Best Adults Only All Inclusive Resorts
Nothing against kids, but an adults-only vacation is exactly what’s needed sometimes! Whether it’s a honeymoon, an outing with friends and family, or a well deserved couples trip with your loved one, we found the best all-inclusive packages for every occasion.
All-inclusive resorts can get a bad reputation for low quality food, subpar service, and average accommodations. But let me assure you, our top resorts deliver luxury accommodations across all budgets, with delicious cuisine, in world renowned beach destinations. No stress, no hassles!
As a Certified Travel Specialist, we are the recognized authority on Caribbean resorts. We incorporate our first-hand experience visiting dozens of all-inclusive resorts, along with feedback from over 3,000 clients that we’ve planned vacations for. Our ranking factors include the average nightly price, resort’s location, included amenities, safety ratings, and level of service to create a comprehensive list of the best adults-only resorts.
8 Best Adult Only All Inclusive Resorts
- Best Budget: Sandals Ochi Beach (Ocho Rios, Jamaica)
- Best Luxury 5-Star: Sandals Royal Barbados (St. Lawrence Gap, Barbados)
- Most Exclusive: Necker Island (British Virgin Islands)
- Best For Couples: Sandals Saint Vincent (Buccament, St. Vincent)
- Best In Mexico: Excellence Coral Playa Mujeres (Cancun, Mexico)
- Best In St. Lucia: Sandals Grande St. Lucian (Gros-Islet, Saint Lucia)
- Best In Dominican Republic: Melia Punta Cana Beach (Punta Cana, Dominican Republic)
- Best In Jamaica: Sandals Dunn’s River (Ocho Rios, Jamaica)
Best All Inclusive Adults Only Resorts
1. Sandals Ochi Beach
OCHO RIOS, JAMAICA
Cost Per Night/Per Person:
$195 Per Night
Number Of Rooms:
519 Rooms
Distance From Airport:
62 Miles
Number Of Restaurants:
17 Restaurants
Resort Mood:
Social
Number Of Pools:
105 Pools
Having been to Sandals Ochi three times now, I can safely say this is our top pick for an all-inclusive on a budget. Let me preface this by saying that this is still a 5-star resort so don’t let the affordable price fool you!
The resort is situated along a pristine private cove beach in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. On one end you’ll find an exciting beach club while on the other end you’ll find a sprawling 100 acre tropical garden with butler villas. Lounge chairs line the beach so you don’t have to worry about finding a place to relax.
Perhaps most importantly, when we say it’s all-inclusive, we really mean it! After you book your trip, you can leave your wallet behind because there are no extra fees or surprise expenses.
The package includes airport transfers, unlimited premium drinks, snacks and meals, water sports, scuba diving, and no tipping is allowed. There’s also free golf greens fees and transfers to the course for all the golf lovers. Lastly, you get full access to the neighboring Sandals Dunn’s River so it’s like two vacations in one!
Not only is the resort adults-only, but it’s specifically designed for romantic getaways for couples unlike some other adults-only resorts that are better for group trips with friends and family. With offerings like private candle lit dinners, couples massages, sunset catamaran cruises, it’s the perfect Caribbean escape!
Expert Tip: You can get a Club Mobay pass for the Montego Bay Airport (MBJ) that allows you to get through customs faster. It comes with a personal escort through the airport and you also get access to their VIP lounge, which is nice for the return flight. The pass costs only $85 per person, but slots are limited based on time slots, so reserve it as early as possible.
Why We Love Sandals Ochi Resort:
- Dining at 17 specialty restaurants from local Caribbean cuisine to Japanese Teppanyaki, and everything in between. (Sandals Dunn’s River has 12 more restaurants)
- Unlimited drinks and cocktails with 11 different bars, including a speakeasy and 3 swim-up bars.
- Unique accommodations including private butler villas.
- The Ochi Beach Club has an excellent vibe. Shout out to Zoe who was such a fun bartender!
- Free Golf greens fees at the Upton Estate Country Club.
- Enjoy “stay at one play at two” so you get full access to Sandals Dunn’s River which is only about 15 minutes away.
