Best resorts overall

The Iberostar Grand Paraiso resort is a five stars hotel in Riviera Maya mexico, and a favorite of many, and year after year, a flock of tourists streams to Iberostar Grand Paraiso every year. Located a few miles away from Playa Del Carmen, this is one of our top resorts in all of Mexico, both for its high quality and its price alike. This hotel especially is favorised by couples and honeymooners.

The area of Cancun and Riviera Maya are quite popular among vacationers, and many hotels in the area have received similar favorable reviews. Hence, the Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa and the Valentin Imperial Maya are not far behind when its comes to assessing their quality-price., and those two all inclusive resorts get silver and bronze position. And an honorable mention has to go to the Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, great for family trips.

Resorts with the best beaches

Again, Riviera Maya gets the crowds impressed with the two outstanding beaches at Akumal Beach Resort and Catalonia Playa Maroma. However, the first place goes to the beach located on the lands of the Dominican resort Iberostar Punta Cana. Cuba also has its share of amazing crystal blue clear water beach resorts with hotels such as Barcelo Cayo Santa Maria and Occidental Royal Hideaway Ensenachos.

Most favorite resort for couples

Other much appreciated resorts are the Paradisus Rio de Oro with “incredible hotel and staff that reflect the culture and beauty of Cuba”. Located in Guardalavaca, Cuba, this resort attracts newlywed couples from all over the world.

Most favorite resort for families

If you want to stay away from the smooching honeymooners and want to find the perfect getaway from your kids and yourself, the Coconut Bay Resort & Spa, in St-Lucia, comes in pole position in the family resort category. This hotel is simply perfect for families with children.

For more information about the Caribbean, please visit Cheap Caribbean Vacation now.

But if, like me, you are the kind of traveler who doesn’t like surprises such as hidden costs when traveling, an all inclusive Caribbean may be something for you.

All inclusive Caribbean resorts are great for many reasons.

First, everything is included, literally everything you need to live and enjoy yourself for an entire week or even more. Besides the hotel room, food is the first thing that comes to my mind when I think all inclusive resorts. Never ending buffet, from breakfast to dinner, including snacks. Many restaurants also more fancy restaurants on site, on in other words, a-la-carte restaurants, such as French, Asian, local, Italian, seafood and much more. Also, drinks are included as well. Enjoy a daiquiri, a pina colada, a cerveza or simply a diet pop anytime of the day at no extra cost!

Second, you always have the choice between the pool or the beach in an all-inclusive Caribbean resort. Relax to the sounds of the waves (did I mentioned pristine blue water beach…) or jump in the pool and enjoy a drink at the pool bar.

Third, there’s a resort for every group of person, opt for a regular resort, a family friendly resort (with nanny service) or an adult-only resort, far from the screams and the hundreds of kids running around. You even have the single only resorts, where you can meet other single people and dance salsa until the morning.

Fourth, there are plenty of activities to do and see. Night entertainment include casino nights, dancing clubs, a wide variety of shows (including kids shows). Day time activities include lounging by the pool, swimming, playing by the beach, aqua aerobics, beach volleyball, rockclimbing. More luxurious resorts will even include snorkeling and other aquatic sports to their package. If not, treat yourself to a fishing trip, dolphin encounters, a canopy tour, a day at the Mayan temples and much more. But even without having to pay extra money, we bet you will find enough things to do around the resort without getting bored even one minute on the resort.

Fifth, other included things are: transportation to and from the airport, taxes, a fitness center, some snorkeling equipment in some resorts, some salsa lessons, and much more.

Last but not least, feel like royalty, once in your life. Put your worries aside and simply enjoy yourself. Unwind and let yourself go, with the peaceful flow of a mindless vacation.

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Ahh the Caribbean… Hours of joy tanning under a hot and warm sun, drinking a pina colada. The Caribbean is well known for its great weather, its wild life, dense forests and spectacular beaches and coral reefs. While you can choose your destination and or resort, you cannot choose your weather. And throughout your stay, between days or warmth and sunshine, you may encounter some more grayish day, even rainy days. But a few days of rain (which by the way rarely happen without some periods of sunshine in between) should not put a stop at positive vacation spirit. There are plenty to do around the resort. Here are some tips on how to spend a rainy day in the Caribbean.

