25 Things to Pack for a Cruise
25 Things to Pack for a Cruise
Let’s be real: The last thing you want to do on vacation is pull out your wallet every five seconds. A cocktail by the pool? Cha-ching. That extra guac? Cha-ching. It’s exhausting. And that, my friends, is why the all-inclusive resort is, and will always be, an absolute genius invention.
But not all wristbands are created equal. I’ve seen it all—the watery cocktails, the buffet that looks sadder than my Hinge profile, the “entertainment” that’s just a guy playing “Brown Eyed Girl” on a keyboard. No, thank you. You deserve better.
So, I took one for the team and spent months sipping, sunning, and spa-ing my way through the best of the best to find the top all-inclusive resorts for 2026. These are the spots where the food is actually good, the booze is top-shelf, and the vibes are immaculate. You’re welcome.
Finally, a truly chic all-inclusive resort in the USA! This adults-only paradise in the Florida Keys feels a world away from Orlando. I’m talking private waterfront bungalows, soaking tubs on the balcony, and golf carts to zip you around the property. It’s pure romance.
The food is also a standout. You won’t find any basic buffets here. Instead, there are multiple restaurants, from upscale seafood to a casual Mexican spot. And yes, the Moët is included. Trust me on this one.
If your idea of a vacation is looking hot by a cenote-style pool with a spicy margarita in hand, book your flight now. Secrets Moxché is unapologetically sexy and modern. The rooms are stunning, the pools are endless, and the whole place just buzzes with energy.
Plus, the food scene is insane. There are 11 different dining venues, including a hidden speakeasy you have to find. It’s the perfect mix of relaxation and a low-key party scene. My boyfriend and I basically lived at the rooftop infinity pool.
Okay, prepare to have your mind blown. Every “sanctuary” (they don’t call them rooms) at Jade Mountain is missing its fourth wall, opening up to a private infinity pool and the most jaw-dropping view of the Piton mountains I have ever seen. It is WILD.
It’s incredibly private and feels like you’re the only two people on earth. The food is delivered by your “major-domo” (aka a butler), and it’s all about quiet, connected luxury. This is a special-occasion spot, for sure.
Tucked into the Costa Rican rainforest, this adults-only spot is pure magic. You get your own private villa with a plunge pool fed by mineral springs, and you’re connected to the rest of the resort by suspension bridges hanging over the jungle canopy. I saw sloths from my balcony!
It’s less about the beach and more about total immersion in nature. Think morning yoga, volcano hikes, and incredible spa treatments. It’s the ultimate reset button for any couple.
If you want to feel like a celebrity hiding from the paparazzi, this is your place. With only 30 suites nestled into a hillside overlooking a perfect bay, this resort is the definition of barefoot luxury. It’s quiet, it’s exclusive, and it’s ridiculously beautiful.
The vibe is very un-resort-like. There are no cheesy activities, just incredible food (the menu changes daily), a stunning beach, and total peace. I loved the outdoor showers on the private decks.
This is not your typical tropical all-inclusive. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific, Ventana is rustic, sophisticated, and deeply calming. Think cozy fireplaces, Japanese hot baths, and guided hikes through the redwoods. It’s one of the best luxury resorts America has to offer.
The all-inclusive plan covers all your meals (which are amazing, farm-to-table creations) and non-alcoholic drinks. You pay for booze, but the experience is so worth it. I left feeling like a new person.
Ever wanted to live out your *Yellowstone* fantasy, but, like, in a five-star way? This is it. This luxury dude ranch offers everything from horseback riding and fly-fishing to sapphire mining, and it’s all included. It’s one of the most unique USA all inclusive hotels you’ll find.
The cabins are insanely cozy and chic, and the food is gourmet Western cuisine. In the evening, everyone gathers at the Silver Dollar Saloon for bowling and craft cocktails. It’s summer camp for chic adults.
Sister property to the famous Blackberry Farm, this spot in the Smoky Mountains is focused on adventure and wellness. It’s a health-driven all-inclusive vacation, with guided trail runs, rock climbing, and aerial yoga. You feel so good just being here.
The food is light, healthy, and delicious, all designed to fuel your activities. It’s the kind of place you go to challenge yourself during the day and relax in total luxury at night. My muscles were sore in the best way possible.
This isn’t just a resort; it’s a wellness journey. Miraval is all about mindfulness, and your all-inclusive rate includes a daily resort credit to spend on spa treatments or unique experiences like equine therapy and spirit-animal meditation. Yes, really.
I was skeptical, but I left feeling so clear-headed and refreshed. The food is healthy, there’s no pressure to drink (though you can), and the desert setting is unbelievably serene. It’s a true escape from reality.
This resort is a whole vibe. It’s an adults-only ode to Mexican art, with different buildings (called “casas”) dedicated to different crafts like weaving, painting, and pottery. You can actually take workshops, which are included! So cool.
But the real star is the food. The resort is run by some of Mexico’s most famous chefs, and the quality is mind-blowing. Your stay also gives you unlimited access to all of Xcaret’s adventure parks. It’s an incredible value for what you get.
