Have you ever stayed at an all inclusive resort?
10 best budget friendly all-inclusive resorts
Your kids want to swim in the ocean, your spouse wants to perfect his tennis serve, and all you want is a nice glass of wine with dinner--oh, and to wake up to the sound of the waves lapping the shore. All for one price that won't break the bank. Mission impossible? Not anymore.
It's a fact that all-inclusive resorts can be expensive, with the average nightly rate at some of the bigger chains running $450-per person. And when you find one in your price range there's usually a caveat--the beach is a 15-minute drive away, or the "all" only includes non-alcoholic beverages (those margaritas by the pool really add up). We here at Budget Travel love a challenge and--though it wasn't easy--we found 10 beachfront all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America (plus one Mediterranean resort so charming we couldn't resist including it) starting at $100 per person, per night. And they really are all-inclusive: a double room, three meals a day, drinks (from soda to cocktails), and lots of activities. And each one has an added bonus, too, from tennis lessons to scuba instructions. The only thing not included? Caveats.
SEE THE ALL-INCLUSIVES FOR YOURSELF
Iberostar Costa Dorada, Puerta Plata, Dominican Republic
Iberostar operates six hotels in the Dominican Republic, but this resort
10 minutes from Puerto Plata gives you the most for your money. The 516
rooms (which all have either a terrace or balcony) are located in
thatch-roof buildings painted cheerful shades of yellow and purple. The
entire property underwent a full renovation in 2011 resulting in
completely remodeled rooms, a new lobby, and a renovated kids' club.
There are three a la carte restaurants (Brazilian, Mexican, and seafood
from the local waters) plus a buffet restaurant. If you aren't content
to just sit on the beach or the massive pool, there are activities all
around the resort, from archery to merengue lessons. Bonus
While some all-inclusive resorts only serve house-brand liquor,
bartenders at Costa Dorada pour from imported names as well (Tanqueray,
Stoli, etc.). Carretera de Luperon Km 4, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, 888/923-2722, iberostar.com. From $100 per person, per night (three-night minimum).
Krystal Cancun, Mexico
This Riviera Maya resort makes the most of its location: the pool runs
lengthwise along the sand, and there's even a beachfront infinity
whirlpool. The Krystal, which is in the heart of the Hotel Zone on Punta
Cancun, has 453 rooms, and each one has a view of either the Caribbean
Sea or Cancun Lagoon. The rooms were also renovated in December 2011
with updates like marble floors, flat-screen TVs, and rain
showers--perfect for washing off all that sand. Bonus
One of the downsides of an all-inclusive resort is that you have to eat
every meal on-site. Krystal includes a Discover Cancun pass that covers
one dinner at a local restaurant. Paseo Kukulcan Km 9.5, Cancun, 800/437-9605, krystal-hotels.com. From $100 per person, per night.
ClubHotel Riu Negril, Jamaica
Head out to the far western tip of Jamaica and you'll find this lively
beachfront resort in Negril. It is right on the beach, but the place to
be is by one of the umbrella-shaded loungers around the two gigantic
pools (both are well over 3,000 square feet). There is a party
atmosphere here, and the complimentary mini bars and liquor dispensers
in the 420 guest rooms are regularly restocked. If you want to go all
out, head to the Pacha nightclub, where reggae is sure to be spinning.
If you are looking for quiet, try the solarium terrace. Bonus
The resort often adds credits to the Renova Spa in the all-inclusive
packages, such as $20 per person toward a 50-minute massage (massages
start at $100). Norman Manley Blvd., Negril, Jamaica, 888/748-4990, riu.com. From $101 per person, per night.
Royal Decameron Golf Beach Resort & Villas, Farallón, Panama
This 1,170-room mega resort does things big from its spot on a mile of
secluded beach. There are eight pools, 10 restaurants, and 11 bars
(including one swim-up), which means you'll rarely do or see the same
thing twice. Play in the Pacific with free paddleboards, kayaks, or
windsurfers, or check out the local underwater residents with the
provided snorkel gear. The nightlife is also big here and the party goes
long after the sun sets (which probably has something to do with the
open bar). Bonus Though the base-rate is for a garden-view room, each one has a terrace or balcony overlooking the tropical foliage. Avenida Principal Farallón, Km 115, 011-507/993-2255, decameron.com. From $106 per person, per night.