Puerto Rico being the exception, most Caribbean islands or countries don’t have the big shopping mall we are used to at home. And anyway, if you wanted to spend a day at the mall, wouldn’t you just do it at home?

A day at the spa
Try the spa! Treat yourself to amazing massages, therapeutic bathes, and an incredibly relax atmosphere. The spa will sure invigorate your skin and spirit from those days of sun tanning, drinking and partying. After a day at the spa, you will be more than ever ready to brave the sun of the Caribbean!

Walk to the nearby market
You will find many markets where you can find souvenirs at a fraction of the resort price. It may sound strange, but going to the market on a rainy day is best. Those markets are often located 1 or 2 miles away from the resort. And while it may not look like that much of a long walk, trust me, under the hot sun of the Caribbean, you increase your chances of getting bad sunburns. This is why the walk to the markets is like a breeze and much more enjoyable on a cloudy or rainy day.

Museums
Why not make those rainy days an educational day? Bring more than memories from the Caribbean, bring some local knowledge! Example of great museum : the Bob Marley Museum, obviously in Jamaica, the Museo Fundación Ron Havana Club in Cuba, which explain the process of making rum, or simply the Plaza de la Cultura, a historical plaza full of museums in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

A few days of rain and clouds should not ruin your holidays. There are so much to do in the Caribbean. And remember why you went there for, to relax and forget about the stress of everyday’s life. So smile and enjoy the rainy days!

Anguilla

Located just north of St. Martin, this island is reknowned for it’s serene atmosphere, powdery white sand beaches, and unique local music. Travellers looking for some peace and serenity will be glad to know that Anguilla is one of the least crowded of the Caribbean islands. The weather is consistently warm and sunny, thanks in part to the flat terrain.

Antigua & Barbuda

Located in the West Indies, Antigua and Barbuda is a travellers paradise. The islands has a rich and diverse history which is evident all across the island, from it’s historic forts, to it’s unique architecture and scenic harbors. Beachgoers will be delighted to hear that the island has an impressive 365 seperate beaches, or “one for every day of the year”.

Aruba

A picture perfect little desert island, Aruba is situated in the southern Caribbean sea, just north of Venezuela. Known for it’s nearly always clear skies and exquisite beaches, as well as it’s vibrant nightlife.

British Virgin Islands

Located just east of Puerto Rico, these islands are officially an overseas British Territory. The island caters to a more upscale demographic, with it’s luxury resorts and long standing yachting tradition. The British Virgin Islands are often host to visiting royalty.

Curacao

A relatively new tourist attraction, Curacao has seen heavy development in recent years to transform it from an industrial island to a tourist’s paradise.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is located east of Cuba, and shares the the second largest island in the Caribbean with Haiti on it’s western side. Probably the most popular tourist destination in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is known internationally for it’s long, post-card perfect beaches and cheap all inclusive resort deals.

Grenada

This small Caribbean island in the southeastern Caribbean sea lies just north west of Trinidad and Tobago. It’s mountainous terrain is covered with a wide variety of flora, and is a major producer of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. This volcanic island hosts a number of natural wonders, and is a favorite for British travellers.

Grenadines

In past years the Grenadines were often used as a secluded getaway for celebrities, but lately the island has opened up with the development of new resorts such as the Bequia Beach Hotel. If you enjoyed “Pirates of the Caribbean” you’ll be happy to know that many of the scenes were filmed here.

Jamaica

Located just south of Cuba, Jamaica is host to a unique and complex culture. Over a million tourists flock to the island each year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean, and with good reason. It’s sunswept beaches, reggae music, and diverse tourist destinations make it an ideal vacation spot.

St. Lucia

Known in some circles as the “Helen of the West”, St. Lucia remains an relatively undiscovered paradise, although this is rapidly changing.

