Brides / Designed by Amelia Manley
All-inclusive resorts promise endless food, drinks, and amenities (sans cards or cash). Basically, leave your worries and wallet at home. It's pretty obvious why this type of trip is particularly enticing to newlyweds. When it comes to deciding on a destination, Jamaica isn’t a hard sell. Ready to live the island life (at least for a few days)? Scroll on for the all-inclusive resorts we love most in the birthplace of Blue Mountain coffee, reggae, and Bob Marley.
Best for Romance: The Caves (Negril, Jamaica)
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The Caves
Forget neon yellow silicone wristbands, screaming kids, cheesy cruise ship-esque group activities, and buffets that emphasize quantity over quality. The Caves is so not that type of all-inclusive resort. Built into the dramatic limestone bluffs of Negril, this gloriously grown-up hideaway seduces with its natural elegance and mellow ambiance (the adults-only policy certainly helps in that regard).
Character-rich cliffside cottages offer breathtaking vistas and ample opportunities for brave souls to plunge into the cerulean waters below. Three words: private grotto dining. Couples can feast on fresh, local lobster in a candle-lit cavern. The spa, which is continuously rated as one of the top places to get pampered in Jamaica, specializes in head-to-toe spoiling done the island way. A signature brown sugar body scrub under a shaded cabana? Sign us up.
Best Value: Melia Braco Village (Rio Bueno, Jamaica)
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Meliã Braco Village
If you want a sprawling resort with all the bells and whistles but you prefer to be somewhere a bit more manageable in size, Melia Braco Village might just be the ideal compromise. Perched on a private swath of golden sand, this surprisingly affordable property is intimate with big resort luxuries. We’d suggest noting the eager-to-please staff and ample amenities in the marketing materials.
Two huge swimming pools, four bars, six restaurants (don’t miss the lip-smacking jerk chicken), and 24/7 in-room dining are all at your disposal. Beyond that, there’s an awesome adventure park with a high-flying zipline and obstacle course. While theme parties and beach barbeques bring festive fun in the evenings.
Best for Relaxation: Couples Sans Souci (Ocho Rios, Jamaica)
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Couples Sans Souci
Based on the name, it’s fairly obvious that Couples Sans Souci on Jamaica’s emerald coast is geared towards duos. Great for a romantic getaway, honeymoon, or anniversary trip, this Ocho Rios resort pulls out all the stops to ensure pairs are constantly smiling and stress-free. Craving a serotonin-boosting sweat session? Head to the fully-equipped fitness center or hit a few balls on the professional-grade clay tennis court. Pilates, yoga, spinning, and aerobics are available too.
Prefer to spend your days unwinding? Couples Sans Souci embodies its “no worries” mantra. Insert you relaxing out with a deep tissue massage in a two-person gazebo at the cliff's edge or joining a zen meditation class, followed by a few hours of lazing in a hammock and sipping signature frozen drinks at the swim-up bar.
Best Overwater Bungalows: Sandals South Coast (Whitehouse, Jamaica)
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Sandals South Coast
Overwater bungalows are pure Instagram gold. Contrary to popular belief you don’t need to hop on a long-haul flight to the far reaches of French Polynesia to make your friends, family, and followers jealous by posting pictures in one of Sandals South Coast's 12 Tahitian-style bungalows that teeter above the sparkling turquoise sea.
Expressly created with honeymooners in mind and arranged in the shape of a heart, the envy-inducing dwellings flaunt vaulted ceilings, walk-in rain showers, king beds, smart TVs (not that Netflix is necessary when the hardwood floors are inlaid with glass panels to watch the fish underfoot), extended decks, swim-up platforms, and either sexy outdoor tubs or suspended hammocks—both comfortably fit a pair of lovebirds. If you’re thinking of tying the knot, Sandals South Coast also has a floating chapel.
Best Beachfront: Jamaica Inn (Ocho Rios, Jamaica)
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Jamaica Inn
The internet is infrequently in concert. However, TripAdvisor reviewers across the globe seem to be in total and utter agreement about their shared love for Jamaica Inn. Guests rave about this award-winning property for its casual yet classy atmosphere, personalized service, and elegant accommodations.
Steeped in charm, suites with hand-selected antiques and airy verandahs harken back to a time of classic Caribbean vacations. Cocktail hour and the manicured croquet lawns reinforce the 1950s nostalgia. Of course, the stunning beach is a major selling point. The food also receives high praise from past visitors. In the evening, live reggae music serves as a splendid complement to rum punch and flavorful Jamaican fusion dishes.
