Over the last decade, the all-inclusive concept has been embraced and reimagined by some of the world's most luxurious and character-rich hotels.
Travelers who would previously flinch at the notion of a one-size-fits-all formula — exemplified by big gated compounds in sunny destinations — are discovering just how liberating and discerning the adults-only all-inclusive model can be.
When everything from gourmet food and fine wine to bespoke amenities and expert-led wellness pursuits is included (and nicely tallied up ahead of time), it avoids that rather irritating nickel-and-diming that can take the shine off your dream holiday.
Whether you want to take a deep dive into wellness in Arizona, head to a chic mountain lodge in the wilds of Montana or retreat to your own private Caribbean island hideaway, there are some incredible all-inclusive options out there — and many where you can save thousands of dollars by redeeming points.
Here are some of TPG's favorite adults-only, all-inclusive resorts.
Related: Why now is the time to book an all-inclusive resort with points and miles
It may only be a quick (and private) 45-minute catamaran ride away from buzzy Cancun, but Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets couldn't feel further from the hustle and bustle of the infamous Hotel Zone.
Here, guests — many of them World of Hyatt members, as the resort is fully bookable on Hyatt points — can spend time relaxing by one of the tiered infinity pools or under the overwater cabanas, soaking in the spacious hot tub, luxuriating in the spa (pro tip: don't miss the hammam), and dining at one of five gourmet restaurants.
The 123 suites feature balconies or terraces (many of which have private soaking tubs that can be enjoyed hot or cold) as well as luxury perks like minibars, maid service three times a day, a welcome bottle of tequila, Le Labo bath amenities, and chic, modern decor.
One of the major draws of the Impression brand is the Endless Privileges program, which includes unlimited food and drink (including top-shelf liquors) and 24-hour in-room dining service.
But perhaps the creme de la creme of luxury offerings is the personal butler service, available at guests' beck and call from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Rates at Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets start at $1,089 or 42,000 World of Hyatt points per night for two guests.
Steeped in history, Twin Farms was originally conceived by Nobel Prize-winning author Sinclair Lewis, who bought the farm for $10,000 in 1928 as a gift for his soon-to-be wife Dorothy Thompson (who asked for a Vermont farmhouse as her condition for marriage).
Today, this much-lauded all-inclusive Relais & Chateaux property in Barnard, Vermont — a small town 30 minutes from Burlington — comprises a supremely elegant collection of 28 accommodations, including free-standing cottages and log cabins constructed from cedar, hand-hewn hickory, stone and glass, which dot a bucolic 300-acre estate that has preserved the original farmhouse (which dates to 1795).
Eminent interior designer Jed Johnson designed the original 15 individually styled accommodations. Striking and inviting in equal measure, these spaces — plus more added later — are a design-lover's dream, with plush sofas, fireplaces, large free-standing tubs and walls graced with a superb collection of paintings, including masterworks by David Hockney and Jasper Johns, among other art world luminaries.
In the warmer months, room rates cover activities like tennis, fly-fishing, archery, kayaking, paddleboarding, nature walks and picnics in the woods. When it's cold outside, you can venture out skiing or snowshoeing on the private mountain before returning home to luxuriate in a wooden Japanese ofuro bath and cozy up fireside with steaming mugs of hot chocolate.
Regardless of what time of year you visit, you'll indulge in gourmet, farm-to-table fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Expect nights filled with canapes and Champagne, as well as dishes that showcase ingredients sourced from the property's gardens, trees and beehives.
All-inclusive rates at Twin Farms start at $2,950 per night, based on double occupancy. Keep in mind that "adults-only" here means children who are at least 14 years old are welcome.
Related: 5 incredible fall getaways in the Northeast
Just 22 miles northwest of downtown Austin in Texas' gorgeous Hill Country, this tastefully refined spa resort offers the best of both city and nature vacations. Overlooking Lake Austin, it caters to active types and spa devotees looking to foster a healthier and more rejuvenated self.
Each of Lake Austin Spa Resort's 40 cottage-style rooms offers classic luxury without being fussy. There are stately leather beds dressed with down comforters, porches furnished with wicker chairs, and a soothing color palette of pale blue, beige and white accented with quaint floral and checkered fabrics.
