By Marcia Frost
All Inclusive
resorts have become increasingly popular. The idea that all meals and drinks are included in the price with the room is appealing to vacationers who can budget their trip in advance and not worry about a lot of extras later on. While there are many individual all inclusive resorts in the
Caribbean, there are also a number of major companies that have an assortment to choose from.
Club Med
Beaches Turks & Caicos, Photos by Marcia Frost
Club Med was the originator of the all inclusive concept and though they originally didn't include drinks, they now include beverages in the price. Also included in the new Club Med concept are all activities for children and adults. And Club Med has some unique choices like water skiing and circus clubs. In the Caribbean, there are Club Med resorts in Martinique, Guadeloupe, Bahamas, Dominican Republic and Turks & Caicos.
Club Med, Tel. (888) WEB-CLUB, www.clubmed.com
Sandals/Beaches
Cable Beach in Nassau, Photo by Marcia Frost
Sandals is a couples-only chain in St. Lucia, Jamaica, Antigua and the Bahamas. In addition to premium drinks, non-motorized sports and tips, private pools and butler service are available. beaches was developed by Sandals for families. Beaches resorts are located in Jamaica and Turks and Caicos. Most resorts have water parks and childcare included. The company also has Royal Plantation in Jamaica for ultimate luxury and Grand Pineapple in Antigua and Jamaica for a more casual atmosphere.
Sandals, Beaches, Royal Plantation and Grand Pineapple, Tel. (888) SANDALS, www.Sandals.com
Super Clubs
Puerta Plata, Dominican Republic, Photo by Marcia Frost
Super Clubs owns a variety of different all inclusives in the Caribbean. Hedonism is for adults only; Grand Lido focuses a bit more on the premium and allows children over 16; Starfish is for families with children of all ages; and Breezes resorts are very active, but some do not allow children so check the specific requirements before booking. Super Clubs resorts are located in Jamaica, Bahamas and Curacao.
Super Clubs, Tel. (877) GOSUPER, www.superclubs.com
Riu
Riu has a number of all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean in varying price and activity levels. Children are allowed at the Club Hotel Riu Mambo and Club Hotel Riu Merengue, as well as at the Club Hotel Riu Bambu, all of which are in the Dominican Republic. Adults only Riu All-Inclusive resorts are in Aruba, Bahamas, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.
Riu, Tel. (888) RIU-4990, www.Riu.com
Resources
About the Author:
Marcia Frost is a writer covering topics such as travel, health and fitness. With travel articles appearing in various online publications, she also writes for AirTran's "GO Magazine" and several tennis publications. Frost holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism.