Coral Beach Hotel & Resort, Paphos, Cyprus
While the other resorts listed here are close to the U.S., this
all-inclusive trades the Caribbean for the Mediterranean--and it's worth
the trip. The 420-room resort is located on the edge of the
UNESCO-protected Akamas Peninsula on Cyprus's western coast. The beach
is lined with blue loungers, as is the 164-foot pool (keep an eye out
for members of the British Olympic swim team; they use the pool for
training). Have dinner overlooking the boats bobbing in the harbor from
the terrace where blue-and-white-checked tablecloths flap in the sea
breeze. Then watch some local folk dancing. Who knows, after a glass or
two of zivania, you might join in. Bonus If the scenic surrounding inspires your creative side, the resort offers free art classes in pottery and glass-painting. Coral Bay, Paphos, 011-357/26-88-10-00, coral.com.cy. From $144 per person, per night.
Majestic Colonial, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
This 658-room resort in Punta Cana gives you a lot of you choice for how
to spend your evening: there are eight restaurants, plus nine bars
including a piano bar and a sports bar. Not that there aren't choices
during the day as well: The main pool is more than 1,300 feet long
(there is also a children's pool and a whirlpool) and catamarans and
windsurfers are available on the beach. The snorkeling right off the
beach is top-notch, and all the equipment you need is also included.
Bonus Every room at the resort is a suite with a terrace or balcony (and
a Jacuzzi tub). Playa Bavaro, Punta Cana, 809/221-9898, paradiseislandbahama.com. From $150 per person, per night.
Sunscape Dorado Pacifico Ixtapa, Mexico
The Sunscape's budget-friendly price makes it a deal, but most people
travel here for the location on a sandy beach on quiet Playa del Palmar.
The resort re-opened in November 2011 after a $10 million upgrade to
all the rooms (including new furniture, flat-screen TVs, and fully
renovated bathrooms) and restaurants as well as the addition of a new
spa (alas, massages aren't covered in the all-inclusive rate and start
at $68). There are only 285 rooms, but you'll find the choices typical
of a much larger resort. There are four bars plus eight restaurants
ranging from seafood to Italian to Mexican (and the small size means no
reservations are required). Bonus Embrace your inner Serena Williams or Roger Federer and perfect your serve at the free tennis clinics. Paseo de Ixtapa S/N Lote 3-A, Ixtapa, 800/087-4890, sunscaperesorts.com. From $151 per person, per night.
Jolly Beach Resort & Spa, Antigua
Set on 40 acres (including a mile of white sand), the Jolly Beach Resort
& Spa is great for those who want to get out on the turquoise
water. Kayaks, Hobi Cats, and paddleboats are all at the ready and there
are also two pools. Would you rather just take in the view of the
waves? The 464 rooms all have at least partial ocean views. The resort
also has five restaurants, ranging from a casual beach take-out place to
the Italian Bocciolo. Bonus A proper afternoon tea
with scones and cucumber sandwiches is also offered every day in the
courtyard-a nod to the island's British roots. Bolans Village, Antigua, 866/905-6559, jollybeachresort.com. From $171 per person, per night.
Barceló Langosta Beach, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Staying here affords travelers the best of both worlds: The resort is on
a secluded beach surrounded by rainforests and a national park, but is
less than a mile from the popular town of Tamarindo. This is a low-key
resort, with just one buffet restaurant and one a la carte restaurant
serving Mediterranean cuisine (there is an additional $36-$42 fee for
the a la carte restaurant) and one bar, plus a small casino and an
amphitheater with daily entertainment. But the 134 rooms have views of
the Pacific Ocean or the estuary of Las Baulas (part of the national
park). Bonus Tipping for the staff is included in the rate, so no need to reach for your wallet every time you order another round. El Robledal, Tamarindo, 800/227-2356, barcelo.com. From $180 per person, per night.
Paradise Island Harbour Resort, Bahamas
At just 246 rooms, this family-friendly resort is a fraction of the size
of the 4,000-room Atlantis next door. But it's also a fraction of the
price for the all-inclusive option. Paradise Island is on a private
beach and has a large pool and three places to dine (a pool-side grill, a
buffet, and a steak and seafood a la carte restaurant). Unwinding is
the first order of business here, so you won't find the same 24/7 whirl
of activity here as at the mega resorts. But that doesn't mean anyone in
your family will be bored. The kids' camp keeps them busy with sand
castle building and craft making, plus sports like pool volleyball and
beach bowling. Bonus If you've ever wanted to learn how to dive, this is the place: the resort offers a complimentary scuba lesson in the pool. Harbor Dr., Paradise Island, Nassau, 888/582-0192, paradiseislandbahama.com. From $200 per person, per night.
Quoting elasmimi:We went to one in Cancun, but not the one on the list. It was pretty nice, first time I had ever seen alcoholic drinks from a fountain dispenser. (last time too, come to think of it, lol)
Tampa or Clearwater (Busch Gardens)
- gacgbaker
on Jun. 22, 2012 at 6:45 AM