If you feel like splashing out, the plush Lady Bird Johnson Suite — named for the former first lady, who was a guest here — features a separate living room and dining area decorated with antiques and original artworks, as well as two fireplaces. It also has a large private outdoor terrace and a whimsical garden with a built-in hot tub and fire pit.
Guests are treated to three gourmet meals a day from acclaimed French chef Stéphane Beaucamp. Beaucamp's "nurturing table" ethos is based on healthy cuisine that marries fresh seasonal fare with inventive flavors and balanced nutrition. Like it or not, all of the menus list the calories and nutritional content in each dish.
The almighty splurge here happens once you don that plush white robe and sashay over to the spa. The facility is renowned for its pricey Swiss-inspired facials and treatments, which incorporate antiaging products by Valmont.
Should you wish to stick to activities that don't cost extra, check out the daily events calendar, which is jam-packed with fitness classes, hikes, cooking demonstrations and boat cruises, as well as talks and lectures centered on mind-body connection and spiritual healing themes.
All-inclusive rates at Lake Austin Spa Resort start at $1,460 per night, based on double occupancy.
Related: Book this, not that: The best points hotels in Austin
Surrounded by towering mountains, The Green O is the adults-only sister property of the acclaimed Resort at Paws Up. This architectural showstopper is a romantic haven for couples seeking a wilderness escape with a surfeit of outdoor adventures right on their doorstep.
Less than a 45-minute drive from Missoula Montana Airport (MSO), The Green O is home to 12 beautifully appointed, hygge-style accommodations that are scattered through northwestern Montana's primordial forests. With the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex to the north and the wildlife-filled Swan and Garnet mountain ranges to the south, it's an awe-inspiring base from which to experience Montana's wilderness scenery.
Accommodations come in four different "haus" designs with at least 880 square feet. Each is a luxurious, supremely comfortable riff on a traditional Western cabin and embraces an inside-outside flow, with light wood floors and ceilings, glass-walled living spaces with cozy fireplaces, white walls decorated with paintings, cushy sofas and armchairs, canopy beds, and large furnished decks with hot tubs and swing chairs.
Guests have access to the (mostly included) excursions and activities available at The Resort at Paws Up, but the main draw of staying here is the horseback riding. Paws Up's stables are the largest in the state, and everyone from city slickers to seasoned equestrians can join all-day trail rides, team penning, arena lessons and cattle drives. Shooting, fly-fishing, hiking and fat biking are warm-weather options as well, while those visiting in winter can try snowsports galore, including skiing, snowshoeing, dogsledding and cross-country skiing. Indulgent spa treatments and massages take place in swanky tents.
Gourmet meals, which nightly rates cover, are served in the Social Haus. Menus showcase grilled meats raised on the ranch, as well as locally grown vegetables and fruits.
All-inclusive rates at The Green O start at $1,940 per night, based on double occupancy.
Located on the pristine white sands of Malolo Island, surrounded by a sanctuary that supports abundant marine life, Likuliku Lagoon Resort is the quintessential South Pacific island paradise.
With a thatched design that takes its cues from traditional Fijian architecture, the entire resort feels completely in harmony with its natural setting. Its sustainability credentials are also impeccable, with initiatives that include local flora and fauna conservation, elimination of single-use plastics, eco-friendly cleaning products, water desalination, and recycling.
There are 17 secluded beachfront bures (thatched bungalows), as well as 18 deluxe beachfront bures with private plunge pools and indoor-outdoor showers. But for romantics and bucket list travelers, the main draw at Likuliku is the 10 luxurious overwater bures (the only ones in Fiji) with glass floor panels, instant ladder access to the lagoon, and a tropical-chic aesthetic that incorporates exotic furnishings, polished wooden floors, and locally inspired textures and fabrics. The design ensures that you can revel in those castaway dreamscapes from pretty much any vantage point, whether it's your furnished outdoor pavilion, the perfectly positioned deep-soaking bathtub or your plush daybed. Thoughtful, complimentary amenities include a pillow menu, binoculars, a complimentary sarong, and a canape plate and freshly baked cookies delivered to your room daily.
At the center of the resort, the infinity-edge outdoor pool is surrounded by plush loungers, and the heavenly spa incorporates Pure Fiji products in its extensive lineup of treatments, massages and therapies. For active couples looking to interact more with the landscape, there are jungle hikes, island-hopping tours and snorkeling excursions; the island's waters are populated with more than 1,200 types of reef fish, as well as several species of turtles. Sightings of dugongs and humpback whales are also not uncommon.
