America is now the "no-vacation nation." According to a recent Reuters poll, a little over half of American workers (57 percent) use their full vacation allotment.
Even when Americans do manage to pull themselves away from work to travel domestically or to cities abroad, they manage to remain plugged in just in case the boss needs a report written or a last-minute project completed. This defeats the purpose of a vacation--leaving work and worries behind to relax, de-stress, and unwind.
Even more evidence that Americans deserve to take their vacation is the fact that the productivity of the average American worker is up about 80 percent since 1979while average wages have only climbed about 10 percent.
The fact that Americans skimp on time-off means that vacations need to be relaxing and restorative rather than hectic: No more running from city to city only to return home needing another break. It also means that the barrier to entry has to be lowered.
Planning a vacation can sometimes be a hassle. Handling details like where to eat and which activities to sign the kids up for is stressful. Therein lies the beauty of the all-inclusive resort--a place where food, drink, sports and other activities are made more accessible.
From Mexico and Barbados to Aruba and the Dominican Republic, here are the top Expert Rated all-inclusive beachside resorts where you can unplug and unwind.
1. Azul Beach Hotel, Puerta Morelos, Mexico
Expert Rating: 4.85/5 stars
Number of restaurants: 4
Number of bars/lounges: 4
Number of pools: 3
Number of rooms: 98
2. Dreams Resort, Los Cabos, Mexico
Expert Rating: 4.75/5 stars
Number of restaurants: 5
Number of bars/lounges: 5
Number of pools: 3
Number of rooms: 308
3. Casa Velas Resort, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Expert Rating: 4.75/5 stars
Number of restaurants: 2
Number of bars/lounges: 2
Number of pools: 2
Number of rooms: 80
4. Le Blanc Resort, Cancun, Mexico
Expert Rating: 4.65/stars
Number of restaurants: 5
Number of bars/lounges: 5
Number of pools: 3
Number of rooms: 260
5. Mango Bay Hotel and Beach Club, St. James, Barbados
Expert Rating: 4.55/5 stars
Number of restaurants: 1
Number of bars/lounges: 1
Number of pools: 2
Number of rooms: 76
6. Barcelo Langosta Resort, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Expert Rating: 4.55/stars
Number of restaurants: 2
Number of bars/lounges: 2
Number of pools: 1
Number of rooms: 198
7. Excellence Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Expert Rating: 4.55/5 stars
Number of restaurants: 8
Number of bars/lounges: 10
Number of pools: 2
Number of rooms: 452
8. Almond Beach Village, Almond Beach, Barbados
Expert Rating: 4.55/5 stars
Number of restaurants: 5
Number of bars/lounges: 5
Number of pools: 10
Number of rooms: 395
9. Club Med, Ixtapa, Mexico
Expert Rating: 4.55/5 stars
Number of restaurants: 4
Number of bars/lounges: 3
Number of pools: 3
Number of rooms: 298
10. Divi Aruba, Oranjestad, Aruba
Expert Rating: 4.55/5 stars
Number of restaurants: 4 (guests also have access to 5 additional restaurants at Divi Aruba's sister resort--the Tamarijn Aruba)
Number of bars/lounges: 3 (also access to 2 bars at the Tamarijn Aruba)
Number of pools: 2 (also access to 1 additional pool at the Tamarijn Aruba)
Number of rooms: 203
