Mexico & Central America – Trips To Discover

14 Best Golf Vacations for Couples

K.C. Dermody — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 13:15:22 +0000

Playing golf together can be the perfect romantic activity, especially when surrounded by spectacular scenery. Suppose you’re a couple who likes to golf. In that case, these top-rated golf destinations include the opportunity to play a beautiful course while enjoying many other activities as well, from spending time on idyllic beaches and tropical islands or sailing the seas and taking to the skies in a hot-air balloon to wine-tasting and exploring historic ruins.

Whether you prefer to stay closer to home or looking for an epic adventure thousands of miles away, there’s the perfect place for you and your loved one on this list.

12 Best Places to Visit in Nicaragua

K.C. Dermody — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 13:00:45 +0000

An increasing number of travelers are discovering the many delights of Nicaragua, the largest country in Central America. With lively colonial cities, friendly people, mouthwatering cuisine, and a cornucopia of natural wonders, if this budget-friendly destination is not on your travel bucket list, it should be. The landscapes are stunning, with unspoiled rainforests, waterfalls, golden sandy beaches, and towering volcanoes, while the abundant wildlife brings the chance to spot everything from sea turtles that glide among coral reefs to sloths, jaguars, and toucans. When planning your itinerary, you’ll want to include at least some of these top places to visit in Nicaragua.

Top 25 All-Inclusive Resorts Worldwide, According to Guests in 2023

Noah Holtgraves — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 17:04:36 +0000

Welcome to our exclusive list of the world’s 25 top-rated all-inclusive resort destinations. Our analysis of over 2,000 all-inclusive resorts worldwide reveals the finest vacation havens that captivate travel aficionados and guests.

We undertook a detailed two-part investigation, including a statistical and a qualitative review sentiment analysis, to rank and identify the most cherished experiences and top-praised amenities that set these resorts apart. Our findings also reveal the common critiques guests have about these vacation paradises.

Join us on this luxurious journey as we showcase the unmatched offerings of these elite vacation spots.

These jump links breakdown everything you will learn on this page:

Categories: Top All-Inclusive Resorts by Type
Understanding All-Inclusives: Definition & Features
The Elite 25: Best All-Inclusive Resorts Globally
Visual Guide: Interactive Map & Table of Top Resorts
Research Process: Our Methodology & Approach

Categories: Top All-Inclusive Resorts by Type

Best Overall: Excellence Playa Mujeres, Mexico
Best Adults Only: Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun, Mexico
Best Luxury: Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa, Dominican Republic
Best Family-Friendly: Moon Palace The Grand – Cancun, Mexico
Best Adventure/Sport: Voyage Belek Golf & Spa, Turkey
Best Couples: Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort, Dominican Republic
Best Wellness: Akumal Bay Beach & Wellness Resort, Mexico

Understanding All-Inclusives: Definition & Features

What is an All-Inclusive Resort? Also sometimes called a resort with “everything included,” or referenced by the ellipsis “all-inclusive(s),” these destinations try to offer everything you might want on a vacation, typically in one complex. You will find a range of onsite amenities at each resort. According to the EHL Hospitality Business School in Switzerland, most all-inclusive resorts are like full-service resorts, including multiple onsite restaurants, exercise spaces, spas and meeting places and are frequently luxurious properties. All-inclusives bundle everything into one “package” or bill.

What Does All-Inclusive Mean? According to EHL, the main difference between full-service and all-inclusive resorts is how you pay for them. With an all-inclusive resort package, your room, unlimited food and most drinks, services, amenities, gratuities and all the extras are bundled together in one bill instead of separate bills for all the amenities, experiences, activities, meals, spas and more. One of the main benefits of selecting an all-inclusive package is knowing what you will spend at the resort without being surprised by all the added-up charges during your stay.