- Free scuba diving twice a day for certified divers. You can also get certified at the resort.
- The Ocho Rios area is stunning with beautiful natural scenery. I recommend going to Dunn’s River Falls or the Martha Brae bamboo river rafting for a day trip!
- The Red Lane Spa for couples massages is fantastic. My wife also always gets the facial whenever we come here.
- They have an overwater wedding chapel and other distinct venues for destination wedding packages.
Key Considerations For Sandals Ochi:
- There are now direct flights from Miami to Ocho Rios every Wednesday and Saturday, which is only 20 minutes away from the resort. Flights into Montego Bay (MBJ) are much more frequent and the transfer time is about an hour and a half from there. Either way you will get free transfers to the resort.
- For the best deals, visit between June to November during the low-season. You can also add trip insurance for only $140 per person to protect your investment!
- You should have a passport that is valid for 6 months beyond your departure date, but there are no visa requirements for vacations.
- Ocho Rios is safe if you want to check out the town as it is rated a Level 2 Travel Advisory out of 4 Levels, you can see the latest details here. I recommend staying is well trafficked tourist areas and using general common sense if you decide to set out on your own. The resort will coordinate any transfers or tours you would like too. I personally never felt unsafe in the resort, or on any of the activities we did.
Who It’s Best For:
Perfect for those who want an all-inclusive and adults only experience on a tighter budget, but don’t want to sacrifice quality since this is still a 5-star resort. It is typically one of the most affordable all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean.
2. Sandals Royal Barbados
ST. LAWRENCE GAP, BARBADOS
Cost Per Night/Per Person:
$375 Per Night
Number Of Rooms:
222 Rooms
Distance From Airport:
41 Miles
Number Of Restaurants:
21 Restaurants
Resort Mood:
Luxury
Number Of Pools:
11 Pools
Getting picked up from the airport in a Rolls Royce? Yes, please! That’s just one of the luxurious touches included when you stay at Sandals Royal Barbados.
The recently completed 5-star property is made up entirely of premium Suites. I highly recommended one of the swim-up suites that have direct access to the sprawling swimming pool right from your patio. Another favorite is the Beachfront Skypool Butler Suite that features a private infinity pool that’s elevated above the beach below which makes for unbeatable views of the Caribbean. Truly one of a kind.
The butlers are indeed trained by the Guild Of Professional English Butlers to ensure the highest level of service possible. They’re there to wait on your beck and call while giving you plenty of privacy. They give you a small phone to communicate with them between about 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Our butler Sheldon was incredible – he anticipated our needs before we even asked!
There are tons of other unique features that make Sandals Royal Barbados a jet setter’s paradise, including a silky soft white sand beach, rooftop infinity pool, bowling alley, 21 gourmet restaurants, scuba diving, and more. Although it’s not the cheapest, when you unpack everything that’s included, it’s definitely worth it for special occasions!
Why We Love Sandals Royal Barbados:
- There 21 restaurants and 14 different bars to choose from!
- Also get full access to the neighboring Sandals Barbados.
- The white sand beach is very soft and the water is calm which makes it perfect for swimming or wadding around.
- Free glass bottom boat cruises to check out the underwater world and the beautiful Barbados coast line.
- Rolls Royce airport transfers and expedited immigration for Butler Elite Suites.
- Fantastic entertainment every night including fire dancers, beach parties, steelpan drums, and more.
- Free scuba and snorkeling, along with other water sports like kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing.
- Land sports like tennis, paddle ball, beach volleyball and more. You can even get free tennis lessons from a pro.
- The rooftop infinity pool is super unique and offers amazing sunset views.
- In-room mini bars are stocked with unlimited premium liqueur and wine.
Key Considerations For Sandals Royal Barbados:
- You can fly into Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) which is only 15 minutes from the resort. Flights are about 3 hours and 50 minutes from Miami, and operate daily from several cities in the US.
- If you get a butler level room, you can fill out the butler preference form beforehand so they know what you like and dislike, and any special requests you have.
