The 10 Best Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts

The 10 Best Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts

By Leslie Matus 1 year ago

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Julia Eskins, Contributor

Forbes Vetted

As more travelers seek out vacations that offer a tranquil escape from every day, adults-only, all-inclusive resorts have become go-to destinations. These properties aren’t just for honeymooners— whether planning a getaway with friends or a family trip, everyone can benefit from a peaceful atmosphere (and the joy of going wallet-free). Meals, drinks, select activities, amenities, and sometimes tips are included in the price of your stay, so you can focus on simply enjoying the experience. While the definition of “adults-only” varies, it typically means all guests must be at least age 16 or older.

While pre-paid packages tend to get a bad rep, all-inclusive properties are evolving. Many now offer private, customized experiences, design-forward guest rooms, and farm-to-fork gastronomy, while others have leaned into specific niches. Whether you’re craving a high-octane outdoor adventure in the mountains or a remote private island for your honeymoon, there’s an option for you. Below, we’ve narrowed down the best adults-only hotels that offer all-inclusive options for every type of traveler. All you need to do is show up.

Best Luxury Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resort: Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico

Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico

Who Will Love It: Design-conscious travelers looking for transformational experiences

All-Star Amenities: Private plunge pools; outdoor showers; fire pits; mini bars with local snacks and beverages; a personal guide to curate just-for-you moments

What Not To Miss: An invigorating session in the House of Heat, a temazcal inspired by the region’s traditional sweat lodges; a deep-tissue massage inside one of the spa pods

It’s hard not to feel like your best self at Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, which opened in Punta Mita in December 2022. After crossing the cocoon-inspired bamboo bridge, guests enter one of Mexico’s most exclusive retreats inside a 48-acre sanctuary. With just 15 stand-alone tents designed by San Francisco- and Johannesburg-based firm Luxury Frontiers, the property integrates nature into every surprise-and-delight moment. And for the record, these aren’t your typical safari tents. They range from 1,260 to 1,700 square feet and are outfitted with luxe details like free-standing bathtubs with ocean views, local stone and wood interiors, and art and textiles by Mexican artisans.

Part of the magic here is in Naviva’s highly personalized “unscripted” approach. Every guest is assigned a guide that curates custom experiences (think a sunrise hike to the Aztatlán ruins, a yoga class with a view of migrating humpback whales, or a private dinner overlooking La Solana Beach). The stay includes flexible meals, snacks, and drinks (no request is too much), one spa treatment per guest, and signature and daily activities. Guests also have access to the acclaimed Four Seasons Punta Mita, conveniently located less than a mile away.

Best Romantic Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resort: The Palms Zanzibar, Tanzania

The Palms Zanzibar, Tanzania

Who Will Love It: Honeymooners seeking a secluded post-safari beach retreat

All-Star Amenities: Plunge pools; private beach cabanas

What Not To Miss: The fresh seafood, especially the locally caught lobster

With just seven villas set against one of the most pristine Indian Ocean beaches in Africa, The Palms Zanzibar was made for intimate escapes. This idyllic resort is a perfect place to check in after a thrilling safari in the Serengeti, especially if you’re looking for a restful way to cap off your adventure. Specializing in honeymoon and wedding experiences, the team will happily arrange special moments such as sailings on traditional dhow boats, lantern-lit private dinners, or saying “I do” in a barefoot ceremony.

The room rate includes meals and drinks, with a menu focusing on Zanzibari cuisine’s mélange of Arabic, Indian, Persian, Asian, and Swahili flavors. For more action, head to the sister properties next door, where you’ll find the only PADI five-star Gold Palm and RAID diving-certified dive center in Zanzibar.

Best Beachfront Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resort: Secrets Cap Cana, Dominican Republic

Secrets Cap Cana, Dominican Republic

Who Will Love It: Families and friends who value a mix of relaxation and fun

All-Star Amenities: Balconies with soaking tubs, rain showers; pillow menu

What Not To Miss: Movie nights on the beach; the swim-out suites

In this adults-only paradise, you don’t need to choose between the pool and the ocean. Secrets Cap Cana’s expansive infinity pool extends to the sugar-sand Juanillo Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic. The picture-perfect shoreline is located within the gated community of Cap Cana and is flanked by towering palm trees and turquoise waters.

Depending on your mood, you can socialize at the swim-up bar, relax by your swim-out room, dine at ten on-site restaurants, or explore Cap Cana’s other draws like zip-lining, windsurfing, and a Punta Espada golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus. With fountains and natural materials integrated into the design, you’ll never feel too far from the beach. And with a mix of lively nightly entertainment and beachfront serenity, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser for everyone in your group.

