Our editors and writers scoured the globe to find the best all-inclusive resorts based on standout offerings, from top-notch dining options and cool bars to over-the-top suites and white-glove butler service. We also asked our readers to vote for their favorites in each category. We’re proud to present the winners of the 2019 Islands All-Inclusive Awards.

The rooms at all-inclusive resorts have become more than just a place to sleep. The best suites we’ve seen feature standout offerings like rooftop terraces, private plunge pools, butler service and spa-worthy bathrooms. We scoped out the best rooms at all-inclusive resorts, where you can feel like royalty on your next vacation.

Winner, Editors’ Choice and Readers’ Choice: Sandals Royal Barbados – Beachfront Skypool Butler Suite

The Beachfront Skypool Butler Suites at Sandals Royal Barbados are about as glam as it gets. Each showstopper suite features a plush king-sized bed, a living room with dining table, a spa-like bathroom, a full-stocked pantry, and a personal butler who’s at your beck and call 24/7. As if that wasn’t luxurious enough, guests can also absorb the superb sea views from the deep soaker tub, day bed, or private infinity pool on the suite’s terrace.

You may never want to leave your room, but be sure to check out this ritzy resort’s amenities, which include a 15,000 square foot spa, 34 pools, six restaurants (including two new dining concepts), and a four-lane bowling alley with a craft beer bar (a Sandal’s first). The property also scores big points for its incredible rooftop pool (another Sandals first) with panoramic views of the beach and surf — a sublime spot to watch the sunset or stargaze.

PS: if the suites at Sandals Royal Barbados are sold out, these amazing accommodations are also available at Sandals Grenada — the first Sandals property to debut the Skypool Butler Suites. — Lisa Jackson

Winner, Editors’ Choice: Excellence Playa Mujeres, Riviera Maya, Mexico – Two-Story Rooftop Terrace Suite

It’s hard not to feel like royalty when you have your own terrace from which to view the kingdom. Staying in Excellence Playa Mujeres‘s two-story rooftop terrace suite with an ocean front view grants exactly this.

Book it for the suite’s private, expansive outdoor terrace where you can sunbathe in solitude, alternating between reclining on a pillow-top chaise lounge and cooling off in the mini-pool with two spouts of flowing water.

Room service, available 24 hours, means you can stay reclusive while indulging in healthy treats, such as green juice and a wrap with baked vegetables and Lebanese cream, or more hedonistic fare, such as the deluxe Frankfurt beef sausage with caramelized onions and bacon. Other goodies delivered daily to your room include fresh fruit and a newspaper.

We like that the suite comes with upgraded in-room premium liquor, a Nespresso machine, fresh flowers, free Wi-fi, a pillow menu and Bvlgari toiletries. Take advantage of the free daily spa treatment, then relax at the resort’s two private pools and two Jacuzzis exclusive to Excellence Club guests. — Brooke Morton

Winner, Editors’ Choice: Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – Junior Suite Ocean Front Deluxe

When you want nothing between you and the beach, book one of Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana‘s deluxe oceanfront junior suites, which open onto a patch of green lawn set with a private plunge pool and, just a few sandy steps beyond, a perfect, palm-lined strand.

Each art-filled suite is large and well appointed, with a huge bathroom, deep soaking tub and shady patio where you can sip your morning coffee while watching the waves. Even better, since the resort sits alone on this particular patch of sand, it’s blissfully quiet and never crowded.

With just 96 suites, the property is an all-inclusive with a boutique-resort heart: during your stay, you’ll be treated to a free massage, horseback riding on the beach, daily minibar refills and room service that extends all the way to your lounge chairs on the beach. — Katie McElveen

The post All-Inclusive Resorts with the Best Rooms: Islands All-Inclusive Awards appeared first on Islands.

Our editors and writers scoured the globe to find the best all-inclusive resorts based on standout offerings, from top-notch dining options and cool bars to over-the-top suites and white-glove butler service. We also asked our readers to vote for their favorites in each category. We’re proud to present the winners of the 2019 Islands All-Inclusive Awards.

Most all-inclusive resorts offer similar amenities. Of course, there’s the all-you-can-eat-and-drink aspect, plus pool parties, fitness classes, butlers and nightly turndown service. All of these added perks are fun — and expected from an all-inclusive stay — but we found a few that stand out from the pack. From learning Cirque du Soleil-style acrobatics to driving your own powerboat, these are the best all-inclusive resort amenities.

Winner, Editors’ Choice: Fowl Cay, Bahamas – Power Boat

We thought we’d seen it all when it comes to included amenities. From daily spa treatments to butler service to jars of homemade cookies, we’ve been on the receiving end of plenty of plush perks.

But few can top the bonus included when you stay at Fowl Cay, an all-inclusive private-island resort in the Bahamas, where each of six water’s-edge villas comes not only with a golf cart, but also with its own boat — even gas is included.

Island staff offer lessons, maps and a picnic lunch, and then it’s off on your 17- or 18-foot Angler powerboat to explore a few of the 365 pristine and largely deserted islands that are the Exumas’ claim to fame. Swim with nurse sharks at nearby Compass Cay; skinny dip with your sweetie in the Windex-blue waters surrounding Twin Cay; visit the islands’ famous swimming pigs.

