The Caribbean's Best All-Inclusive Resorts

Where do you go in search of a great Caribbean all-inclusive resort? Try the Dominican Republic, home to five of TripAdvisor’s 10 Travelers’ Choice award-winners for Caribbean all-inclusives.

TripAdvisor selects top properties based on a mix of the quality and quantity of users’ reviews. It’s wise to remember that such methodology tends to favor larger resorts in popular destinations since more rooms booked more often can translate to more potential reviewers. That could explain while some smaller properties on less visited islands don’t appear on the list.

Some of the crowned properties, such as the Reserve hotels at Paradisus Punta Cana and at Paradisus Palma Real, both in the Dominican Republic, are boutique enclaves within much larger resorts. Despite special services, rooms, and, sometimes restaurants, a stay at these hotels means you share the entertainment and often the beach and the larger pools with the crowds reveling at the main property. At some of the larger properties, as at many other big Caribbean resorts, earnest guests claim pool and beach chairs before breakfast.

Nonetheless, all-inclusive resorts offer good value and the comfort of knowing just what you will spend.

TripAdvisor’s Best Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts

1. Luxury Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado Don Pablo Collection, Samana Province, Dominican Republic.

The 268-room, adults-only resort is situated on a private island off the Samana peninsula. Sun at three pools and at the beach. From the shore you might spot migrating humpback whales between November and May.

2. The Reserve at Paradisus Punta Cana, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Targeted to families, Melia’s The Reserve offers 170 one- and two-bedroom suites, a children’s program for ages 1 to 12, teen activities, a pool, children’s pool, dining room, family concierge, and more. The Reserve is situated within the 685-room Paradisus Punta Cana.

3. Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro, Bavaro, Dominican Republic

The 272-room, adults-only resort fronts pretty Bavaro Beach. Guests can choose from five restaurants (including four specialty dining rooms), and relax at three pools.

4. Iberostar Grand Rose Hall, Rose Hall, Jamaica

The 317-room property in Montego Bay, Jamaica, offers a main buffet restaurant, a snack bar plus four specialty restaurants. Kids are supervised in the resort’s Mini-Club.

5. Galley Bay Resort & Spa, St. John’s, Antigua

Even on an island known for its abundance of beaches, Galley Bay Resort & Spa’s three-quarter-mile stretch of white sand is notable. With 98 rooms on 40 acres, guests have ample room.

6. Royalton Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba

TripAdvisor reviewers comment on the resort’s tasty food and excellent beaches. The adults-only, 122-room property ranked as the number one all-inclusive resort in the world on TripAdvisor’s 2014Travelers’ Choice list.

7. The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

A Melia property, The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real serves as a family-friendly, 210-room enclave within the larger, 484-room Paradisus Palma Real. The oversized rooms offer separate sitting areas and hydromassage tubs beckon on the balconies. Kids make friends at the play area.

8. Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus, Bayahibe, Dominican Republic

Aimed at couples and families, this Iberostar resort offers 504 rooms. Lucy’s Club provides supervised activities for ages 4 through 12.

9. Sandals Royal Plantation, Ocho Rios, Jamaica

With only 74 rooms, this Sandals’ resort features butler service—yes, he will draw you a bath. Dine at five, on-property restaurants or take advantage of Sandals Play at 2 Program, an option that allows you to sample the 16 restaurants at nearby Sandals Ochi.

10. Melia Cayo Coco, Cayo Coco, Cuba

An adults-only property, the resort features four restaurants and 250 rooms, some of which are bungalows located over the lagoon. Enjoy meals at four restaurants.

Where are your favorite Caribbean resorts? Comment below or connect with me on Twitter, @familyitrips.