CHEVY CHASE, MD (December 23, 2014) – From the mountains to the beaches, TravelChannel.com names the “Travel’s Best: All-Inclusive Resorts” of 2015 for the vacation planners that want to relax, rejuvenate and have endless activities to choose from, all at one price. This year’s list of best all-inclusive resorts offers yoga classes, gourmet dining, swimming with dolphins and world-class spa facilities – perfect for some family fun or a private getaway.
TravelChannel.com editors enlisted a panel of experts to help determine the 10 best all-inclusive resorts, including: Susan B. Barnes (Travel Writer), Kelsey Blodget (Managing Editor, Oyster.com), Shane Green (Host, “Resort Rescue” and Hospitality Consultant) and Anthony Melchiorri (Host, “Hotel Impossible”).
The 2015 “Travel’s Best: All-Inclusive Resorts” (in alphabetical order):
Blackberry Farm – Walland, Tenn.
Tennessee might not be thought of as a typical place for an all-inclusive vacation, but Blackberry Farm is exceptional. With delicious farm-to-table cuisine included in the price, this secluded Smoky Mountains escape is one of the top destinations in the country for foodies and outdoorsy types. As a working farm, activities include horseback riding, fly-fishing and tastings at the on-site brewery.
Carlisle Bay is an intimate, comfortable and contemporary resort on the Caribbean island of Antigua. Tucked between a tranquil bay and a cascading rainforest, it offers ample opportunity to lie back and relax in the sun or go on an exploration and adventure. Each of the 82 studio to three-bedroom suites boast ocean views and amenities that will have you yearning for more time in paradise. The Blue Spa, a state-of-the-art health club; a multimedia screening room; three bars; four restaurants; a pool; and excursions such as deep-sea fishing, golfing and yachting are just a few of the resort’s luxurious offerings.
Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort – Antigua
Christopher Columbus discovered Jumby Bay in 1493 and today, this island paradise is home to the all-inclusive Jumby Bay Resort. Located on a 300-acre private island where cars are forbidden, this resort has five places to dine; breathtaking views of the Caribbean at the Sense Spa; an 82-foot family-friendly pool; an oceanfront infinity pool; and luxe accommodations ranging from rooms and suites to villas and beach homes. “This resort is perfect for couples or families and a little more distinctive than your typical Sandals or other all-inclusive resort,” says Anthony Melchiorri, host of Travel Channel’s “Hotel Impossible.”
Marival Resort & Suites Nuevo Vallarta – Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
Located 16 miles from Puerto Vallarta, the Marival Resort & Suites has 495 luxurious rooms and suites spread out across 14 buildings. An array of fun activities in the area include a 4×4 mountain adventure, a Sierra Madres excursion, swimming with dolphins, golfing at Vista Vallarta, a canopy tour above Banderas Bay or a sunset cruise to the private cove of Las Caletas.
Parrot Cay and Como Shambhala Retreat – Turks and Caicos
One of the best options for a secluded and uber-decadent getaway in the Caribbean is Parrot Cay by Como – located on a private island and resting on a thousand acres and a mile-long beach. This all-inclusive resort is a 30-minute boat ride from Providenciales in Turks and Caicos and has a jaw-dropping beach, a world-renowned spa, free yoga classes and breathtaking ocean-view villas. In addition to high quality food, healthy options are available since the resort also has a wellness focus.
The Ranch at Rock Creek – Philipsburg, Mont.
Go glamping at the Ranch at Rock Creek. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, this ranch provides guests with the option to stay in a luxe tent, a canvas cabin, a private log home or one of nine rooms at the Granite Lodge. All rates include the regionally inspired meals and drinks served in the lodge’s dining room, the Blue Canteen and the Silver Dollar Saloon. You’ll need plenty of sustenance to participate in the wide array of activities available at the ranch, such as mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, fly-fishing and clay shooting.
Red Mountain Resort – St. George, Utah
Red Mountain Resort in St. George, Utah offers luxurious spa treatments, weekend wellness retreats, outdoor excursions and more for guests wanting to relax, unwind and renew their spirit. Guests can hike in state and national parks such as Snow Canyon State Park, relax with a Zen yoga retreat or visit a Navajo reservation. Visiting the Sagestone Spa is a must – it offers nature-inspired treatments using indigenous desert botanicals and locally sourced, mineral-rich muds and clays.
The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real is a favorite of “Hotel Impossible” host Anthony Melchiorri. The white sand of Bavaro Beach, which was recognized by UNESCO, is consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the world. The resort has a full-service Yhi Spa with a fully equipped gym, three pools, a family concierge, the Kids Zone (for children ages 1-12) and two a la carte restaurants. With occasional deals that allow kids to stay for free, movie nights, beach volleyball classes, salsa lessons, finger-painting, pizza-making classes and live music performances are just a few activities and workshops available to guests.
St. Regis Bora Bora – French Polynesia
The St. Regis Bora Bora offers one of the most picturesque settings in the world. The clear and tranquil waters of Bora Bora house some of the most exotic fish habitats, perfect for diving. An amazing array of food and beverage options will please any palate – including Polynesian, Japanese and Italian cuisine – along with celebrity chef Jean Georges Vongericthen’s French-Asian restaurant, Lagoon. The royal villas set the stage for a serene and luxurious retreat from reality, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion.
Travaasa, a healthy getaway just outside of Austin, Texas, is perched atop one of the hills in Texas Hill Country. The resort offers guests five pillars of experience: culture, fitness, wellness, culinary and adventure. But, its greatest asset may just be its staff, who go above and beyond to make sure each guest has memorable experiences that will last a lifetime.
For more details on the “Travel’s Best: All-Inclusive Resorts” of 2015, go to:
