The Caribbean – Holiday https://www.holiday.com Holiday: Inspirational Travel Advice, Deals and Videos Sun, 20 Oct 2024 12:50:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 https://www.holiday.com/wp-content/themes/sage/public/images/favicon/favicon-32x32.png The Caribbean – Holiday https://www.holiday.com 32 32 90752534 12 Best Caribbean Resorts with Water Parks https://www.holiday.com/caribbean-resorts-with-water-parks/ Wed, 08 Nov 2023 14:00:13 +0000 https://www.holiday.com/?p=148926 One of the best things about staying at a resort is that you’ll often have all you need right on the property. You can enjoy a relaxed getaway without having to rent a car, and usually plenty of activities, beautiful pools, a range of dining and drinking venues, and sometimes even water parks. In the Caribbean, you’ll find properties that offer the chance to enjoy idyllic beaches as well as a myriad of ways to swim, float, slip, and slide, which is sure to thrill the kids and the kids at heart.

These family-friendly properties in the Caribbean offer some of the best, from Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and Puerto Rico to the beautiful islands of Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and St. Lucia.

 

]]> 148926 Top 25 All-Inclusive Resorts Worldwide, According to Guests in 2023 https://www.holiday.com/top-all-inclusive-resorts-worldwide-according-to-guests/ Tue, 24 Oct 2023 17:04:36 +0000 https://www.holiday.com/?p=149481 Welcome to our exclusive list of the world’s 25 top-rated all-inclusive resort destinations. Our analysis of over 2,000 all-inclusive resorts worldwide reveals the finest vacation havens that captivate travel aficionados and guests.

We undertook a detailed two-part investigation, including a statistical and a qualitative review sentiment analysis, to rank and identify the most cherished experiences and top-praised amenities that set these resorts apart. Our findings also reveal the common critiques guests have about these vacation paradises.

Join us on this luxurious journey as we showcase the unmatched offerings of these elite vacation spots.

These jump links breakdown everything you will learn on this page:

Categories: Top All-Inclusive Resorts by Type
Understanding All-Inclusives: Definition & Features
The Elite 25: Best All-Inclusive Resorts Globally
Visual Guide: Interactive Map & Table of Top Resorts
Research Process: Our Methodology & Approach

Categories: Top All-Inclusive Resorts by Type

Best Overall: Excellence Playa Mujeres, Mexico
Best Adults Only: Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun, Mexico
Best Luxury: Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa, Dominican Republic
Best Family-Friendly: Moon Palace The Grand – Cancun, Mexico
Best Adventure/Sport: Voyage Belek Golf & Spa, Turkey
Best Couples: Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort, Dominican Republic
Best Wellness: Akumal Bay Beach & Wellness Resort, Mexico

Understanding All-Inclusives: Definition & Features

What is an All-Inclusive Resort? Also sometimes called a resort with “everything included,” or referenced by the ellipsis “all-inclusive(s),” these destinations try to offer everything you might want on a vacation, typically in one complex. You will find a range of onsite amenities at each resort. According to the EHL Hospitality Business School in Switzerland, most all-inclusive resorts are like full-service resorts, including multiple onsite restaurants, exercise spaces, spas and meeting places and are frequently luxurious properties. All-inclusives bundle everything into one “package” or bill.

What Does All-Inclusive Mean? According to EHL, the main difference between full-service and all-inclusive resorts is how you pay for them. With an all-inclusive resort package, your room, unlimited food and most drinks, services, amenities, gratuities and all the extras are bundled together in one bill instead of separate bills for all the amenities, experiences, activities, meals, spas and more. One of the main benefits of selecting an all-inclusive package is knowing what you will spend at the resort without being surprised by all the added-up charges during your stay.

What Countries Have All-Inclusives? We found a total of 2,163 all-inclusive resorts across 77 countries worldwide. Egypt tops the list with 265 resorts, followed by Mexico with 237, Turkey with 215, Spain with 103, and Greece with 86. Our analysis shows that Mexico has the most top-rated all-inclusive resorts worldwide, with 15 on our top 25 list. Turkey has two best globally. The Dominican Republic, on the other hand, may only rank #18 for the most all-inclusive resorts globally, but it has eight of the world’s best ones.

The Elite 25: Best All-Inclusive Resorts Globally

We used two types of analysis to evaluate all-inclusive resorts: a statistical analysis and a qualitative review sentiment analysis. The statistical analysis counts and rates customer reviews from Tripadvisor to calculate a Customer Review Score. On the other hand, the qualitative review sentiment analysis extracts customer feelings, emotions, and nuanced points of view from reviews with the highest Customer Review Scores through natural language processing. Together, these analyses provide a comprehensive understanding of customer satisfaction and a holistic evaluation of the highest-rated resorts worldwide.

Visual Guide: Interactive Map & Table of Top Resorts

Table showcasing the 'Top-Rated All-Inclusive Resorts'. It lists the rank, resort name, score, and location for each. The top three resorts are: Excellence Playa Mujeres in Cancun, Mexico with a score of 5. Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun in Playa del Carmen, Mexico with a score of 5. Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic with a score of 4.9. The table continues to list resorts ranked from 4 to 10, with scores ranging from 4.7 to 4.9, located in destinations such as Belek, Turkey and Cancun, Mexico. The image is branded with the 'Trips to Discover' logo at the bottom.
Trips to Discover
Top 10 All-Inclusive Resorts as rated by ‘Trips to Discover,’ featuring destinations from Cancun, Mexico to Belek, Turkey.

Research Process: Our Methodology & Approach

Independent: We conduct our research independently to recommend the best destinations using data analysis. Our top recommendations are based solely on data extraction and a ranking formula. Our research is editorially independent, but we may earn a commission for any purchases made through links on this page.

Data Source: We conducted a comprehensive search for all-inclusive resorts worldwide, one country at a time, by using the property type filter on Tripadvisor and selecting only all-inclusive resorts. Out of the 195 countries globally, we found that 77 countries have all-inclusive resorts for 2,163 all-inclusive resorts worldwide. We sought to see which resorts are statistically objectively the favorites among those who stay there.

Data Extraction: We used Web Scraper, a data extraction tool, to extract review data for the 2,163 all-inclusive resorts on Tripadvisor. We pulled all review data between 9/18/23 and 9/19/23.

Statistical Analysis: We based these rankings on an analysis of the 2,163 resorts. Our team has developed a unique algorithm to rank hospitality establishments called the Customer Review Score. The score considers the number of Tripadvisor reviews and the average review score for each location. The more reviews a resort has, the higher it will typically rank. However, to avoid over-emphasizing the impact of wildly high review counts, the algorithm utilizes an exponential function, giving diminishing returns for higher review counts. The algorithm thus balances review frequency with review quality. The final scores are presented on a 5-point scale.

Qualitative Review Sentiment Analysis: We take customer reviews seriously at Trips to Discover. To gather the most recent 100 customer reviews for each resort from Tripadvisor, we used Outscrapper, a reliable data-scrapping tool. We used ChatGPT Advanced Data Analysis for qualitative review sentiment analysis, which knows how to write and execute Python code and can work with file uploads. Qualitative sentiment analysis is a method that uses machine learning, statistics, and natural language processing (NLP) to understand the underlying parts of guest emotions on a macro scale.

Human Authored: Our qualitative analysis focused on different perspectives, including what distinguishes the location for customers, shared perceived advantages and disadvantages for patrons, and crucial decision-making factors for those who choose to stay there. To ensure accuracy, we meticulously cross-checked the sentiment analysis output against the raw review data. We wrote each resort’s final customer review summaries (the “what guests are saying” section) based on the information from the fact-checked AI-generated qualitative review sentiment analysis.

Replicability: All the data used for this project is publicly available for study replication. The 2,163 resorts used in this analysis are on Tripadvisor with the latest customer reviews, where you can identify review scores, counts and more!

