Articles Mentioning Upscale

Galley Bay Resort & Spa

The 98-room, upscale Galley Bay Resort & Spa is a charming adults-only all-inclusive boutique situated along a peaceful beach in Antigua. Simple Caribbean style pervades throughout, including in the beachy rooms and suites featuring air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free minibars, coffeemakers, and patios with sea views. Stone cottages set in the gardens add private plunge pools. The white-sand beach is both the resort’s biggest draw and the location of its four restaurant/bars, as well as non-motorized water sports, regular events, and weekly activities. The waters, though, can be too rough for swimming at times. Other high-end amenities include a freeform pool, serene spa, fitness center, and a rustic rum shack. Note that room service is not available, Wi-Fi can be spotty, and Ismay’s restaurant requires an extra charge. It’s worth comparing rates with the Cocobay Resort, another adults-only all-inclusive hotel with a stunning clifftop setting and three beaches to choose from.

Club Med Phuket

The upper-middle-range, 305-room Club Met Phuket is a family-friendly all-inclusive resort along popular Kata Beach, drawing travelers with its packed schedule of activities and entertainment. Property features consist of a main outdoor pool with a kids’ pool, an adults-only pool, international buffet and Thai a la carte restaurants, a spa for massages, and kids’ clubs for specific age groups. Included activities include cooking and Thai boxing lessons, poolside games, sports facilities, and nightly entertainment such as traditional Thai dance performances. Air-conditioned rooms are on the outdated side, but they come with flat-screen TVs, tea kettles, and sitting areas, plus balconies or terraces in most. Possible downsides include the lack of loungers on the public beach and limited dining options, and some past guests have complained of the free alcohol being low-quality. Alternatively, although not all-inclusive, the JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa offers a great value, thanks to 12 distinct restaurants and bars, and contemporary rooms.

Couples Tower Isle

The upscale Couples Tower Isle just outside of Ocho Rios is a quiet adults-only all-inclusive resort with its own beautiful beach and small private island for au naturel sunbathing. The gorgeous spa is a highlight here, as is the resort’s all-inclusive package, which covers not only food and drinks but airport transfers, water sports (including scuba diving), top-shelf liquor, island excursions, airport transfers, Wi-Fi, and even catamaran cruises and green fees at a nearby golf course. Food is excellent and ranges from Caribbean to Mediterranean to poolside snacks. Rooms, however, fall a bit short in comparison due to somewhat dated island decor and basic tiled floors. Travelers seeking more luxury can book one of the hotel’s sleek villas, which offer private plunge pools and unlimited spa services, among other perks. There is some entertainment on-site, but the atmosphere is quiet and relaxing, including at the hotel’s two oceanfront pools. Moon Palace Jamaica is a good alternative for those wanting something more bustling, though be aware that kids are allowed.

Melia Caribe Beach Resort

The upscale 599-room Melia Caribe Beach Resort (formerly Melia Caribe Tropical) is an expansive, family-friendly all-inclusive resort with a stellar location along Punta Cana’s Bavaro Beach. Within the grounds are multiple outdoor pools, a fun water park, kids’ club with organized activities, and a full-service spa with a thermal circuit and laundry list of treatments. Rooms here and spacious and elegant, if a bit subdued, all with free Wi-Fi, furnished terraces, and sitting areas, plus upgraded suites have hydromassage bathtubs. Unfortunately, rooms lack ocean views, some are far from the beach, and guests have reported them having worn furnishings. A whopping 13 restaurant and plentiful bars offer buffet, Italian, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisines, though food as a whole receives mixed reviews. Travelers should expect long walks around the property or to take the free shuttles provided. Couples may prefer The Level at Melia Caribe Beach, an adults-only section of the property, while families should consider the more compact Majestic Colonial Punta Cana.