And then, flushed with excitement from your adventure, return to your 50-acre island oasis, where panoramic sunset views — and an equally appealing rum punch — await at Hill House, the island’s convivial gathering place. — Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon

Winner, Editors’ Choice: Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, Mexico – Sound of Your Stay Program

A stay at the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun proves that you’re never too old to live out your fantasy of being a rock star — minus the Behind the Music-style drama. PICKS, part of the resort’s Sound of Your Stay program, which allows guests to borrow one of the hotel’s 20 Fender guitars and a pair of Blue headphones, will have you shredding on a Stratocaster like Stevie Ray Vaughn in no time. (Or at least you can pretend.)

If you always dreamed of being a DJ, take advantage of WAX, which provides a Crosley turntable and a curated collection of 10 iconic albums during your stay. Trust us, everything sounds better on vinyl. Or, if you’d rather just listen, TRACKS is a personalized playlist that will set the mood for your stay.

The party vibe continues around the resort with DJs by the pool, a Michael Jackson tribute show and nightly live music in the Smash Bar. From its guitar-shaped rotunda, rock memorabilia scattered throughout the resort (much of it worn, played, or autographed by musicians), and in-room liquor dispensers, you can truly live the rock star lifestyle, if only for the week. — Lori Barbely

Winner, Editors’ Choice: Travaasa Hana, Maui – Hawaiian Cultural Experiences

The scenic Road to Hana is long and winding, ending at the tiny town of Hana, home to just 1,200 residents. This is the true Hawaii, rich in culture and tradition. It’s also where you’ll find Travaasa Hana, one of the only hotels in Hawaii to offer an all-inclusive option. Like most resorts around the islands, Travaasa offers the standard ukulele and lei making classes, but it’s the Hawaiian Bamboo Pole Fishing and Hawaiian Throw Net experiences that are truly unique.

Head to Kapueokahi, also known as Hana Bay, and learn about the history and cultural practices of bamboo pole fishing. Before casting off you’ll learn about the craftsmanship that goes into creating these unique fishing poles. You can also try to catch your dinner with the Throw Net experience. A tradition passed down through generations, throw net fishing is done with intricately woven handmade nets and no bait.

Don’t despair if you come back empty handed: The resort’s open-air Preserve Kitchen serves meals inspired by local ingredients in a relaxed atmosphere. Ocean Bungalows and Garden Suites are ideal for couples, while families will enjoy the Waikaloa Family Suites with a full kitchen. — LB

Winner, Readers’ Choice: Club Med Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – Club Med CREACTIVE by Cirque du Soleil

What’s better than witnessing Cirque du Soleil acrobats whip through the air? Learning how to do it yourself. Club Med Punta Cana offers Club Med CREACTIVE, an all-ages experience staffed by professional circus performers for a new twist on fitness.

Live out all your circus fantasies, from flying on a trapeze to walking a tightrope to aerial silk performances. But even if you’re not quite ready for heights, there are seating areas to watch, along with tamer activities like face painting and juggling.

Bonus: there’s no extra fee for CREACTIVE, which is open daily, so long as you’re a lucky guest.

Need to refuel after hours of jumping on the trampoline? The resort offers three restaurants and four bars to choose from. And if you’re feeling sore from the all the Cirque activities, book a treatment at the Spa by L’OCCITANE. — Kristine Hansen

The post Best Included Amenity at an All-Inclusive Resort: Islands All-Inclusive Awards appeared first on Islands.

Our editors and writers scoured the globe to find the best all-inclusive resorts based on standout offerings, from top-notch dining options and cool bars to over-the-top suites and white-glove butler service. We also asked our readers to vote for their favorites in each category. We’re proud to present the winners of the 2019 Islands All-Inclusive Awards.

Today’s all-inclusive resorts offer entertainment that rivals Vegas and, yes, even Broadway — only there’s no extra cost. Your evening on property doesn’t have to feel cliché or forced, as many acts fold in local culture as spectacular as a night out on the town. From hypnosis acts to Vegas-level dinner shows, the entertainment at these resorts are designed to keep you out late.

Winner, Editors’ Choice and Readers’ Choice: Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort, Cancun, Mexico

Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort in Riviera Maya never quits pulsing with nightly entertainment, whether it’s live concerts by Usher, Duran Duran, Credence Clearwater Revival or pop-up acts like Cirque Eloize iD, where high-energy performers are as graceful as ballet dancers, using chairs, silk wraps and bicycles as props.

Nothing here is boring or mundane when it comes to entertainment. Karaoke contests give guests a chance to take the mic and there’s guaranteed to be at least one theme party during your stay (pack accordingly).

Illusionists’ tricks will make you believe in magic and the hypnosis show is definitely enthralling. And if you haven’t stopped mourning the King of Pop, don’t miss the Michael Jackson tribute. And the kids will especially love the dancing flame-throwers paired with African drumming.