Beaches

What better way to spend a lazy day than to sit by the beach, and sip on a cool drink? Few people visit the Caribbean without making their way to their legendary beaches at some point. For years, the islands in the Caribbean have boasted some of the finest beaches in the world, with sparkling turquise water and a wide range of underwater marine life. There are few places in the world with the same kind of pristine white sand beaches, exotic black sand beaches from volcanic activity, and gorgeous pink sand beaches.

Geography & Eco-Tourism

Apart from offering travellers a lazy, carefree vacation, the Caribbean also offers some incredible sites and sounds for adventurous tourists looking to experience the natural beauty of the land. Grab your snorkel or diving gear, as the underwater reefs and marine life must be seen firsthand. Hike through the rain forests, and make your way to the top of Gros Piton in St. Lucia, or drive in to the Volcano at La Soufriere. Visit the largest population of American crocodiles at the Cabritos Island National Park in the Dominican Republic. The natural terrain and diverse flora and fauna of the islands makes it a fascinating visit for eco-tourists.

Diverse History and Culture

Unfortunately, the history of the islands is filled with warfare as European settlers fought over land ownership with the indigenous people’s and between themselves. Years later though, this has resulted in an interesting and eclectic mix of cultures, making the people in the islands very unique. The cities in the islands offer a very old world charm to them, with British, Spanish, French, and other influences.

Casinos

The Caribbean has long been a favorite destination for tourists looking to gamble a bit and have fun. Gambling is legal in quite a few of the islands, so if you’re looking for a good game of poker, it’s never that far away. Some of the more popular islands for casinos include the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, St. Kitts, and Aruba.

For more information, please visit Cheap All Inclusive Caribbean Vacation.

Baie Orientale, St. Maarten/St. Martin Considered by many to be the island’s most beautiful beach, this popular beach is reputed for its white sand, underwater marine reserve, water sports, beach bars, and hotels. If you want to bare it all, there’s a naturist resort, the Club Orient, at the southern end of the beach.

The Baths, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands Definitely Virgin Gorda’s most remarkable sight, The Baths are a collection of giant boulders scattered about the beach and in the water. Some are almost as large as houses and form spectacular pools and grottos, which flood with seawater at high tide. You can climb between these rocks to swim in the many pools, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters around the boulders or lie on the beach and relax.

Eagle Beach, Aruba Once almost deserted, this beautiful white sand beach on Aruba’s south western coast is now bustling with activity. You can snorkel among colourful fish, take a cruise on a catamaran, or simply relax on the beach. Along this mile-plus-long beach, you’ll find hotels and resorts that offer activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing and more.

Half Moon Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Half Moon Bay is a natural ribbon of ivory sand that connects two small uninhabited cays, Pine Cay and Water Cay. This beautiful beach is only inches above the crystal-clear waters and accessible only by boat. Tour companies like Silverdeep or Caicos Dream Tours run excursions to limestone cliffs and small sand coves, and there’s a small wreck offshore to explore.

Macaroni Beach, Mustique, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Perhaps the most famous of Mustique’s nine beaches, this stretch of fine white sand is the perfect place for swimmers and picnickers, with moderate waves, warm water, palm huts and picnic tables shaded by a grove of trees.

Negril Beach, Jamaica This 7 mi-long (11 km) white-sand beach is arguably the best in Jamaica, with plenty of good beach bars and open-air restaurants, large all-inclusive resorts, and a clothing-optional beach.

Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands This long crescent of powdery white sand overseeing crystal-blue water is world renowned for its beauty. It is the most developed area of Grand Cayman and most of the island’s luxury resorts, restaurants and shopping centers are found here. You can snorkel among small reefs by the Marriott hotel and Treasure Island or off the northern section called Cemetery Reef Beach.