What Countries Have All-Inclusives? We found a total of 2,163 all-inclusive resorts across 77 countries worldwide. Egypt tops the list with 265 resorts, followed by Mexico with 237, Turkey with 215, Spain with 103, and Greece with 86. Our analysis shows that Mexico has the most top-rated all-inclusive resorts worldwide, with 15 on our top 25 list. Turkey has two best globally. The Dominican Republic, on the other hand, may only rank #18 for the most all-inclusive resorts globally, but it has eight of the world’s best ones.

The Elite 25: Best All-Inclusive Resorts Globally

We used two types of analysis to evaluate all-inclusive resorts: a statistical analysis and a qualitative review sentiment analysis. The statistical analysis counts and rates customer reviews from Tripadvisor to calculate a Customer Review Score. On the other hand, the qualitative review sentiment analysis extracts customer feelings, emotions, and nuanced points of view from reviews with the highest Customer Review Scores through natural language processing. Together, these analyses provide a comprehensive understanding of customer satisfaction and a holistic evaluation of the highest-rated resorts worldwide.

Visual Guide: Interactive Map & Table of Top Resorts

Credit: Trips to Discover

Top 10 All-Inclusive Resorts as rated by ‘Trips to Discover,’ featuring destinations from Cancun, Mexico to Belek, Turkey.

Research Process: Our Methodology & Approach

Independent: We conduct our research independently to recommend the best destinations using data analysis. Our top recommendations are based solely on data extraction and a ranking formula. Our research is editorially independent, but we may earn a commission for any purchases made through links on this page.

Data Source: We conducted a comprehensive search for all-inclusive resorts worldwide, one country at a time, by using the property type filter on Tripadvisor and selecting only all-inclusive resorts. Out of the 195 countries globally, we found that 77 countries have all-inclusive resorts for 2,163 all-inclusive resorts worldwide. We sought to see which resorts are statistically objectively the favorites among those who stay there.

Data Extraction: We used Web Scraper, a data extraction tool, to extract review data for the 2,163 all-inclusive resorts on Tripadvisor. We pulled all review data between 9/18/23 and 9/19/23.

Statistical Analysis: We based these rankings on an analysis of the 2,163 resorts. Our team has developed a unique algorithm to rank hospitality establishments called the Customer Review Score. The score considers the number of Tripadvisor reviews and the average review score for each location. The more reviews a resort has, the higher it will typically rank. However, to avoid over-emphasizing the impact of wildly high review counts, the algorithm utilizes an exponential function, giving diminishing returns for higher review counts. The algorithm thus balances review frequency with review quality. The final scores are presented on a 5-point scale.

Qualitative Review Sentiment Analysis: We take customer reviews seriously at Trips to Discover. To gather the most recent 100 customer reviews for each resort from Tripadvisor, we used Outscrapper, a reliable data-scrapping tool. We used ChatGPT Advanced Data Analysis for qualitative review sentiment analysis, which knows how to write and execute Python code and can work with file uploads. Qualitative sentiment analysis is a method that uses machine learning, statistics, and natural language processing (NLP) to understand the underlying parts of guest emotions on a macro scale.

Human Authored: Our qualitative analysis focused on different perspectives, including what distinguishes the location for customers, shared perceived advantages and disadvantages for patrons, and crucial decision-making factors for those who choose to stay there. To ensure accuracy, we meticulously cross-checked the sentiment analysis output against the raw review data. We wrote each resort’s final customer review summaries (the “what guests are saying” section) based on the information from the fact-checked AI-generated qualitative review sentiment analysis.

Replicability: All the data used for this project is publicly available for study replication. The 2,163 resorts used in this analysis are on Tripadvisor with the latest customer reviews, where you can identify review scores, counts and more!

Data: You can download the data behind our research here in Google Sheets. It includes all 2163 resorts used in the analysis with direct links to their Tripadvisor pages. You will also find all the review tallies, ratings and Customer Review Scores for these resorts. This workbook also contains all 2,500 resort review samples used for our sentiment analysis in that book. We have removed all proprietary calculations from the books. You can view the raw qualitative sentiment analysis outputs based on these 2,500 reviews here in Google Docs; however, We are choosing to withhold the valuable and meticulously crafted prompts used to create these analyses. Please feel free to use or share this data with whoever may find this helpful — we ask that your purposes be noncommercial and that you link back to this page so its contributors can receive proper credit for their work.