Winner, Editors’ Choice: Club Med Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

What’s better than witnessing Cirque du Soleil acrobats whip through the air? Learning how to do it yourself. Club Med Punta Cana offers Club Med CREACTIVE, an all-ages experience staffed by professional circus performers for a new twist on fitness.

Live out all your circus fantasies, from flying on a trapeze to walking a tightrope to aerial silk performances. But even if you’re not quite ready for heights, there are seating areas to watch, along with tamer activities like face painting and juggling. Bonus: there’s no extra fee for CREACTIVE, which is open daily, so long as you’re a lucky guest.

Need to refuel after hours of jumping on the trampoline? The resort offers three restaurants and four bars to choose from. And if you’re feeling sore from the all the Cirque activities, book a treatment at the Spa by L’OCCITANE.

Winner, Editors’ Choice: TRS Yucatán Hotel, Riviera Maya, Mexico

At adults-only TRS Yucatan Hotel, rooms come with extras like plunge pools, personal butlers and minibars stocked with top-shelf spirits.

But we were especially blown away by the Vegas-caliber dinner-and-dance spectacle at the CHIC Cabaret & Restaurant. Seating is in a clubby environment with low-to-the-floor chairs and tables designed for two. Sexy and sparkling, the performers’ voices, outfits and acrobatics are the perfect pairing with streams of colorful light and a steady bass that will get your heart pounding.

Music spans many genres, from 1950s classic rock to today’s hottest Latin grooves. The experience kicks off at 7:30 p.m. with a welcome drink followed by dinner (and curtain time) at 8:15 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday night

The post Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Entertainment: Islands All-Inclusive Awards appeared first on Islands.

Our editors and writers scoured the globe to find the best all-inclusive resorts based on standout offerings, from top-notch dining options and cool bars to over-the-top suites and white-glove butler service. We also asked our readers to vote for their favorites in each category. We’re proud to present the winners of the 2019 Islands All-Inclusive Awards.

There are beach people and there are pool people, and if you’re in the latter group you know that just any old pool won’t cut it. Today’s resort pools are more than just a respite from the hot tropical sun. They’re an extension of a hotel brand’s identity — as in let’s get this party started or we’re all about family-friendly fun — and resorts with great pools earn rave reviews from guests. These resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico offer something for everyone.

Winner, Editors’ Choice and Readers’ Choice: Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, St. Lucia

Simply having five pools might have qualified this upscale all-inclusive resort on St. Lucia for honors, but the fact that it’s also home to the island’s largest waterpark guaranteed it.

Set on 500 acres on the south coast, Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa has amenities that appeal to all types of sun-seeking water lovers. Singles and couples can channel a grown-up vibe at the adults-only Harmony wing, which offers sunning and frozen-cocktail sipping at two pools.

Families, on the other hand, can make a splash (literally) in the kid-friendly wing called Splash and its Cocoland Waterpark, which features a 1,500-foot Lazy River complete with drenching waterfalls and waterslides like the exhilarating Coconut Canon.

Even the tiniest guests can get wet and wild amid the spray fountains and water geysers of Cocoland Waterworks. And when you crave a little salt water, there’s one mile of beach to enjoy, too.

Winner, Editors’ Choice: Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa, Jamaica

Jamaica is home to dozens of resorts, but the Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa has a grand distinction: Its Main Pool is the island’s largest at an impressive 48,437-square feet — that’s more than an acre — and has a lively ambience, swim-up bar (daiquiris for everyone!) and adjacent water park that will keep kids cooled off and excited.

But there’s more: Tranquility reigns at the resort’s Roselle Pool, while adults-only merriment is on tap until midnight at the Coral Pool (located in the adjacent Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton). All three feature built-in Jacuzzis surrounded by striking contemporary versions of ancient Roman pillars.

Grand Palladium also has a Spa Pool, located within its 64,500-square-foot Zentropia Spa, but unless you’re a Travel Club member or a Royal Suites by Palladium guest, you’ll pay a fee to access it and the thermal suite. As Jamaicans like to say, no worries — there’s enough free H2O to keep everyone happy.

Winner, Editors’ Choice: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

What’s harder than picking your top 10 desert-island albums? How about choosing a favorite among the 13 (yes, 13!) pools at this sprawling, music-centric resort?

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana has made the decision a bit easier by reserving two of them for Vacation Club members, restricting one to Rock Royalty Level guests and giving each remaining pool a theme.

Head to the expansive Central and Eclipse Pools for classic Hard Rock ambience and fun activities, or the Family Pool for teen-friendly music and waterslides (the Kids Pool also has one).

Craving something more low-key? Find a chaise at the Bongo Pool (for soft rock from the ’80s) or the Sax Pool (for no music at all). For a high-energy vibe — plus an adults-only, European-style, bikini-tops-optional setting — choose the Eden Pool. Rounding out the options: the Woodstock Pool, the Guitars and Bongos Pool and the Moon Pool.

Stay for a week and you can check them all out as well as dine at nine restaurants, flirt with Lady Luck at the casino and dance the night away at the Oro Nightclub.

The post Best All-Inclusive Resort Pools: Islands All-Inclusive Awards appeared first on Islands.

