The 12 Best Destinations for All-Inclusive Vacations in the Sun This Winter

Updated Nov 22, 2024
Fact checked by
Marie-Ève Leclerc
Marie-Ève Leclerc

Marie-Ève Leclerc

Marie-Ève Leclerc
Marie-Ève, Web Director at Milesopedia, is an expert in budget travel and a slow travel enthusiast. Specializing in Aeroplan, Scene+, and Marriott Bonvoy programs, she spends nearly six months a year abroad, making travel her way of life. Constantly seeking the best waves to surf, excellent coffee, and strategies to extend her travels, she is often found in coworking spaces with fellow digital nomads or by the sea, watching the sunset.
All posts by Marie-Ève Leclerc
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To the point To help you choose your vacation in the South, we've selected twelve destinations ideal for an all-inclusive winter trip.

In winter, all-inclusive holidays are an easy way to unwind and create unforgettable memories in the sun. Here are some suggestions for destinations that will satisfy your cravings for beaches and exotic cocktails!

Tulum – Pixabay

The popular destinations of Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Mexico have several areas that are ideal for an all-inclusive travel package. While some lesser-known exotic countries also offer interesting all-inclusive accommodations.

It all depends on your criteria, be it pristine white-sand beaches, affordable prices, a relaxing trip, or a livelier destination. Whether it’s just adults or you’re travelling as a family.

Sunny Destinations - Tips for an All-Inclusive Trip to the South on a Budget

Thanks to points and rewards programs, you can travel better for less! Welcome offers on credit cards can save you a lot of money!

Our all-inclusive travel guide to the best credit cards for a Southern vacation with points explains how to get your toes in the sand, on a budget.

Take the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card, for example. It offers a wide range of ways to pay for flights with points, from redeeming your points for travel to transferring them to an airline partner.

Sunny Destinations - Our All-Inclusive Travel Suggestions

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda continues to grow in popularity as a premier sun destination. The island, sixty kilometres north of Guadeloupe, offers divine beaches, charming towns and vivid blue water like nowhere else.

We also love Antigua and Barbuda for its gastronomy, spectacular scenery, and beautiful capital. Antigua, with its harbour and bustling centre full of restaurants and inspiring architecture.

Departing from St John’s, this guided tour of the island of Antigua will immerse you in local history.

For your next photo session, head to Barbuda, a secluded and picturesque town, to bask in the beauty of the pink sand beaches.

Among the interesting all-inclusives in Antigua and Barbuda:

Antigua – Pixabay

Samaná

Lesser known than Punta Cana and Puerto Plata, the Samaná region of the Dominican Republic is greatly appreciated for its more natural side, with its superb panoramas and generous choice of outdoor activities.

Several activities are available for tourists who book at one of the region’s hotels:

You could book an excursion to Cayo Levantado, also known as Bacardi Island, or discover :

  • El Limon Falls
  • Los Haitises National Park
  • The charming capital Santa Barbara de Samana, Las Terrenas and its beaches
  • Whale watching between December and April
Samana – Crédit Marjorie D. Lafond

Punta Cana

Punta Cana is the most popular all-inclusive destination in the Caribbean. Initially, the area had only a handful of resorts along Bavaro Beach. But today, what is called the Greater Punta Cana extends from Cap Cana in the southeast to Uvero Alto in the north.

From family getaways and adults-only retreats to golfing getaways with friends, there’s no shortage of all-inclusive accommodations in Punta Cana:

This sunny destination is undoubtedly one of the most easily accessible, thanks to its vast choice of resorts and daily flights. You could take the opportunity to visit one of the Dominican Republic’s other major cities during your stay.

And don’t forget to book a boat trip to the island of Saona.

Plage Juanillo à Cap Cana – Crédit Marjorie D. Lafond

Bahamas

Winter is one of the best seasons to visit the Bahamas. While temperatures are dropping in much of the world, the sun continues to shine on the archipelago.

Considered by many to be the most romantic place on earth, the countless islands of the Bahamas offer crystal clear coastal waters, luxurious accommodations, and a vibrant culture.

Here are some all-inclusives in the Bahamas that offer good value for money:

A change of scenery is guaranteed with this excursion to Green Cay, Athol Island and Rose Island, aboard a speedboat departing from Nassau.

Bahamas – Pixabay

Cayo Cruz

Are you planning to return to Cuba soon and would like to discover a new part of the country?

Take a look at Cayo Cruz, a small islet halfway between Cayo Coco and Santa Lucia, which entered the Cuban tourism industry in 2019. This new destination offers almost brand new hotels, dreamy beaches, and activities such as :

  • Sport fishing
  • A visit to a marine park
  • Or to discover the charming town of Moron, with its sugar mill and cigar factory.

Let yourself be tempted by a stay at one of the following hotels:

Cayo Cruz – Iberostar Selection Esmeralda

Varadero

Varadero is home to Cuba’s largest concentration of all-inclusive hotels. And with good reason: these resorts are located on a magnificent kilometre-long white sand beach with turquoise waters, including the Iberostar Origin Bella Vista Varadero.

