6 Budget Beach Resorts

These all-inclusive getaways offer terrific deals for summer stays

By Katie Solan

Think an exotic vacation to a far-flung beach destination is outside your means? Well, traveler, think again.

A "budget" all-inclusive resort offers a great vacation option that's also easy on your pocketbook. Besides sharing the same gorgeous stretch of sand as perhaps some pricier hotels, budget resorts have all the amenities needed for a fun and relaxing vacation, such as pools, fitness centers, a choice of dining venues, bars, sport courts, spas and more.

Plus, budget all-inclusive resorts take the value one step further by bundling accommodations, all meals, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, nonmotorized water sports, entertainment, activities, taxes and gratuities in one price paid upfront.

We've found some great summer deals at all-inclusive resorts from the Caribbean to the Pacific -- two each in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Mexico. They're all rated with three to four stars on a six-star scale.

With the help of leading resort discounter Vacations To Go, we priced a seven-night stay in late June 2007 at each. Five of the six options below cost less than $550 per person for the entire week. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and reflect the starting prices for the least expensive room category. All rates were accurate at press time but may fluctuate depending on your preferred travel dates. Airfare to each destination is additional.

To book your own summer budget beach escape at one of these resorts, visit Vacations To Go, or call (800) 998-6925.


Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Located on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, this 362-room resort is surrounded by lush tropical gardens and is only a short walk to the beach past its sister resort. There, guests will find complimentary sun loungers, miles of white sand and sparkling turquoise waters.

The four-star Riu Naiboa is part of Riu's resort complex in Punta Cana, and guests can enjoy the facilities and amenities of sister properties Riu Taino and ClubHotel Riu Bambu.

Hotel highlights include Cohiba restaurant, boasting a terraced setting and themed buffets; a 600-square-yard pool with a children's section; four tennis courts; poolside dining at La Bachata; the Bolero lounge bar; and a full array of daytime activities.

Equipment for windsurfing, body boarding and snorkeling is available, and guests can sweat it out at the fully equipped gym or sauna. Live music and shows are performed nightly, and adults can salsa dance the night away at the nearby Pacha club or try their luck at the Riu Palace Macao Casino. In-room indulgences include a well-stocked minibar and alcohol dispenser as well as a balcony or terrace.

Price: A seven-night stay in late June 2007 started at $404 per person, based on double occupancy.


Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Lush gardens and cascading waterfalls grace Paradise Beach Resort and Casino, a 436-room, four-star resort that sits on one of the longest stretches of beach in Puerto Plata.

Dining options include the open-air Hibiscus and Edens restaurants that overlook the palm-fringed beach, plus Michelangelo, serving a la carte Italian entrees. Kiko's Kids Club is a haven for young ones during the day, while a daily activities program for all ages features aqua aerobics and table tennis. Two separate pools include one for kids and one with a swim-up bar, and there is a spacious Jacuzzi. Beach-goers can choose to kayak, snorkel, windsurf or sail, then quench their thirst at the surfside bar.

A casino, disco and nighttime shows provide plenty of entertainment options when the sun goes down.

Price: A seven-night stay in late June 2007 started at $404 per person, based on double occupancy.


Negril, Jamaica

The 175-room Point Village resort resembles a quaint, colonial Jamaican village. It's named for its location on Rutland Point in Negril, where the famed Seven Mile Beach ends and Bloody Bay Beach begins. The diverse surroundings include 14 acres of tropical gardens, two sugar-sand beaches and distinctive cliffs and grottoes.

Guests at this three-star property can swim in a freshwater pool, relax in the Jacuzzi or spend the day soaking in unique saltwater rock pools. Dining options include the Village Connection, serving Jamaican and international cuisine, and the Sundrenched Bar and Grill, with favorites such as hamburgers and jerk chicken. The Paradise Garden Cafe specializes in casual Italian fare such as pizza and pasta. Two nights a week, the resort hosts a surfside dinner under the stars.

The Kiddies' Centre is a special getaway for guests under 13, offering indoor and outdoor activities such as treasure hunts, sandcastle-building contests, face painting and reggae dance classes.

Numerous sport courts provide options for active guests, such as beach volleyball, basketball and tennis. Other competitive pursuits include domino tournaments and trivia face-offs. The resort's seafaring options include snorkeling, sunfish sailing and glass-bottom boat rides.

Price: A seven-night stay in late June 2007 started at $514 per person, based on double occupancy.


Ocho Rios, Jamaica

ClubHotel Riu Ocho Rios, a three-star, 846-room property, opened in October 2005, making it one of Jamaica's newest resorts. It's located on a prime stretch of beachfront in Ocho Rios, surrounded by rain forests and waterfalls. Each well-appointed room has a minibar and liquor dispensers, while junior suites and suites feature hydromassage bathtubs and whirlpool baths, respectively.

Two relaxing pools feature an integrated Jacuzzi, a swim-up bar and a children's section. Kids also have their own club that hosts daytime activities, and a playground. Guests can work out at the fitness center, get a relaxing treatment at the spa (for an additional charge) or play on one of two tennis courts.

For entertainment, there's an on-site casino and regular stage productions, plus a disco, 24-hour sports bar and five other spots for imbibing.

Guests can choose from various international dishes at a host of gourmet dining venues -- blackened red snapper at Sir Richard, tamarind roast pork loin at Mandalay or a 10-ounce beef tenderloin grilled to perfection at the steak house. Other dining options include buffet-style cuisine, an Italian pizzeria and, for those who book stays in the deluxe wing, a Japanese restaurant.

Price: A seven-night stay in late June 2007 started at $764 per person, based on double occupancy.


Cancun, Mexico

About 20 minutes from the airport in Cancun, the 260-room, three-star Flamingo Cancun Resort and Plaza enjoys an ideal location between the tranquil Caribbean Sea and the bustling Flamingo Plaza, which is home to some of Cancun's best bars, restaurants and shops. Guests can choose to lounge on the sand or at the courtyard pool, or catch ocean breezes at the beachfront pool.

Dining options include the colorfully Caribbean La Fuente restaurant and the hacienda-style Albatros, plus there are lobby and swim-up bars for enjoying libations any time of day. Children have a place of their own at the kids' club, and adults can enjoy panoramic views of the ocean while working out at the resort's fitness center. Kayaks and snorkel equipment are available for use, or feed your competitive urge by challenging traveling companions to a game of beach volleyball, billiards or pingpong.

Price: A seven-night stay in late June 2007 started at $514 per person, based on double occupancy.


Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Renovated in 2005, the 220-room Holiday Inn Puerto Vallarta Hotel is situated on Bahia de Banderas in Puerto Vallarta, one of the area's most popular beaches. Rooms at the three-star property feature partial or full ocean views and private balconies.

Choices for dinner include Piaceres (serving fine Italian fare) and Los Mariaches (offering Mexican favorites), with poolside Guacamaya and Pinoccio rounding out dining options. A swim-up island bar complements the resort's main pool.
The children's club is open daily for kids ages 4 to 12, where young guests can have their pick of frolicking on the playground, making a splash in the children's pool or playing games indoors.

Water sports options include kayaking, boogie boarding and snorkeling, plus there are tennis, volleyball and basketball courts and a health club. At night, guests can enjoy live music or sample a cocktail in the lobby bar.

Price: A seven-night stay in late June 2007 started at $544 per person, based on double occupancy.

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