All-inclusive resorts are generally known more for their bottomless cocktails than for their dining options. I’ve never been a big fan of all-inclusives because I am a foodie and I’ve just never found the restaurants and dining options to my standards. But this is changing! On an impulsive pandemic getaway to the Caribbean, I discovered one all-inclusive resort with amazing food! A few months later, an all-inclusive resort in Mexico surprised me with high-end restaurants. So all-inclusives are stepping up their game and improving their dining options for foodies.
When you think of all-inclusive resorts, endless buffets and basic poolside snacks might come to mind. But for foodies seeking gourmet experiences, the Caribbean is home to all-inclusive resorts that redefine dining with world-class cuisine, innovative menus, and top-notch restaurants. From immersive cultural dining experiences to exclusive vegan options, these foodie-friendly resorts are destinations in themselves. Pack your appetite and let’s dive into the best all-inclusives for food lovers, featuring standouts like Live Aqua Cancun and Xcaret Mexico—where even vegans will find paradise.
1. Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun – A Gourmet Paradise
I first visited Live Aqua on a girls’ trip and loved it so much, I went back with my husband for a pandemic getaway. Both times, the food was amazing and surprising for an all-inclusive. Located on the stunning shores of Cancun, Live Aqua Beach Resort is a foodie’s dream come true. Known for its modern luxury and sophisticated vibe, this adults-only resort offers an elevated culinary experience that sets it apart from other all-inclusives.
Dining Highlights:
- Variety: With 10 on-site restaurants, you can indulge in everything from high-end Italian to fresh sushi and authentic Mexican dishes. Each venue offers artfully prepared meals, utilizing fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Inés: This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant serves up coastal flavors with a focus on grilled seafood, artisan bread, and light but flavorful dishes.
- Hidden Gems: Foodies will love the hidden tequila tastings and mixology experiences sprinkled throughout the resort.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on their poolside ceviche bar, which offers refreshing and authentic bites that pair perfectly with a cocktail in hand.
2. Hotel Xcaret Mexico – A Culinary Wonderland
Xcaret is one of my favorite resorts in Mexico primarily for its architecture. Nestled between lush jungle and the Caribbean Sea, Hotel Xcaret Mexico is not just an all-inclusive resort; it’s a full-on sensory adventure. The resort is renowned for offering unique gastronomic experiences inspired by Mexican culture and global influences.
Dining Highlights:
- Bio – Vegan Paradise: One of the standout restaurants for plant-based foodies is Bio, an open-air vegan haven nestled in a natural cave setting. Here, dishes like jackfruit tacos, fresh acai bowls, and coconut ceviche celebrate the region’s organic bounty.
- HA’: This restaurant, led by a Michelin-starred chef, offers an elevated fine-dining experience. It’s an additional cost, but food lovers will relish every creative and beautifully plated dish.
- Mexican Culinary Adventures: With 11 distinct dining venues, you’ll savor regional Mexican specialties like mole poblano, cochinita pibil, and handmade tortillas.
Bonus: Hotel Xcaret’s emphasis on sustainability means every bite you enjoy comes from locally sourced and responsibly harvested ingredients.
3. Sandals Royal Caribbean – Luxury Meets Authentic Flavors
Who doesn’t love Jamaican food? While Sandals is well-known for adults-only luxury, Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay, Jamaica, stands out for its culinary offerings. Perfect for couples seeking romance and refined dining, this all-inclusive resort boasts international menus and a variety of gourmet options.
Dining Highlights:
- Eight Unique Restaurants: From authentic Jamaican jerk chicken at The Jerk Shack to elegant Thai cuisine served in an overwater setting, there’s a flavor for every palate.
- Farm-to-Table Ingredients: Sandals focuses on farm-to-table freshness, sourcing local produce and seafood to ensure every dish is packed with authentic flavor.
Don’t Miss: Try the Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee-infused desserts for a sweet taste of local culture.
4. Excellence Punta Cana – Adults-Only Culinary Bliss
Just so you know I’m transparent, I’ve had a few pretty bad meals in Punta Cana. But that’s not the case at Excellence Punta Cana. Tucked along the pristine shores of the Dominican Republic, this resort blends luxury with a world-class culinary scene that makes it a must-visit for discerning foodies.
Dining Highlights:
- 12 Gourmet Restaurants: Indulge in French cuisine at Chez Isabelle, fresh seafood at The Lobster House, or Asian-fusion delights at Spice.
