All-Inclusive Vacations: Top 12 Best Sun Destinations

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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
destinations vacances tout inclus au soleil 2400x1260 04
To the point Looking for an all-inclusive vacation down South? We've found 12 ideal destinations for a sunny getaway this winter.

In winter, all-inclusive vacations are a simple way to unwind and create unforgettable memories in the sun. Here are some destination suggestions that will satisfy your cravings for beaches and exotic cocktails!

Tulum – Pixabay

Popular destinations such as Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico have several ideal regions for an all-inclusive travel package. While some lesser-known exotic countries also offer an interesting range of all-inclusive accommodations, with access to gourmet restaurants or beachfront resorts.

It all depends on your preferences, whether you’re looking for pristine white-sand beaches, affordable prices, a relaxing getaway, or a more lively destination, whether you’re travelling as adults or on a family vacation.

Why Choose an All-Inclusive Vacation Package?

Do you find prices high and wonder if you should take the plunge? An all-inclusive package allows you to enjoy many benefits:

  • Simplicity: everything is planned in advance, so there’s nothing to worry about.
  • You save money in the end because you don’t have to book each item separately.
  • Comfort is not overlooked, quite the opposite. You receive full service with well-organized logistics, whether you’re staying at top hotels or near a golf course.

All you have to do is use the right credit card when booking to earn points and reduce the cost of your all-inclusive vacation.

Sun Destinations: Tips for Affordable All-Inclusive Vacations in the South

Thanks to points and rewards programs, you can travel better for less! Credit card welcome offers will 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.

Let’s take the example of the National Bank World Elite Mastercard. It allows you to earn NBC Rewards points on all your expenses, including a welcome bonus. Use your NBC Rewards points for any travel purchase; flights, hotels, car rentals, Airbnb, or through an agency like Expedia.

Starting from 10,000 points, enjoy a $100 discount on a booking with Voyage à la carte, which represents the best use of your points. The card also offers an annual $150 travel credit that can be used for parking, checked bags, seat selection, airport lounges, or upgrades.

Our Top 12 Best All-Inclusive Vacation Destinations

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda continues to grow in popularity as a top sun destination for all-inclusive vacations. The island, located about sixty kilometers north of Guadeloupe, offers stunning beaches, charming towns, and uniquely turquoise water.

Antigua and Barbuda is also loved for its cuisine, breathtaking scenery, and its charming capital, Antigua, featuring a lively harbour, bustling downtown filled with 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 shoot, head to Barbuda, a secluded and picturesque town, to bask in the beauty of its 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 setting, with its stunning landscapes 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, known as Bacardi Island, and also 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 only had a handful of resorts along Bavaro Beach. But today, what is known as Greater Punta Cana extends from Cap Cana in the southeast to Uvero Alto in the north.

From family getaways to adults-only retreats or golf trips with friends, there’s no shortage of all-inclusive accommodation options 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 other major cities in the Dominican Republic during your stay.

Among the activities, don’t hesitate to book a boat excursion to Saona Island.

Plage juanillo a cap cana credit marjorie d. lafond destination vacances tout inclus

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 in the world, the countless islands of the Bahamas offer crystal-clear coastal waters, luxurious accommodations, and a vibrant culture, not to mention their lush rainforest landscapes.

Among the all-inclusive resorts in the Bahamas that offer good value for money, you’ll find:

You’ll experience a complete change of scenery 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 want 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 discover the charming town of Moron, home to its historic sugar mill and cigar factory

Treat yourself to 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 for good reason: these resorts are located along a magnificent, several-kilometer-long white sand beach with turquoise waters, including theIberostar Origin Bella Vista Varadero .

From Varadero, you can visit the country’s capital, Havana, which is definitely worth a visit. Tourists also enjoy Varadero’s center, known for 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.

Aruba

The island of Aruba, also known as the Happy Island, is located not far from Venezuela. It is loved by tourists for its white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, but also for its very favorable climate. They say it almost never rains in Aruba!

Activities include:

  • The California 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-inclusive resorts:

Aruba – Kiril Georgiev – Unsplash

Costa Mujeres

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

This beach resort benefits from the recent construction of all-inclusive resorts with a modern and 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 are here, including Cancún, Tulum, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Costa Mujeres and Riviera Cancún.

The choice of activities are endless! From idyllic natural parks with cenotes, to scuba diving, to exceptional Mayan sites, you’ll certainly find what you’re looking for. This excursion to Chichén Itzá and the Chichi Kan cenote should make your list.

Among the hotels:

Le Blanc Spa à Cancun – Crédit Marjorie D. Lafond

Barbados

Barbados has become a top destination for travellers seeking sun vacations during the winter.

The island is known for its long, fine sandy beaches and the clear, calm waters of its west coast. It’s also a surfer’s paradise, with the east side of the island offering great waves.

Its capital, Bridgetown, features charming boutiques, including upscale shops on Broad Street, a wide range of activities such as boating and fishing, and a lively nightlife along Baxter’s Road.

There are several all-inclusive resorts on the island of Barbados:

Barbade – Tom Jur- Unsplash

Jamaica

Jamaica has so much to offer travellers looking for a change of scenery: lush tropical landscapes, stunning beaches, majestic rivers, and beautiful waterfalls. Visitors to the island should make it a point to explore at least one of the country’s waterfalls on a day trip, including the popular Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios.

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

The all-inclusive offers are very generous in Jamaica, there’s something for everyone. Here are 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 top vacation destination, and for good reason. Whether you’re looking for adventure, family activities, fine dining, luxury hotels, budget BBs or all-inclusive, 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 for discovering exotic wildlife such as macaws, monkeys, sea turtles, and adorable sloths.

Among the most popular all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica:

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

Costa Rica – Pixabay

All-Inclusive Cruise Vacations

All-inclusive cruises combine the best of both worlds:

  • the comfort of luxurious accommodation
  • and the excitement of discovering several destinations in one trip.

These packages generally include the cabin, gourmet meals, drinks, onboard entertainment and sometimes even excursions to ports of call.

You could be exploring Caribbean islands, Scandinavian fjords or Mediterranean shores: an all-inclusive cruise offers a carefree experience, ideal for couples, families and even solo travellers.

As a bonus, some credit cards like the American Express Cobalt® Card or the National Bank World Elite Mastercard allow you to earn points to redeem for your cruise bookings, helping to reduce your costs.

croisière dans les Caraibes Unsplash destination voyage tout inclus

Bottom Line - All-Inclusive Vacations

As you can see, there is no shortage of southern destinations to choose from for all-inclusive vacations. Which one do you want to visit this year?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an all-inclusive vacation?

An all-inclusive trip usually includes accommodation, meals, drinks, activities and sometimes flights for a single price and easier planning.

Where can you go for a family-friendly all-inclusive beach vacation?

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

Where are the best sunny destinations to travel to from Canada?

You’ll have plenty of options to choose from! Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Barbados, and Costa Rica are all great choices. 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 on warm vacations this winter?

Florida, Arizona, California, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Texas are reliable choices to warm up during winter.

Do all-inclusives include everything?

All-inclusives generally include basic elements like food, drinks, housing, even flights. However, depending on the package you choose it could also include premium activities.

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
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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