Data: You can download the data behind our research here in Google Sheets. It includes all 2163 resorts used in the analysis with direct links to their Tripadvisor pages. You will also find all the review tallies, ratings and Customer Review Scores for these resorts. This workbook also contains all 2,500 resort review samples used for our sentiment analysis in that book. We have removed all proprietary calculations from the books. You can view the raw qualitative sentiment analysis outputs based on these 2,500 reviews here in Google Docs; however, We are choosing to withhold the valuable and meticulously crafted prompts used to create these analyses. Please feel free to use or share this data with whoever may find this helpful — we ask that your purposes be noncommercial and that you link back to this page so its contributors can receive proper credit for their work.

Contact: The ranking algorithm is proprietary, but if you want to build a similar project or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact noah@strivemedia.com, and he can walk you through the process.

]]> 149481 14 Best Winter Getaways for Families in the U.S. https://www.holiday.com/winter-getaways-families-u-s/ Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:15:12 +0000 https://www.holiday.com/?p=147475 Winter can be a great time to enjoy a break with the family, whether you’re looking to escape the cold and soak up some sunshine or revel in a snowy wonderland. In some places, it’s the off-season, bringing the opportunity for a more budget-friendly trip while avoiding the crowds. Whether you’re looking for an affordable destination, plenty of luxuries, or something in between, among these destinations across the U.S., you’re sure to find the perfect pick.

]]> 147475 Top 12 Adults-Only Resorts in Jamaica https://www.holiday.com/adults-only-resorts-jamaica/ Fri, 08 Sep 2023 13:00:40 +0000 https://www.holiday.com/?p=146256 If you’re looking for a resort in Jamaica, you have a long list of options to choose from, many of which sit on gorgeous stretches of pristine white sands while offering enticing pools, swim-up bars, and much more. Couples seeking a romantic getaway or anyone else who wants to enjoy a blissful retreat that’s difficult to accomplish if there are a lot of kids running around might want to narrow it down to the adults-only properties. For the best of the best, book one of these incredible properties from Oyster Bay to Negril and beyond.

]]> 146256 13 Best Resorts in the Bahamas for Couples https://www.holiday.com/resorts-bahamas-for-couples/ Tue, 08 Aug 2023 13:30:37 +0000 https://www.holiday.com/?p=145902 The Bahamas easily offer something for everyone, with nearly 700 islands, around 30 of which are inhabited. Pink-hued beaches, hidden sandbars, underwater caves, and plenty of romantic experiences await. To make the most of one of the world’s most romantic destinations, you’ll want to book one of the best resorts in the Bahamas for couples, with options ranging from the popular Paradise Island to the more remote Exumas.

]]> 145902 8 Best Clothing Optional Resorts in the Caribbean https://www.holiday.com/clothing-optional-resorts-caribbean/ Thu, 03 Aug 2023 13:15:02 +0000 https://www.holiday.com/?p=144979 When booking a Caribbean vacation, one of the critical factors in choosing the best resort is a property that can offer a relaxed getaway for refreshing and recharging. For some, there is no better way to do that than by enjoying the freedom to shed all clothing. While there isn’t a long list of options, there are some fabulous properties that are clothing optional so that you can enjoy all of the usual delights that come with a tropical paradise totally in the nude.

]]> 144979 9 Best Resorts in Curaçao https://www.holiday.com/resorts-curacao/ Wed, 19 Apr 2023 13:15:38 +0000 https://www.holiday.com/?p=139585 Sandwiched between Aruba and Bonaire near the Venezuelan coast, Curaçao is one of the “ABC” islands, which means it offers a Caribbean vacation outside the hurricane belt. It’s a fantastic destination year-round, providing an opportunity for a more budget-friendly Caribbean vacation during the off-season (May through October). It’s popular for diving, with a number of famous shipwrecks, and offers around 40 idyllic beaches, while the colorful main town of Willemstad is home to everything from a floating market and museums to unique shops and a wealth of dining and drinking options. With around 50 different nationalities living in Curaçao, the cuisine is just as diverse. Of course, you’ll find plenty of resorts to base yourself, but these options are the very best on the island.

