Welcome to our Best of the Best Awards. Every year we at Fox Travel send thousands of clients all over the world. With every client, we make sure we fit their trip to their wants, needs, and desires. With 35 years in business, and over 100+ years of experience between the owners and agents, plus the over 130+ different countries our team has collectively visited, it’s safe to say, we know our stuff because “We’ve Been There”!
Because we have been there, we have come up with our Best of the Best Awards for several different categories of travel. These are resorts and destinations that we have been to and know so you can travel with confidence.
Best of the Best Awards
Best of the Best All-Inclusive for Couples
Sandals South Coast – While all Sandals resorts are pretty spectacular we love Sandals South Coast for a variety of reasons. The first is that it’s on the exotic island of Jamaica, and we at Fox have been the recipients of multiple awards from the Jamaican Tourist Board for being the top travel agency for Jamaica. But if that wasn’t enough, this beautiful resort has a little something for everyone and every budget. From the Beachfront Deluxe suite up to the extravagant Over Water Bungalows. Not to mention as one of the top couples and adult resorts, they know romance.
Barcelo Bavaro Beach – Located on the sunny and beautiful island of the Dominican Republic, this adult-only resort is great for couples who love beautiful beaches and outdoor activities. With their premium-level oceanfront suites, you will get a private Jacuzzi on your balcony. If that doesn’t scream romance, I don’t know what does. Punta Cana boasts beautiful beaches and fun inland activities, perfect for those couples that want to do a little more on their vacation, but still enjoy each other’s company.
Couples San Souci – Couples Resorts have always been a favorite of Fox Travel owners, Donna and Jim, but their personal favorite is Couples San Souci located in Jamaica. As you can tell, Jamaica is a couple’s paradise. This intimate resort only has 150 suites so you know you will have more privacy. Couples San Souci also has 5 restaurants, 7 bars, 4 pools, and 3 jacuzzis. They even have a private Au Natural beach and pool if you feel like being a little more adventurous with your significant other.
Insider Tip: Some of The Couples resorts have clothing-optional areas for sunbathing. If you are looking for a tan line-free vacation, you have three resorts to choose from.
Couples Resorts
Best of the Best All-Inclusive for Families
Nickelodeon Resorts Punta Cana – Don’t be fooled by the name, this beautiful resort set in the Dominican Republic is more than just a resort for kids. Owned by Karisma, this Gourmet All Inclusive is a family paradise. With character breakfasts, meet and greets, a huge water park, and a chance to get slimed, what more could a kid want? For the parents, they have an amazing spa, adult-only restaurants, bars, and more you won’t feel guilty for dropping your kids off at the kids’ club and taking a moment for yourself. Keep following Fox Travel for more information about the Nickelodeon Resort in Riviera Maya set to open in 2020.
Beaches Resorts Turks & Caicos – Like how Sandals Resorts is the best for adults, Beaches is the best for families. The Turks and Caicos resort is known as the best option for families, but they are set to close in January 2021. Their Ocho Rios and Negril resorts are both amazing too, but if you want to get to Turks before they close, you need to act fast. As their most popular family resort availability for the 2019, and 2020 seasons will go quickly, you won’t want to miss out on this incredible option.
Insider Tip: The owners of Fox Travel have been to Beaches Negril and they specifically pointed out the fun recording studio for music-loving families!
Atlantis Resort Nassau – While this is technically not all-inclusive, you can purchase a meal package that will include many or all of your meals to make it more of an all-inclusive option. But this resort is super fun for so many different reasons for all ages. There are a ton of restaurants for families or adults. Great kids club, an amazing water park with a waterslide that a glass tube goes through the shark encounter, and more!
Nickelodeon Resort Punta Cana
Best of the Best All-Inclusive for Foodies
Royal Hideaway Playacar – This adult-only resort on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Riviera Maya, is a great option for foodies. With 6 different restaurants, there is something for everyone. Ventanas are their most popular, gourmet option. Spanish-inspired cuisine is featured from the head chef’s home country. Their other restaurants feature Mexican, Italian, Thai, Steak & Seafood, and The Deck which is a more casual option for Burgers and Seafood. There is a dress code for all but The Deck, so be sure to be prepared for that.