Shoal Bay, Anguilla Anchored by sea grape and coconut trees, his stunning beach has beautiful white sand and warm, turquoise water. If you’re hungry or if the Caribbean’s heat is making you feel thirsty, you’ll find seafood and tropical drinks at restaurants like Gwen’s Reggae Grill, Kú, and Madeariman Beach Club. If you need protection from the Caribbean’s sun, there are shops that sell T-shirts and sunscreen. Activities include diving, sailing, fishing trips, and even beachside massages.

By Michael Young, writer for Cheap All Inclusive Caribbean Vacation.

Don’t know where to spend your vacation? No problem! You can’t go wrong with these top 10 ten Caribbean destinations. Great beaches, crystal blue water, palm trees and great people are only part of the few things that are waiting for you to discover.

Top 10 Caribbean Destinations

Mexico

The Caribbean side of Mexico is full of history and makes it our first on the top 10 Caribbean destinations list. From Chichen Itza to Tulum, there is so much to see in Mexico. And we can’t forget the amazing town of Cancun. Cancun has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean and attracts every year thousands and thousands of travelers every month. You will find in Mexico all inclusive vacation packages for all budgets. Numerous cities and towns are also on the map of many Caribbean cruises.

Puerto Rico

Known as the Island of Enchantment, Puerto Rico is dotted with white-sand beaches, interesting historic sites, and large tourist resorts. The island’s inky-blue waters draw divers and surfers, and the capital city of San Juan will please gourmets, partygoers, and shoppers. Don’t miss the astonishing natural wonders that Puerto Rico has to offer.

Dominica

An often overlooked destination, Dominica is an island full of natural wonders. Nature lovers can enjoy the island’s luxuriant rain forests, mountain volcanoes, fresh-flowing rivers, impressive waterfalls, and volcanic lakes.

St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands)

First colonized by the Danes in 1666, St. Thomas was sold to the United States in 1917. Today the island’s main activity is tourism. There are a lot of things to do here, including shopping, fishing, sailing, golfing, and relaxing and swimming at beautiful Magens Bay beach.

Dominican Republic

Christopher Columbus described the Dominican Republic as a “beautiful island paradise with high forested mountains and large river valleys”. A land of contrasts, the Dominican Republic is blessed by 1600 km of beautiful beaches and astonishing natural wonders. Those who need their archaeological fix will love the capital’s many historical sights. Exotic cuisine, golf courses, adventure tours, and a rich entertainment scene make the Dominican Republic a unique and unforgettable experience.

Jamaica

A favorite of North American honeymooners, Jamaica is an island rich in beauty, despite the persisting poverty. The island is well known for its beautiful beaches, all-inclusive resorts, reggae music, and cuisine, but it is your interactions with local residents that will make your trip truly rewarding.

Aruba

Aruba is more arid than most Caribbean islands, covered with a desert landscape rather that lush rainforests. Life is never boring here, with soft, sandy beaches, turquoise waters perfect for diving and windsurfing, a wildlife reserve, clubs and bars, excellent restaurants, and the best casinos in the Caribbean.

St. Maarten/St. Martin

This unique island is governed by two sovereign states – France in the North, and the Netherlands in the south. Excellent cuisine, beautiful white-sand beaches, and flashy casinos are only a sample of why this island belongs to the top 10 Caribbean destinations.

British Virgin Islands

Each of the 50 islands making up the British Virgin Islands has something unique to offer. The main island of Tortola is bustling with activity and has plenty of restaurants and shopping opportunities, while Virgin Gorda’s beaches offer a more laid-back atmosphere.

St. Croix (U.S. Virgin Islands)

Although St. Croix has plenty to keep tourists happy – like powdery beaches, hotels, and interesting restaurants – most visitors come here to explore the island’s historic sites. At the height of the island’s plantation glory, there were 224 sugarcane and tobacco plantations here, all worked by slaves imported from Africa. After the abolition of slavery in 1848, the island’s economy was sent on a downward spiral. Things started to pick up with the rise of tourism (late 1950s), which is now one of the island’s main sources of income.

