15 Amazing, Affordable, All-Inclusive Resorts Vetted by a Travel Editor

• Getting There: Punta Cana International Airport (3 minute drive)
• Rates: from $188/night

Just 20 minutes from downtown Punta Cana, this little resort off white sand Bavaro Beach is adults (18+) only. has a fitness center, outdoor pool and five restaurants and three bars (plus a snack bar) to choose from. If you do trek down to the beach one minute away, you’ll be able to order a tropical drink right to your beach chair.  There’s a full-service spa, tennis courts and mini-golf, too. Those with a penchant for adventure can try their hand at sailing or kayaking and dance the night away at Legacy Disco in the Princess Avalon Casino.

• Getting There: Punta Cana International Airport (45 minute drive)
• Rates: from $395/night

Last year, the resort added the Splash Island Water Park, making this all-inclusive family resort even more fun. There's a little kids' splash zone, high-speed tube slides and a lazy river for all ages. Parents can relax by one of the largest pools in the Dominican Republic while kids ages 4 to 12 make new friends in the kids' club. Those who want to venture off the resort will find the championship Hard Rock Golf Club at Cana Bay, surf schools like Punta Cana Surf Adventure and Macao Surf Camp and  Bavaro Adventure Park and Runners Adventures. But not to worry—the property itself also features 20 eateries and 24/7 room service dishing up everything from seafood to Italian dishes, and nighttime entertainment like dance performances, movies and a game room.

• Getting There: Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (20 minute drive)
• Rates: from $309/night

Near a promenade in the charming colonial section of San Juan, near Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Pan American Pier, this spot is an ideal romantic getaway for history or architecture buffs. The boutique property has just eight colorful rooms, each filled with original 20th century furniture and decorated with pieces made by local artists. Nature lovers can stroll to Condado and Escambron beaches, and a city tour can be arranged at the front desk—or tickets to the Jose Miguel Agrelot Coliseum or Sixto Escobar Stadium.

• Getting There: Curaçao International Airport (2o minute drive)
• Rates: from $235/night

History buffs and longtime Caribbean travelers will appreciate the sophisticated environs of this resort, located in the middle of the brilliantly painted colonial buildings of Curaçao’s capital, Willemstad. While not strictly following all-inclusive pricing, the spa, restaurant and bar options—and even full casino—offer a full range of adult pastimes on-site. Bonus: It's near the historic Rif Fort, with its four-foot-thick walls built to keep out pirates in the eighteenth century. But you’re not just going to be gaming and guidebooking here, as you'll want to make time to lounge on the specially constructed elevated beach that’s got killer views out over the water.

• Getting There: Puerto Vallarta International Airport (45 minute drive)
• Rates: from $171/night

Foodies young and old will want to book themselves into Barcelo Puerto Vallarta. In addition to traditional Mexican fare, you'll also find Spanish, Italian and Japanese specialities on the menu, plus stellar cocktails from the open bar. The Mexican-style hotel has four swimming pools and a semi-private access to Mismaloya Beach, which features breathtaking views of Banderas Bay. For the adults, a full-service spa and fitness center (including a beauty salon) guarantee pampered relaxation while kids ages 5 to 12 can hang out at the Barcy Club with arts, crafts and games.

• Getting There: Cancun International Airport (30 minute drive)
• Rates: from $200/night

This boutique hotel has a distinctive sleek look and minimalist aesthetic, a departure from many Mexico beachside spots. Under the all-inclusive plan, guests can dine at any of the four restaurants, although for a reservation at the fine-dining Italian restaurant Chianti, you’ll need to book at least three nights. If you're planning a shorter stay, not to worry—the resort has plenty of other delectable options, including teppanyaki at Umami and Mexican cuisine at Balam, along with bars and casual snack spots. A real standout here are the four-poster beds on the beach for some seriously luxe naps. With views of the Caribbean Sea and Nichupté Lagoon, it's a great option for families, couples and friend groups.

• Getting There: Cancun International Airport (40 minute drive)
• Rates: from $195/night

This adults-only club is situated on the Riviera Maya, called the "heart of the Mexican Caribbean." While it's close to the vibrant Playa del Carmen's host of shops, restaurants and golf courses, Ocean Maya Royale gives you plenty of reason to stick around. The crown jewel of the restaurant lineup is probably El Charro, which turns into an open-air, thatched-roof Mexican grill every night. Find Italian at Dolce Vita, teppanyaki at Yookoso, a buffet at La Hacienda, plus a variety of (non)alcoholic and caffeinated beverages at bars and cafés throughout the property. Lounge in the two outdoor pools and check out the nightly live theater shows. For some focused R&R, the spa offers complimentary access to the jacuzzi, gym and relaxation area, with additional services available à la carte.

