When I last visited an all-inclusive resort, George H. W. Bush was in office. That trip to Club Med in the Bahamas included various activities like sailing lessons and beachside cocktails. However, I couldn't recall a thing about the food. Since then, my love for exploring local food scenes led me away from all-inclusives. But this year, circumstances changed when my elderly mom wanted a beach vacation.

Uncover the Hidden Culinary Gems at All-Inclusive Resorts

A Diverse Menu Of Options At All-Inclusives

In the early days of all-inclusives, food quality wasn't a top priority. But attitudes are shifting. At resorts like the Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Mexico, guests can enjoy dining at Cocina de Autor, a Michelin-starred restaurant led by chef Nahúm Velasco. He pairs unique flavors like bone marrow and caviar with tuna and smoked cream. At Montana's Triple Creek Ranch, chef Jacob Leatherman's daily changing menus offer options like seared sage-and-mustard pheasant and sautéed brown-butter ribeye. Greenberg was also impressed by the Le Blanc all-inclusive in Cancun with its wide variety of freshly made ice creams and sorbets.If it's local spirits you're after, Hilton's Tulum Riviera Maya hosts a weekly "Agave Fest" with a range of spirits to sample along with local dishes like birria and barbacoa. And for families, the Grand Velas in Cabo San Lucas hosts workshops where kids can learn to make Mexican desserts.

A Café That’ll Wake Up Your Taste Buds

After researching, Mom and I chose Dunn's River, Sandals' newest property in Jamaica. The culinary offerings here, including Blūm, a café concept that debuted last year, caught our attention. As a coffee enthusiast, I was excited to try the brews made with Jamaican Blue Mountain beans. While all Sandals properties serve Blue Mountain coffee, the Café de Paris concept used to be the main place for caffeine cravings. But at Dunn's River, Blūm offers various coffee-preparation methods and drink combinations. The pour-over coffee was smooth and paired beautifully with desserts like gizzada, a Jamaican tart, and coffee cake made with Blue Mountain cold brew.

Tasting Through Rums With A Snack On The Side

When talking about Caribbean bounty, rum is a must. To understand its history and different styles, Wayne Curtis' "And A Bottle of Rum" is a great read. At the Rum Club at Dunn's River, you can choose from 30 to 40 types of rum, including 24 from Jamaica. Try different bottlings made in column or pot stills, or molasses-based or grassier rhums. Stop by before dinner for a mojito or a painkiller, or sample a flight of Jamaican rums. Pair these with excellent small plates inspired by local recipes like oxtail sliders on coco bread or smoked marlin escovitch.

Highlighting Jamaica’s Signature Cooking Style

Thanks to options like the Jerk Shack at Dunn's River, Sandals has become a culinary leader among all-inclusives. The pepperpot soup at the Jerk Shack wakes up your taste buds with the spicy notes of Scotch bonnet chiles. But the star is the local jerk cooking style that started as a food-preservation technique and is now known for its unique flavor. Executive sous chef Rockwaine Barnett says "Jerk is Jamaican, and Jamaica is jerk."

An All-Inclusive Staying True To Local Roots

Barnett, who grew up near the resort, is proud to highlight Jamaican food. His mostly Jamaican kitchen team caters to people from all walks of life while also giving them a taste of local cuisine. Currently, such top-notch culinary options are mostly found in high-end all-inclusives, but Greenberg believes that will change as more resorts catch on.