The intimate Fijiana restaurant serves fresh gourmet cuisine that showcases regional ingredients, sustainable local seafood and traditional cooking techniques. Signature dishes include a local masala curry and a roasted snapper with chorizo, peas and black olive. All meals are included in the daily rate, but note that both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks cost extra.
All-inclusive rates (based on double occupancy) at Likuliku Lagoon Resort in a beachfront bure start at $1,194 per night. In an overwater bungalow, rates start at $1,822 per night.
Part of Marriott's Luxury Collection portfolio, the luxe 324-key Sanctuary Cap Cana overlooks a beautiful white-sand beach within a gated enclave just 20 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ).
With its distinctive Spanish castle design and buildings divided into "Colonial" and more exclusive "Castle" sections (which come with VIP services and private butlers), the rambling property wows with its eclectic, art-filled public spaces, chic modern furnishings and soaring ceilings.
Rooms and villas span 19 different categories, including swim-up rooms and penthouse suites, so there's something for every type of traveler. Thoughtfully appointed junior suites, which start at 646 square feet, sport a classic beach-chic aesthetic with a serene white-and-cream color scheme contrasted with bold blue walls and layered textures and decorative elements like woven throws, rattan furnishings and gilded light fixtures.
Dining options include buffet fare at Casa Bella, seafood specialties at Blue Marlin, sushi and teppanyaki at Wok, and classic Italian at Capriccio. And there's no shortage of inviting places to enjoy signature cocktails — whether it's swimming up to Freshco Bar at the main pool or grabbing a predinner aperitif at Love Bar, a piano bar in the main lobby.
With six swimming pools, there's always space to relax on a cushioned lounger and enjoy the ocean views. Active travelers can tee off at the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, join a tennis clinic, take a dance class or play a game of beach volleyball. Within striking distance of the property, guests can zip line, hike and horseback ride.
The Sanctuary Spa offers a full menu of massages (starting at $160 for 50 minutes), as well as body treatments, facials, wellness journeys and mind-body classes, including yoga and meditation.
Rates at Sanctuary Cap Cana start at $456 per night but can soar to over $1,000 per night in the winter, or 120,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
On palm-fringed Juanillo Beach, the adults-only Hyatt Zilara shares the luxe, gated Cap Cana complex with its family-friendly counterpart, the Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana. Just 15 minutes away from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), this attractive, manicured resort marries convenience and abundance with a picture-perfect location.
At the Hyatt Zilara, there are 375 oceanfront suites with at least 600 square feet of space. Myriad accommodation types meet every mood and budget, including swim-up suites, oceanfront suites and club-level suites that include extra perks and amenities, such as an exclusive lounge, premium liquors and personalized concierge service.
A contemporary, streamlined style prevails in all accommodations. Expect neutral hues and simple furnishings with occasional tropical bursts of color in accents like woven headboards and mosaic bathroom tiles.
Amenity highlights include several infinity-edge pools, a lazy river, a luxurious spa designed to resemble a cenote and 26 restaurants, some of which the resort shares with its sister property. Culinary standouts include Waves (a steakhouse), Brando's (a French-Polynesian restaurant) and Shutters Beachside (a breezy oceanfront Caribbean fusion restaurant serving fresh seafood and ceviche).
With lively pool parties, yoga classes, water aerobics, nonmotorized water sports and nightly entertainment in the outdoor amphitheater, the action here is nonstop. Adults can toggle between the Zilara and the Ziva, which has a slew of family-oriented amenities for those young at heart, including its centerpiece Canapolis Waterpark.
All-inclusive rates for the Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana start at $539 or 21,000 World of Hyatt points per night, based on double occupancy.
Related: 7 things to know before booking a stay at the Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana
A castaway's dream, the 135-acre Palm Island Resort & Spa is a jewel in the island chain of the Grenadines. Accessed only by boat, the private island is 10 minutes away from Union Island, the Grenadines' main transport and commercial hub.
Less flashy and not as well known as the neighboring islands of Tobago Cays and Mustique, diminutive Palm Island still has it all: five gorgeous white-sand beaches lapped by aquamarine waters, a coral reef populated with kaleidoscopic marine life and a spa featuring several treatments using hibiscus (considered the "Botox of the Caribbean").