Contact: The ranking algorithm is proprietary, but if you want to build a similar project or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact noah@strivemedia.com, and he can walk you through the process.

13 Best Day Trips From Mexico City

K.C. Dermody — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 13:00:20 +0000

Having lived in Mexico for over five years, I’ve been able to explore many destinations throughout the country. While there are countless beautiful beaches, the capital city itself is one of the most magical, boasting a long list of things to see and do, as well as offering quite a few intriguing day trips. From ancient ruins, including temples and pyramids, to charming colonial towns and spectacular parks, even if you only have a week in Mexico City, you’ll want to embark on at least one of them, whether you take a tour or head out on your own.

12 Best Places to Experience Day of the Dead in Mexico

K.C. Dermody — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 13:15:15 +0000

While Día de Muertos, Day of the Dead, is a holiday that revolves around death, it’s not a somber affair and arguably makes Mexico one of the world’s best places to visit in November. Before I moved to Mexico, I didn’t know much about it, but this isn’t a time of mourning, rather a time to celebrate life, honoring those who have departed. It officially takes place on November 1st and 2nd, when the veil between the living and the dead is said to be thin enough that the departed can cross back over, allowing friends and families to reunite. The parties sometimes last for days and include colorful costumes, elaborate decor, music, dancing, and lots of food. While specific traditions can vary depending on the destination, it’s an important event throughout Mexico. If you want to experience Day of the Dead, these are the best places to be in the country to do it.

Top 13 Boutique Hotels in Mexico

K.C. Dermody — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 13:15:26 +0000

Living in Mexico, I’ve had the opportunity to stay at a variety of boutique hotels, often providing a more authentic experience along with some fabulous perks. They offer a unique kind of experience, with a more intimate stay that typically has a distinct personality along with warm, personalized service. While many people envision sprawling resorts with pools when thinking about a vacation in Mexico, it’s well worth considering one of its impressive boutique properties, from magical Mexico City to Cabo, Tulum, and alluring destinations in between.

12 Best Spa Hotels in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

K.C. Dermody — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 13:00:17 +0000

One of the most popular vacation destinations in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta sits along the Bay of Bandera on the country’s Pacific coast, offering a wide range of activities from snorkeling and diving to hiking through the rainforest. It’s also the perfect place to simply relax on miles of gorgeous sandy beaches, shop at Marina Vallarta and the little boutiques along cobbled streets, and dine on mouthwatering cuisine. For those who want to enjoy some pampering with their stay, these spa hotels in Puerto Vallarta are sure to be ideal.

12 Best Spa Resorts in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

K.C. Dermody — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 13:15:33 +0000

Cabo isn’t just about partying and letting loose at places like Cabo Wabo. Those who are seeking a tranquil oasis for enjoying pampering treatments will find some fabulous spa hotels that sit right along beautiful golden sands. Many offer all sorts of desirable features, like gorgeous pools and fine dining eateries too. These are some of the best spa hotels in Cabo, sure to provide the ultimate retreat.

14 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Riviera Maya

K.C. Dermody — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 13:00:45 +0000

Stretching for 75 miles along the west coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, the Riviera Maya includes popular places like Playa del Carmen, Puerto Adventuras, Akumal, and Tulum. It’s famous for its long beaches, fine-dining restaurants, and numerous all-inclusive resorts. In fact, there are so many, it can be almost overwhelming when trying to decide which to book for your stay.

Having moved to Mexico, I’ve been able to sample many of them to help narrow down the field to the best of the best all-inclusive resorts in Riviera Maya.