- The water can get a little choppy if the wind is blowing out of the west, but there are wave breaks out from the beach ensure the water in front of the resort is always calm.
- Barbados is very safe as it is rated a Level 1 Travel Advisory out of 4 Levels by the State Department, meaning it is the safest rating. You can go and walk around the historic buildings in Bridgetown with no issues, just the occasional person trying to sell you something at the markets!
Who It’s Best For:
Perfect for adults who want to stay at a 5-star luxury resort with high end accommodations in an exotic Caribbean location. Barbados is known the world over to have some of the best beach in the world and Dover Beach at Sandals Royal Barbados is no exception.
3. Necker Island
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
Cost Per Night:
$6,198 Per Night
Number Of Rooms:
26 Villas
Distance From Airport:
30 Minutes
Number Of Restaurants:
21 Restaurants
Resort Mood:
Exclusive
Number Of Pools:
3 Pools
Experience the ultimate in exclusivity at Necker Island, Richard Branson’s private island! This stunning retreat is located on the outskirts of the British Virgin Islands and is surrounded by white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs with tropical fish.
The island only has 26 villas and suites that can accommodate up to 56 guests. It’s actually divided between four houses, The Great House, Temple House, Bali Hi, Bali Lo. Regardless of which one you stay in, you can explore the other pools, bars, and lounge areas of each house.
We stayed in the Great House, which as the name suggests, has the biggest pool and the best views. The room setup was perfect and the attention to detail was immaculate. An interesting aspect is the scheduled community eating. Overall, there is a communal vibe at the resort, yet you can make it very private if you want.
One of my favorite parts is the wildlife meandering around the property. There are 7 different species of lemurs that can be seen all over and there are colorful parrots, in cages albeit. There’s even a flamingo pond with tons of pink flamingos splashing around.
Importantly, you need to check the availability because only certain “Celebration Weeks” are available to book a room during the adults-only option. Thankfully they had a pay for 3 night and stay for 4 night offer which helps make it a bit more affordable for us. Aside from that, the entire island is able to be rented on a complete basis which is about $150,000 per night. 😅
Why We Love Necker Island:
- Absolutely beautiful white sand beaches with plenty of landscaping and variety that make Necker Island one of my favorite retreats.
- The main beach has an enormous pool with swim-up bar and hot tub that overlook the bright blue Caribbean waters.
- Unlimited food and drinks are included. All of the meals are tailored for your stay with fresh local ingredients. The sushi here was some of the best sushi I have ever had, while the breakfast buffet was also very tasty.
- There’s a buggy that you can cruise around the island on which was a game changer. The island is quite large actually.
- Scheduled activities like yoga sessions, morning fitness classes, tennis, beach olympics, and boat cruises to local islands.
- The lemurs, parrots, and flamingos add an unexpected touch of fun. You can feed the lemurs with watermelon if you want!
- Transfer to and from the island are included from Beef Island (EIS) or Virgin Gorda (VIJ) airports.
- Water activities like scuba, snorkeling, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, and even motorized water sports.
- Good entertainment and live DJ music creates an awesome island party vibe.
- There’s an incredible spa with a full menu of offerings, but these are extra.
Key Considerations For Necker Island:
- Once you land in the BVI, you take a short 2 minute drive to the docks, where you get on a boat transfer to the island. It is about a 30 minute boat ride. You can also take a helicopter at an additional cost as Necker Island does have a helipad.
- If you wan’t a truly adults-only experience, you need to check the calendar to confirm when they have adults-only “Celebration Weeks”.
- You must have a valid passport to enter the BVI that is good for 6 months past your arrival date.
Who It’s Best For:
Necker Island is ideal for those who want one of the most unique luxury resort experiences possible. Although I say it is exclusive, there’s a unique sense of freedom here that is also very addicting. That said, it is also the most expensive option on our list of top all-inclusive resorts.
