walk-in rain shower, soaking tub, espresso machine, and mini bar that’s personalized to your taste,” Family Vacationist says.
Matador Network recommends it as a couple’s retreat: “Serenity at Coconut Bay is not just an adults-only all-inclusive resort — it’s designed specifically for couples. Everything about the resort is catered toward romance, starting with luxurious suites that open to private plunge pools. Equally impressive is the promise of butler service, which allows couples to arrange exclusive pool and beach cabanas, book in-room spa treatments, enjoy patio breakfasts and candlelit dinners for two, and have bubble baths drawn before bed. You can even have your bags unpacked and pressed for you on arrival.”
4. Jumby Bay Island, Antigua
This is the only resort to make the list outside of St. Lucia.
PlanetWare raves about this remote property: “Accessible only by boat, the superlative Jumby Bay sits on 300 palm-dappled acres at the end of an exclusive, car-free private island off the coast of Antigua. The staff genuinely seem to love what they do, anticipating your every whim. In a country known for its beautiful beaches, those on Jumby Island more than live up to the hype, with glittering white sand and crystal-clear water, and the cuisine here is as impressive as the beaches. The luxury guest rooms and villas come with romantic four-poster beds, wraparound terraces, Italian linens, Bose sound systems, large TVs, and private outdoor gardens with rain showers. Children are welcome here and enjoy a special list of activities crafted just for them.”
It’s even celebrity-approved. Fodors says, “Heralded as the crème de la crème of all-inclusives, Jumby Bay — an exclusive private island, off the coast of Antigua — is where celebs go for paparazzi-free downtime and exceptional service. The 300-acre island resort is delightfully car-free and has 40 rooms, a showstopping spa with an infinity pool to unspool between treatments — and the stamp of approval of Oprah Winfrey, Justin Bieber, Will Smith, and Mariah Carey among others.”
5. Ladera Resort, St. Lucia
VacationIdea highly recommends Ladera: “Ladera Resort is the only all-inclusive resort located on a UNESCO World Heritage Site, situated along the west coast of St. Lucia in the town of Soufriere. Once a part of the Rabot Estate, the most famous and oldest cocoa plantation, this resort offers guests a breathtaking setting nestled on a volcanic ridgeline 1,000 feet above the tranquil blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. It boasts an intimate and romantic atmosphere with just under 40 suites. They offer a wealth of amenities, including an infinity pool overlooking the majestic Pitons, a soothing spa, and award-winning cuisine.”
And Travel and Leisure sums up the recommendations, saying, “With just 37 rooms and suites offering incredible views and plunge pools, this adults-only St. Lucia resort offers an intimate experience. The all-inclusive plan includes breakfast, three-course lunches and dinners, and select alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for $210 per day.”
If you’re interested in the best all-inclusive resorts outside of the Caribbean, check out those here.
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