The 12 best destinations for an all-inclusive vacation in the sun this winter

In winter, all-inclusive trips are an easy way to unwind and create unforgettable memories in the sun. From the trendiest to the most practical and affordable, here are some suggestions of destinations that will satisfy your desire for the beach and exotic cocktails!

In 2023, the airlines’ offer of flights has greatly improved compared to the years of the pandemic; it is worth investigating the destination that will best meet your expectations before looking at the vacation packages offered by Air Canada Vacations, Sunwing Vacations or Club Med, for example.

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, between pristine white sand beach, affordable price, relaxing trip or more animated destination, between adults or with family… There is something for everyone.

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

We also love Antigua and Barbuda for its gastronomy, spectacular scenery and its beautiful capital, Antigua, with its harbor and lively center full of restaurants and inspiring architecture. 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 to Antigua and Barbuda:

• Hammock Cove
• Carlisle Bay
• Coco Bay

Lesser known than Punta Cana and Puerto Plata, the Samana region of the Dominican Republic is greatly appreciated for its more natural feel, with its beautiful views and generous selection of outdoor activities.

Several activities are available to tourists who book in one of the all-inclusives in the area:

• El Limon Falls
• Backcountry tour by four-wheel drive
• Cayo Levantado, known as Bacardi Island
• Los Haitises National Park
• The charming capital Santa Barbara de Samana, Las Terrenas and its beaches
• Whale watching between December and April

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 with young children, to adults-only retreats, to golf getaways with friends, there is no shortage of all-inclusive accommodations in Punta Cana.

This sunny destination is undoubtedly one of the most easily accessible with its generous offer of resorts and daily flights.

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.

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

• Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach
• Lighthouse Pointe at Grand Lucayan Resort

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, located halfway between Cayo Coco and Santa Lucia, which entered the Cuban tourism industry in 2019. This new destination offers almost brand new hotels, heavenly beaches and activities such as :

• sport fishing
• a visit to a marine park
• or the charming town of Moron, with its sugar mill and cigar factory

For now, the two all-inclusives offered in Cayo Cruz are the Valentín Cayo Cruz and the Iberostar Selection Esmeralda.

Varadero is home to the largest concentration of all-inclusive hotels in Cuba. And for good reason: these resorts are located on the edge of a magnificent white sand beach with turquoise waters and several kilometers long.

From Varadero, you can visit the capital of the country, Havana, which is really worth a visit. Tourists also enjoy the center of Varadero, with its restaurants, lively bars and stores.

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

The island of Aruba, also known as “Happy Island”, is located not far from Venezuela. It is appreciated by tourists for its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, but also for its very favorable climate. It is said that it almost never rains in Aruba!

Among the activities at destination :

• California Lighthouse, a lighthouse that offers a breathtaking view
• Aruba’s natural pool and butterfly watching.
• To see majestic pink flamingos which make the reputation of the island

Aruba has several all-inclusives including the Barcelo Aruba and Holiday Inn Resort Aruba.

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

This resort is benefiting from the recent construction of all-inclusives with a modern and sophisticated look. It borders a long and beautiful white sand beach, located just in front of Isla Mujeres. From your resort, you can easily go to the other side to discover this island very popular with tourists.

The reputation of the Cancun and Riviera Maya region is well known. In the last few weeks, the Cancun airport continued to show spectacular tourist growth.

This is not surprising when you consider that many of the best resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean are located here:

• Cancún
• Tulum
• Cozumel
• Playa del Carmen
• Costa Mujeres
• Riviera Cancun

And what about the choice of activities: idyllic natural parks with cenotes, diving, exceptional Mayan sites and even luxury boutiques for shopping enthusiasts.

Barbados has become a destination of choice for travelers 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 sea enjoys beautiful waves on the eastern side of the island.

Its capital, Bridgetown, offers charming stores, some of them posh on Broad Street, many activities such as boating and fishing, but also a lively nightlife on Baxter’s Road.

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

• The Club Barbados Resort and Spa
• Sandals Royal Barbados
• O2 Beach Club & Spa
• Crystal cove

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

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

The all-inclusive offer is very generous in Jamaica and there is something for everyone. Among the sure values:

• Grand Palladium Jamaica
• Moon Palace Jamaica
• Hotels of the Sandals Resorts chain

In recent years, Costa Rica has gained popularity as a vacation destination of choice and for good reason. Whether you are looking for adventure, family activities, good food, luxurious hotels, cheap lodges or all-inclusives, you will find it all 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:

• Riu Palace Costa Rica
• Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
• Planet Hollywood Costa Rica

As you have seen, there is no shortage of choices for all-inclusive vacations in the south. Which one do you want to visit this year?