4. Sandals St. Vincent
BUCCAMENT BAY, ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES
Cost Per Night/Per Person:
$420 Per Night
Number Of Rooms:
301 Rooms
Distance From Airport:
14 Miles
Number Of Restaurants:
11 Restaurants
Resort Mood:
Active
Number Of Pools:
4 Pools
For couples looking for a romantic escape to an exotic Caribbean island, look no further than Sandals St. Vincent. This is the newest of all the Sandals Resorts, so the amenities and attention to detail are unrivaled compared to the other resorts on this list.
From beachfront suites with private pools to Overwater Bungalows, there are a variety of rooms to choose from that are specifically designed to set the mood. They will even serve you breakfast in bed and have a turndown service with rose petals on your bed when you arrive.
What I love about St. Vincent is the diversity of the landscape. It’s surrounded by rolling mountains and lush tropical rainforest. At the resort you have a private white sand beach, while a short 15 minute drive away you have Mount Wynne Beach with a stunning volcanic black sand beach.
There’s no shortage of activities for couples enjoying a special occasion or honeymoon. The Red Lane Spa has a full service offering, but the “Scents Of Love” couples massage is especially nice. I also recommend taking a catamaran cruise through the Tobago Cays, which are the small uninhabited islands around St. Vincent that have some of the best beaches I have seen and you can swim with the turtles!
Why We Love Sandals St. Vincent:
- There are 12 fantastic restaurants that will satisfy any craving day or late night. My favorites are Parisol Beach Club and Butch’s Steak House.
- The main pool runs all the way through the center of the resort and has a swim up bar in the middle. There are plenty of loungers and even private cabanas to relax in.
- Private cove white sand beach is just for resort guests so it’s very peaceful.
- Several cool suites to choose from like the Rondoval Suites, Swim-Up Suites, 2-Story Overwater Bungalows, and plenty more. Some even have in-suite fitness rooms!
- This is the newest Sandals Resort so it follows the next generation Sandals 2.0 initiatives aimed at crafting an elevated all-inclusive experience.
- There is a strict no tipping policy. The only acception is if you have butler service, you can tip the butler, but it’s completely up to you.
- Free scuba diving and snorkeling, along with paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing.
- Land sports like pickleball and tennis. There are also free lessons if you want.
- You can get a free boat transfer into the resort if you stay in a Butler Suite.
- The surrounding area is definitely worth exploring here! Two of my favorites are island hopping around the local cays on a catamaran, and hiking up the La Soufriere Volcano.
Key Considerations For Sandals St. Vincent:
- If you’re staying here for your honeymoon you can get a free honeymoon package, if you’re staying for an anniversary you can get a free night if you stay for 7 nights or more.
- The Argyle International Airport (SVD) is about a 40 minute drive from the resort. Free transfers to and from the airport are included with your stay no matter which room you book.
- You can make restaurant, spa, and excursion reservations on the Sandals mobile app ahead of time. I recommend doing that as soon as possible, especially for the more popular excursions.
- The electricity in St. Vincent is generally 230 V, which is higher than the U.S., but the resort has 110 V plugins and adapters if needed so you don’t have to worry.
- You must have a passport to enter Saint Vincent that is valid for 6 months past your arrival date.
Who It’s Best For:
Sandals Saint Vincent is ideal for couples looking for a romantic escape, especially for special occasions like honeymoons and anniversaries. It’s designed specifically for couples in love and offers a variety of activities and details to elevate your intimate vacation.
5. Excellence Coral Playa Mujeres
CANCUN, MEXICO
Cost Per Night:
$615 Per Night
Number Of Rooms:
503 Rooms
Distance From Airport:
20 Miles
Number Of Restaurants:
11 Restaurants
Resort Mood:
Relaxing
Number Of Pools:
7 Pools
Believe it or not, I lived in Mexico along the Riviera Maya for 7 months and got to see so many beautiful resorts up close. The new Excellence Coral Playa Mujeres is the best when it comes to an adults-only all-inclusive option.
Experience the best that Cancun has to offer with gourmet cuisine, premium drinks, romantic dinners on the beach, full service spa, and luxury suites. I particularly like the chic design of of the property that has a more sophisticated ambiance since it was just opened in early 2025.
