Who says a great all-inclusive has to cost a fortune? Our travel agents spend their days matching Canadians with the right resort at the right price, and these are the ones they keep coming back to. Think warm water, solid food, friendly service and a price tag that leaves room for an excursion (or three).
Here are our agent picks for the best value resorts in Colombia, the Dominican Republic and Mexico.
Cartagena, Colombia
Cobblestone streets, colourful balconies and Caribbean sunsets: Cartagena is the destination that surprises everyone. Spend your mornings wandering the UNESCO-listed walled city, your afternoons by the pool and your evenings at a rooftop bar in Getsemaní. It’s a culture fix and a beach week rolled into one, and your dollar goes a long way here.
Resorts we love in Cartagena
Decameron Cartagena
A no-fuss all-inclusive in the Bocagrande area, just minutes from the Old City. Ideal if you want easy access to Cartagena’s sights without paying boutique-hotel prices.
Cartagena Plaza
A Bocagrande favourite with sweeping city and ocean views and the beach steps away. Great for travellers who want a city break and a beach break in one stay.
Grand Sirenis Cartagena
The resort pick of the bunch. Expect a big beachfront property, several pools, a spa and plenty of dining options, all at a price that’s hard to beat for this level of comfort.
La Romana
On the DR’s southeast coast, La Romana and nearby Bayahibe trade the big-resort buzz for calm, crystal-clear water. This is your launch pad for day trips to Saona Island and Catalina Island, plus some of the best snorkelling in the country. Quieter, more laid-back and a smart pick for couples.
Resorts we love in La Romana
HM Alma de Bayahibe Hotel
A relaxed, smaller-scale stay in the heart of Bayahibe. You’re close to the village, the beach and the boats heading to Saona, without the crowds of the bigger resort zones.
Puerto Plata
Puerto Plata is the DR’s original beach destination, and it’s still one of its best deals. On the Atlantic north coast, you’ll find golden beaches, green mountains and a real Dominican town to explore. Ride the cable car up Mount Isabel de Torres, cool off at the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua or wander the Victorian-era streets downtown.
Resorts we love in Puerto Plata
Blue Bay Villas Doradas
An adults-only escape in the Playa Dorada complex. Tropical gardens, a relaxed vibe and a price that makes a couples’ getaway easy to say yes to.
Emotions by Hodelpa Puerto Plata
A fresh, modern all-inclusive from a Dominican hotel brand that knows how to host. Stylish design and great service without the premium price.
Iberostar Waves Costa Dorada
Iberostar quality on the north coast. Expect a beautiful stretch of beach, polished service and food that punches above its price point.
Marien Puerto Plata
A long-time agent favourite for families on a budget. Simple, friendly and right on the beach at Costa Dorada.
Playabachata Hotel
A lively Playa Dorada stay with colourful, Spanish colonial-inspired architecture and a fun atmosphere. Great value for friends and families alike.
VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort
A family-friendly Playa Dorada classic with a big pool, a kids’ club and an easy beach. A reliable pick when you want everyone happy.
Senator Puerto Plata
Calling all spa lovers. This one is all about relaxation, with a serious spa and wellness focus at a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere.
Santo Domingo
The Caribbean’s oldest colonial city is packed with history, from the cobblestone Zona Colonial to its lively food and nightlife scene. Just east of the capital, Juan Dolio offers a quiet beach strip that’s a short drive from the airport. Pair a city day trip with some serious beach time.
Resorts we love in Santo Domingo
Emotions by Hodelpa Juan Dolio
A modern beachfront all-inclusive on the Juan Dolio coast. You get easy access to Santo Domingo’s sights, a calmer beach than the busier resort zones and excellent value.
Punta Cana
Punta Cana is Canada’s go-to beach destination for a reason: miles of white sand, turquoise water and direct flights from across the country. With so many resorts to choose from, prices stay competitive, and there are real gems hiding in plain sight.
Resorts we love in Punta Cana
Impressive Punta Cana
A beachfront all-inclusive that lives up to its name. Great pools, solid dining and a lively but laid-back vibe at a price that keeps everyone happy.
Sunscape Coco Punta Cana
A family favourite with something for every age, from kids’ activities to evening entertainment. Easy, fun and great value.
VIK Hotel Arena Blanca
Art lovers, this one’s for you. Vik hotels are known for their creative, design-forward style, and this Bávaro beachfront stay delivers that personality without the luxury price tag.
Puerto Vallarta
Mountains on one side, Pacific on the other: Puerto Vallarta has a charm all its own. Stroll the Malecón at sunset, browse the art galleries of the Romantic Zone and catch a whale-watching tour in the winter months. It’s authentic Mexico with an easygoing, walkable vibe.
Resorts we love in Puerto Vallarta
Las Palmas by the Sea
A cozy, beachfront all-inclusive that feels like a hidden gem. Friendly staff, a laid-back atmosphere and a location that makes exploring Vallarta a breeze.
Friendly Vallarta
The name says it all. A welcoming all-inclusive with family-sized rooms, plenty of pool time and a price that works for the whole crew.
Canto del Sol
A long-standing favourite with a great beach and lots of activities, set close to the Marina and its restaurants. Big on value, easy on the budget.
Riviera Maya
Stretching south from Cancun, the Riviera Maya is where jungle meets the Caribbean. Swim in cenotes, explore the Mayan ruins at Tulum and Cobá, then wind down on powdery white sand. Base yourself near Playa del Carmen for easy access to shopping and dining on Fifth Avenue.
Resorts we love in the Riviera Maya
Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda
A sprawling beachfront resort between Cancun and Playa del Carmen with lots of pools, restaurants and space to roam. Families love it, and so do budgets.
Viva Maya by Wyndham
In the Playacar area, steps from Playa del Carmen’s buzz. A lively, activity-packed resort with a beautiful beach and great value for families.
Catalonia Yucatan Beach
A relaxed resort near Puerto Aventuras with lush grounds, a calm atmosphere and a central spot for exploring the region’s cenotes and ruins.
Sandos Caracol
Eco-adventure meets all-inclusive. Set in the jungle with its own natural cenotes and wildlife on site, it’s a one-of-a-kind stay at an unbeatable price.
Cancun
Cancun is the Mexican Caribbean at full volume: turquoise water, white sand and a Hotel Zone packed with restaurants, nightlife and shopping. Add day trips to Isla Mujeres or Chichén Itzá and you’ve got a getaway that’s easy to love and easy to book.
Resorts we love in Cancun
Flamingo Cancun Resort
A fun, budget-friendly pick right in the heart of the Hotel Zone. You’re steps from the action, with a laid-back resort to come home to.
Krystal Grand Cancun
Prime Punta Cancun location, a short walk from the nightlife and shopping. Great views and a polished feel at a price that makes sense.
Occidental Tucancun
A family-friendly Hotel Zone all-inclusive with a long beach, a big pool and plenty of dining. A dependable, great-value classic.
Crown Paradise Club Cancun
Kids will want to come back every year. This family resort is known for its water park, waterslides and activities for every age.
Ready to book your best-value getaway?
Our agents know these resorts inside and out, and they’ll help you find the one that fits your style, your dates and your budget. Contact a tripcentral.ca travel agent today and let’s get you somewhere warm.
