All-Inclusive Resorts

Our 10 Fave Hotel Pool Swim-Up Bars

by Kristina on April 13, 2013

Who doesn’t like to get their drink on while taking a dip? It’s both the ultimate cool down and the possibly best way to spice up a relaxing vacation. We’re craving some refreshing fun in the sun, so we’ve picked our favorite places to liquor up — all from the cool comforts of hotels’ pools. So get your blender and piña colada mix ready — you’ll be thirsting for a fruity cocktail after browsing these awesome hotel pool bars.

The Watering Hole: Catalonia Bavaro Beach, All Inclusive — Punta Cana, Domincan Republic

Pool Bar at the Catalonia Bavaro Beach

Pool Bar at the Catalonia Bavaro Beach

You can almost imagine you’re on the set of the movie ”Cocktail” at Catalonia Bavaro Beach‘s swim-up bar, where the bartenders are quite entertaining. This laid back property comes with lots of awesome amenities, including a gorgeous beach, a golf course, and room balconies that feature private hammocks.
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Tagged as: All-Inclusive Resorts, Aruba, Cancun, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Hotel Bars, Jamaica, Los Cabos, Luxury Hotels, New York City, Resort Hotels, Value Hotels

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The Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Your Style

by Kristina on February 22, 2013

All-inclusive resorts are not created equally. While some offer the penultimate in luxury, others rely on quantity over quality. There are spa-centric getaways, family-friendly stays, and party-hearty atmospheres to be visited across the wide world of all-inclusives. With so many options, choosing the right resort for you and your posse can be a hassle. Luckily, Oyster has experienced all of the above and can point you toward the best of the best, no matter your style. Looking for a raucous pool scene? We’ve got it. Craving a secluded hideaway? We’ve unplugged there, too.  So sit back, relax, and prepare yourself for some fun in the sun — all while using our guide to select the all-inclusive that is right for your style:

If You Want: To Travel Like a Queen

Stay: Half Moon, Jamaica 

The luxurious Half Moon resort in Montego Bay has been a favorite of royals for decades.

Drawing everyone from Queen Elizabeth to 50 Cent, Half Moon strives for timeless, understated luxury in Jamaica’s Montego Bay. Stretching over 400 acres (including 2 miles of beach), the 230-room resort offers attentive service, quality cuisine, and seemingly limitless activities, such as golfing and horseback riding. A variety of all-inclusive packages can be purchased in advance which may include lodging, meals, alcohol, airport transfers, golf fees, and sports activities. With several levels to choose from, just about everyone can be happy. Read More »

Tagged as: All-Inclusive Resorts, Bahamas, Cancun, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Riviera Maya, Riviera Nayarit

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Honeymoon Hotel of the Week: &Beyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp, Botswana

by Kristina on January 9, 2013

Unique, exciting, gorgeous: Going on a safari honeymoon is all that and more.

This ultra-remote, luxurious safari lodge on an island in Botswana‘s Okavango Delta isn’t a hotel, it’s an experience, where everything — including the excellent food and the guided excursions (game drives, bush walks, river cruises) — is included in the price of the stay. At the &Beyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp, newlyweds can get up close and personal with exotic wildlife on both land and water (think: lions and hippos), and even arriving to the property is an adventure, requiring transport by small plane, safari vehicle, and a boat. The nine safari “tents” are fully screened in and thoroughly high-end, with huge soaking tubs, four-poster beds, lots of wood, and private plunge pools, creating a charming and romantic atmosphere.

Tinged with the sense of excitement that comes from being on safari — especially here as the camp is not enclosed — a honeymoon to Botswana is definitely going to be a memorable one. As an added bonus, the &Beyond Lodges offer a great honeymoon package that newlyweds might consider. Brides receive a 50 percent discount on their accommodations, and other special requests — such as private excursions — can also be made in advance. Check out more honeymoon inspired photos of the &Beyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp here »

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Tagged as: All-Inclusive Resorts, Botswana, Boutique Hotels, Honeymoons, Luxury Hotels, Romantic Hotels