If you plan your vacations around your meals, just book Grand Velas. This place is famous for its culinary program. We’re talking eight different restaurants, including a molecular gastronomy spot that blew my mind. The food is on another level for an all-inclusive.
Beyond the food, the resort is just pure luxury. The suites are enormous (all over 1,100 sq. ft.), the spa is one of the best I’ve ever been to, and the service is flawless. It’s perfect for families or couples who appreciate the finer things.
When you just want to be pampered into a state of blissful oblivion, you go to Le Blanc. This adults-only resort is sleek, modern, and all about service. Every floor has a butler to draw your bath, make your reservations, and bring you anything you need.
The spa is the main event here—you get a complimentary hydrotherapy journey with every stay. The pools are gorgeous, the beach is pristine, and you will not lift a finger your entire trip. It’s one of the best all inclusive resorts for a reason.
This is where celebrities go to disappear. Located on its own private island, COMO Parrot Cay is the epitome of minimalist, wellness-focused luxury. It’s less about partying and more about Pilates, green juice, and ridiculously beautiful white-sand beaches.
The all-inclusive package is an add-on, but it’s worth it for the incredible COMO Shambhala cuisine. The whole place is quiet, understated, and chic AF. I felt like Gwyneth Paltrow for a week.
Thought Europe didn’t do all-inclusive well? Think again. The Ikos brand has perfected it. This resort in Greece is stunning, with Michelin-starred menus, an incredible wine list, and even a program that lets you dine out at local restaurants as part of your stay.
You also get a Mini Cooper for a day to explore the area. It feels like a high-end European vacation where you just happen to not have to pay for anything. I’m obsessed.
If you want those iconic overwater bungalows without flying all the way to Bora Bora, this is your spot. Sandals is a classic for a reason: they know how to do a fun, romantic, all-inclusive vacation. This location is particularly great, set on its own peninsula with calm waters.
There’s always something going on, from beach parties to scuba diving (which is included!). It’s a social, fun-loving resort that’s perfect for honeymooners or any couple looking for an easy, breezy good time.
This resort strikes the perfect balance between being family-friendly and still feeling super chic and fun for adults. The design is modern and fresh, and the rooftop infinity pool is an adults-only haven with insane ocean views.
The food is a major plus, with options ranging from a gourmet food hall to a steakhouse and a classic Mexican spot. It doesn’t feel like you have to sacrifice style just because you have kids in tow.
This place has a cool, retro-chic vibe that I totally loved. It’s one of the original all-inclusives in Jamaica, but it’s been beautifully updated. The best part? It has its own private island where clothing is… optional. You do you.
Even if that’s not your scene, the main resort is a blast. The crowd is fun, the drinks are strong, and inclusions like catamaran cruises and glass-bottom boat tours make it feel like a great deal.
Looking for something totally different? The Caves is it. Instead of a sprawling resort, this is an intimate collection of 12 cliffside cottages. You can literally jump from the cliffs right into the turquoise water below.
It feels less like a resort and more like you’re staying at your cool, rich friend’s Jamaican hideaway. The highlight is the private cave dining, where you can have a candlelit dinner inside a limestone cave. So romantic and unique.
Set on a stunning black-sand beach, this resort is perfect for nature lovers who still want a classic all-inclusive experience. It’s smaller and more intimate than some of the mega-resorts, and you’re surrounded by jungle. I saw monkeys playing right outside my room every morning!
It’s an adults-only spot with a more laid-back vibe. The pool scene is great for relaxing, and the staff is incredibly warm and friendly. It’s an easy, beautiful getaway.
This is for the person who wants to come back from vacation feeling better than when they left. The resort’s motto is, “Give us your body for a week and we’ll give you back your mind.” Every day includes a spa treatment in the price. A-mazing.
You can be as active or as lazy as you want. There’s a packed schedule of fitness classes, water sports, and hikes, but there’s also a gorgeous beach for just chilling. It’s the perfect blend of wellness and indulgence.
Look, anyone can scroll through TripAdvisor. My job was to find the places that truly stand out. I looked for resorts that ditched the tired buffet-and-bingo formula for something way better. That meant focusing on spots with legit great food, top-shelf liquor (no mystery vodka, please), and a distinct, memorable vibe.
I also prioritized places with style. Life’s too short for dated decor and scratchy towels. Every resort on this list has that wow factor, whether it’s an overwater bungalow in St. Lucia or a cliffside sanctuary in Big Sur. These are the all-inclusive vacations America (and the world) is dreaming of for 2026.
Ultimately, a great all-inclusive should make you feel like you’ve won the lottery. It’s about total freedom from decision-making and endless little charges. It’s about ordering that second dessert just because you can. So go ahead, leave your wallet in the safe and live your best life.
25 Things to Pack for a Cruise
Shop Pop Mart Crybaby On Amazon
50 Best Organization Products to Declutter Your Home and Life
12 Best Bike Storage Ideas