Our editors and writers scoured the globe to find the best all-inclusive resorts based on standout offerings, from top-notch dining options and cool bars to over-the-top suites and white-glove butler service. We also asked our readers to vote for their favorites in each category. We’re proud to present the winners of the 2019 Islands All-Inclusive Awards.

Some all-inclusive resorts know exactly how to cater to couples. Others are located on islands that appeal to travel twosomes or offer terrific value. Both factors make them a top choice for a quick getaway from work, the kids and the chaos of life in general. Here are the Caribbean properties that top our list of best all-inclusive resorts for couples.

Winner, Editors’ Choice and Readers’ Choice: Sandals South Coast, Jamaica

A couples-oriented resort should know how to please couples, right? Well this one, located on 500 secluded acres on Jamaica’s southern coast, certainly does. No matter what your budget or reason for being here (engagement, honeymoon, anniversary, quick getaway with friends), Sandals South Coast has a room to suit your needs.

Set in three villages (Italian, French and Dutch) along a two-mile white-sand beach, accommodations range from the wallet-friendly Beachfront Deluxe (with four-poster mahogany bed and ocean view) to the decadent Over-the-Water Honeymoon Butler Bungalow (arranged in a heart shape above the turquoise Caribbean and featuring an outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tub).

Socially, the resort also offers plenty to love: three pools, nine restaurants and seven bars (including a swim-up option and the sexy Latitudes over-the-water bar ringed by a dozen inviting hammocks), plus unlimited activities such as tennis, beach volleyball, snorkeling, wake boarding and a PADI diving program — all at no extra cost.

Winner, Editors’ Choice: Barceló Bávaro Beach, Dominican Republic

Sometimes just two words can be music to your ears: adults only. When the escape you crave means no one under 18 is within earshot, Barceló Bávaro Beach, located in Punta Cana, delivers affordable all-inclusive immersion of the delightfully grown-up sort.

Let’s start with the rooms: all of them at Barceló Bávaro Beach are located just steps from one of the island’s best beaches and most measure a generous 506 square feet. Trade up to a Premium Level Ocean Front Suite for twice the space and a Jacuzzi on the balcony.

When it’s time for sun, choose between the pool area (with its water beds and water jets) or the white-sand beach — or check out the action next door at the Barceló Bávaro Palace, which has an adults-only pool. You’ll also be able to dine around between properties in the Barceló Bávaro Grand Resort complex, which means access to more than a dozen restaurants and 16 bars. And if you’re feeling lucky, there’s a 24-hour casino, too.

Winner, Editors’ Choice: Divi Aruba All Inclusive, Aruba

With its brilliant sunshine, fiery sunsets and lively nightlife, Aruba is one of those islands that couples find simply irresistible. Add in the generous amenities at Divi Aruba All Inclusive — among them a spectacular mile-long beach, 10 restaurants and eight bars (shared between Divi and neighboring Tamarjin All Inclusive) and an adjacent Alhambra casino — and this property makes perfect sense for a couple’s escape.

Yes, there will be kids here, but the updated room décor (renovations in 2016-2017 added a contemporary polish), wide white-sand beach and calm sea (ideal for snorkeling or kayaking) make it easy to enjoy quality alone time.

Golf-loving twosomes can also tee up (at added cost) at The Links at Divi Aruba. And while you can dine in Mexican, Italian and Asian-fusion eateries, there’s something about fresh Caribbean cuisine that makes your heart race: Coconut shrimp — yum!

The post Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Couples: Islands All-Inclusive Awards appeared first on Islands.

Our editors and writers scoured the globe to find the best all-inclusive resorts based on standout offerings, from top-notch dining options and cool bars to over-the-top suites and white-glove butler service. We also asked our readers to vote for their favorites in each category. We’re proud to present the winners of the 2019 Islands All-Inclusive Awards.

The younger, tech-savvy generation seems to be more discriminating in what they want from a Caribbean beach getaway — and these all-inclusive resorts are bringing it. Modern all-inclusives have overhauled the offerings for young people, from dance clubs for teens to massive waterparks to daily slime moments.

Winner, Editors’ Choice and Readers’ Choice: Beaches Turks & Caicos

With 658 rooms on property, Beaches Turks & Caicos — a collection of four resort villages in one — has the resources to deliver so much more for kids of all ages. Beaches is among the only resorts in the Caribbean with International-Nanny-Association-accredited nannies, offering that Mary Poppins-level of worry-free care for infants and older kids.

Thanks to a partnership with Sesame Street, kids can also meet life-size Elmo, Cookie Monster, Grover and other characters during evening parades and as they stroll the resort by day offering hugs and photo ops. All kids, even the ones footing the bill, will love the 45,000-square foot Pirate’s Island water park with four-story waterslides, a surf simulator and lazy river. Plus, the resort’s location on the postcard-perfect Grace Bay, continually ranked as the best beach in the world for its impossibly clear water, offers an ideal playground for paddle boarding, windsurfing and kayaking — all included free of charge.