Best Treehouses: Sunset at the Palms (Negril, Jamaica)
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Sunset at the Palms
Set in the lush jungle at the north end of Seven Mile Beach, overlooking Bloody Bay, Sunset at the Palms is an adults-only sanctuary surrounded by the wild, untamed beauty of Jamaica. A laid-back spot for couples desiring something that feels private but not totally remote, it’s located in a walkable area near bars and restaurants. Kool Runnings Waterpark, Negril Hills Golf Club, Booby Cay, and Samuel's Bay National Marine Park are just a short drive.
Instead of standard rooms, guests stay in dreamy open-air treehouses that channel tropical vibes with Balinese decor and breezy balconies. (If the cooling tradewinds aren’t enough, the A/C works). Outdoor activities include snorkeling, kayaking, zip-lining, tennis, and nature walks. Blissing out on the sand is another beloved pastime.
Best Clothing-Optional Retreat: Grand Lido Negril Au-Naturel (Negril, Jamaica)
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Grand Lido Negril Resort
A far cry from your typical all-inclusive, Grand Lido Negril Au-Naturel invites couples to strip down entirely in a private and protected environment that’s conducive to shedding your inhibitions (and clothes). In other words, “au naturel” is the dress code. Before you skip ahead, let us plead our case for considering a liberating, nearly naked holiday at this clothing-optional oasis. Obviously, it’s just for adults.
So, there’s the peace and quiet that comes with a lack of kids. More importantly, past guests remark about the completely freeing nature of baring it all and literally no one batting an eye. Naturalists can enjoy daily workouts (notably kickboxing, boot camp, yoga, and aqua zumba), live entertainment, expertly poured martinis, and steamy Jacuzzi time. Plus, you’ve got to admit that swimming in the buff is so much better.
Best for VIP Treatment: Iberostar Grand Rose Hall (Rose Hall, Jamaica)
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Iberostar Grand Rose Hall
Vacationing at an all-inclusive shouldn’t be marred by crowds, long buffet lines, and fighting for a seat at the pool. Iberostar Grand Rose Hall is proof that a better version of that scenario exists—one with palatial pools, jacuzzis, gastronomic delights, lavish swim-up suites, super high standards for service, and unfettered access to a white sand beach.
Sitting on the sun-splashed shores of Montego Bay and off-limits to outside guests (good news for you, but not so much for folks staying at other Iberostar properties), this upscale playground gives grownups the ultra VIP treatment.
Personal butlers are on hand to assist with anything you wish, from unpacking suitcases to booking pre-date night blowouts and seaside massages under the twinkling stars. Everything is seamlessly done through the resort’s free mobile app. So easy, right?
Best for Couples with Kids: Round Hill Hotel & Villas (Hopewell, Jamaica)
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Round Hill Hotel & Villas
Sometimes stealing away for a romantic weekend without your offspring isn't in the cards. Luckily, traveling with tykes doesn't have to mean sacrificing more adult pleasures. If your idea of a fabulous family vacation involves the beach and plenty of stuff to keep kids entertained, we’d advise checking into Round Hill Hotel & Villas.
Situated on a gorgeous 110-acre peninsula, this enchanting resort welcomes politicians, A-listers, and well-behaved children with equal warmth. An action-packed events calendar and tons of recreation options (think: green clay tennis courts, yoga classes in the open-air pavilion, pedal boats, kayaks, and garden tours) guarantee there’s something for everyone.
When youngsters are occupied at the kid’s club, parents can sneak off to the spa, play 18 holes at Tryall Golf Club, or relish a few moments of calm in the Ralph Lauren-designed oceanfront rooms.
Best for Activities: Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa (Montego Bay, Jamaica)
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Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa
With top-notch facilities and endless activities, boredom isn’t the faintest possibility at Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa. Dive into aquacise. Give stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking a whirl. Relish a catamaran ride. Dance to the rhythms of a steel drum band. Did we mention there are two outdoor pools and 13 restaurants and bars? For an extra special treat, couples can choose in-room private chef dining.
Oceanfront accommodations range from spacious suites to villas with posh extras such as butler service. This sprawling property also has oodles of amenities, including a 30,000-square-foot wellness center. (Pro tip: go early before your treatment to take advantage of the Himalayan salt piscine, sauna, steam bath, and relaxation areas.) Like hitting the links? Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa is located within one-mile of several golf courses.