All of the rooms are spacious suites, but there’s a fairly broad offering so there’s something for different price points. My favorites are the swim-up suites, or the beachfront Imperial Suite With Private Pool.
To that point, it’s important to distinguish between the regular suites and the Excellence Club Suites. Getting an Excellence Club Suite opens up a lot more options throughout the resort like private check-in, exclusive pool access, different lounge access, private beach area, upgraded room service, and access to different bars. So it makes a meaningful difference! I alway opt to go for the Excellence Club Suites so I have full access to the entire resort.
Overall, the beach here is absolutely wonderful. It’s located about 10 minutes outside of the busy Cancun Hotel Zone, which I prefer because it’s more tranquil. The sand is very soft and the water is crystal clear.
Why We Love Excellence Coral Playa Mujeres:
- Unlimited dining at 16 restaurants each offering a different theme. My favorites are the Lobster House and Agave. The taco truck is also great for a quick snack.
- There are 7 swimming pools, 4 of which are only for the Excellence Club.
- Fun fitness class like yoga, water polo, water aerobics, and more.
- Free water sports like snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
- There is tennis, pickleball, and beach volleyball games.
- Nightly entertainment with classical Mexican performances, theme nights, live music, and more.
- You can go golfing at the course right next door, but it costs $199 for greens fees and $80 for club rentals.
Key Considerations For Excellence Coral Playa Mujeres:
- You will fly into the Cancun International Airport (CUN) and it’s about an hour drive from the resort since the property is on the north side of Cancun.
- Cancun is generally considered safe as it’s rated a Level 2 Travel Advisory out of 4 Levels by the State Department, which means to exercise increased caution.
- You can get Club Excellence Suites which provide increased access to different amenities around the resort like lounges, pools, bars, beach access, and room service. The increased price is usually at least $100 per night difference so it is entirely up to you if it’s worth it.
- Airport transfers are included if you book only the suite, if you book a suite and flights or use a third party app like Booking.com, the transfers are not included.
- Tipping is not required, but it’s generally expected unlike some resorts like Sandals that has a strict no tipping policy. Between this and the airport transfers, you might need to budget some additional costs.
Who It’s Best For:
Excellence Coral Playa Mujeres is ideal for adults that want to experience the beauty of the Mexican Riviera Maya. The resort is slightly out of the busy Hotel Zone so it’s more laid back than many options directly in Cancun.
6. Sandals Grande St. Lucian
GROS-ISLET, SAINT LUCIA
Cost Per Night/Per Person:
$390 Per Night
Number Of Rooms:
311 Rooms
Distance From Airport:
41 Miles
Number Of Restaurants:
12 Restaurants
Resort Mood:
Social
Number Of Pools:
5 Pools
Consistently rated one of the top adults-only all-inclusive resorts in the world by the likes of Condé Nast, USA Today, Trip Advisor, and more, it did’t take long for me to see the reason why. Sandals Grande St. Lucian is situated on its own private peninsula that offers breathtaking 360 views of the lush tropical surroundings. Right when you enter the lobby you are greeted with the shimmering blue waters of Rodney Bay.
The private white sand beach has virtually no pebbles or rocks which is a bit rare in St. Lucia. At the end of the beach you have the famous Pigeon Island and Fort Rodney that are a short 15 minute hike. From there you can check out the old ruins and even better volcanic vistas. The incredible Piton Mountains are a sight to behold in person.
This resort has several unique accommodations to make the occasion extra special, including Overwater Bungalows, beachfront Rondoval Suites, and swim-up suites. There are also many Luxury and Club Level rooms that are more budget conscious.
When you’re not in your room, there are 12 restaurants to choose from and 7 bars. You also get free golf greens fees to the Cap Estate Golf And Country Club which is only a 5 minute drive away (transfers are included). Last but not least, you get full access at the two other Sandals Resorts in St. Lucia, so it’s like 3 vacations in one!
Why We Love Sandals Grande St. Lucian:
- Full access to the other Sandals in St.Lucia (Regency La Toc and Halcyon Beach) which means 29 restaurants, 23 bars, 12 pools, and 3 beaches to choose from!