Punta Cana Princess All Suites Resort & Spa

One of five Princess properties in the area, the upscale 270-room Punta Cana Princess All Suites Resort & Spa is an adults-only all-inclusive geared toward couples and groups of friends. The property is set on a beautiful white-sand beach dotted with loungers and daybeds, and features a pleasant spa with couples’ massages and a sauna that guests can use free of charge. Rooms are well-equipped with free minibars, separate living areas, balconies (some of which offer ocean views), and jetted tubs, but decor is a tad generic. The nicest units are the Honeymoon Suites, which come with more stylish decor and great perks, such as free bottles of rum, free massages, and gourmet dinners. There’s plenty to keep guests entertained during the day — from competitions to water aerobics and dance classes — but nights are quieter than at neighboring sister properties, to which Princess guests get full access. Food is good and varied. Couples seeking something more upscale may prefer the quieter Le Sivory Punta Cana By PortBlue Boutique.

Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort

Set against the North Mountain Preserve and the Sonoran Desert, the upscale Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort is a sprawling, family-friendly property with 584 suites. Its units are all one- or two-bedroom suites with separate living areas, sofa beds, and small, furnished balconies. In-suite amenities are decent for the price (including flat-screen TVs, stocked minibars, and coffeemakers), but decor is a tad plain and feels dated despite the 2017 renovations. The main draws here are the Falls Water Village — a large water park with a 138-foot waterslide, a 40-foot waterfall, two pools, and a cafe — and the 18-hole golf course. There’s plenty to do on-site for all types of travelers, but rates can be high in the peak season and there’s a daily resort fee. Sister property Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort has slightly lower rates but lacks a golf course.

Beaches Negril Resort & Spa

Designed for families with kids and teens, the all-inclusive Beaches Negril Resort and Spa is a beautiful, upscale property with a wide variety of activities and facilities. It has a stellar location, sitting on a wide stretch of the beautiful Seven Mile Beach, with tons of water sports – even scuba diving – available for free. A water park, kids’ camp, teen hangouts, and specialty activities provide children with plenty to keep busy, and adults can utilize the spa, swim-up bars, or candlelit dining for two. Daytime fun and live evening entertainment are also well-regarded. A wide variety of room options are available, though all are spacious and contemporary, and have terraces, iPod docks, and coffeemakers. Buffet and a la carte restaurants are plentiful, with standouts including sushi, Italian, and frozen yogurt options. Premium liquor and wine are free. Since the majority of guests are families, the resort can get noisy. Couples may be happier at the adults-only Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa just up the road.

Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos

The 591-suite Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos is an upscale all-inclusive resort situated along a pretty beach near San Jose del Cabo, which unfortunately isn’t swimmable (common for the area). This family-friendly property has a fresh style plus a luxury-hotel-worthy spa and tons of dining and entertainment options, including a theater. Pools form the heart of the resort, and there are options for families, kids, and adults, plus a lovely pond dotted with fire pits. Rooms are attractive, albeit simple, and feature whirlpool tubs, rainfall showers, and furnished balconies. Swim-up suites with direct pool access are available. Note that there’s some noise from neighboring resorts in certain rooms. For Los Cabos all-inclusive resorts, the Hyatt’s a find, but it’s worth considering the more affordable Royal Solaris, a mid-range, family-friendly resort just down the road.

Panama Jack Resorts Cancun

The upscale, all-inclusive Panama Jack Resorts Cancun is a family-friendly beachfront property in the Hotel Zone, and one of the best values in Cancun. The competitive prices draw a fair number of partiers, and there are lots of poolside activities such as tequila volleyball. But the resort draws plenty of families as well, thanks to its two pools (neither very large or with a swim-up bar), kiddy splash park with a pirate ship and slides, and evening entertainment. Multiple restaurants and bars include buffet and Italian options, and food receives mostly positive reviews. Updated in 2017-18, the 458 rooms are stylish and beachy, all with hammock-equipped terraces (some with stunning views) and showers. On the downside, walls are a bit thin and shade is limited around the beach. Those looking for more and larger amenities should consider the luxurious Hyatt Ziva Cancun, though rates are higher.


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