Best Private Island Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resort: Palm Island Resort & Spa, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Palm Island Resort and Spa, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Who Will Love It: Small groups and families desiring a peaceful Caribbean island getaway

All-Star Amenities: Private terraces with daybeds and loungers; fitness center with ​​premium equipment; nightly live music with dinner

What Not To Miss: A sunset sail or snorkeling trip on the resort’s Pink Lady yacht

The story of Palm Island Resort dates back to 1966 when an American couple leased the island from Vincent and the Grenadines government for $1 a year. As part of the deal, they promised to build a hotel to create more jobs for locals. Since then, the 135-acre private island has changed hands and undergone extensive renovations, but the ethos of constantly improving (and giving back) has remained.

Today, the adults-only resort is home to 41 luxurious rooms, suites, and multi-bedroom villas—leaving plenty of space to enjoy nature. Among the highlights are five white sand beaches, a lush interior with hiking trails, and some of the Caribbean ocean’s best snorkeling and dive sites. Even getting here is part of the fun—once you touch down at Union Island Airport (UNI), a quick golf cart ride and 10-minute speed boat adventure brings you to the island. Chic and unpretentious, the property leans into its timeless allure with silent movie nights, weekly staff cricket matches, and crab races that raise money for charity. Swim with turtles, take a cooking class with chef Baka, and wind down with tunes from the local reggae band.

Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resort With The Best Pools: Excellence Playa Mujeres, Cancun, Mexico

Excellence Playa Mujeres, Cancun, Mexico

Who Will Love It: Groups and families looking for a traditional all-inclusive with exceptional service

All-Star Amenities: Double showers; Bvlgari toiletries; an 18-hole golf course designed by Greg Norman; seven swimming pools

What Not To Miss: The swim-up suites are located off of the lazy river

Set on a white sand beach sheltered by the island of Isla Mujeres, this resort boasts one of the best private beachfronts in Cancun. While you can easily spend the day under a palapa, ordering margaritas from the beach bar, you would be remiss in skipping Excellence Playa Mujeres’ seven pools. These range from heated pools to winding lazy rivers, totaling 55,000 square feet of pool water throughout the property.

The variety of options extends to its dining options across over 11 restaurants and bars, nightly entertainment, and activities ranging from archery to dance lessons to deep-sea fishing. Room rates include all food, beverages, tips, and most activities. Guests who book an Excellence Suite can enjoy perks like private check-in/check-out and upgraded in-room amenities, minibar, and room service menus—make it a swim-up suite for the luxury of whiling away the afternoons on your pool deck.

Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resort With The Best Amenities: Royal Davui Island, Fiji

Royal Davui Island, Fiji

Who Will Love It: Active travelers who want to immerse themselves in Fijian culture and nature

All-Star Amenities: Private sundecks with heated plunge pools; eco-friendly Pure Fiji toiletries; open-air showers; hobie cats, kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkel gear

What Not To Miss: A private beach picnic on Sand Cay, a small island located 20 minutes from the resort

From the moment you step off the boat and meet the exuberant singing staff, you can immediately feel the warm Fijian hospitality that makes this private island escape so welcoming. With just 16 villas and bungalows, Royal Davui Island Resort caters to those looking for a remote getaway with plenty of activities (and colorful reefs) to keep you mesmerized.

An impressive number of activities are included in the rate, from kava ceremonies to local village visits. With a gorgeous house reef accessible from the beach, guests can snorkel right off the shore or arrange a boat to visit the even more impressive outer reef. The proximity to Pacific Harbour—Fiji’s soft adventure capital—means more excursions await such as hiking Beqa Island’s peak or surfing Frigate Passage.

Best Spa & Wellness Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resort: Miraval Resort & Spa, Arizona

Miraval Resort & Spa, Arizona

Who Will Love It: Health-conscious travelers wanting to fill their days with classes and treatments

All-Star Amenities: 100+ weekly classes and activities; outdoor showers; fire pits

What Not To Miss: Equine therapy at Purple Sage Ranch

A pioneer of the all-inclusive wellness getaway, Miraval has been perfecting the art of mind-body retreats since 1995. And their flagship Arizona property, set in the Sonoran Desert, offers a glorious backdrop for self-care. Complimentary classes and activities with experts are offered daily, so guests can sample everything from therapeutic drumming to gut health lectures to invigorating outdoor adventures. Rates also include luxurious accommodations, nourishing meals and beverages, and a $175 nightly credit for spa treatments and fee-based experiences. As a bonus, the resort bills itself as “gratuity-free,” so you can leave your cash and cares behind as you focus solely on your own personal growth. The property is (mostly) digital device-free, but you likely won’t miss your phone while meditating with a view of the Santa Catalina Mountains.