Barbados

This great island is well worth a visit. Ranked among the top 10 Caribbean destinations you should visit, Barbados is a sophisticated island where British influence remains strong today. With a rich history, white-sand beaches, exceptional golf courses, an impressive restaurant scene, and plenty of water sports, Barbados will certainly awe you.

Top 10 Caribbean destinations 102

This list of the top 10 Caribbean destinations list should not stop you from visiting the other islands or countries! Of course not, they are tons of other places to visit. As a matter of fact, the Caribbean is comprises of 7,000 islands, islets, reefs, and cays. This list of top 10 Caribbean destinations only suggest some of the most popular places to go, but feel free to explore more of this great amazing part of the world.

Need more tips? Visit our website and learn more about these top 10 Caribbean destinations.

1. Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa

Turks and Caicos Beaches Turks & Caicos is the largest resort in the Turks and Caicos and the perfect place for families with children. Activities for younger children and teenagers include a children’s park, a video-game center, waterslides, a swim-up soda bar, and a teen disco, while parents can enjoy an extensive spa, 12-mile stretch of white-sand beach, and scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters. There are 359 rooms and 103 suites decorated in standard tropical themes to choose from, as well as an excellent choice of restaurants. Add in excellent amenities and a devoted staff, and you got yourself one of the best resorts in the Caribbean.

2. Iberostar Bavaro Resort – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

With its dramatic lobby and grounds, 11 excellent restaurants, and fun entertainment, this resort is an artistic showpiece and a good value. There are 590 rooms and 8 apartments to choose from, and a gorgeous white-sand beach.

3. Hyatt Regency Aruba Beach Resort & Casino – Aruba

One of the top 10 resorts in the Caribbean, this 12-acre resort can satisfy families as eager to spend time apart as together. Kids can enjoy the waterslides, while adults can enjoy horseback riding, water sports, tennis, and an extensive spa. The resort has 342 well-equipped rooms, 18 suites, and 6 excellent restaurants.

4. Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa – Antigua

Set on lovely Dickenson Bay beach, this sumptuous resort has plenty to keep guests busy, including cardio training, karaoke, tennis lessons, scuba diving, and excellent spa services. There are 100 rooms and 257 suites available, and 7 excellent restaurants to choose from. The only drawback is the apathetic, uneven service.

5. St. James Club – Antigua

Covering 100 acres on beautiful Mamora Bay, this remote resort has a lot going for it, from beautiful beaches to vibrantly decorated rooms. There is a lot to keep you busy, include movies, trivia contents, and dance classes in the opulent Jacaranda Bar. The food and service could be better, though.

6. Wyndham Sugar Bay – St. Thomas

While the rooms and the walkways between them are not that impressive, the lush greenery and gorgeous pool area will surely awe you. The guest-rooms have been completely revamped, with plantation-style furnishings, plush carpeting, and marble-tile bathrooms. Amenities include a full-service spa, an outdoor fitness trail, and a casino.

7. Barcelo Dominican Beach – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Purchased from Ocean Hotels in 2007, this exceptional resort has been completely revamped and all guest-rooms now include pillow-top mattresses, balconies, satellite TV, coffeemakers, and a mini-bar. There is plenty to keep you busy here, including a gym, a wonderful spa, and daytime activities such as basketball, archery, dance lessons, and Spanish lessons. At night, there are beach parties, a casino, and disco to keep you entertained.

8. Four Seasons Resort Nevis – Nevis

This beachfront resort has been extensively renovated and features dazzling public spaces, a devoted staff, and a range of amenities including a state-of-the-art business center, a wonderful spa, a 18-hole golf course, a children’s club, game room, and turtle program. Add in marvellous food, and you’ve got the perfect Caribbean resort.

9. Paradisus Palma Real Resort – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

This Leading Hotels of the World property is the best all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana, with lavish suites, a wonderful outdoor spa, horseback excursions and a golf course. The food is nothing special, though.

