| Any kind of "top 10" list is bound to be subjective. | | | | center for workouts or relaxing massages. The |
| There's no way around it. It is impossible to account | | | | resort is an adults only destination with a perfect |
| for everyone's tastes and address every possible | | | | beach and plenty to do – or not. |
| variable of a vacation and a resort. However, the | | | | 5. Gala Resort, Mayan Riviera, Mexico: This classically |
| following "Top 10 All-Inclusive Vacation Destinations" | | | | Mexican getaway is truly different, unique in every |
| turn up again and again in listings on the Internet and | | | | way, and proud of it. Gala offers an unparalleled |
| in travel magazines, too. To make sure you are | | | | vacation adventure, and its staff is committed to |
| making the right choice, you should talk to as many | | | | your enjoying your stay beyond all expectations. |
| people as you can who have actually been to the | | | | Featuring deluxe accommodations, attentive service, |
| resort you are considering. | | | | superlative dining, and activities for guests of all ages, |
| The idea of all-inclusive vacations is not that old, but | | | | the Gala Resort is a world-class destination that will |
| it has caught on like wildfire because it takes much of | | | | be everything you expect, and probably more. |
| the worry out of trip planning. It is not likely you | | | | 6. Beaches Negril, Negril, Jamaica: Set on 20 lush, |
| could put together a vacation package for less than | | | | jasmine-scented acres, on a prime stretch of Negril's |
| the "all inclusives" charge, but not everyone goes this | | | | world-famous, seven-mile beach, this resort is both |
| route to save money. The high-end resorts of the | | | | charmed and charming. You are immediately |
| all-inclusive variety are pricey, but there are also | | | | enveloped in the awesome natural splendor, and |
| some bargains to be bad if you do not expect | | | | when you factor in the gourmet dining, creative |
| five-star amenities at three- or four-star prices. The | | | | activities and first-class amenities, you just might |
| following are not in any particular order, but many are | | | | think you've found paradise on earth. |
| clustered in the Caribbean because of its longstanding | | | | 7. Franklyn D Resort, Runaway Bay, Jamaica: The |
| popularity. | | | | Franklyn D Resort wins many recommendations |
| 1. Goldeneye Resort, St. Mary, Jamaica: James Bond | | | | based on its family-friendly atmosphere and layout. |
| fans have made the Goldeneye a top pick in many | | | | This, in fact, is the resort that invented the "vacation |
| resort listings. This Jamaican retreat was built by | | | | nanny," who will look after you, your kids and your |
| Bond novelist Ian Fleming in the 1950s and he is said | | | | suite. The "FDR" is small and intimate, while still |
| to have written 14 of his "007" thrillers there. The | | | | offering every amenity and doing so in a world-class |
| "short report" on Goldeneye is that it is "a magical | | | | manner. The resort has a special kids' buffet, decent |
| place" that provides simple luxury along with carefree, | | | | adult food, an average beach and modest suite |
| casual comfort. Many celebrities flock to this spot for | | | | furnishings. In many visitors' opinions, the vacation |
| the privacy, and Goldeneye’s main beach is clean, | | | | nanny and staff make up for any and all |
| uncrowded and private with fluffy white sand and | | | | shortcomings. |
| warm, crystalline waters. The 007 cachet, great | | | | 8. Royal Hideaway, Playacar, Mexico: This is a small |
| privacy, good food and fabulous grounds combine to | | | | gem of a resort with just 178 rooms, but there is a |
| make Goldeneye a favorite all-inclusive resort. | | | | full activities program on a gorgeous, first-class |
| 2. Sandals Royal Bahamian, Bahamas: As a chain, the | | | | property. Six restaurants, complete concierge service |
| Sandals Resorts have been voted "World's Best" for | | | | and doting poolside attendants bring a touch of |
| the past 10+ years by travel professionals worldwide. | | | | luxury to the surroundings, and the champagne at |
| Many longtime travel agents, who should know, | | | | check-in time signals you are in the right place. The |
| believe that Sandals does "all-inclusive" better than | | | | stunning beach and the "seriously five-star" food |
| anyone, and they should – they invented it. | | | | service round out the attractions. "Classy and |
| Sandals does everything with an unsurpassed | | | | relaxing" is the way one reviewer described it. |
| emphasis on quality, so it is by no means a "budget" | | | | Although the whole family is welcome, the resort |
| destination. This particular Sandals resort – with | | | | does cater to couples. |
| its offshore island, eight restaurants, seven pools, | | | | 9. Harmony Club, Bermuda: The traditional Bermudan |
| valet service and Rolls-Royce airport shuttles – | | | | "cottage-style" architecture communicates intimacy at |
| will meet the demands of the most discriminating | | | | this private country resort. In a fabulous setting of |
| travelers. | | | | exquisite gardens, this classic resort is near Bermuda's |
| 3. Sandals Antigua Resort & Spa, Antigua: | | | | famed beaches, accessible to Hamilton's shops and |
| Situated on Dickenson Bay, the island's premier (and | | | | nightspots, and boasts an abundance of elegance and |
| most famous) beach, this is the chain's "romantic | | | | a complete list of the expected amenities. Not too |
| getaway." It offers Caribbean village charm plus the | | | | large, not too small, many guests have concluded |
| refinement and luxury of a world-class, all-inclusive | | | | that Harmony Club is "just right." |
| resort, and was voted the "World's Leading | | | | 10. Iberostar Bavaro, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: |
| Honeymoon Resort" for four straight years. Crystal | | | | This is another all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana with |
| clear air and winding paths welcome you to hidden | | | | high ratings from guests and good write-ups at the |
| hammocks for the happy twosome. | | | | travel sites. The complex is dotted with buffets and |
| 4. Secrets Excellence, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: | | | | restaurants, with cuisines from around the world. The |
| Situated far from city crowds on a remote portion | | | | disco is designed to emulate a DC6 airplane, with the |
| of Caribbean shoreline – in its own palm tree | | | | nose acting as the DJ booth and the wings serving |
| forest, no less – Secrets Excellence has | | | | as the bars. Many visitors claim the Iberostar Bavaro |
| everything from live stage shows, hot and happy | | | | has the best beach in the country, with flawless |
| Latin American music for dancing, a casino and | | | | white sand and bright, turquoise waters. The individual |
| horseback rides on the beach. It is perhaps the | | | | villas are ensconced in lagoons with gardens |
| perfect adult playground, with two giant pools | | | | overflowing with tropical flowers and palms. There |
| featuring swim-up bars a world-class spa/fitness | | | | are nine restaurants and a cozy casino, to boot. |