Beaches’ Trench Town arcade caters to teens with air hockey, pool and electronic basketball. There’s also the Xbox Play Lounge for nonstop gaming. By night, teens rule Club Liquid where only guests under 21 can dance and mingle.

To refuel from it all, Beaches serves up 21 dining options, including Kimonos, a Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant where food is prepared at the group table with a show. After dinner, the entertainment is equally exciting as it is during the day, from Sesame Street performances and talent shows, to beach parties and bonfires.

Winner, Editors’ Choice: Grand Sirenis Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Looking all spiffy after an extensive multi-million dollar renovation, Grand Sirenis Punta Cana gets the win for Families thanks to what is now the largest waterpark in Punta Cana. Adventurous kids go nuts for the 32-foot tall tower with its tubes, toboggans and many ways to slip, slide and fall into the pool. Smaller kids, all the way to infants, splash away in bliss here.

A kids club with an actual garden gets a thumbs up, as does the availability of games, water sports and a PADI diving school. Nighttime entertainment options for adults and families scores a few points as well. Themed-dinners, 24-hour snacks and 11 restaurants mean nobody complains about food on this vacay.

Extra points for the colorful decor of the Club Premium mini-suites with home cinema, Nintendo Wii, and dedicated computer area. Parents get their own whirlpool tub and a balcony with a view of the Atlantic. — Diana Lambdin Meyer

Winner, Editors’ Choice: Nickelodeon Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Few kid-centric resorts pack more whimsy, age-perfect details and practical vacation must-haves than Nickelodeon Punta Cana. Aqua Nick, the onsite waterpark, has splash pads perfect for toddlers, plus water cannons and waterslides for older kids, and a lazy river well suited to anyone in need of relaxation. Nearby is the Just Kidding club where youth can kick it with arts and crafts, play in a ball pit or join group games, all available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m.

Guests can opt to get slimed — the Nickelodeon signature moment — either as a group for free, or for an added fee for a private gooey moment. Fun extras included at no additional charge are the donut bar, ice cream at Plaza Orange, foam parties and dance parties.

Yes, the resort delivers the characters that Nickelodeon fans love, with characters from Sponge Bob and Dora the Explorer popping in at Character Central to mix with guests. Should your little one want to meet a specific character, it’s best to invest in the small upcharge for breakfast at restaurant Zest where you can linger longer and have unlimited photo ops with all the Nickelodeon characters.

Beyond Zest, nine onsite restaurants dish up everything from artisan burgers to what the resort calls “international space cuisine.” Bonus points that the property has thought to serve kids’ entrees when adults’ starters arrive, making for a more relaxed dining experience for all.

And for the adults, the resort packs a wine bar, the adults-only Kitchen 23, a new fitness center and a 14,000-foot luxury spa — plenty to enjoy while the kids have their own adventures.

The post Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Families: Islands All-Inclusive Awards appeared first on Islands.

Our editors and writers scoured the globe to find the best all-inclusive resorts based on standout offerings, from top-notch dining options and cool bars to over-the-top suites and white-glove butler service. We also asked our readers to vote for their favorites in each category. We’re proud to present the winners of the 2019 Islands All-Inclusive Awards.

Looking for next-level vacation relaxation and a “no problem” state of mind? You’ll find it at our favorite all-inclusive resort spas, where you can check in and chill out in no time flat. Perfectly positioned on Mexico’s Riviera Maya and Jamaica’s north coast, they’re the Caribbean’s best.

Winner, Editors’ Choice: Barceló Maya Grand Resort, Riviera Maya, Mexico

“Go big or go home” seems to have been the thinking behind the massive U-Spa and fitness center at Barceló Maya Grand Resort, which is shared between five Barceló resorts (Maya Beach, Maya Caribe, Maya Colonial, Maya Tropical and Barceló Maya Palace). The sanctuary itself has 22 treatment suites, where you can enjoy body wraps with chocolate, papaya and pineapple or unwind with hot stone massages.

Before your service, reserve time to try the hydrotherapy circuit, which features hot and cold plunge pools, aromatherapy showers and an ice bath. We were also impressed by the kids’ spa and salon, where little ones can enjoy manicures, “Super Hero” haircuts, and massages to melt away any middle-school stress.

As for the gym, it boasts 15 treadmills, 19 spin bikes, eight wall-mounted TVs, and Technogym strength training equipment — plus all the complimentary fruit and bottled water a gym rat could desire.

Winner, Editors’ Choice: Couples Tower Isle, Jamaica

If you and your sweetie are serious spa mavens, this is your resort. Because at Couples Tower Isle, a classic couples-only playground just outside Ocho Rios, a clutch of eight suites come with a major bonus on top of the usual all-you-can-everything perks.

Reserve an Oasis Spa Villa or a larger Signature Oasis Spa Villa (which have secluded terraces, plunge pools and private pathways directly to the Oasis Spa) and both of you will enjoy unlimited spa treatments every day of your stay. Yes, you read that correctly, unlimited spa treatments every day.

Relaxation begins on arrival, when you bypass the front desk to check in en suite, and continues with a customized regimen of treatments (devised in advance by a spa concierge), performed either in the privacy of your villa or the comfort of the spa.