12 Best Beachfront Hotels in Tulum, Mexico

K.C. Dermody — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 13:00:37 +0000

If you’re planning a getaway in Tulum, odds are, you’re going for its spectacular beaches. There’s no better way to enjoy them than from a beachfront hotel, some of which allow you to fall peacefully asleep to the azure waves. You might even be able to wake up to a glorious sunrise over the Caribbean. These beachfront properties are some of the top picks in the area for the ultimate Mexican-Caribbean escape.

12 Best All-Inclusive Resorts Near Tulum, Mexico

K.C. Dermody — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 13:30:25 +0000

Famous for its dazzling turquoise waters and powder sugar-like beaches, as well as its pre-Columbia Mayan ruins, Tulum has become one of the most desirable destinations in Mexico. While it’s grown in recent years, it still offers a charming bohemian feel with lots of opportunities to practice yoga and dine on organic cuisine in addition to all the usual fun in the sun. There are only a handful of all-inclusive resorts right in Tulum, as most properties are intimate boutique hotels, but that just makes those that are here extra special. To give you more options, I’ve listed a number of properties that will put you within a relatively short distance away in places like Akumal and Xpu-Ha.

The Best Clothing Optional Resorts in Mexico

K.C. Dermody — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 13:00:38 +0000

If you’re looking for a clothing-optional resort in Mexico, you might have noticed that there are only a handful, and most are in the Tulum area, as it’s traditionally been more relaxed about nudity. Keep in mind that while some advertise clothing-optional beaches, nudism is prohibited federally, and all beaches in the country are public despite claims to the contrary. With lots of new construction going on, if you bare all on the beach, you’ll run the risk of complaints from other guests at resorts and villas nearby or from local residents, which may lead to problems with the authorities too.

While you might get away with taking it all off to prevent those tan lines, if you don’t want to take the risk, you’ll need to wear a bathing suit at the beach and stay in a private home or villa rental or one of the resorts mentioned here.

11 Hotels with Swimmable Beaches in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

K.C. Dermody — Wed, 17 May 2023 13:00:28 +0000

Located along Mexico’s Pacific coast and backed by the lush green Sierra Madre Mountains, Puerto Vallarta is an enchanting destination with cobbled streets, authentic culture, mouthwatering street tacos, and fun things to do. Its spectacular beaches draw many, and if that’s one of the main reasons you’re planning a visit, you’ll probably want to stay in a hotel where the water is swimmable. The good news is that you’ll have some great choices whether you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, ultra-luxurious, or in between.

13 Best Luxury Hotels in San José, Costa Rica

Georgie Darling — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 13:15:17 +0000

From modern, state-of-the-art decor to breathtaking views and spas, San José, Costa Rica’s luxurious hotels set the scene for an idyllic setting for your next well-deserved vacation. Here, you’ll find big-name brands and boutique hotels tucked away in leafy gardens or standing proud in the heart of the city – perfect for sipping a tropical cocktail from the rooftop bar or lounging around in one of the plush cabanas by the pool. This fast-paced city full of some of Costa Rica’s best things to do is well equipped for all kinds of luxe stays and has plenty of beautiful hotels that go all out with the details. Not sure where to stay next time you head to San José? Read on for all of the best luxury hotels here!

12 Best Resorts in Mexico for Singles

K.C. Dermody — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 13:15:46 +0000

Whether you’re single and looking to mingle or a solo traveler who just wants a resort that doesn’t only cater to romance-seeking couples, Mexico is home to quite a few that will welcome you with open arms. You’ll find the typical party resorts, tranquil adults-only properties that are ideal for stress-melting experiences and outdoor activities, and spots that fall somewhere in between. From the Yucatan to the Baja Peninsula, there’s sure to be an ideal option on this list for your next getaway.

10 Best Vacation Rentals in San Jose, Costa Rica

Georgie Darling — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 12:15:07 +0000

San José, Costa Rica is a city of endless possibilities and adventures, with neighborhoods to suit all kinds of visitors. From the undisputed luxury of Paseo Colón to the incredible shopping opportunities at Boulevard de Rohrmoser and the dynamic array of restaurants in El Barrio Escalante, a trip to San José will always be an unforgettable one. Not sure where to stay next time you visit one of the world’s most eco-friendly countries, but want something a little fancy? Read on for all of the best luxury vacation rentals in this incredible city.

