Less daunting in size than some of the island's more sprawling resorts, this boutique-like spot feels cozy despite having eight bars and restaurants to choose from—including two lovely swim-up bars. There's a solid gym for working out (if you choose; you’re on vacation, after all!) or guests can chill in one of the beach-side cabanas, tip back layered cocktails in the bright colors of the Jamaican flag, or try the killer jerk chicken.
If you’re the sort of traveler whose ideal trip ends with a bill of zero dollars and zero cents (and let's be honest, who doesn't have that fantasy?), all-inclusives may sound pretty appealing.
Package deals—when done right—can entail an easy, worry-free vacation. You'll be spared from the somehow always unexpectedly high resort bill that feel like a rude welcome back to a gloomy post-vacation reality.
Antigua may have invented the all-inclusive vacation, but it seems Jamaica has perfected the category. Here are seven of our favorite all-inclusive properties in the land of One Love.
The Caves
Luxurious and rustic all at once, Negril's cliff-side cottages is renowned for the sort of super-attentive service that might mean a staffer notices your love of Red Stripe, and then stocks your mini-bar with the local lager while you’re out snorkeling the next morning. It's no wonder it earned the No. 1 spot for most romantic resort hotel in the Caribbean
From the bottle of rum in every room to the wonderful bar in an actual cave, no detail should go unnoticed here. (And it's no wonder it earned the No. 1 spot for being the most romantic resort hotel in the Caribbean.) The food is famous for being super-fresh and largely healthy—unusual for a resort. Daring ocean lovers have the opportunity to jump right off any number of seaside cliffs into the water below. Though Individual villas come with butler service, this is not a place to see and be seen; it’s a place for wearing flip-flops while being treated like a queen.
Sandals Royal Caribbean
For those who prefer a slightly more conventional all-inclusive, this Sandals resort outpost delivers a sleek, jetsetter vibe. Located in Montego Bay, its suite options include a collection of overwater villas, so you can wake up and watch the fish swim underfoot as you sip your coffee. This Sandals is known for its Champagne and caviar bar, sunset catamaran tours, swim-up suites, personal butlers, and—importantly!—a truly all-inclusive rate that never excludes cocktails, golf outings, afternoon tea, or scuba diving. (Pro tip: As is true of many Jamaican resorts, travelers can score heavily discounted rates, depending on the time of year.)
Couples San Souci
With its four pools, glass-bottom boat rides, yoga, and killer views, this is the most intimate of the popular chain’s properties. Choose from among “prude side or nude side” beaches, sip on tropical drinks at a swim-up bar, kayak, or get a hot stone massage (for a bit extra). With lovely views of Jamaica’s cerulean seas stretching out beneath this cliff top Ocho Rios property, this place is very popular with honeymooners. (After all, it’s called “Couples!”)
Iberostar Rose Hall Suites
If you’re the sort of person who prefers to be knocked out by a palatial property (with countless options and room to move around), Iberostar may be for you. The brand boasts a clutch of resorts on one sprawling property: The “Beach” and “Suites” are for anyone, and the Grand is adults-only—and a bit more pricey. Rose Hall Suites are at the middle of the price range and among the best-reviewed: Kids flip for the water park, adults and kids alike can putter around the property on tubes in the “lazy river,” there’s a kids’ club designed for the 4-to-12-year-old set, and every room comes with a terrace. If you specify, yours will even have breathtaking ocean views.
Sunset at the Palms
Located at the north end of Seven Mile Beach, this resort might be right up your alley if you're looking to experience Jamaica's wild side. Tree houses serve as rooms, meaning tree frogs could sing you to sleep—or bright hummingbirds might greet you in the morning. The hotel is adults-only, so you won’t be awoken early by the pitter-patter of little feet, and you can enjoy the quiet on a private balcony. The rooms are open-air if you like, or you can turn on air-conditioning—crucial on humid evenings! Fun couples activities include Caribbean cooking classes (learn to make the property's famous fried chicken) or enjoy a nature walk through the 10-acre tropical gardens with the resident gardener.
Meliã Braco Village
Less daunting in size than some of the island's more sprawling resorts, this boutique-like spot feels cozy despite having eight bars and restaurants to choose from—including two lovely swim-up bars. There's a solid gym for working out (if you choose; you’re on vacation, after all!) or guests can chill in one of the beach-side cabanas, tip back layered cocktails in the bright colors of the Jamaican flag, or try the killer jerk chicken.
Franklyn D. Resort & Spa
You’re going for it. You’re vacationing with the kids. Fortunately, there’s a resort where your own personal nanny is included in the all-inclusive, from 9 a.m. until 4:40 p.m. daily. Not bad, right? That leaves you free to hit the spa or enjoy any of the three restaurants tailored to adult palates, before snapping up junior and taking him to the tot-centric KidZ Buffet.
Children staying at the Franklin D. Resort & Spa are unlikely to get bored: There’s a 100-foot-long waterslide called Big Blue, plus glass-bottom boat rides, snorkeling lessons, pools, fishing, cooking classes, and even computers and video games, if your kid is more of the indoor-type.