Hard-core spa lovers can squeeze in as many as six treatments a day, including the Bamboo Fusion massage, which uses heated bamboo sticks to knead away muscular tension. Want a rubdown before breakfast, a pedi at lunchtime and a facial at 5pm? No problem; even gratuities are included.

Winner, Editors’ Choice: Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Mexico

Clocking in at 75,000-square-feet, Grand Velas‘ spa claims to be the largest in the Caribbean, and the palatial sanctuary is undoubtedly one of the region’s best. Spa valets (wearing walkie-talkies with headsets) are on hand to guide you so you’re never left wandering aimlessly around the expansive, two-story space.

The Water Journey — a sublime odyssey that entails drifting from clay room to steam room, ice room to hot tub, massaging shower to jetted pool — is offered complimentary with every treatment of 50 minutes or longer.

And the treatments themselves, many of which incorporate Mayan techniques and Mexican ingredients, are superb. Our pick: the Bacal massage which uses, of all things, steamed corncobs, to muscle-melting effect.

Winner, Readers’ Choice: Secrets St. James, Montego Bay, Jamaica

Relaxation comes easy at Secrets St. James, an adults-only playground. It starts with the resort’s secluded location on the Montego Freeport peninsula. And it is enhanced in the spa, where the amenities and therapies (many incorporating local ingredients such as coffee and sugar) conspire to encourage beachfront bliss.

Enjoy body scrubs, facials, massages or soothing after-sun treatments in the sanctuary, and then make use of the hot and cold whirlpools, sauna, steam rooms and a tropical yoga garden to completely de-stress.

Couples should consider the Moon and Stars massage, which combines Swedish techniques, sparkling wine and an outdoor location within earshot of the waves.

The post Best All-Inclusive Resort Spas: Islands All-Inclusive Awards appeared first on Islands.

Our editors and writers scoured the globe to find the best all-inclusive resorts based on standout offerings, from top-notch dining options and cool bars to over-the-top suites and white-glove butler service. We also asked our readers to vote for their favorites in each category. We’re proud to present the winners of the 2019 Islands All-Inclusive Awards.

When you’re choosing an all-inclusive resort, the food might just be the most important factor. These all-inclusives go beyond the typical buffet to offer molecular gastronomy, Michelin-starred chefs, and AAA Four-Diamond distinction. From chef-curated tasting menus to ceviche bars to haute cuisine, these hotels are bringing their foodie A-game.

Winner, Editors’ Choice and Readers’ Choice: Royal Hideaway Playacar, Riviera Maya, Mexico

Every resort winning the Four Diamond Award from AAA must deliver culinary excellence. The Royal Hideaway Playacar does one better, infusing the menu at onsite restaurant Ventanas with novelty.

This is a Mediterranean meal you won’t find anywhere else. Most noticeable on the menu are the pickled black mussels as a starter, and the acorn-fed pork with honey served on tomato bread. You’ll also find a Mexican staple, aquachile— shrimp in lime juice with chili peppers — only this version incorporates tangy rhubarb and salty oysters. We love the chef’s table experience, dishing up nine courses, each more surprising than the next; expect a surcharge, but one well worth it.

In addition to Ventanas, this adults-only Barceló property offers five other restaurants, including Azia for Thai, Palazzo for Italian and Spices for Mexican-Caribbean fare. An added treat: Royal Hideaway Playacar serves high tea every day from 4 to 6 p.m., bringing out a wealth of nibbles and treats — think blackberry macaroons and tiny smoked salmon sandwiches — to satiate between dining experiences. — Brooke Morton

Winner, Editors’ Choice: Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Mexico

Molecular gastronomy at an all-inclusive resort? It’s exactly why foodies book at Grand Velas Riviera Maya. (Cue the foam and dry ice.) At Cocina de Autor, the 8- to 10-course menu features Mexican-meets-Caribbean dishes with an added culinary flair. (Think poblano chillis with foie gras, and prawns with honeydew mole.)

Seven additional eateries include haute-French cuisine at Piaf, Asian fusion at Sen Lin and AAA-Four-Diamond winner Frida, and ode Mexico’s most famous female artist, Frida Kahlo. There are even ceviche carts found around the four pools on property.

This resort’s modern, clean lines — whether you opt to stay in the Grand Class or Ambassador categories — are striking against pink bougainvillea draped over the terrace of each suite. Rooms are spacious and the deep soaking tubs are heavenly.

Kids and adults are easily satisfied with breakfast-buffet selections that go well beyond pancakes and eggs. Similarly, the 90,000-square-foot SE Spa embraces food, with honey, cocoa and coffee woven into select treatments. — Kristine Hansen

Winner, Editors’ Choice: Zöetry Paraiso de la Bonita, Riviera Maya, Mexico

A week won’t feel like enough time to take in all the flavor of Zöetry Paraiso de la Bonita‘s four restaurants, including the AAA-Four-Diamond award-winning La Canoa. The seasonally changing menu features local ingredients sourced from the onsite organic garden to create dishes such as pan-seared prawns in a corn truffle sauce.