Best Bucket List Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resort: Hurawalhi Island Resort, the Maldives

Hurawalhi Island Resort, the Maldives

Who Will Love It: Couples and families dreaming of bucket list moments

All-Star Amenities: Private infinity pools, outdoor bathtubs, rain showers, sundecks with lagoon access, eco-friendly toiletries from Healing Earth; canoes and windsurfs

What Not To Miss: Dinner at the world’s largest all-glass undersea restaurant

The Maldives is brimming with romantic all-inclusive resorts but are only a handful of properties that are strictly adults only. Hurawalhi Island Resort ticks all the boxes—gorgeous overwater bungalows, turquoise blue waters, no children, and plenty of opportunities to marvel at impressive marine life while enjoying a serene atmosphere.

The legendary Lhaviyani Atoll comprises 54 islands (of which four are inhabited) and is famous for its world-class diving and snorkeling sites. But you don’t have to don a mask to partake—just book a table at the resort’s 5.8 Undersea Restaurant, the world’s largest all-glass under-the-sea restaurant.

New York-based architect Yuji Yamazaki, the mastermind behind some of the Maldives’ most famous resorts, designed the villas, which include lagoon and beach options (many guests split their time between both). Wildlife lovers will appreciate opportunities to snorkel with the resort’s marine biologist and the sunset dolphin cruise, where it’s not uncommon to see hundreds of dolphins swimming alongside the boat.

Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resort With The Best Views: Jade Mountain Resort, St. Lucia

Jade Mountain Resort, St. Lucia

Who Will Love It: Couples longing for a luxe haven with private pools and impressive vistas

All-Star Amenities: Private infinity pools; whirlpool tubs; rainfall showers with handmade glass tiles

What Not To Miss: Sunset cocktails and stargazing on the Celestial Terrace

One of the Caribbean’s most iconic views can be savored at Jade Mountain Resort, an adults-only oasis perched above the 600-acre beachfront resort of Anse Chastanet. Here, St. Lucia’s UNESCO-listed volcanic cones, the Pitons, are framed by architecture that draws from nature’s dramatic shapes and colors. The property boasts 24 infinity pool “sanctuaries” (suites) that resemble platforms floating in nature. And the open-air design (there’s no fourth wall) feels exciting yet private.

While not a traditional all-inclusive, Jade Mountain Resort offers an all-inclusive dining and drinking option that you’ll likely want to splurge on. The menu by James Beard Award-winning chef Allen Susser celebrates the bold flavors of tropical locales at the Jade Mountain Club, which offers live music and entertainment most nights. Guests can also access all the restaurants, bars, and amenities at the sister resort Anse Chastanet, plus two soft sand beaches with pristine coral reefs right offshore.

Best Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resort For Nature Lovers: Kura Boutique Hotel, Costa Rica

Kura Boutique Hotel, Costa Rica

Who Will Love It: Nature lovers that appreciate sustainable boutique hotels

All-Star Amenities: Infinity pool; cooking and meditation classes; outdoor showers

What Not To Miss: The underwater sound system in the infinity pool; yoga classes and stargazing from the rooftop Sky Lounge

Located on the breathtaking South Pacific coast of Costa Rica’s unspoiled Osa Peninsula, just an hour south of Manuel Antonio National Park, Kura Boutique Hotel seamlessly blends nature with design. It makes sense, considering the property is the brainchild of a Costa Rican biologist and an architect with a penchant for “tropical minimalism.” The result is a stunning eight-villa resort perched on a jungle-covered hill overlooking Marino Ballena National Park and Uvita’s iconic Whale’s Tail sandbar—a view best appreciated from the property’s epic saltwater infinity pool.

The rooms, which include spacious 1,500-square-foot suites with private plunge pools, contrast the verdant surroundings with sleek black-tile floors, stone showers, and wood furniture. While it’s not a traditional all-inclusive resort, Kura offers full-board meal plans focusing on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients (guests can take a back-of-house tour to learn about the property’s environmental and social sustainability programs). Beyond the resort, the area has seven beaches, countless hiking trails, and waterfalls.

About Julia Eskins, Your Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts Guide

I have been writing and editing travel and lifestyle content for over a decade, with a focus on luxury hotels, innovative sustainability initiatives, and immersive cultural and wellness experiences. Along the way, I have explored over 50 countries, lived in five (Canada, Portugal, Finland, Germany, and Mexico), and stayed at hundreds of hotels, including several adults-only, all-inclusive resorts. No matter where I go, I’ll always track down the best cup of coffee, sunset viewpoint, and local vegetarian restaurants. In addition to Forbes Vetted, my travel guides, reviews, and feature stories have also appeared in Condé Nast Traveler, National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, Vogue, Bloomberg Pursuits, Lonely Planet, Time, The Globe and Mail, Afar, Elle Canada, BBC Travel, Architectural Digest, and more.

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