Gladiadores da Justiça Unidos: 10 Best Budget Friendly All-Inclusive Resorts

quinta-feira, 18 de julho de 2013

10 Best Budget Friendly All-Inclusive Resorts

10 Best Budget Friendly All
-Inclusive Resorts
Your kids want to swim in the ocean, your spouse wants
to perfect his tennis serve, and all you want is a nice glass of
wine with dinner…oh, and to wake up to the sound of the
waves lapping the shore. All for one price that won't break
the bank. Mission impossible? Not anymore.
By Chanize Thorpe, Friday, Jun 8, 2012, 5:00 AM | Subscribe to the magazine

At the all-inclusive Majestic Colonial in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, you

have access to the beach and the 1,300-foot-long pool, plus meals and drinks

at the eight restaurants and nine bars for only $150 per person, per night,

(Courtesy Majestic Colonial)

It's a fact that all-inclusive resorts can be expensive, with the average nightly rate

at some of the bigger chains running $450—per person. And when you find one

in your price range there's usually a caveat—the beach is a 15-minute drive away,

or the "all" only includes non-alcoholic beverages (those margaritas by the pool

really add up). We here at Budget Travel love a challenge and—though it wasn't

easy—we found 10 beachfront all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, Mexico, and

Central America (plus one Mediterranean resort so charming we couldn't resist

including it) starting at $100 per person, per night. And they really are all-inclusive:

a double room, three meals a day, drinks (from soda to cocktails), and lots of

activities. And each one has an added bonus, too, from tennis lessons to scuba

instructions. The only thing not included? Caveats.

SEE THE RESORTS!

Launch the Slide Show
SEE THE ALL-INCLUSIVES FOR YOURSELF

Iberostar Costa Dorada, Puerta Plata, Dominican Republic
Iberostar operates six hotels in the Dominican Republic, but this resort 10 minutes

from Puerto Plata gives you the most for your money. The 516 rooms (which all

have either a terrace or balcony) are located in thatch-roof buildings painted cheerful

shades of yellow and purple. The entire property underwent a full renovation in 2011

resulting in completely remodeled rooms, a new lobby, and a renovated kids' club.

There are three a la carte restaurants (Brazilian, Mexican, and seafood from the local

waters) plus a buffet restaurant. If you aren't content to just sit on the beach or the

massive pool, there are activities all around the resort, from archery to merengue

lessons. Bonus While some all-inclusive resorts only serve house-brand liquor,

bartenders at Costa Dorada pour from imported names as well (Tanqueray,

Stoli, etc.). Carretera de Luperon Km 4, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic,

888/923-2722, iberostar.com. From $100 per person, per night (three-night minimum).

Krystal Cancun, Mexico
This Riviera Maya resort makes the most of its location: the pool runs lengthwise along

the sand, and there's even a beachfront infinity whirlpool. The Krystal, which is in the

heart of the Hotel Zone on Punta Cancun, has 453 rooms, and each one has a view of

either the Caribbean Sea or Cancun Lagoon. The rooms were also renovated in

December 2011 with updates like marble floors, flat-screen TVs, and rain showers—

perfect for washing off all that sand. Bonus One of the downsides of an all-inclusive

resort is that you have to eat every meal on-site. Krystal includes a Discover

Cancun pass that covers one dinner at a local restaurant. Paseo Kukulcan Km 9.5,

Cancun, 800/437-9605, krystal-hotels.com. From $100 per person, per night.

ClubHotel Riu Negril, Jamaica
Head out to the far western tip of Jamaica and you'll find this lively beachfront resort

in Negril. It is right on the beach, but the place to be is by one of the umbrella-shaded

loungers around the two gigantic pools (both are well over 3,000 square feet). There

is a party atmosphere here, and the complimentary mini bars and liquor dispensers in

the 420 guest rooms are regularly restocked. If you want to go all out, head to the

Pacha nightclub, where reggae is sure to be spinning. If you are looking for quiet, try

the solarium terrace. Bonus The resort often adds credits to the Renova Spa in the

all-inclusive packages, such as $20 per person toward a 50-minute massage

(massages start at $100). Norman Manley Blvd., Negril, Jamaica,

888/748-4990, riu.com. From $101 per person, per night.

Royal Decameron Golf Beach Resort & Villas, Farallón, Panama
This 1,170-room mega resort does things big from its spot on a mile of secluded beach.

There are eight pools, 10 restaurants, and 11 bars (including one swim-up), which

means you’ll rarely do or see the same thing twice. Play in the Pacific with free

paddleboards, kayaks, or windsurfers, or check out the local underwater residents

with the provided snorkel gear. The nightlife is also big here and the party goes long

after the sun sets (which probably has something to do with the open bar). Bonus

Though the base-rate is for a garden-view room, each one has a terrace or balcony

overlooking the tropical foliage. Avenida Principal Farallón, Km 115,

011-507/993-2255, decameron.com. From $106 per person, per night.

From $169