7 of the Most Budget-Friendly Caribbean Resorts
While there are plenty of luxurious Caribbean resorts catering to those with plenty of cash to spare, that doesn’t mean those looking for a more affordable retreat should rule out this region. Among the soft sand beaches, coconut palms, and turquoise water are some fabulous properties that don’t require taking out a second mortgage.
From Mexico and the Bahamas to Barbados and St. Lucia, there are budget-friendly resorts for all types of travelers. These value options are all clean, comfortable and provide access to gorgeous sands, swimming, and a host of other activities.
Locations Discussed:
Breezes Resort & Spa, Nassau, Bahamas
The beautiful islands in the Bahamas are easily reached with a short and often cheap flight from Miami. Breezes Resort & Spa may be the perfect place to land. It provides a more serene atmosphere as a 14 and over-only property and while the room décor might be a bit bland, who comes to the Caribbean to stare at four walls?
You’ll have plenty of space when you’re ready to turn in and some even offer direct beach access through sliding glass doors. All come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and views of the sea or lush grounds.
Enjoy days spent on the pristine white sands of Cable Beach and taking advantage of a wide range of other amenities. There are three outdoor pools, a swim-up bar and submerged seating, plus a full schedule of activities on land and water, including sailing, rock-climbing, and even a trapeze.
You’ll have your choice of five restaurants, with both a la carte and buffet options, and nightly entertainment at the piano bar and nightclub.
El Cozumeleno Beach Resort, Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel lies off the Yucatan Peninsula and is often ranked among the world’s top spots for diving. Anyone who wants to explore a dazzling underwater world will appreciate it here, with El Cozumeleno Beach Resort providing a fabulous base for enjoying it all.
Guests typically come for the value it offers for the long list of features in the all-inclusive package. The property faces the crystal-clear blue Caribbean Sea, set along powdery white sands, with simple, no-frill but spacious rooms that all boast ocean views.
As one would expect, snorkeling, diving, and swimming are the most popular activities here. Enjoy the sea and the three large, connected outdoor pools, one of which has a swim-up bar. If you’re into golf, the island’s only golf course is right across the street and discounts are available for guests.
There’s a mini-golf course the whole family can play too. Parents with little ones will appreciate the outstanding kids’ club and babysitting services.
Hotel Riu Negril, Jamaica
Family-friendly Hotel Riu Negril is an all-inclusive that sits along the Bloody Bay beachfront in an area that’s quieter than the resort-packed Seven Mile Beach. This area is renowned for its diving and there’s a dive shop on-site along with complimentary intro lessons in the pool.
Guests can enjoy many other activities that are included in the rates like snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing.
Lounge around the two outdoor pools and let the little ones splash around in the children’s pool. There’s a kids’ club with daily entertainment and a mini waterpark that can keep them busy while parents indulge in treatments at the spa. Excursions to the bat caves, thermal springs, birdwatching areas, and more can all be arranged too.
Rooms are spacious and come with free minibars and private terraces. Wi-Fi is only available in common areas so you might want to plan on a mostly unplugged vacation.
Starfish Jolly Beach Resort, Antigua
Starfish Jolly Beach Resort sits along Antigua’s west coast, spanning the entire length of a mile-long stretch of white sands edged by stunning pale blue waters. It’s perfectly positioned for taking advantage of the island’s glorious sunsets, popular with couples and families alike.
There are plenty of loungers for sunbathing and palapas for shade, with activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and sailing available throughout the day. The sprawling freeform main pool has a rock waterfall, and its swim-up bar is the place to be for entertainment, with music and all sorts of activities.
Planned resort activities for the kids and a club just for teens with sports lessons, video games, and movie nights are provided too.
Choose from five different dining options, from a casual buffet-style eatery to an open-air restaurant at beachfront serving Caribbean-style seafood dishes.
The Super Saver Rooms are the cheapest available and come with the basics for a comfortable overnight, while the Beach Cottages are extra-spacious and include two-bedroom options ideal for families. They all have expansive sea-view terraces with hammocks and direct access to the beach.
Majestic Colonial, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
A popular destination among travelers of all types, including families and honeymooners, the Majestic Colonial is a beachfront all-inclusive with adults-only and kid-friendly sections. The main pool is massive, extending nearly the full length of the property and there is a range of non-motorized watersports that are included.
The exceptional animation team is a highlight with games, contents, foam parties and other events arranged by the pool. The kids’ club has its own pool with waterslides, and after dark, the theater hosts live shows. Afterward, the adults can enjoy gambling in the casino or dancing at the late-night disco.
When it comes to drinking and dining, guests enjoy a long list of options with nearly a dozen bars, a snack bar, and seven restaurants, including the elegant Le Gourmet, the sea-view La Hispaniola, and Supreme, a buffet eatery.
The latter is a favorite specializing in cooking stations with local fare and international cuisine available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. While there are many varied room options, standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, and free minibars that are refilled daily. A complimentary bottle of sparkling wine is provided upon arrival.
Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, St. Lucia
Set on a private beach on St. Lucia’s northwest coast, Windjammer Landing is not only budget-friendly, but all rooms boast spectacular ocean views.
They’re nestled int the lush hillside and even the most basic provide a great value with amenities like flat-screen TVs with DVD players, minifridges, and complimentary bottled water. While there are luxury villa options with private pools, they don’t come cheap.
No matter what your room option, you’ll be able to enjoy relaxing on the property’s private secluded beach with gorgeous white sand and calm water for swimming. Non-motorized watersports like windsurfing, snorkeling, and Hobie Cats are included and you’ll have six pools spread throughout the property.
There’s a full-service spa, a kids’ club and separate space where the teens can hang out with TVs and games. The five on-site restaurants range from beachfront casual to fine dining.
Bougainvillea Barbados
Bougainvillea Barbados is a Mediterranean-style resort on the south coast of Barbados offering one of the best values around along with a prime spot on an idyllic quarter-mile stretch of beach. Snorkeling gear, boogie boards, loungers, and palapas are all here and complimentary to guests.
Other watersports are available for an additional fee. You’ll also find three outdoor pools, including a lagoon-style pool with waterfalls, an adults-only pool with a swim-up bar, and a lap pool. The spa offers massages and a variety of decadent treatments along with salon services like manis and pedis.
Accommodation options range from studios to one- and two-bedroom suites with garden, pool, or sea views. All have kitchenettes or kitchens so you won’t have to dine out for every meal, although there are two excellent waterfront restaurants and a poolside bar.