Also unique is the sushi, sashimi and ceviche bar free of charge to all guests, found at Ka’ax restaurant. Each of the resort’s restaurants caters to diners wishing to eat organic, vegetarian, and gluten-free, with menu items well marked for every dietary need, such as lobster carpaccio in a chilli vinaigrette and zucchini blossom crepe in poblano pepper sauce for gluten-free diners. Guests looking for that something special can opt for an in-room dining experience that far exceeds mere room service — at no added charge.

An added fee buys entry to try the chef’s table experience, where the multi-course menu caters to the group’s whims and cravings. Also impressive is the resort’s wine vault with 5,000 international bottles on hand, offering something for every palette. — BM

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Our editors and writers scoured the globe to find the best all-inclusive resorts based on standout offerings, from top-notch dining options and cool bars to over-the-top suites and white-glove butler service. We also asked our readers to vote for their favorites in each category. We’re proud to present the winners of the 2019 Islands All-Inclusive Awards.

All-inclusive resorts and alcohol go together like peanut butter and jelly, so you’re guaranteed a vacation itinerary of beach, eat, booze, repeat. But some bars are better than others, and we chose these because of their standout features, unique settings and knowledgeable staff. So step away from the in-room liquor dispenser and belly up to the best all-inclusive resort bars.

Winner, Editors’ Choice: Hyatt Ziva Cancun, Mexico — Juana Margarita

As a spirit synonymous with Mexico, tequila bars are abundant in Cancun. But Juana Margarita at Hyatt Ziva Cancun stands out from the pack, thanks to the staff tequilier (think a sommelier for the agave-based spirit) to guide you through more than 25 varieties of blancos, reposados, añejos and mezcals. Try the Martini Ziva, made with mezcal, watermelon juice, lime juice and Blue Curaçao. We also gave the resort bonus points for its sports bar, Tres Cervezas, a legit microbrewery that brews beer in-house.

If your crew is 18+, opt to stay in the adults-only beachfront tower, Turquoize, where the Sky Swim Up Suites offer balconies with private hot tubs and direct access to a semi-private infinity pool.

Families can get a similar experience with a swim-up suite in the Pyramid building, or book a Dolphin View Suite that overlooks the onsite dolphin habitat. The younger set will also love Chevy’s, a ’50s-themed diner slinging kid-approved fare like burgers and shakes. — Rebecca Kinnear

Winner, Editors’ Choice: Sandos Finisterra Los Cabos, Mexico — Whale Watchers Bar

Cabo is a sweet spot for whale watching between December and April. And the appropriately named Whale Watchers Bar at Sandos Finisterra Los Cabos is where to go.

Perched in a glass-enclosed space with unobstructed views of the Pacific (and hopefully humpback and gray whales), the vibe is like someone’s living room with comfy couches, Wi-Fi, an outdoor terrace and, of course, booze. (Specialties include wines from Mexico’s Baja region and killer cocktails.) This isn’t the only bar: The Stones Club is a lounge with vintage-y sofas and a dance bar.

Nearly every room at the resort has a view, whether it’s the bay or the ocean. Who knows, with a pair of binoculars, you could spot a whale breaching from the comfort of your bed. This is an ideal resort for families as classes range from morning yoga to afternoon musical trivia, and kids will enjoy the Kids Club and the Cupcake Café. — Kristine Hansen

Winner, Editors’ Choice: The Caves, Jamaica — Blackwell Rum Bar

One of the coolest bar settings can be found at The Caves resort, located in Negril’s West End. Descend a coral staircase along the water’s edge, and then cross a wooden footbridge to arrive at the secret cave that is Blackwell Rum Bar. (The only thing missing is a secret knock.)

Located in a limestone sea cavern with ocean views, the bar has an intimate, romantic atmosphere, complete with candles nestled into the cave walls. Grab a stool at the circular bar — both are made of rock hewn from the cliffs — and order up a cold cocktail.

The namesake Blackwell Rum, bottled by the resort’s owner Chris Blackwell, is featured heavily on the menu and makes for potent cocktails. We suggest the Goldeneye, which mixes rum with fresh orange juice, pineapple juice, and ground ice. The bar is a surprise located in a resort full of surprises. Each room at the property is decorated in a charmingly individual style and the resort’s distinctive character is that of pure eye candy. — Lori Barbely

Winner Readers’ Choice: Sandals South Coast, Jamaica — Latitudes Over-the-water Bar

Not everyone has the budget to sleep in an overwater bungalow, but taking a snooze on one of the hammocks that surround the overwater Latitudes Bar at Sandals South Coast is included in the price of any room.

This first-of-its-kind bar in Jamaica is a breezy destination by day, offering a mix of shade and sun to couples perched on stools and enjoying the ocean view or lounging above the sea as they sip a rum punch and soak in some Caribbean sunshine.

Come evening, especially that magic hour as the sun sets in a blaze of tangerine and magenta, Latitudes is the spot to show off your tan in a sexy sundress, meet up with new friends or even pop the question to the person you love in an unforgettable setting.