]]> 139585 Top 12 Caribbean Resorts for Singles https://www.holiday.com/caribbean-resorts-for-singles/ Mon, 10 Apr 2023 13:30:48 +0000 https://www.holiday.com/?p=138494 Solo travel seems to be more popular than ever, with an increasing number of people booking Caribbean resorts to enjoy their wide range of amenities. While many cater specifically to couples and families, there are some Caribbean resorts that are ideal for a solo getaway.

Keep in mind, “Best Caribbean Resorts for Singles” doesn’t necessarily mean unpartnered travelers hoping to meet someone while on vacation. It also refers to those who prefer traveling alone and aren’t necessarily looking to hook up. These properties are all welcoming to single guests, ensuring that you’ll have an unforgettable time even if you don’t bring a special someone to share it with. At some, you won’t even have to pay a single supplement.

]]> 138494 8 Best Family Resorts in the U.S. Virgin Islands https://www.holiday.com/family-resorts-us-virgin-islands/ Thu, 30 Mar 2023 13:00:21 +0000 https://www.holiday.com/?p=138523 Close your eyes and imagine a perfect Caribbean family vacation. The palm trees are swaying above, the ocean surface is mesmerizing with its light blue palette, and the delicious scents of conch fritters fill the air. Welcome to the U.S. Virgin Islands, a fantastic escape from the mainland with some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, the same currency and cell service, and where you don’t need a passport. You will most likely choose between three islands for your next outing: the outdoors-heavy St. John, the luxurious St. Thomas, and the historic St. Croix. We’ve collected the best family resorts in the U.S. Virgin Islands for you to have a picture-perfect retreat in the Caribbean.

]]> 138523 11 Best All-Inclusive Adults-Only Resorts in Punta Cana https://www.holiday.com/all-inclusive-adults-only-resorts-punta-cana/ Fri, 24 Mar 2023 13:15:12 +0000 https://www.holiday.com/?p=138388 Punta Cana is a top destination for those who want to soak up the sun on a stunning stretch of sand. There are over 20 miles of sandy beach framed by sparkling turquoise water. With abundant natural beauty, colorful birds, wildlife, and delicious cuisine, it’s no wonder so many people choose it for their Caribbean getaway. As it’s one of the most luxurious areas of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is especially popular for its honeymoon resorts. However, all types of travelers seeking an unforgettable stay are sure to love it. You can’t go wrong with any of these properties if you’re searching for that perfect adults-only, all-inclusive resort for enjoying it all.

]]> 138388 14 Best 5-Star Hotels in Jamaica https://www.holiday.com/5-star-hotels-jamaica/ Thu, 02 Mar 2023 14:15:00 +0000 https://www.holiday.com/?p=135542 Jamaica is a breathtakingly beautiful Caribbean country with a rich culture, stunning beaches, and an amazing variety of landscapes. From the beautiful beaches of Montego Bay to the lush hills of Port Antonio, Jamaica is the definition of paradise, with an almost infinite number of five-star hotels to match. Jamaica doesn’t hold back when it comes to quality or quantity, and you’ll find luxurious five-star hotels dotted throughout this incredible country. Read on for all of the top luxury resorts in this gorgeous island nation. 

]]> 135542 Top 13 Luxury Vacation Rentals in Puerto Rico https://www.holiday.com/luxury-vacation-rentals-puerto-rico/ Thu, 02 Mar 2023 14:00:08 +0000 https://www.holiday.com/?p=137746 From its pristine white sand, towering mountains, and beautiful sunsets to its vibrant culture and delicious restaurants, Puerto Rico has something to offer even the most discerning of travelers. Not only are the vacation rentals world-class here, but this Caribbean paradise is rich in activities and attractions. There’s plenty to keep you entertained, like an adventure island hopping by day on your own luxury chartered boat or a night spent enjoying local dishes at one of the island’s top restaurants. Not sure where to check in during your next trip to Puerto Rico? Read on for all of the best luxury vacation rentals here!