How Safe is Mexico for Travel Right Now? Experts Weigh in

Noah Holtgraves — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 17:26:37 +0000

Google searches related to the safety of traveling to Mexico are at “breakout” after the kidnapping and killings of U.S. medical tourists on March 7 in Matamoros, Mexico. The incident is receiving widespread media attention and raising concerns about visiting the country, especially as spring break — when a quarter million students head to Mexico — is at its peak.

Additionally, searches related to the safety of Cancún are trending after the rideshare app Uber won a court decision earlier this year for the right to operate in the city. Conflict ensued after some taxi drivers began harassing Uber drivers in videotaped incidents that garnished more widespread attention. Following this, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico issued a security alert for Quintana Roo state.

We requested the advice of two travel experts deeply familiar with traveling in Mexico and overseas travel safety about how concerned U.S. travelers should be with visiting the country right now.

Here is a breakdown of everything you will learn on this page:

Mexico Travel Advice
Mexico Travel Advisories
Mexico Travel Safety and Precautions
Mexico Travel Advisory Map

Mexico Travel Advisory Map

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14 Best Places to Stay in La Paz, Mexico

K.C. Dermody — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 14:15:59 +0000

Colorful La Paz, which translates to “The Peace,” is the capital city in Baja California Sur and one of the best places to visit in the Baja Peninsula. It’s located about two hours north of Cabo San Lucas. It boasts abundant sunshine, a beautiful malecon (waterfront promenade), and stunning white sandy beaches that edge a turquoise sea filled with all sorts of marine life, from whale sharks, dolphins, and whales to sea turtles and countless fish species. Mouthwatering cuisine can be found around nearly every corner to fuel activities like swimming, snorkeling, and even sandboarding, while a wealth of accommodation options provide an ideal base, from hotels to vacation rentals.

12 Best Airbnbs in Costa Rica

K.C. Dermody — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 14:15:16 +0000

No matter what type of traveler you are, Costa Rica is bound to impress. There’s something for everyone here, whether your idea of a good time is relaxing on a sandy beach or taking part in adventures from snorkeling and diving or surfing, hiking and zip-lining. Wildlife lovers will be in heaven with a wide range of exotic species to spot, including sloths, all sorts of monkeys, jaguars, tapirs, and colorful parrots. Watch for dolphins, whales, sea turtles, rays, and tropical fish in the water, too. Wherever you are in this country, it’s all about living the good life, or pura vida.

The question isn’t whether to visit Costa Rica, it’s where to stay, and these Airbnbs provide a wide range of options for the perfect base.

Ultimate Guide to Loreto, Baja California Sur (Hotels & Things to Do)

K.C. Dermody — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 14:30:12 +0000

Odds are, you’ve never even heard of Loreto unless you’re the adventurous type or perhaps discovered it while traveling down the Baja Peninsula. A small town along the Sea of Cortez in the Sierra de la Giganta, it’s about a 5-hour drive north of La Paz, the capital city of Baja California Sur. The original capital of the Province of the Californias, it’s an ideal destination for nature lovers who can enjoy the mountains and the sea as well as offering a rich heritage with an authentic Mexican feel. In fact, it’s one of the Puebo Magicos in the state, or magic towns, a title given exclusively to towns in Mexico for their remarkable cultural authenticity, heritage, and charm.

You’ll see a number of colonial buildings in town, like the 17th-century Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto, while the waters of Bahía de Loreto National Park are home to whales, dolphins, sea lions, and a wealth of other marine life. If that isn’t enough reason to visit, let’s take a deeper dive.

Along with the best hotels in Loreto, we’ve provided the top things to see and do that make it more than worthy of your next escape.

What to Do in Loreto
Where to Stay in Loreto