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It’s Yoga Month: Best Hotels to Omm

by Kristina on September 6, 2012

September is National Yoga Month — who knew?! Back in 2008, the Department of Health and Human Services decreed this be a month dedicated to sharing the health benefits of yoga and inspiring a healthy lifestyle. Throughout September, there will be nationwide yoga events that individuals of every skill level can participate in, culminating in “The Time for Yoga,” a global community yoga session taking place on September 30. Everyone can also sign up for one free week of yoga through the organization’s website. Basically, you have a month to get zen (for cheap) — don’t squander it! Even if you’re on vacation. Hotels sometimes come equipped with the best fitness spaces you’ll find, yoga mats included, and we’ve picked out our favorite hotels where finding your inner peace is made just a tad easier:

Grand Wailea Resort Hotel and Spa, Maui

Morning yoga sessions on the beach at Maui's Grand Wailea Resort Hotel and Spa.

With one of the best pools in Hawaii, a top spa, and a prime location on one of Maui’s best beaches, its hard to find a flaw at the opulent Grand Wailea Resort Hotel and Spa, where beach-side yoga is free every morning. Is there a more perfect way to greet the day?
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Tagged as: All-Inclusive Resorts, Boutique Hotels, Cape Cod, Dominican Republic, East Hampton, Hawaii, Jackson Hole, Jamaica, Los Cabos, Luxury Hotels, Napa County, San Francisco, Yoga

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5 Amazing, Over-the-Top Honeymoon Suites

by Rachel on September 5, 2012

When the last sparkler has gone out, the wedding’s over. For most people. Except the bride and groom, natch. The tradition of taking a honeymoon is a long and storied one, but there’s been a consistent for many of those newlyweds: They wanna stay in a seriously swag suite. After all, it is sort of the one chance you have to live it up — unless you’re made of money, in which case, you should book a suite every time you travel. Ballers aside, the honeymoon is the best time to treat yourself to an awesome hotel room with all the bells and whistles two newlyweds could want — theoretically, at least.

The Honeymoon: Hong Kong
The Suite: Extreme WOW Suite at the W Hong Kong

WHongKong1

The Extreme WOW Suite reflects the high-design area of Kolwoon in Hong Kong.

WHongKong2

Amazing Jack & Jill sinks lets your newly betrothed know to stay away from your products.

Hong Kong is a fabulous urban destination for those couples seeking out incredible, modern architecture, world-class shopping, and Michelin-starred dining on a nightly basis. And the W Hong Kong is in the heart of the tourist district, Kowloon, and features all the funky extras you’d expect from a W as well as an unreal, souped-up version of the stateside Bliss Spa chain. And the Extreme WOW Suite not only has all the high-tech essentials that seem commonplace in Hong Kong, but also has a fully-stocked kitchenette, spacious closet (because every outfit was carefully planned and considered), and dizzying views of the harbor.

See more photos of the suite »

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Tagged as: All-Inclusive Resorts, Beach Hotels, Hong Kong, Luxury Hotels, Paris, Puerto Morelos, Resort Hotels, Romantic Hotels, St. Lucia, Turks and Caicos, Urban Hotels

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Our 7 Favorite Hotel Beach Bars EVER

by Jane on July 17, 2012

Summer’s in full swing — in fact, it’s scaring us how quickly it’s flying by. (Insert sadface emoticon here.) So what better way to enjoy your summer to the fullest — and deal with the reality of the approaching fall — than to visit a happening bar on the beach? Whether you’re stateside or sunning yourself in the balmy Caribbean, there’s a hotel beach bar with your name on it. So stick your toes in the sand and order up a strong one: These seven spots will have you feeling good in seconds flat.

Beach Bar at the Gansevoort Turks and Caicos, a Wymara Resort

Beach Bar at the Gansevoort Turks and Caicos, a Wymara Resort

Beach Bar at the Gansevoort Turks and Caicos

It doesn’t get much more beautiful than this. The beach bar at the Gansevoort is a casual spot largely used as a meet-up for lunch rather than a booze-fueled night. But of course guests can order up a margarita while enjoying fresh bites such as conch fritters and grilled red snapper tacos. Diners can munch under umbrellas on the deck, or take their meal directly to the sand with beachside waiter service. Fresh seafood, cocktails, attentive service, and unparalleled views of crystal clear water? You don’t have to twist our arm.