Insider Tip: Donna and Jim (Fox Travel owners) have stayed at this resort. A huge bonus is that there is golf right across the street, where you can showcase your skills by practicing from that selection of golf mats, and you can walk into town for shopping, dining, and strolling 5th Ave. You won’t want to miss Coco Bongo, one of the most spectacular shows we’ve seen. Even better than Vegas!
El Dorado Royale – Rich flavors accompany their delectable 14 different dining options at this resort. Nestled in Riviera Maya, you can combine amazing food and beautiful beaches with incredible service. You will want for nothing at this resort. There are two options to choose from, their main resort with more action and entertainment, or their Casitas Royale, which is a subsection that is more private and secluded for a more romantic trip. Either way, as a foodie, you’ll love it. It’s not just an All Inclusive, it’s a Gourmet Inclusive.
Insider Tip: Check out Generations Riviera Maya for a family-friendly, yet foodie paradise.
Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya – If you are looking for a private, secluded, romantic getaway with amazing food, this is your resort. This report focuses on you as a couple with less of the entertainment. It’s a great resort to escape and reconnect with each other. Click it up a notch with their all-new Impression Club which is a secluded private villa complete with your own personal butler and on-demand private chef.
El Dorado Resorts
Best of the Best All-Inclusive Bars
Hyatt Ziva Cancun – Nothing says Mexico like Tequila! So Hyatt Ziva’s tequila bar Juana Margarita is the place to go! They have a sommelier of the tequila world to help guide you through picking the best tequila for your taste. Hyatt Ziva also has a great sports bar where they brew their beer!
Sandals South Coast – Located in sunny Jamaica, Sandals South Coast has the first of the resorts, over water bar. That’s right! At Latitude, lounge in hammocks over the water while sipping on a rum punch that Jamaica is so famous for. You can also find over-water bars at the Sandals Ochi and Sandals Montego Bay.
The Caves, Jamaica – This aptly named resort has a pretty incredible bar called Blackwell Rum Bar where you can sit and have a beverage in a cave! This spectacular boutique resort has a limited number of individual cottages at the resort that are carved out of the sea itself. Since this is a boutique resort, there are going to be fewer entertainment options. But at least the bar is on point!
Blackwell Bar courtesy of The Caves Hotel
Best of the Best Rooms
Sandals Royal Barbados – In the Beach Front Sky Pool Butler Suite you will be treated like royalty in this glam suite. Like the name of the suite suggests each of these suites is beachfront, so you will get to start and end your day with a stunning view of the sparkling Caribbean Sea. Not only can you enjoy the view from bed, but you can also see it from your private balcony pool, daybed, or balcony soaker tub. All of this coupled with your butler that is at your beck and call and the award-winning service of Sandals, you may not want to ever leave your room!
Excellence Playa Mujeres – In the Two Story Roof Top Terrace Suite you can expect luxury like no other. Sunbathe in solitude, relax in a chaise lounge, or float in your pool with 2 spouts of flowing water. Indulge in 24-hour room service, upgraded in-room premium liquor, a Nespresso machine, fresh flowers, free Wi-Fi, a pillow menu, Bvlgari toiletries, and a free daily spa treatment. You will also have access to the two private pools and Jacuzzis exclusive to Excellence Club guests.
Zoetry Agua Punta Cana – If you are looking for nothing in between the ocean and your room beside lush green grass and a private plunge pool then the Junior Suite Ocean Front Deluxe room at Zoetry is for you. The 96-suite Zoetry sits alone on this stretch of beach making for an ideal destination free of other tourists. You’ll also be treated to a free massage, daily minibar refills, horseback riding on the beach, and room service that extends to your lounge chairs on the beach.
Sandals Royal Barbados
Best of the Best Pools
Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa St Lucia – You can have the best of both worlds at this all-inclusive resort with 5 pools, an adult-only section, a family-friendly section, and the island’s largest water park! Singles and couples can head on over to the adult-only Harmony Wing with 2 pools and frozen cocktails. Families can head on over to the kid-friendly wing called Splash or to their Cocoland Waterpark which features a 1500-foot Lazy River complete with waterfalls and slides.
