Skip to main content

The 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean

By U.S. News & World Report

These hotels offer top-notch all-inclusive experiences.

Booking a vacation where meals, drinks, activities and accommodations are all covered by one rate is enticing. Having so many elements of a trip rolled into one price can eliminate a lot of the stress associated with planning — and it’s a major reason why all-inclusive resorts are so popular. The islands of the Caribbean are home to many all-inclusive resorts, from boutique properties with optional meal and drink plans to sprawling resorts set on acres of beachfront real estate. Using the properties’ overall scores from the 2016 Best Hotels in the Caribbean rankings and additional data, U.S. News ranked the Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean.

10. Cap Maison

An all-inclusive-optional resort perched on the northern tip of St. Lucia, Cap Maison puts guests close to many of the island’s top things to see, such as Pigeon Island National Park. The property also offers direct beach access for those looking to relax in the sun. The resort’s accommodations include suites and villas, some of which come with a private plunge pool or Jacuzzi. Book the all-inclusive package and you’ll enjoy meals at the on-site restaurants, house wines, liquors, beers and sodas, Wi-Fi access and use of nonmotorized water sports equipment.

9. Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort

Set on a private cove in St. Lucia, Sugar Beach enjoys a prime location on a secluded beach surrounded by mountains and rainforest. While the majority of the island’s hotels beckon to couples and honeymooners, this all-inclusive-optional resort is one of the few that welcomes kids with specific amenities, too. Clubs for kids and teens advertise activities like treasure hunts, arts and crafts, kayaking and sailing. Meanwhile, adults are able to laze along the beach or go for a dip in the pool, participate in a fitness class and go snorkeling, among other pursuits. Sugar Beach’s all-inclusive plans include all meals and drinks (alcoholic and nonalcoholic), plus afternoon tea and minibar beverages.

8. Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana

This luxury beachfront property in Punta Cana is known for its Endless Privileges all-inclusive program, the perks of which outmatch many of its competitors. In addition to all meals and drinks (both nonalcoholic and premium alcoholic beverages), travelers receive 24-hour room service, a minibar that’s refreshed twice per day, free Wi-Fi access, a complimentary massage and a daily bottle of sparkling wine and fresh fruit. Guests also have access to the resort’s many amenities, including two infinity pools and the beach (both equipped with lounge chairs), multiple bars and restaurants, a fitness center and a spa.

7. Half Moon Jamaica

Half Moon has been a Jamaica staple for more than 60 years, catering to couples, families and groups with its guest rooms, suites and villas. Another all-inclusive-optional property, Half Moon’s plan covers breakfast, lunch, dinner and beverages (including cocktails and house wines), in addition to round-trip transportation to and from the airport. At the resort, guests will have plenty to keep them occupied: Half Moon offers horseback riding, an 18-hole golf course, a Spinning studio, squash and tennis courts, kayaks and sailboats, a dolphin lagoon and direct beach access (additional fees apply for select activities).

6. Spice Island Beach Resort

This boutique resort, which also holds the title of the No. 1 Best Hotel in Grenada, occupies 8 acres along Grand Anse Beach. The all-suite accommodations boast beach views and terraces; some even include private plunge pools and hammocks. Room rates here cover meals and beverages, water sports activities (such as snorkeling and sailing), a supervised kids club, golf green fees, tennis and bike rentals. The resort is also home to a large pool that is surrounded by lounge chairs and additional loungers and umbrellas that pepper the beach.

5. Round Hill Hotel and Villas

Just west of Montego Bay, Jamaica, the Round Hill Hotel and Villas is an all-inclusive-optional retreat with a private beach overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The all-inclusive plan at this small resort covers breakfast, lunch and dinner, but if you spring for the Platinum Plan, you’ll also enjoy all alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, round-trip airport transfers, a rafting daytrip on the Great River and a welcome gift with tropical fruit and a bottle of sparkling wine. All guests also have access to a wealth of amenities, including nightly entertainment, tennis courts (plus rackets and balls for rent) and water sports equipment like kayaks, paddleboards and snorkeling gear.

4. Sandals Royal Plantation

One of the biggest names in all-inclusive resorts, this adults-only Sandals property in Jamaica doesn’t disappoint. Touches like personalized butler service and activities like scuba diving and complimentary fitness classes win big points with travelers. What’s more, Sandals Royal Plantation is home to five restaurants and the hotel’s sister property features 16 eateries — meals at all of which are covered by the all-inclusive rate.

3. COMO Parrot Cay

COMO Parrot Cay caters to all types of travelers with specialized packages that transform stays into yoga retreats, romantic getaways and excursion-heavy adventures. The all-inclusive-optional resort is located on its own island in the Turks and Caicos archipelago. Regardless of what type of vacation you book, you’ll be able to enjoy the hotel’s infinity-edge pool, book a treatment at the spa and relax in your Asian-inspired digs. At the beach, you can borrow paddleboards or kayaks for free, or just unwind in a lounge chair and admire the Caribbean Sea.

2. Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort

Set on its own island off the coast of Antigua and surrounded by powdery beaches and swaying palm trees, this hotel boasts all-inclusive features galore. Aside from meals and beverages, guests have access to multiple pools, tennis courts, water sports equipment and (for those families traveling with kids) the Rose Buds for Children program. There are several different room types available at this resort as well, from standard accommodations to more spacious suites, and select rooms come with amenities like hammocks, outdoor showers, secluded courtyards and private pools.

1. Jamaica Inn

Also holding the distinction of the No. 1 Best Hotel in Jamaica, the Jamaica Inn is an all-inclusive-optional property that’s a little more unique than your typical all-inclusive resort. This hotel has just 48 suites and cottages, and guests can choose the type of meal and drink package they’d prefer, whether it’s just breakfast or breakfast, lunch, dinner and all beverages. This small resort is also home to ample on-site amenities, including a pool, a spa, a fitness center and a long stretch of sand in Ocho Rios.

More from U.S. News

The Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean

The Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico

10 All-Inclusive Resorts Where Kids Stay Free

The 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
Read Next Story

Related News

Frustration grows in Venezuela as earthquake death toll reaches 1,430

Israel and Lebanon sign framework agreement with US in ‘first step’ toward peace, Rubio says

Trump-endorsed populist poised to become Colombia’s next president as rival challenges vote