]]> 137746 13 Best Caribbean Resorts for Families https://www.holiday.com/caribbean-resorts-for-families/ Tue, 06 Dec 2022 14:15:03 +0000 https://www.holiday.com/?p=133144 It’s hard to beat the feeling of soft white sands between your toes while gazing out at endless crystal-clear blue waters in the Caribbean. If that’s what you’re craving for your next vacation, you’ll find a wide range of resorts that provide the ideal base. In fact, there is such a long list to choose from that it can be almost overwhelming.

If you’re looking for a resort that will please everyone in the family, you can immediately cross off those adult-only properties, but after that, you might want to consider factors like family-friendly activities, kids’ clubs, water parks, spacious rooms, and maybe free babysitting. Among this list, you’re sure to find a great option, from a classic trip to Cancun to ultra-luxe Turks and Caicos.

]]> 133144 Top 20 All-Inclusive Family Resorts in the Caribbean https://www.holiday.com/all-inclusive-family-resorts-caribbean/ Fri, 24 Jun 2022 13:15:53 +0000 https://www.holiday.com/?p=126817 When searching for that perfect family-friendly, all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean, one of the top priorities is a place that has something to please everyone in the family, from the little ones to parents and perhaps even grandparents. That’s no easy task, with countless options across the region, but we’ve scoped out many of them to provide you with the top picks. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, a luxurious property, or something in between, you’ll find it on this list.

Top All-Inclusive Family Resorts in the Caribbean:

]]> 126817 Top 14 All-Inclusive Resorts in the Bahamas https://www.holiday.com/all-inclusive-resorts-bahamas/ Tue, 17 May 2022 13:00:24 +0000 https://www.holiday.com/?p=123553 You know what you’re getting with a trip to the Bahamas: luxury resorts, multiple swimming pools, impossibly soft sand, and gorgeous, warm waters. The best resorts here pull all of the above together, complete with delicious restaurants to keep your tastebuds happy, innovative bars for a drink or two, and plenty of other facilities to ensure you’re happy and entertained. The easiest way to guarantee your relaxing break in The Bahamas ticks all the boxes? By checking into one of our hand-picked all-inclusive resorts here. Not sure which to pick? Read on for all of our favorite all-inclusive resorts in The Bahamas.

]]> 123553 14 Best All-Inclusive Caribbean Resorts for Couples https://www.holiday.com/all-inclusive-caribbean-resorts-couples/ Tue, 12 Apr 2022 13:00:53 +0000 https://www.holiday.com/?p=122614 If you’re planning a romantic getaway, it’s hard to beat the Caribbean. And an all-inclusive experience often means stress-free, with just about everything you need covered right on-site. Of course, with so many luxury resorts and idyllic stretches of sand in this region of the world, making the best choice can feel overwhelming. Not all are created equal, so we’ve narrowed down your choices to the best of the best when it comes to an all-inclusive couples’ stay.

]]> 122614 14 Coolest Airbnbs in Jamaica https://www.holiday.com/airbnbs-jamaica/ Thu, 30 Dec 2021 14:00:09 +0000 https://www.holiday.com/?p=117425 Laid-back beaches, lush mountains, and that unbeatably blue ocean: Jamaica has lots to offer in every corner of the island. Cramming endless adventures into a relatively small space, you could spend weeks exploring Jamaica’s treasure trove of natural beauty. If you’re looking for relaxation, head to Negril for lazy days spent swimming in the sea. Or visit The Blue Mountains, which offer a misty escape with some seriously unique Airbnbs tucked away.

Explore the rest of the island for Reggae bars, snorkeling or diving opportunities, and plenty of culture in between. Read on for all of our favorite Airbnbs in Jamaica.