Insider Tip: St Lucia rivals Jamaica as one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean according to Jim Bailey, Fox Travel Co-Owner!
Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort and Spa – Grand Palladium is home to the largest pool on the island! The resort’s main pool is 48,437 sq ft, which is over an acre of water to splash about in. There’s no crowding in this pool, you are free to swim! It also has a swim-up bar and an adjacent water park to keep the kiddos and you happy.
Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana – At the Hard Rock Hotel in Punta Cana you will have a hard time deciding which of the 13 pools to visit! That’s right, 13! Granted 2 of those pools are reserved for Vacation Club Members, and another is Rock Royalty Level Guests, but that still leaves 10 to choose from, each with their theme. The Central and Eclipse pool has a classic Hard Rock theme with fun activities. There is a family pool for teen-friendly music and water slides. The kid’s pool also has a water slide. The Bongo Pool has a soft rock from the ’80s the Sax Pool for no music at all, for a low-key vibe. Or visit the adults-only European Style, bikini tops optional, Eden pool. There’s also a Woodstock Pool, Guitar, and Bongos Pool, and the Moon Pool.
Insider Tip – We’ve Been There! The resort is HUGE and you need a golf cart to get around the whole thing. But it has a great beach and it is great for families.
Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana
Best of the Best Overwater Bungalows
El Dorado Maroma Riviera Maya, Mexico – The first and only overwater bungalow in Mexico is at the El Dorado Maroma which is a Karisma resort. Fox Travel is one of the 100 GIVC agencies with Karisma, which means we are a preferred agency. These Palafitos, which is what they call them, are truly a unique and luxurious experience that is close to home. No need to travel to French Polynesia anymore to take advantage of this bucket list experience. When staying at El Dorado Maroma’s Palafitos it comes complete with a large deck with an infinity pool, a private outdoor shower, a personal Jacuzzi, direct access to the Caribbean ocean, and personal butler service.
Insider Tip: If you want to experience the Palafito but don’t want to spend that much, you can stay at the main El Dorado Maroma resort in one of their fabulous rooms for the majority of your trip, then stay at the Palafito for one or two nights. You’ll get the best of both worlds and the resort takes care of moving everything over for you.
Sandals Royal Caribbean Jamaica – It’s not called an Overwater Villa for no reason. Sandals Royal Caribbean has outdone itself with its Over the Water Private Island Butler Villas with Infinity Pool. With only 5 of these luxury retreats (along with 12 of their smaller over-the-water bungalows) you are guaranteed privacy and luxury. At almost 2000 sq ft your villa will feature a king-sized bed, glass floor panels, a Tranquility Soaking Tub, a private plunge pool, and a swinging Balinese daybed. To add the cherry on top, you will be picked up from the airport in your own private BMW to whisk you away to paradise. Sandals also has another two resorts with over-the-water villas in Jamaica and St Lucia.
Insider Tip: Like the El Dorado Maroma, you can stay at the main Sandals Royal Caribbean resort for a portion of your stay and stay in their over-the-water villas for a day or two to get the experience.
El Dorado Maroma
Why Use a Travel Adviser?
Sure, you can book any of these amazing resorts on your own, but why would you? When you book a vacation directly or through an online third party you are just a booking to them, nothing more. If something goes wrong they are not there to help you, they are there to make more bookings. If you book with Fox Travel you will have complete access to our agents to help you with any issues that arise. Just take a look at our reviews on Facebook or Yelp! Even if nothing goes wrong, it’s great to have the peace of mind of knowing that we are there to help you every step of the way. Plus, we don’t charge anything extra to book your trip! So why spend the time searching for the best destination, best resort, and best vacation, and let the pros handle it for you?
However, if you want to book on your own online, we do have a book online option for you, that will still have Fox Travel helping you out every step of the way, still get access to perks only agents get, and will be able to apply your American Express Pay With Points. So if the inspiration strikes at 10 PM to book your trip, you’re still covered!
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Did these Best of the Best resorts pique your interest? We hope some of our favorites become some of your favorites. Contact your favorite Fox Travel adviser at 281-363-0808 or fill out the form below for more information on a great getaway to one of the best of the best.