From Varadero, you can visit the capital of the country, Havana, which is really worth the trip. Tourists are bound to enjoy downtown Varadero, with its restaurants, lively bars, and shops.

The must-do activity here is an excursion to Cayo Blanco by catamaran from Varadero.

Due to the popularity of the destination, there are several direct flights per week and the prices are often affordable.

Varadero – Pixabay

Aruba

The island of Aruba, also known as the Happy Island, lies not far from Venezuela. Tourists appreciate it for its white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and for its extremely favourable weather. It is said that it almost never rains in Aruba!

Activities include:

  • The California Lighthouse, a lighthouse with breathtaking views
  • Aruba’s natural swimming pool and butterfly watching
  • Observe the majestic pink flamingos, for which the island is famous

Aruba has several all-inclusives:

Aruba – Kiril Georgiev – Unsplash

Costa Mujeres

Not far from bustling Cancún, Costa Mujeres is an increasingly popular destination in the Mexican Caribbean.

This seaside resort benefits from the recent construction of all-inclusives with a modern, sophisticated look. The TRS Coral Hotel borders a long, beautiful white-sand beach, just across from Isla Mujeres.

From Cancun, enjoy a day on a luxury catamaran to Isla Mujeres.

TRS Coral Hotel à Costa Mujeres – Crédit Marjorie D. Lafond

Cancún and the Riviera Maya

The reputation of the Cancún and Riviera Maya region is well established. Many of the best resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean can be found here, including Cancún, Tulum, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Costa Mujeres and Riviera Cancún.

With so many choices of activities! From idyllic nature parks with cenotes, to scuba diving, to exceptional historical Mayan sites, you’ll definetly find what you’re looking for. This excursion to Chichén Itzá and the Chichi Kan cenote is sure to please.

Among the hotels:

Le Blanc Spa à Cancun – Crédit Marjorie D. Lafond

Barbados

Barbados has become a destination of choice for travellers looking for a winter vacation in the sun.

The island is known for its long sandy beaches and clear, calm waters on the west coast. It is also a paradise for surfers, as the ocean is full of beautiful waves on the eastern side of the island.

Its capital, Bridgetown, offers charming boutique stores, some quite upscale on Broad Street. There’s a wide range of activities, including boating, fishing, and a lively nightlife on Baxter’s Road.

There are several all-inclusives on the island of Barbados:

Barbade – Tom Jur- Unsplash

Jamaica

Jamaica has much to offer to travellers looking for a change of scenery: rich tropical vegetation, paradise beaches, majestic rivers, and beautiful waterfalls. Visitors to the island should explore at least one of the country’s waterfalls on a day trip, perhaps the popular Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios.

We also like Jamaica for its exotic dishes. There’s nothing quite like eating fresh jerk cooked on pimento wood or the taste of an ice-cold Red Stripe beer on a hot summer’s day!

The all-inclusive offers are very generous in Jamaica, there’s something for everyone. Some resorts with great value:

Plage du Moon Palace Jamaica – Crédit Marjorie D. Lafond

Costa Rica

In recent years, Costa Rica has gained popularity as a vacation destination of choice and for good reason. Whether you’re looking for adventure, family activities, fine dining, luxury hotels, budget BBs or all-inclusives, you’ll find it all here, in a unique natural setting!

Costa Rica is known for its magnificent national parks. Tourists can enjoy outdoor activities such as rafting, canyoning, cave tubing, and zip-lining. It is also one of the best places in the world to see exotic wildlife such as macaws, monkeys, sea turtles and adorable sloths.

Among the most popular all-inclusives in Costa Rica :

From San José, visit one of Costa Rica’s jewels with this excursion to Manuel Antonio National Park.

Costa Rica – Pixabay

Bottom Line

As you’ve seen, there’s no shortage of southern destinations to choose from when it comes to all-inclusive vacations. Which one do you want to visit this year?

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should you go to be seaside at an all-inclusive with your family?

Popular destinations include Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Mexico on an all-inclusive basis. Many hotels offer cultural, sports and water sports activities for children.

Where to go on vacation in the sun from Canada?

The choice is yours! Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Barbados and Costa Rica. It all depends on your tastes and your budget. Travel points will help you save on your next trip.

Best sun destinations: where to go for a warm vacation this winter?

Florida, Arizona, California, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Texas are all good places to warm up in winter.

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Marjorie Dumoulin-Lafond

Marjorie Dumoulin-Lafond

Marjorie Dumoulin-Lafond
Marjorie, with a passion for writing, travel, and wellness, has spent the last decade exploring the world from Central America to Asia, Europe, and Africa. A former travel advisor, she loves inspiring others and sharing her best discoveries. As the author of several novels and guides, Marjorie is also a specialist in the Caribbean and the travel agency sector, offering valuable insights for enriching travel experiences.
All posts by Marjorie Dumoulin-Lafond
Series
All Inclusive
Region
Central America Caribbean

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