]]> 117425 13 Best Caribbean Vacations Outside the Hurricane Belt https://www.holiday.com/caribbean-vacations-outside-hurricane-belt/ Mon, 18 Oct 2021 13:30:13 +0000 https://www.holiday.com/?p=114760 Most people take Caribbean vacations during the winter and early spring to escape the cold up north. But during this peak season of travel, you’ll pay the highest prices and face the biggest crowds. When considering an off-season jaunt here, the first that probably comes to mind is the possibility of hurricanes, which can occur between June and November, with the greatest chance in August through October. Fortunately, there are some islands that are rarely hit, often said to be outside of the “hurricane belt.” While no island is 100 percent immune, savvy travelers can take advantage of discounted prices, peaceful bliss, and a low risk of storms by visiting one of these Caribbean islands.

]]> 114760 15 Coolest Airbnb Rentals in Aruba https://www.holiday.com/airbnb-rentals-aruba/ Wed, 07 Jul 2021 13:30:50 +0000 https://www.holiday.com/?p=109650 A beach paradise for many, Aruba is a small Dutch Caribbean island dotted with miles of picture-perfect white sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters. With warm tropical weather year-round, this tropical oasis is the perfect place to get away from it all. You’ll discover crowd-free shorelines, outdoor adventures, and serene settings for a tranquil beach vacation. These are some of the coolest Airbnb rentals in Aruba, offering luxury amenities such as swimming pools and beachfront locations.

]]> 109650 The Morgan Resort & Spa is St. Maarten’s Newest Luxury Boutique Hotel https://www.holiday.com/the-morgan-resort-spa-st-maarten/ Fri, 04 Jun 2021 19:04:09 +0000 https://www.holiday.com/?p=107957 Enjoy luxury living just steps away from the most famous beach in St. Maarten at The Morgan Resort & Spa, the newest luxury hotel to debut on the Caribbean island. This five-star boutique hotel is just minutes away from Maho Beach and offers an upscale, ultra-contemporary Caribbean escape just in time for summer.

Donovane Tremor
The Morgan Resort & Spa in St. Maarten features a beautiful beach-style infinity pool.

The 124-room hotel overlooks the Caribbean’s cerulean blue sea and features a beach-style infinity pool with a waterfall, slide, grotto cave, underwater music system and swim up bar with a blackjack table. The rooftop deck offers unparalleled views of the jets landing at the world-famous Princess Juliana Airport — a must-see experience when visiting St. Maarten.

Donovane Tremor
The pool features a waterfall and a swim-up bar with blackjack table.

Each guest room and suite features private exterior entrances and floor-to-ceiling windows that lead to private balconies or terraces. The bright, airy rooms feature modern Caribbean-chic aesthetic and nautically inspired décor for a sophisticated stay with stunning views. Indulge in the comforts of plush pillowtop bedding, spa-style bathrooms and tech-savvy amenities.

Donovane Tremor
All guest rooms feature a balcony or terrace.

The resort also helps the island live up to its epithet as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean. Here, guests can savor the flavors of French Caribbean cuisine from Top Chef Ron Duprat and executive chef David Seeman at SALT, the resort’s restaurant and bar that blends bold flavors with locally sourced seafood and expertly crafted cocktails for a delectable dining experience with captivating views of the Caribbean.

Donovane Tremor
Savor the flavors of French Caribbean cuisine at SALT, the on-site restaurant.

“We are thrilled to introduce St. Maarten’s newest luxury boutique hotel and welcome guests as they enjoy a summer vacation like no other,” said Stewart Weiner, COO of The Morgan Resort & Spa, in a prepared statement. “Watching the property come together over the past few years, I find myself more excited every day for the amazing experiences our guests will enjoy, whether they are visiting for business or pleasure.”

Donovane Tremor
The Morgan Resort & Spa offers an upscale, ultra-contemporary Caribbean escape in St. Maarten.

With the hotel’s close proximity to Maho Village, guests can enjoy an array of watersports, casino gaming and upscale shopping and entertainment just a short walk away. Meanwhile, the hotel’s full-service salon and spa with wet and dry sauna, as well as treatment rooms for massages and other services is set to open in Fall 2021.

Get Prices & More Photos
Address: 2 Beacon Hill Road Simpson Bay, St. Maarten

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