Hotels
Adults only all inclusive resorts: 8 we would book
No kids' pool, no mini disco, just grown ups, good drinks and a table by the beach. These are the best adults only all inclusive resorts we would choose.
The best adults only all inclusive resorts are in Mexico, especially along the Riviera Maya, and in the Caribbean, in Jamaica, St Lucia and the Dominican Republic. In Europe, Turkey has the biggest choice of adults only hotels with everything included. These are eight resorts where the age limit is usually 16 or 18, and food and drink are included in the price.
It is the quiet by the pool you notice first. The music is lower, the sun loungers are further apart and nobody is shouting for mum. An adults only all inclusive resort is about switching off completely, without thinking about the bill.
*The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.*
How we chose the resorts
The resort is adults only and all inclusive as standard, according to Hotels.com.
The resort sits on or next to a good beach.
The list covers both long haul and Europe, from quiet couples' hotels to places with more life.
Mexico: the Riviera Maya and Cancún
The Riviera Maya has one of the biggest choices of adults only all inclusive resorts anywhere, and the best season runs from December to April.
Playa Mujeres
Playa Mujeres lies north of Cancún, away from the hotel zone.
Cancún, Mexico: Excellence Playa Mujeres
Best for: couples who want lots of pools, good food and a calm beach.
Excellence Playa Mujeres sits on Playa Mujeres north of Cancún, away from the crowds of the hotel zone. The resort has seven outdoor pools, and many suites have a hot tub on the terrace. Isla Mujeres is just across the water for a day trip.
Book the adults only break: See rooms at Excellence Playa Mujeres
Maroma
Maroma Beach is often called one of the finest beaches on the Riviera Maya.
Riviera Maya, Mexico: Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun
Best for: couples who put the beach first and everything else second.
Secrets Maroma Beach sits on Maroma Beach between Cancún and Playa del Carmen. The beach is wide, the sand white and the water calmer than in many places along the coast. Several room types have a swim out pool right outside the terrace.
Book the adults only break: See rooms at Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun
Playa Paraíso
The resort sits at Playa Paraíso, with a golf course nearby.
Riviera Maya, Mexico: JOIA Paraíso by Iberostar
Best for: couples who want golf and beach on one holiday.
JOIA Paraíso by Iberostar is adults only and sits within the Iberostar area at Playa Paraíso, with Playa Paraíso golf course nearby. From here it is a short drive to Playa del Carmen and the cenotes inland.
Book the adults only break: See rooms at JOIA Paraíso by Iberostar
The Caribbean: Jamaica, St Lucia and the Dominican Republic
Negril
Seven Mile Beach in Negril is one of the best known beaches in Jamaica.
Negril, Jamaica: Couples Swept Away
Best time: December to April. Best for: couples who want beach, sport and reggae.
Couples Swept Away sits on Seven Mile Beach in Negril, for couples only and all inclusive. The beach is long enough for a morning run, and in the evening you head to the cliffs in the West End to watch the sunset.
Book the adults only break: See rooms at Couples Swept Away
Montego Bay
The hotel sits just east of Montego Bay, a short transfer from the airport.
Montego Bay, Jamaica: Hotel Riu Montego Bay
Best for: travellers who want life, entertainment and a short transfer.
Hotel Riu Montego Bay is adults only and all inclusive, including the minibar in your room. It suits travellers who want more life and entertainment, with a short transfer from Montego Bay airport.
Book the adults only break: See rooms at Hotel Riu Montego Bay
St Lucia
The resort sits on a narrow peninsula with sea on both sides at Rodney Bay.
St Lucia: Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Best time: December to April. Best for: couples who want views, water sports and island life.
Sandals Grande St. Lucian sits on a peninsula at Rodney Bay in the north of St Lucia, with Pigeon Island close by. Plenty of water sports are included, and a day trip to the Pitons in the south of the island is well worth it.
Book the adults only break: See rooms at Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Punta Cana
Arena Gorda beach lies north of the busiest parts of Punta Cana.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: Royalton Hideaway Punta Cana
Best for: couples who want a long beach and plenty of restaurants.
Royalton Hideaway Punta Cana is adults only and sits on Arena Gorda beach. Punta Cana has long, palm lined beaches, and this resort suits couples who want to switch restaurants without leaving the beach.
Book the adults only break: See rooms at Royalton Hideaway Punta Cana
Europe: adults only all inclusive in Turkey
Belek
Belek lies east of Antalya and is known for golf courses and long beaches.
Belek, Turkey: Adam & Eve
Best time: May to October. Best for: adults who want design, nightlife and a short flight.
Adam & Eve in Belek near Antalya is adults only and all inclusive. The hotel is known for its white, futuristic design and a nightlife that carries on long after dinner. It is the shortest flight on this list from the UK.
Book the adults only break: See rooms at Adam & Eve
When should you book an adults only all inclusive resort?
Book 3-5 months ahead for February half term and Easter in the Caribbean and Mexico.
Check the age limit. It is often 16 or 18, and some resorts have both an adults only section and a family section.
Read what all inclusive covers: à la carte restaurants, premium drinks and spa can cost extra.
Looking for all inclusive for the whole family? Read eight enticing all inclusive resorts.
Frequently asked questions about adults only all inclusive
What does adults only mean?
Adults only means the hotel only accepts adult guests. The age limit is usually 16 or 18, and the hotel is designed for calm, couples and friends without children.
Where are the best adults only all inclusive resorts?
The best adults only all inclusive resorts are in Mexico, especially the Riviera Maya, and in the Caribbean, in Jamaica, St Lucia and the Dominican Republic. In Europe, Turkey has the most, but the Canary Islands, Mallorca and Cyprus also have adults only hotels.
What is included at an adults only all inclusive resort?
Food and drink are usually included, often with à la carte restaurants, minibar and activities. Premium drinks, spa and excursions often cost extra. Check the resort description before you book.
Are there adults only all inclusive resorts in Europe?
Yes. Turkey has the largest choice, with resorts such as Adam & Eve in Belek. You also find adults only all inclusive hotels in the Canary Islands, Mallorca, Cyprus and Greece.
Is adults only all inclusive good for a honeymoon?
Yes, adults only all inclusive works well for a honeymoon, especially in Mexico and the Caribbean. Many resorts have offers for newlyweds. See also our best honeymoon destinations.