10. Westin St. Maarten, Dawn Beach Resort & Spa – St. Maarten/ St. Martin

Set on beautiful Dawn Beach, the Westin opened its doors 2008 and features an enormous pool, two excellent restaurants, four bars, a wonderful spa, fitness center, casino, nightclub, a Sunday brunch and family-friendly activities. The rooms and suites are spacious and equipped to perfection.

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Airfares, cruise, and hotel prices fall significantly during the off-season, and the islands are far less crowded during this period. Temperatures are a few degrees warmer than at other times of the year, but the island’s trees are also at their most lush during this season. Aside from saving money, you can enjoy the many carnivals, music festivals, and other events that are held during the off-season. Late August, September, October, and early November are considered low season (or “value season”).

The Caribbean climate is usually warm and humid, and temperatures in the region vary little and range from around 78°F to 88°F all year-round. The region is occasionally swept by hurricanes, which can occur from June to November, but are most common during the month of September. Those travelling to the southernmost Caribbean islands (from St. Vincent to Trinidad, along with Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao) do not usually need to worry about hurricanes.

By Michael Young, writer for Cheap All Inclusive Caribbean Vacation.

Aruba More of a desert island than a rainforest, Aruba has a sunny climate, calm waters, and cooling breezes, along with soft, sandy beaches. There is plenty to keep you busy here, including snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing, horseback riding, and all-terrain vehicle rides. Aruba is also a shopper’s delight, with an impressive collection of stores and malls in Oranjestad, the island’s capital, and has become a true party hot spot. The casinos are among the best in the Caribbean and make for a very rich nightlife. If you feel hungry, you’ll find a range of excellent restaurants here, though a little pricey. All in all, Aruba offers an exceptionally diverse experience and will keep you coming back for more.

Take magnificent pictures in Aruba...

picture credit : Serge Melki

Bonaire Known as the “Diver’s Paradise”, Bonaire draws divers and snorkelers who come here for the crystal-clear waters, stunning coral reefs, and vibrant marine life. Of course, there is plenty for nondivers to do as well, including sports fishing, windsurfing, mountain biking, and kayaking. Visitors are often amazed by the island’s rich wildlife, which includes iguanas, parrots, wild donkeys, flamingos, and feral goats. While things are pretty quiet at night, you’ll find a nice selection of good restaurants.

Curaçao A sharp contrast with most Caribbean islands, much of Curaçao’s surface is an arid desert landscape dotted with three-pronged cacti, spiny-leafed ales, and divi-divi trees bent by trade winds. There are tons of things to do here, such as bird watching, mountain biking, snorkelling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, golf, sea excursions, kayaking, windsurfing, banana boats, and tube rides. The Dutch influence is clearly visible at Willemstad, the island’s capital, with rows of sprightly painted town, gabled houses. Stroll through the narrow streets and check out the local sights, before heading to one of the city’s shopping areas to buy souvenir, including embroidered linens, delft earthenware, cheeses, and clogs to local artwork and handicrafts. If your stomach is crying for food, there are many good restaurants available, though a little expensive. By night, you can try your luck at the casinos or party at the lively bars and dance clubs. There are no doubts about it, you will find your best Caribbean vacation time here.

Grenada Tourists come this former British crown colony for its beautiful white sand beaches and picturesque rainforest. Aside of lolling on the beach, you can go diving, snorkelling, boating, fishing, golfing, and hiking. The capital city of St. George’s has plenty to keep you busy, including a picturesque harbor, interesting shops, and several historic sites. Try the delicious food at one of Grenada’s restaurants.

St. Lucia Located between Martinique and St. Vincent, this strikingly beautiful island has been nicknamed “Helen of the West Indies”. Known as a best Caribbean vacation island, there are many popular activities which include guided tours to the dense rain forest, climbing the twin Pitons peaks, diving along its southwest coast, and deep-sea fishing. The food here is delicious and has a strong French influence with a Creole flair. During the weeklong St. Lucia Jazz Festival in early May, you can watch free concerts in downtown Castries, the island’s capital. Find more information, read our St. Lucia article.

By Michael Yong. Michael Yong is a writer for Cheap All Inclusive Caribbean Vacation.