Activities range from paddleboarding and snorkeling to tennis, volleyball and cricket. At night, local reggae bands play, rum tastings flow free, and you can raise money for local charities by signing up for the property's crab racing event.
This intimate 41-room retreat has five categories of accommodations to choose from, which are distinguished by their size, location and amenities. Rooms start at 450 square feet, but with soaring beamed ceilings and large furnished decks or patios surrounded by tropical foliage, they feel spacious and summon those breezy tropical vibes.
The decor is simple but stylish, with wooden, rattan and wicker furnishings; marine-themed paintings hanging on white walls; and crisp linens accented with fuchsia, green or blue cushions, depending on the room type.
As for dining, guests have access to two restaurants: the more casual Sunset Grill & Bar and the formal Royal Palm Restaurant. Spanning international and Caribbean classics, menus showcase the fresh catch of the day, wood-fired pizzas and bountiful local produce. With more than 2,000 coconut palms growing on the island, expect coconut to be a key component of many dishes.
All-inclusive rates at Palm Island Resort & Spa start at around $1,100 per night, based on double occupancy. Gratuities and taxes are included.
In the heavenly Lhaviyani Atoll, the 90-villa Hurawalhi Island Resort is the quintessential honeymoon destination, combining blissful scenery, barefoot-chic vibes and luxurious overwater bungalows with contemporary amenities.
Upgraded beachside villas are huge (measuring at least 1,130 square feet) and lavishly appointed with exotic hardwood furnishings, glass-walled bathrooms and large furnished terraces with a private pool. But you've come this far and dreamed this big, so live the Maldivian fantasy with one of the luxurious overwater bungalows, which have the same design as the beachside villas, plus steps leading down into the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon.
When it comes to dining, the all-inclusive package covers all meals at Canneli, which serves buffet-style international fare. However, there are additional restaurants you can pay to dine at, such as Kashibo, an Asian-fusion restaurant known for its inventive mixology (try a Thai sabai made with Cuban rum, ginger, cucumber, cardamom and passion fruit), and 5.8 Undersea, where multicourse tasting menus (think: wagyu beef tenderloin, Patagonian toothfish and Canadian lobster) are served in the world's largest all-glass, under-the-sea restaurant (19 feet below the surface).
Not surprisingly, indulgence, relaxation and luxuriation with mesmerizing views of the atoll are what draw most guests here. Those in search of more adventure are in luck, as the resort has all kinds of nonmotorized water sports in addition to snorkeling excursions with manta rays (in the company of the resident marine biologist) and dolphin "safaris." On land, there are also tennis and badminton courts, as well as a game room with air hockey, table tennis and arcade games.
All-inclusive rates at Hurawalhi Island Resort start at $1,250 per night, based on double occupancy.
True all-inclusive resorts in Florida are hard to find, but this charming beachfront property, less than an hour's drive from Miami International Airport (MIA), has plenty to offer couples looking for an upscale property in an idyllic location.
Expect inventive cuisine, many top-shelf liquors, and daily activities and entertainment (yoga, paddleboarding, and nightly shows like karaoke and trivia nights) — all included in the rate.
Chic and spacious garden-view or beachside bungalows make the case for blissful lounging. Furnished patios have outdoor rainfall showers, porches are decked out with Adirondack chairs — perfect for taking in the spectacular sunsets — and there are decadent deep soaking tubs in the polished bathrooms.
On-site restaurants and bars include piquant Mexican classics at the oceanfront Sea Senor, Italian with a seafood spin at Fish Tales, and tropical libations at the swanky Hemingway Bar.
There's a glistening pool surrounded by blue-cushioned loungers, a fitness tiki hut, a lively beach club and plenty of secluded nooks to retreat to (craft cocktail in hand) to admire the far-reaching views.
Rates at Bungalows Key Largo start at $799 per night, based on double occupancy. Garden Bungalows have a two-night minimum stay while Waterfront Bungalows have a three-night minimum stay. ("Adult" here means anyone age 21 and over.)
Few islands in the Caribbean are considered as romantic as St. Lucia, and one of its most romantic properties is undoubtedly Jade Mountain. Just a 12-minute drive away from Soufriere, this all-inclusive resort is an exclusive hideaway made for couples, as it's carved into a mountainside that overlooks a gorgeous bay with golden sands.