- Airport transfers are free and there’s a no tipping policy, so after you make your booking, you don’t have to worry about extra fees or expenses. Just sit back and relax!
- The location here is perhaps the best in St. Lucia with unparalleled views and a mile long private beach.
- Unlimited motorized water sports like skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing.
- Scuba and snorkeling are always free. You can even get scuba certified here if needed.
- Free golf greens fees and transfers to the Cap Estate Country Club.
- I highly recommend the Friday night street party in Castries where you can enjoy traditional cuisine and see awesome local entertainment.
- St. Lucia is one of my favorite islands for the scenic landscapes. You have to take a hike or catamaran cruise to Soufrière to see the Piton Mountains. If you scuba, there are some unbelievable dive sites as well.
Key Considerations For Sandals Grande St. Lucian:
- The primary airport is the Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) which is where most arrivals are. It takes a little over an hour to get to the resort from. The George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU) now has limited direct flights, which is only about 20 minutes from the St. Lucia Sandals resorts.
- Note that you can take a helicopter transfer from the airport but it costs about $250 extra. I’ve done that one time and it’s much faster (about 15 minutes) and is a cool way to see the island from above.
- Some restaurants like Kimonos, Gordons, and Bombay require reservations. You can make reservations when you arrive, or better yet, do it in advance on the Sandals mobile app.
- St. Lucia is considered safe for tourism as it is rated a Level 1 Travel Advisory from the State Department, which is the lowest level possible.
Who It’s Best For:
Perfect for couples who want to get the all-inclusive St. Lucia experience at an affordable price. The Grande St. Lucian has an amazing location, but you also get full access to the two other Sandals Resorts on the island.
7. Melia Punta Cana Beach
PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Cost Per Night:
$575 Per Night
Number Of Rooms:
538 Rooms
Distance From Airport:
11 Miles
Number Of Restaurants:
14 Restaurants
Resort Mood:
Active
Number Of Pools:
4 Pools
Punta Cana is amongst the most popular all-inclusive resort destinations, and after scouring the options, our favorite is the Melia Punta Cana Beach. Situated on the famous Bavaro Beach, the waters are nice and calm because it’s protected by coral reefs. The beach is cleaned every morning to remove any debris and sargasm so the sand is very clean.
Melia is unique in the sense that it emphasizes the physical and mental wellness as a core part of your vacation. There are several activities every day that you can participate in like yoga or paddle board aerobics.
It’s important to note that “The Level” suites here provide access to additional services and areas throughout the resort. When you get a Level Suite, you get a better room, private check-in, access to a private pool, exclusive lounge areas, an upgraded continental breakfast, access to the Quimera restaurant, and a complimentary spa treatment when you stay for 5 nights or more. Lastly, if you get a “Wellness Level Suite”, you can actually get a spa treatment every day!
The resort itself is separated into two different areas, the Punta Cana Beach Side and the Caribe Side. Therefore if you do not have Level access, you cannot visit those other areas. It’s not necessarily a deal breaker, but if you want more dining options and some additional perks, I recommend getting at Level Suite. There are golf carts that can transport you around the property so you don’t have to walk everywhere.
The main pool is rather enormous, but there are three other pools around the resort that are more tranquil. Next to the pool is a hamburger stand that was pretty solid for a lunch option. As you walk around don’t be surprised if you run into peacocks!
Why We Love Melia Punta Cana Beach:
- The resort has 14 restaurants in total. If you don’t get the Level Suite, you will not have access to a few of them though.
- A daily physical and mental wellness class schedule with yoga, bicycle rides, paddle board aerobics, ice baths, painting, crystal singing bowls, beach volleyball, and more!
- Golf at Cocotal Country Club, but it is extra. You get a 50% discount on the greens fees so they are only $105 for 18 holes plus $65 for club rentals. You do get free transfers to and from the resort though.
- There are 9 seperate bars to choose from including a big one right by the main pool on the beach.
- The Quimera Rooftop is the best for a date night cocktail under the stars. It also offers fantastic views of the glowing Caribbean Sea below.