• Getting There: Puerto Vallarta International Airport (25 minute drive)
• Rates: from $374/night

Situated on picturesque Flamingos Beach, an 8-mile stretch of sand in the residential section of northern Nuevo Vallarta, this upscale all-inclusive is worth its premium price for its spacious suites, Spanish colonial hacienda design and attentive service. There are 11 bars and restaurants on premises, and guests are also given access to another three dining options at sister property Villa del Palmar Flamingos. Activities nearby include horseback riding excursions, swimming with dolphins, golfing and even something for the thrill-seekers among us: ATV and zipline tours. 

• Getting There: 2.5 miles to Cozumel Airport
• Rates: from $407/night

With rich Palancar Reef, one of the world’s largest coral growths, just a short way away, diving and snorkeling here is one of the primary draws. (The resort also has an in-house dive center.) But this property adds to its natural allure with its four restaurants—ranging from authentic Mexican food to Italian, Asian and seafood—three pools (including one children’s pool) and two bars, all included in the room rate. Kids and teens (17 and under) stay for free in your room, and those ages 4 to 12 can enjoy kid’s club activities at The Dreamery. Ecotours and parasailing can be arranged for an additional fee off-property…or you can just nap on a pool sun lounger and call it a vacation.

• Getting There: Los Cabos International Airport (50 minute drive)
• Rates: from $319/night

When it comes to food at Sandos Finisterra, guests are spoiled for choice. There are 11 bars and restaurants, including a swim-up pool bar and pizzeria, cupcake café and renowned famous Don Diego international buffet has panoramic views of Cabo San Lucas. But food isn't the only attraction. The property's entertainment team hosts daily activities and games in the main pool and beach area, plus dance and painting classes, tequila tastings, trivia and a kids' club.

• Getting There: Cancun International Airport (20 minute drive)
• Rates: from $259/night

Traveling with the kids? Crown Paradise Club might be the ultimate child-friendly destination. Conveniently situated in the Hotel Zone of Cancun, this 617-room property offers a kid’s club, a teen club and even a mini water club for infants. As for the adults? Daily aerobics, ping-pong, tennis, volleyball, basketball, bingo, billiards and shuffleboard are all on the docket. Nightly live music shows, karaoke and a nightclub keep the adults entertained and the multi-level water park will tire the whole gang out, day after day.

• Getting There: Cancun International Airport (25 minute drive)
• Rates: from $138/night

This 336-room hotel sits directly on the beach at the northern tip of the Yucatan Pensinsula, so it gets four stars for location, location, location. The Del Rey archeological area is close by, where visitors can get a glimpse of the near-perfectly preserved Mayan ruins. Multiple pools overlook the ocean, and both buffet and à la carte meals at multiple restaurants are included in the nightly rate. Nightly shows at nearby Aquaworld are included, however, you’ll want to splurge for day trips to nearby cenotes (where you'll find stunning freshwater-filled limestone caverns)  or the Chitchen Itza archeological site.

• Getting There: Yellowstone Regional Airport (1 hour drive), Jackson Hole International Airport (4 hour drive), Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (4.5 hour drive)
• Rates: from $1,800/week; $600/additional week

Whether you loved horses as a girl and have gotten away from it, are a devoted Yellowstone stan or just want to get away from your computer and into nature for a while, this equine experience, which operates each May through September, could be just the thing. Stay in a twin bed cabin or four-person bunk house, and get riding lessons or learn advanced equestrian skills at this working ranch. Local off-ranch activities include the Cody Nite Rodeo, white water rafting, floating on the Big Horn River, soaking at the hot springs in Thermopolis, fishing and an overnight trip to nearby Yellowstone, all of which the staff will schedule around your horse duties. A stay here is rustic, can include rough riding and will turn you into a cowgirl yet.

• Getting There: 96 miles from New York City
• Rates: from $301/night

Come for the kitsch, stay for the scenery. That’s our word on this classic upstate New York resort famous for its seven-foot-tall Champagne glass hot hub for two. It’s couples-only, a tradition of this honeymoon spot kept in place to ensure clients are focused on making babies rather than chasing after them. Only an hour drive upstate from the George Washington Bridge in New York City, treat yourself and your SO to days filled with nature tails (really exceptional during fall foliage season) and nights of dining in your choice of two restaurants before retiring to your suite with round king-size bed, heart-shaped tub and the aforementioned towering Champagne glass tub. (Your Instagram followers will appreciate it.)

• Getting There: 9 miles from Grand Bahama International Airport
• Rates: from $255

The stunning sand flats of Grand Bahama front this resort which spans 26 acres of Bahamian beachfront. Outdoor tennis courts, a fitness center and a kids’ pool are among the draws here, as well as nearby limestone caves you can swim in and wildlife-filled Rand Nature Center. Best of all, the low-slung design of the buildings means you never feel you’re in a big resort. Oh, and did I mention you can swim with dolphins?