All-inclusive resort recommendations from NYC

December 11, 2023 6:10 PM

My husband and I are looking to spend a few nights at an all-inclusive resort this winter, somewhere an easy flight from NYC. I’d love specific resort recommendations with our criteria in mind!

We’ve been searching Cheap Caribbean, TripAdvisor, etc but feel overwhelmed with the multitude of similar-seeming options and mixed reviews (understanding that some people are never happy). We’re also hung up on not having a strong preference for location - we care much more about the resort itself.

I’d love you recommendations, especially based on personal experience, for all-inclusive resorts that fit the following criteria:

- Easy flight from NYC
- Adults only
- More of a relaxed, calm vibe than a forced-fun/cheesy/clubby vibe
- Beautiful beach
- Not top-tier expensive
- Bonus if we can book the resort and flight together through a booking service like Cheap Caribbean

It’s been a big, full year for us and we’re planning on leaning into the relaxation, so off-resort attractions aren’t a huge draw. We really just want to kick back somewhere lovely!

posted by rabbitbookworm to Travel & Transportation (7 answers total)

Last year we went to Beloved Playa Mujeres. It ruled so much that as soon as we got back we booked a return visit this year. It checks your boxes.
posted by kbanas at 6:25 PM on December 11, 2023 [3 favorites]

Went to Iberostar Grand Bavaro in Punta Cana earlier this year. It's the highest tier of a large complex of Iberostar resorts on that beach, but it's the least clubby (they do have some 'entertainment' but it's pretty low-key) and it was pretty nice. The food is hit-or-miss but you can eat really well if you know what to gravitate toward. Happy to give you some tips if you end up booking there.
posted by greta simone at 6:55 PM on December 11, 2023

JetBlue flies direct from JFK to Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. There are a handful of all-inclusive resorts on the island and the Club Med there is adults-only. Grace Bay is always in the lists of top beaches in the world.
posted by JoeZydeco at 6:59 PM on December 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

Seconding Club Med Providenciales. I spent a week there in October. The rooms are not luxurious but the food service, pool, entertainment were all wonderful. The beach is nice as well. However, not a lot to do outside of the resort.
posted by namret at 7:32 PM on December 11, 2023

We went to Sandals Negril many years ago for our honeymoon and it's a chill, relaxing place. Adults only and a decent amount of stuff to do (or not do).
posted by May Kasahara at 5:14 AM on December 12, 2023

We enjoyed the adjacent family-friendly version of this Finest resort in Mexico for 18+, meets all your criteria except I do not know about the single booking of resort and flight. Our visit was pre-covid though and I do not have more recent information.
posted by RoadScholar at 4:43 PM on December 12, 2023

Not top-tier expensive

define, please! there is a huge range of these places.....and top tier for you might be mid for others...or vice versa.
posted by lalochezia at 6:50 PM on December 12, 2023