Kristina Fazzalaro, Oyster.com 8:06 a.m. EDT April 30, 2014

 

There are all-inclusive resorts, and then there are all-inclusive resorts. The difference lies in the details: Going above and beyond the standard amenities, the ten hotels we've hand-picked as the best of the all-inclusive best offer fun and exciting ways for travelers to indulge. World-class food, beautiful decor and fantastic activities are all to be had -- and everything is built into one single price-per-day, making planning out your budget a simple feat. From Cabo to Cancun and back again, these are the ten all-inclusive resorts that are truly worthy of the name.
1. Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya
With only 90 suites, the Zoetry Paraiso offers a romantic, wellness-centric boutique experience in the Mayan Riviera. Room layouts are unique, with indoor gardens and plunge pools. The pool area and beach are relaxed and tranquil, and the on-site dining keeps the resort's wellness theme alive with delicious, healthy meals. Included amenities not standard at most all-inclusive resorts -- such as a "welcome" bottle of tequila, a daily bottle of champagne, a one-hour Catamaran sunset sail, three-times-daily maid service and private chauffeured airport transfers -- make this (admittedly pricey) resort a standout among Puerto Morelos' finest properties.
2. Marival Residence & World Spa, Riviera Nayarit
A half-hour drive from downtown Puerto Vallarta and a half mile from the beach, the Marival Residences & World Spa is the place to go for laid-back luxury: Picture residential-style suites, modern amenities and an impressive array of all-inclusive features. Rooms range from one to four bedrooms and all feature spacious terraces with garden, pool or ocean views. The private beach club is posh, the pool is large, and the four restaurants serve excellent cuisine. But the best part is the spa, which features unique signature treatments in gorgeously themed (India, Thailand and other countries) rooms.
3. Half Moon, a Rock Resort, Jamaica
Drawing everyone from Queen Elizabeth to 50 Cent, Half Moon strives for timeless, understated luxury (even at the swim-up bar). Stretching over 400 acres -- which includes two miles of beach -- the 230-room resort offers attentive service and quality cuisine. But what truly sets Half Moon apart is its endless breadth of activities. Guests can swim with dolphins in the resort's private cove, play tennis or golf, windsurf, kayak, choose from a myriad of spa treatments ... the list literally goes on.
4. One&Only Palmilla, Los Cabos
The One&Only Palmilla is easily one of the most luxurious (and expensive) resorts not only in Cabo, but in all of Mexico. Every single feature has an upscale touch to it, from the exclusive spa, to the wonderful cuisine, to the beautiful pools -- and certainly the rooms are nothing less than lavish, with contemporary and traditional Mexican accents and high-tech amenities. The included extras -- such as luggage unpacking, daily fruit and snacks delivered to rooms, an aromatherapy turndown menu and 24-hour butler service -- set this property on a whole different level than its competition.
5. Casa De Campo, Dominican Republic
The D.R.'s classiest, most famous resort since 1974, the Casa de Campo hotel is part of a massive, 7,000-acre resort community that includes three world-renowned golf courses, an immaculate beach, a marina, the quaint "town" of Altos de Chavon and numerous other on-site activities. It can take some time to get from place to place, but each of the spacious rooms comes with a golf cart for guests' use and the delicious food at the restaurants is substantially above par.
6. Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa, Riviera Maya
This all-inclusive megaresort is located in a secluded spot near Mayan ruins. It offers sprawling, manicured grounds, over a dozen eateries and a white-sand beach that is one of the most tranquil in the area. The main pool is gorgeous, and the spa offers breezy outdoor treatment rooms and many unique services. While adults can make use of the modern fitness center, kids will enjoy a play fountain, arcade and rock-climbing wall.
7. Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort & Spa, Cabo San Lucas
This all-inclusive, adults-only resort is a tranquil, upscale option on a gorgeous beach in Cabo. Amenities are plentiful: There are two beautiful pools, tennis courts, five restaurants (including sushi and Italian options), five bars (no well liquor here; they serve Absolut, Bacardi and Cuervo 1800, along with over 50 brands of liquor), a large fitness center and a full-service spa with a sexy whirlpool and a meditation labyrinth.
8. Fowl Cay Resort, Bahamas
Crowded beaches are unheard of on this private island resort where a maximum of 28 guests at a time have free range of 50 acres and three beaches. Personal boats for daily excursions as well as personal golf carts, on-call service, spacious villas with fully stocked kitchens and wet bars, and a host of all-inclusive activities -- such as kayaking, tennis and bocce -- make Fowl Cay a standout gem in the Exumas.
9. Parrot Cay and COMO Shambhala Retreat, Turks and Caicos
Accessed via a 30-minute boat ride from Providenciales, this 1,000-acre all-inclusive resort on a private island is the definition of tranquility. With an incredible infinity-edge pool, the world-renowned COMO Shambhala Retreat, waterfront Balinese-style villas, doting service and more than three miles of pristine beaches, it's easily one of the most luxurious and romantic options in the Caribbean.
10. Excellence Playa Mujeres, Cancun
This adults-only luxury resort offers a nice all-inclusive experience. The rooms here are spacious and contemporary, with large modern bathrooms, whirlpool tubs and high-end amenities such as big flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and iPod docks. Some have large rooftop terraces with private plunge pools and ocean views. There are also nine restaurants on-site and 11 bars, offering a variety of cuisines and atmospheres. Dozens of daily activities include snorkeling and Spanish lessons, but many guests choose to simply relax at the hotel's world-class spa, which features ocean-side treatments. A huge fitness center includes a yoga and Pilates studio, and free non-motorized sports as well as introductory scuba lessons are offered. The lists go on and on, truly making this an all-inclusive resort deserving of the title.
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