Beyond this overwater oasis, which debuted in 2017 and is now also at Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Ochi, the resort has six additional bars, including one with a lively piano player. — Donna Heiderstadt

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Our editors and writers scoured the globe to find the best all-inclusive resorts based on standout offerings, from top-notch dining options and cool bars to over-the-top suites and white-glove butler service. We also asked our readers to vote for their favorites in each category. We’re proud to present the winners of the 2019 Islands All-Inclusive Awards.

There are only a few places on the planet where you can sleep above the waves in a bungalow built on stilts — a concept born in French Polynesia a half a century ago and enthusiastically embraced by honeymooners. In recent years, however, all-inclusive resorts have built overwater accommodations as the ultimate sexy escape, adding bungalows to properties in the Caribbean, Mexico, Maldives and beyond. Here are the best all-inclusive overwater bungalows and why we love them.

Winner, Editors’ Choice: Club Med Finolhu Villas, Maldives

Over-the-water is a way of life in the Maldives, an Indian Ocean archipelago comprised of almost 1,200 sandy atolls. Some of the world’s most luxurious overwater accommodations can be found here, including Club Med Finolhu Villas.

Located off of a private motu and featuring a turtle-shaped thatched roof, they measure either 1,625 (Sunrise Villas) or 1,808 square feet (Sunset Villas) and offer all the luxuries of a 21st-century house — multiple TVs, DVD players, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth speakers and an espresso machine — along with some perks created especially for enjoying the surreal beauty outside, such as a private pool and an outdoor bathtub.

Folding doors open up to create a seamless oasis you never have to leave (thanks to your personal butler), except to swim and snorkel in crystalline water or enjoy a soothing couple’s massage in the spa. The only sounds you’re apt to hear: your own sighs of contentment.

Winner, Editors’ Choice: El Dorado Maroma, Riviera Maya, Mexico

Mexico’s first and only overwater bungalows — called Palafitos, which loosely translated from Spanish means “dwellings on stilts” — blend the best of the country’s design style, including textural white walls, carved wood beams and colorful textiles, with the thatched roofs and glass-bottom floors of the Tahitian originals thousands of miles away.

The newest accommodation at adults-only El Dorado Maroma in Riviera Maya debuted in 2016, measure 811 square feet and feature a large deck with a private infinity pool, an “Aguas del Amor” outdoor shower, a personal Jacuzzi and direct access to the clear, calm Caribbean. Elite Palafitos also come with butler service.

If you love the feel of pure white sand between your toes, postcard-perfect Maroma Beach is right at the end of the walkway. The resort is also home to six restaurants and five bars for you to enjoy — before you escape back to your own little paraiso (paradise) above the waves.

Winner, Editors’ Choice: Sandals Royal Caribbean, Jamaica

Why settle for an overwater bungalow when you can have an overwater villa? Sandals recently added overwater accommodations to three of its resorts on Jamaica and St. Lucia, but the Over-the-water Private Island Butler Villas with Infinity Pool at Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay have a wow factor — size, location, luxurious amenities — that place them at their head of their class.

There are just five (along with 12 smaller Over-the-water Private Island Butler Honeymoon Bungalows), all located off of a sandy islet reachable by deluxe motorboat from the resort. At almost 2,000 square feet, the villas feature a plush king-size bed, glass floor panels, Tranquility Soaking Tub, private plunge pool and swinging Balinese daybed. Polished hardwood floors and fabrics that mirror the exquisite blues of the Caribbean add to the serenity — as do included perks such as expedited immigration and a private BMW transfer from the airport.

Some couples check in, hang the “do not disturb” sign and never leave (they just have their butler deliver everything), but if you’re feeling social, Sandals Royal Caribbean has eight restaurants, five bars and several pools.

Winner, Readers’ Choice: Laucala Island, Fiji

Few places in the world are as special and romantic as Laucala Island, an exclusive private-island resort in Fiji. Each of its 25 stand-alone villas is the size of a small house, with infinity plunge pools and fully stocked premium bars. (Think Champagne with a capital C.) Staying in any of these accommodations is a bucket-list item, and opting for the sole Overwater Villa on property is a truly magical experience.

Surrounded by thick foliage, descend the stairs through the jungle-like setting to arrive at the two-bedroom overwater bungalow, where you’ll feel like the only people on earth. (Unlike other overwater bungalows that tend to be built right next to one another, this villa is super private, with no neighboring accommodations.) Play some music over the villa’s sound system, pop open that Champagne, settle into one of the comfy couches and take in the surroundings.

Opt for a romantic dinner (straight from the resort’s onsite organic farm) at your outdoor dining table overlooking the sea, or take a dip in the plunge pool carved into the rocks. Ask your butler to draw a bath in the soaking tub or book a couple’s massage at the hilltop spa.

When it’s time to explore the rest of the island, your own golf cart awaits. Head to the main pool (encompassing more than 21,000 square feet), play a round of golf on the David McLay Kidd-designed course, or get out on the water — the resort offers a fleet of boats that will take you snorkeling, diving, fishing or sailing. — Rebecca Kinnear

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