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Tagged as: All-Inclusive Resorts, Aruba, Atlantic City, Cancun, Florida Panhandle, Hotel Bars, Los Cabos, Luxury Hotels, Pensacola, Resort Hotels, Turks and Caicos, Value Hotels

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5 Awesome Hotel Fitness Amenities

by Rachel on June 6, 2012

Are you an active traveler? Or perhaps like to get off the literal beaten path when on vacation? Now you can stay in shape and get in some R&R on your next vacation with these hot hotel services.

1. Waterfall Hiking in Kauai, Hawaii

We'd hike 500 miles for this view!

Only a short drive from the head of the Na Pali Coast trail, Hanalei Colony offers easy hiking access and rare oceanfront views on the breathtaking route. This strenuous hike on the Na Pali Coast is eight miles round trip, but it’s well worth the sweat: After the first leg of the journey, you’ll get to cool off in a natural pool beneath the 100-foot-high Hanakapiai Falls. And as with most nature climbs, it’s completely free.

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Tagged as: All-Inclusive Resorts, Dominican Republic, Kauai, Luxury Hotels, Miami, Oahu, Sydney, Value Hotels

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Totally Wild and Trashy Spring Break Spots

by Rachel on March 6, 2012

When you’re in college, Spring Break is the ultimate in week-long partying (for us it was, at least). Those seven days or so are reserved for drinking, sun tanning, dancing, and you know, um, making out. But sometimes, things can get really raunchy — think Girls Gone Wild, but without Joe Francis and his camera crew breathing uncomfortably down your neck. If you wanna hit the hottest parties this coming Spring, you’re going to need to book now — and these four spots are perfect for stripping down, boozing hard, and getting your freak on.

Swim with Sexy Bodies (and possibly bodily fluids) at the Sunday Rehab Pool Party at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino – Las Vegas, NV

Throngs of young people hit the Hard Rock Hotel's Sunday Rehab Pool Party each week in Las Vegas.

This fabled party draws hotel guests, other Vegas visitors and even locals — so be weary of the long lines to get in — yes, even if you are staying at the Hard Rock. Luckily, guests enter free (via wristbands) — but otherwise ladies pay a $50 cover fee while the men shell out $100. But everyone has to wait in line. Stare in amazement (or participate) as hundreds of toned, tanned bodies splash, dance and get seriously rowdy to tunes spun by world-famous DJs including Paul Oakenfold and Bad Boy Bill. Thousands attempt to hit the noon-till-eight affair for the “sexy girls” and “hot bodies” visitors have cited, and rightfully so — the party’s been dubbed so scandalous that it even has its own TruTV reality show.

Check out more scandalous situations after the jump!

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Tagged as: All-Inclusive Resorts, Cancun, Dominican Republic, Las Vegas, Los Cabos, Spring Break Hotels

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10 Hotels Where You Can Strip Down

by Kelsey on February 29, 2012

Credit: iStock Photo

For some travelers, itsy bitsy bikinis or revealing Speedos just don’t cut it — a vacation isn’t a vacation without a little nudity. Luckily for them, these hotels are redefining casual dress with policies that let guests bare it all (or almost all).

Not everyone’s nude-y travel preferences are alike, and a wide range of resorts let guests button down — from an uninhibited, swingers-friendly paradise, to a polished luxury resort with a surprising naughty side.

So take a peek — a little voyeurism never hurt anyone.

 

 

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Tagged as: All-Inclusive Resorts, Bermuda, Big Sur, Cancun, Jamaica, Las Vegas, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Resort Hotels

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The 8 Best All-Inclusive Caribbean Beach Resorts

by Hilary on July 20, 2011

Drinks for two: $45.
Dinner for four: $210.
Lunch poolside: $95.
Putting away your wallet when you step off the plane: priceless.

We’ve rounded up the 8 best all-inclusive Caribbean beach resorts so you can sit back, relax, and leave your wallet in the room.

Secrets Sanctuary Cap Cana, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Located on top of a cliff and in the middle of acres and acres of soon-to-be-developed land, the Sanctuary is in an indisputably beautiful location with a beautiful white-sand beach.

Sanctuary Cap Cana, Punta Cana

Secrets Sanctuary Cap Cana, Punta Cana

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Tagged as: All-Inclusive Resorts, Aruba, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Jamaica

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