Key Considerations For Melia Punta Cana Beach:
- You will fly into the Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) which is about a 30 minute drive from the airport. Note that airport transfers are not included. I usually use Amstar, which is a reliable and affordable option. It costs around $55.
- Punta Cana is pretty safe as it has a Level 2 Travel Advisory rating which means to excise increased caution (this is out of 4 levels). I would say to exercise the most caution here based on my personal observations, but at the resort zones you should not have any issues.
- There are some vendors walking around the beach trying to sell services like banana boat rides or little trinkets. Just be a little cautious if you decide to deal with any of them.
- Tipping here is not required but it is somewhat expected unlike some of the other all-inclusive resorts.
- You will need a passport that is valid for 6 months beyond your arrival date. You also need to fill out a their E-Ticket form when entering and exiting.
Who It’s Best For:
The Meliá Punta Cana Beach resort ideal for couples interested in an adults-only wellness getaway. The property is situated in the heart of Bavaro Beach and surrounded by tropical vegetation that make it an idyllic Caribbean retreat.
8. Sandals Dunn's River
OCHO RIOS, JAMAICA
Cost Per Night/Per Person:
$390 Per Night
Number Of Rooms:
260 Rooms
Distance From Airport:
56 Miles
Number Of Restaurants:
12 Restaurants
Resort Mood:
Luxury
Number Of Pools:
5 Pools
Sandals Dunn’s River recently opened as the newest Sandals Resort in Jamaica. It’s my favorite location because it embodies the Jamaican spirit at every corner. Each restaurant is designed to be authentic in a sophisticated way. Cups of coffee are made with local Blue Mountain Coffee. Craft cocktails use rum sourced from estates all over the island.
Some people might ask why one of our top picks is not in Montego Bay? While Montego Bay has a lot of great resorts in Jamaica, it’s very crowded and the airport is only a couple miles away so you are contending with jets flying overhead a lot. Compare that to Ocho Rios where you have a more authentic Jamaican vibe.
Dunn’s River has the longest pool in Jamaica that weaves through most of the resort. It’s in fact filled from the mineral water of Dunn’s River Falls that flows down from the mountains above. A pristine white sand beach stretches for miles with crystal clear Caribbean waters as far as the eye can see. Starting to get the picture?
I also love the unique accommodations that you can’t find anywhere else. The swim-up Coyaba Rondoval Villas with rooftop terraces are sure to create lasting memories. Additionally, the Skypool Butler Suites are one-of-a-kind, with your own private infinity pool overlooking coastline.
There are practically unlimited things to do when you have had enough beach time. Just to unpack a few of them, you get unlimited drinks, phenomenal dining, water activities, free scuba diving, daily entertainment, spa treatments, and free golf. It’s definitely worth it in my opinion!
Why We Love Sandals Dunn's River:
- You get full access to Sandals Ochi which is about a 10 minute drive, so you get 29 restaurants, 20 bars, and all of the other amenities. The transfers back and forth are included!
- The beach here is picture perfect with soft white sand and listerine blue water.
- Free golf and transfers to to the Upton Estate Golf & Country Club.
- Complimentary airport transfers no matter which room level you choose.
- Amazing 5-star service and concierge help was always on point.
- Top notch treatments at the Red Lane Spa.
- Unlimited scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, and paddle boarding.
- There are 5 pools, including an main infinity pool that is right on the beach. Not to forget the 3 swim-up bars.
- Pickleball and tennis with free professional lessons.
- Nightly entertainment like silent discos, fire dancers, beach parties, theme nights, and more.
- A strict no tipping policy.
- The flights are usually pretty cheap to Montego Bay and it’s a short 1 hour and 40 minute flight from Miami.
Key Considerations For Sandals Dunn's River:
- Most arrivals will come into the Montego Bay Airport (MBJ) which is about an hour and a half transfer to the airport. You can get the Club MoBay pass to expedite your entrance through customs, which is $85 per person.
- The nature around the resort like Dunn’s River Falls, The Blue Whole, and Martha Brae River are stunning and I highly recommend doing at least one outing if you can.