Whether you spend your stay sipping cocktails beneath star-studded skies on the Celestial Terrace or lounging on one of two beaches shared with its sister property, Anse Chastanet, everything about Jade Mountain is designed to immerse you in St. Lucia's stunning coastline and dramatic UNESCO-inscribed Piton mountains.
You'll find fantastic snorkeling and diving at the offshore reef, plus opportunities to dial up the romance during activities like sailing excursions on Miss Babsie (the house catamaran) and strolls through the on-site garden. There's a spa, too, for those who wish to indulge in a treatment.
Aptly named "sanctuaries," all 24 guest rooms are bigger than your average city apartment — they start at 1,400 square feet — and embrace an off-the-grid vibe, with no phones or TVs and an inside-outside design ethos. The decor is tropical-chic, with wicker and rattan furnishings, wooden floors, and exotic motifs in a neutral color scheme with exuberant pops of green, blue and pink.
There are five room categories to choose from, all of which are named after natural phenomena. Every room has a massive terrace and an open fourth wall to maximize those stellar Piton views; the Galaxy, Sun, Moon and Star sanctuaries also come with private infinity pools measuring between 450 and 900 square feet.
All meals are served in the resort's restaurant, Jade Mountain Club. Helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Allen Susser, the eatery specializes in inventive Caribbean fusion cuisine that incorporates local, tropical ingredients.
All-inclusive rates at Jade Mountain start at $1,775 per night, based on double occupancy. Keep in mind that this resort permits guests who are 15 and older.
Related: Best points hotels in the Caribbean
Some 18 miles south of Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), Marquis Los Cabos is part of the Leading Hotels of the World portfolio. This upscale 235-suite resort with three pools and five restaurants overlooks the Sea of Cortez and is framed by dramatic desert landscapes.
Standard Junior Ocean View Suites start at 650 square feet. While they might not win any awards for creative design, they are spacious and spotless with colorful sofas, Mexican-inspired artwork, hacienda-style bed frames, Nespresso coffee makers and sweeping ocean views. Marble-accented bathrooms feature L'Occitane products. Considering booking one of the 25 casitas, which have a more contemporary aesthetic, plunge pools and more than 1,600 square feet of living-dining space.
Outside your suite or casita, you'll discover plenty of complimentary activities on both land and sea to keep yourself busy. You can try archery, play volleyball, enjoy nonmotorized water sports and partake in wine tastings and mixology and cooking classes, among other options. The concierge can also arrange local excursions and tours for a fee, including whale watching (in the winter), surfing, snorkeling, golf and deep-sea fishing.
The resort's all-inclusive plan covers room service and items available at the property's coffee shop and bar, plus all meals and drinks at four of the five restaurants, including one with a buffet. Every dining venue is helmed by well-known chef Claudio Hotter, and culinary themes include Japanese, Mediterranean and Mexican. The signature seafood restaurant, Canto del Mar, costs extra.
All-inclusive rates at El Marquis Los Cabos start at $621 per night, based on double occupancy.
This polished 202-room property offers the perfect Costa Rica trifecta of beach, rainforest and wildlife. Part of the Hyatt portfolio, Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica sits less than 15 miles from Liberia International Airport (LIR) yet feels immersed in nature from its hillside perch overlooking Arenilla Beach.
At 398 square feet, standard rooms aren't huge here, but they are contemporary and bright, with blond wood and wicker furnishings, plus balconies or terraces that have either garden or bay views. Contemporary bathrooms are well-designed with double sinks and walk-in showers. Upgrade to a club-level accommodation for access to the property's Preferred Club, where continental breakfast, hors d'oeuvres, desserts and premium liquors are served daily.
When your stomach starts to grumble, sit for a meal at one of seven dining venues. Crowd pleasers include Himitsu, a Pan-Asian restaurant, and Portofino, a romantic Italian eatery. For those who prefer a lot of options, make your way to the Market Cafe, a buffet-style establishment with an array of international dishes.
Amenities are plentiful, too. Two infinity-edge pools (one with a swim-up bar) are beautifully integrated with the beachfront setting and are surrounded by daybeds and loungers. The gym is well equipped with cardio machines and a separate weight room, and you can join any classes or activities that populate the daily calendar, including cooking classes, beach hikes, yoga sessions and coffee tastings. The resort can also arrange off-site deep-sea fishing, scuba diving and zip-lining excursions for a fee.