- Interactive Dining: Live cooking stations and chef’s tastings allow you to engage with the culinary team for an immersive foodie experience.
Foodie Favorite: The resort’s in-house pastry chefs whip up decadent desserts daily, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
5. Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana – Wellness and Gourmet Dining Combined
In the Dominican Republic, for those who love food but also value wellness, Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana is the perfect escape. This boutique all-inclusive resort focuses on holistic health while serving up gourmet meals crafted with organic, locally sourced ingredients.
Dining Highlights:
- Farm-to-Fork Cuisine: Menus highlight the region’s seasonal produce and fresh-caught seafood, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.
- Culinary Creativity: Enjoy dishes like grilled Caribbean lobster, quinoa-stuffed peppers, and tropical fruit sorbets.
Unique Touch: Complimentary cooking classes allow foodies to take a piece of the Caribbean culinary experience home.
6. Grand Velas Riviera Maya – A Gastronomic Getaway
I find that many of the resorts outside of Cancun along the Riviera Maya have exquisite food. Located in Playa del Carmen, Grand Velas Riviera Maya is synonymous with luxury and fine dining. This all-inclusive resort offers diverse culinary experiences across eight exceptional restaurants.
Dining Highlights:
- Cocina de Autor: Helmed by a two-star Michelin chef, this restaurant takes diners on a journey through avant-garde cuisine with multi-course tasting menus.
- Frida: Savor upscale Mexican cuisine that honors traditional flavors while adding modern touches.
- Unique Drinks: Don’t miss their artisanal tequila and mezcal tastings.
7. Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa – Sophisticated Dining in the Dominican Republic
Set on the serene Juanillo Beach, Secrets Cap Cana is an adults-only resort in beautiful Cap Cana, Dominican Republic that prides itself on offering a sophisticated culinary experience.
Dining Highlights:
- Unlimited Gourmet Dining: Choose from Italian fine dining, fresh seafood, or international fusion dishes at the resort’s elegant restaurants.
- Barefoot Grill: Enjoy beachfront dining with freshly grilled specialties.
Pro Tip: Opt for the private beachfront dinner for a truly memorable experience.
8. Le Blanc Spa Resort – Elevated Elegance in Cancun
Yes, you can find great food in the party district of Cancun. Le Blanc Spa Resort offers an intimate, upscale dining experience that prioritizes quality over quantity.
Dining Highlights:
- Lumiere: A French fine dining restaurant offering exquisite multi-course menus.
- Healthy Options: Ideal for wellness-focused foodies, the resort offers light, organic meals with vegan and vegetarian choices.
9. Half Moon – Jamaican Culinary Excellence
Located in Montego Bay, Half Moon offers a perfect blend of Jamaican heritage and fine dining.
Dining Highlights:
- Sugar Mill: This award-winning restaurant is set in a historic sugar plantation and offers elevated Caribbean cuisine.
- Authentic Jamaican Flavors: Sample jerk chicken, oxtail, and ackee and saltfish prepared with care.
For foodies, an all-inclusive resort doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality or variety. Resorts like Live Aqua Cancun and Hotel Xcaret Mexico have redefined the culinary scene with innovative restaurants and exceptional dining experiences. Whether you’re vegan, seafood-obsessed, or just appreciate a perfectly crafted meal, these Caribbean all-inclusives deliver.
Planning a trip to the Caribbean for foodies
Choosing which island to visit is often one of the hardest parts of planning a trip to the Caribbean. Start by researching airfares to get the best deal. Use a site like CheapOAir and search for the best and most affordable Caribbean destinations.
Do some different searches using a site like Booking.com to search for different all-inclusive resorts, including those listed here if you’re looking for great food.
The best months to travel to the Caribbean
The Caribbean experiences distinct high and low travel seasons, each offering unique advantages. The high season, from mid-December to mid-April, coincides with winter in North America and Europe, attracting visitors seeking warm weather and sunshine. During this time, resorts and cruises operate at full capacity, and prices for accommodations and activities tend to be higher. In contrast, the low season, from June to November, sees fewer crowds and lower prices, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers. However, this period also overlaps with the Atlantic hurricane season, so visitors should monitor weather forecasts and consider travel insurance. The shoulder seasons, in late spring and early December, can provide a balance of favorable weather and reduced costs.
Pack your bags, bring your appetite, and get ready to savor paradise one dish at a time!
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