- If you are going for a honeymoon or anniversary, you can get extra deals. There is a free honeymoon package and also a free anniversary night. Feel free to contact us to get help with this!
- Ocho Rios is considered a safe area and is rated a Level 2 Travel Advisory, which is the second lowest possible. The resort is also very secure with walled borders and 24 hour security. I have never felt unsafe at the resort or around Ocho Rios and I have been there multiple times.
Who It’s Best For:
The Sandals Dunn’s River resort is the perfect escape that offers the best of all worlds: authentic Jamaican charm, luxurious accommodations, stunning natural beauty, and 5-star service all in one!
Tips To Save On Your Resort Stay
Here are the best tips we have so you can get your all-inclusive adults-only vacation without overspending.
- Consider Travel Dates: For the best deals, consider traveling outside of the peak season, which is generally December to late March. Off season is from August to October. I just advise that you get travel insurance if you plan on going in the rainy season in September and October specifically.
- Last Minute Deals: Most resorts will have good last minute deals if you are flexible on your dates. They use these sales to fill last minute gaps in occupancy so you can use it to your advantage!
- Military Discount: Many resorts will offer military discounts, as well as service personnel, first responders, police, firefighters. Some may even offer discounts for teachers, physician, and nurses. It never hurts to confirm before you book because you can save 10% or more.
- Anniversary Nights: You can sometimes get discounts if you go during your anniversary. For example, Sandals offers a free anniversary night when you stay for 7 nights or more within 30 days of your wedding date.
- Seasonal Promotions: There are seasonal promotions like Black Friday for example where you can get huge savings. The resorts will generally have any ongoing sales listed on their website so you can take advantage of them.
- Room Categories: Depending on your preference, you can choose the lower priced room options as an easy way to save. Some folks figure that they will no be in their room much anyway, so you can spend less on the actual room. Additionally, different room levels may be eligible for different discounts or perks from time to time.
- Number Of Nights: Sometimes if you stay for 3, 5, or 7 nights, you can get additional perks or discounts added to your booking. Make sure you check to see if you can get things like resort credits, free activities, free nights, etc. depending on the number of nights you stay.
A lot of our clients are not aware most of these deals exist! Feel free to contact us to make sure you get the absolute best deal for your vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best adult only all inclusive resort?
The best overall adult only all inclusive resort on a budget is Sandals Ochi in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The best option for a luxury resort is Sandals Royal Barbados, while the best for couples is Sandals Saint Vincent. Deciding which one is best for your needs depends on the occasion, your budget, and the preferred location. That said, it is hard to go wrong with any of the above options because they are all 5-star resorts!
What countries are best for all-inclusive adults only resorts?
The top countries for all-inclusive adults only resorts are Jamaica, Mexico, St. Lucia and the Dominican Republic . Many other Caribbean Islands like Barbados, Antigua, Grenada, and St. Vincent are also popular destinations.
What are the top-rated adults-only all-inclusive resorts bundled with airfare?
You can generally bundle flights together with your resort room when you make the booking. People often combine airfare with Sandals all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica and St. Lucia. It is generally good to look for resorts that are easily accessible and are within an hour of the airport. Note that you can also easily book your resort stay and get your flights separately. If you do book flights separately, just make sure to alert the resort to your flight itinerary if they provide airport transfers.
What is the safest all-inclusive destination?
Some of the safest all-inclusive destinations are Barbados, St. Lucia, or Antigua, all of which have low crime rates and a Level One Travel Advisory from the State Department, the lowest possible level. Other popular destinations like Jamaica or Dominican Republic have a Level Two Travel Advisory, which means to exercise increased caution. All of these areas are well known tourist destinations and the resorts will generally have good security precautions to keep guests safe. It’s advised to always check the US State Department website for the latest updates and they also breakout specific locations within countries that should be avoided.
BEST SANDALS RESORTS
Our favorite adults only all-inclusive resort brand.
Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Sandals Grenada
Sandals Royal Barbados
Sandals Grande Antigua