All-inclusive rates at Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica start at $370 or 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night, based on double occupancy.
The Miraval brand is synonymous with rejuvenation, balance and a be-kind-to-yourself form of indulgence. An hour from Tucson International Airport (TUS), the Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa is all about embarking on a mental well-being journey, in Miraval speak. Guests come here to eat healthier, partake in an array of mind-body pursuits, push their wellness boundaries and eliminate any tech impulses — they're given a cellphone "sleeping bag" at check-in to encourage disconnecting from their devices.
As you'd expect, each of the 118 rooms, suites, villas and retreats is a calming, serene haven designed to blend harmoniously with the surrounding desert and mountain landscape. Starting at 400 square feet, rooms are appointed with contemporary furnishings in a muted color palette of brown, white and gray. The highlights, though, are the thoughtful relaxation-focused touches, such as Tibetan singing bowls, meditation cushions and Miraval's super-comfortable "cloud" beds dressed in bespoke bedding.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the Cactus Flower Restaurant, with the option of eating at the bar for dinner. Don't expect it to be all panaceas and penance when it comes to the all-inclusive dining options. Among the kale salads, wheatgrass, complex proteins and superfood smoothies, you'll find pizza, burgers, decadent desserts, fine wine, cocktails and other crowd-pleasing delights that make a stay here into a true vacation.
The seemingly endless daily activities calendar focuses on physical, mental and emotional well-being. Offerings include aerial yoga, stretching, mindfulness, meditation, cardio drumming, tennis and equine therapy (for an additional charge), as well as cooking classes, talks on how to curb inflammation and artistic expression workshops. You'll also find hiking trails, two pools (one with poolside snacks and cocktails), a gym and a luxurious spa that is one of TPG's favorites on the 400-acre property.
All-inclusive rates at the Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa start at $1,101 or 57,000 World of Hyatt points per night, based on double occupancy.
Europe may not be the obvious choice when it comes to choosing your next all-inclusive resort. It's also hardly a budget option in terms of places to stay, dine and play. However, the continent has a number of accommodation options that offer it all — and one of the best is on the Greek island of Rhodes.
In Kiotari, some 37 miles away from Rhodes Airport (RHO), Mayia Exclusive Resort & Spa is a popular choice among European sun-seekers thanks to its exceptional amenities, high-quality dining and prime location close to some of Rhodes' most beautiful beaches, atmospheric seafood tavernas, unspoiled mountain villages and one of Europe's best-preserved medieval towns.
The modern Greek style starts in the lobby with clean lines and a white-on-white palette. Housed in clusters of low-rise, whitewashed buildings, the 250 rooms and suites are fresh and bright, with polished tile floors and simple wooden, rattan and wicker furnishings. Huge picture windows and balconies make the most of the impossibly blue Aegean Sea, while select accommodations also have swim-up access to shared pools or their own private pools.
Resort amenities include a luxurious spa, a sauna, two beautiful swimming pools surrounded by loungers and a small, private beach area. While the all-inclusive package doesn't cover spa treatments, you can use its facilities, plus the pools and beach, and partake in all kinds of activities, including aerobics, tennis, cooking classes, themed dinners and snorkeling.
Room rates also cover all meals and drinks at the main buffet restaurant in addition to dinner at any of the three a la carte eateries, which specialize in Greek, Italian and Asian fare.
All-inclusive rates at Mayia Exclusive Resort & Spa start at $92 per person, per night.
Just south of Puerto Vallarta, this contemporary 271-suite resort faces a wide, sandy beach at the southern end of the Hotel Zone and is less than 2 miles north of Puerto Vallarta's historic center and zocalo (main square), which is dotted with restaurants, clubs and galleries.
Puerto Vallarta is known for its sizzling nightlife and cosmopolitan, LGBTQIA-friendly atmosphere, and this Secrets outpost shares that inclusive outlook. Sultry chambers trade the customary neutral palette of Secrets' other outposts for vibrant shades of purple and red, luxe velvet daybeds, marble floors, gold woven headboards, and deep soaking tubs primed for rose petals. Glass-walled balconies allow for spectacular ocean views from any vantage point, and swim-up rooms (some of which are club-level accommodations with access to a lounge) add that extra dose of exclusivity and privacy.
Beyond the large, sun-drenched swimming pools surrounded by swaying palms and the inviting, swimmable beachfront of Banderas Bay (which is much calmer than the open Pacific), there's around-the-clock entertainment. Competitive types can play soccer, try their hand at archery or join a pick-up volleyball game. Wellness enthusiasts can hit the spa or fitness center (charges apply for spa treatments), and snorkelers and divers can sign up for a fee-based excursion to the Marietas Islands, which are known for their incredible biodiversity.
At night, there are themed parties, movies on the beach, and live events and shows in the open-air theater.
There are five eateries as well, including Market Cafe (an international buffet), Oceana (featuring fresh seafood by the beach) and Bordeaux (where classic French cuisine is served in an atmospheric wine cellar under glittering chandeliers and frescos). Additional restaurants are available at the resort's adjacent sister property, Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa.
All-inclusive rates at Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta start at $220 per person, per night, or 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night, based on double occupancy.
Tucked amid towering coastal redwoods, the intimate, 59-room Alila Ventana Big Sur exudes rustic-chic charm. Just off the Pacific Coast Highway less than three hours south of San Francisco, this Hyatt outpost is widely considered the brand's finest property in North America.
All rooms and suites showcase outdoorsy details, such as wood paneling, black-and-white nature prints, leather armchairs, and wood- and stone-clad bathrooms. The impeccable style is maintained across the public spaces, where terraces with outdoor fireplaces and granite floors are arranged with cozy outdoor sofas and chairs for alfresco lounging.
Throughout the expansive property, there are plenty of areas for relaxing and taking in Big Sur's signature coastal views. There are two beautifully landscaped, heated pools surrounded by loungers and manicured lawns: the infinity-edge Meadow Pool and the clothing-optional Mountain Pool.
Additionally, guests have access to a small fitness center, Japanese hot baths and a spa with outdoor cabanas nestled among redwoods. The surrounding area is also crisscrossed by hiking trails like the 8-mile Andrew Molera Loop, which sits just steps from the resort.
Alila Ventana Big Sur offers guests modern American fare that skews wholesome (incorporating organic produce grown in the on-site garden) as part of their nightly rate. Expert delectable dishes such as hand-harvested scallops with parsnip and apple, and Fogline Farms chicken with gnocchi.
All-inclusive rates at Alila Ventana Big Sur start at $1,300 or 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night, based on double occupancy.
Less than an hour from Cancun International Airport (CUN), the all-suite Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun is a world apart from Cancun's rowdy spring break image. Set on one of the Riviera Maya's most picturesque swathes of white sand, it's a haven for water sports lovers — the snorkeling at nearby Puerto Morelos is the best along this part of the coast.
Surrounded by lush foliage, the 412 suites measure at least 624 square feet and are richly appointed with polished dark wood, rattan and wicker furnishings, plus spacious marble-clad bathrooms and artfully scattered cushions and linens that add bold pops of color to an otherwise muted palette. Wooden shutters open to furnished balconies or terraces with either tropical or ocean views, and for that extra dose of romance and air of exclusivity, swim-up suites are also available.
For meals, there are six a la carte restaurants (including Bordeaux for classic French bistro fare, Oceana for creative seafood and El Patio for cantina-style Mexican cuisine), as well as a more casual buffet venue, a grill and a cafe. If you upgrade to a club-level suite, you'll also have access to an exclusive beach club, along with other perks like premium liquors and personalized concierge service.
The all-inclusive rates cover a number of facilities and activities, too. In addition to cooling off in the two large swimming pools (one of which is an infinity pool), you can attend "wine and paint" sessions and taco-making classes, participate in fitness classes like beach yoga, play tennis and go on daily excursions, such as sunrise kayak tours around the bay.
Like other Secrets properties, Secrets Maroma Beach also has an outpost of the brand's signature Spa by Pevonia. Here, guests can enjoy fee-based treatments like indoor-outdoor couples massages, facials and salon services when they're not using the hydrotherapy circuit or sauna.
All-inclusive rates at Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun start at $620 or 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night, based on double occupancy.
Related: TPG's favorite points hotels on the beach in Mexico
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
