Best All-Inclusive Resorts for High School Graduation and Senior Trips

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When it comes to planning vacations to celebrate high school graduation or senior year of high school, many families opt to book an all-inclusive resort. This option lets them wrap their lodging, food, drink and entertainment in a single nightly rate, and it's incredibly convenient for groups. After all, all-inclusive resorts eliminate the hassle involved in multiple families deciding where to go to dinner, trying to accommodate different budgets, or dining preferences for three meals per day.

But what makes a good all-inclusive resort for high school graduation and senior trips? The best properties for group trips with friends tend to have certain things in common, like proximity to a major airport to make travel more convenient. The best resorts also tend to have an array of room and suite options that can suit parties of different sizes, cuisine options to suit different tastes and lots of pools and common areas to catch up with friends.

Many of the best all-inclusive for high school graduation and senior trips are located in destinations like the Dominican Republic and Mexico, whereas others are in Jamaica, Turks and Caicos and Belize. Ready to start planning? Read over our list of the best options for senior trips so you can start planning today.

Garza Blanca Los Cabos: Los Cabos, México

Los Cabos, Mexico is one of the best destinations for group travel to begin with based on the diversity of hotels and resorts, the vast dining and entertainment options and the natural beauty of the area. However, Garza Blanca Los Cabos is especially perfect for senior trips due to its selection of rooms and suites and the entire property set-up.

Not only does Garza Blanca Los Cabos offer luxurious rooms and suites with up to four bedrooms and private kitchens (some with washers and dryers), but the hotel's tiered pool deck features a range of pools for different groups. There are pools for kids, pools for relaxation and a main pool with an expansive swim-up bar. There's also a rooftop pool for adults only, and all the pools at the property are heated. Dining options are also ideal for all travelers, with restaurants serving Mexican cuisine, Asian delights, steak, sushi and seafood on-site. 

Garza Blanca Los Cabos.

Garza Blanca Los Cabos. (Photo Credit: Garza Blanca Los Cabos Media)

Beaches Turks and Caicos: Turks and Caicos

Beaches Turks and Caicos is located on one of the highest-rated beaches in the world, Grace Bay in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. This all-inclusive resort also offers something for everyone, including room types, to fit every kind (and size) of the group. For example, the property has family suites with separate kids' bunk areas, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suite options and private villas with three or four bedrooms.

Kids and teens will be obsessed with the massive waterpark at the resort, and guests of all ages will love having 23 dining options, including 20 restaurants and three food trucks. There are endless activities available at Beaches Turks and Caicos, including paddle boarding, kayaking, beach volleyball, beach parties and more.

Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun: Riviera Maya, Mexico

Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun is a tropical haven inspired by the carefree spirit of Jimmy Buffett. This all-inclusive retreat has 148 stylish rooms and suites, including oceanfront and swim-up options for those who want to splurge. Guests can indulge in luxurious amenities like the St. Somewhere Spa, a serene 8,000-square-foot oasis, or unwind at the S.O.S. Swim-Up Bar with hanging beds for the perfect lounging experience. 

Dining options include Rita's Taco House and Frank & Lola's, a recipient of the prestigious Wine Spectator's 2024 Award of Excellence. The resort offers endless entertainment, from beach volleyball and paddleboarding to Margaritaville's signature Flip-Flop Olympics.

Paradisus Grand Cana: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Paradisus Grand Cana is the perfect destination for an unforgettable high school senior graduation trip and for more reasons than one. This luxurious five-star, all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana features spacious suites with modern amenities and private terraces ideal for groups celebrating together. There are even two-bedroom suites for groups that need more space, and the property also offers swim-up suites with private access to a shared pool.

Guests can enjoy a thrilling water park, exciting poolside games and lively nightly shows, and that's after relaxing the day away on a beautiful beach. The resort’s tropical surroundings and indulgent spa also make it the perfect place for relaxation. Guests who want more pampering can even upgrade their stay with Family Concierge service, which includes private concierge access during their vacation, a private restaurant for breakfast, a reserved beach area and other VIP perks.

Turneffe Island Resort: Belize

Turneffe Island Resort is a secluded haven nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, just 30 miles off the coast of Belize. This all-inclusive private island resort offers 25 guest rooms and private villas perfect for traveling groups, and guests can even set up a full-island buyout. 

Thrill-seekers can kayak through mangrove forests, paddleboard along the coastline, or encounter dolphins and manatees in their natural habitat. The island resort also offers proximity to vibrant coral reefs for diving and snorkeling and the Great Blue Hole — one of the world’s most famous underwater sinkholes

An all-inclusive stay at the property includes everything you would expect, including luxurious accommodations and daily gourmet meals crafted from fresh, local ingredients. Evenings are also filled with unforgettable moments, from Friday night Belizean BBQs under the stars to a lively weekly crab chase and race.

Turneffe Island Resort.

Turneffe Island Resort. (Photo Credit: Turneffe Island Resort Media)

Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort: Cancun, Mexico

Hilton Cancun, an all-inclusive resort, is a stunning beachfront oasis that offers something for everyone in your crew. Guests can unwind in suites with ocean views or swim-up balconies and enjoy two infinity pools, a splash playground, and a range of nightly activities and entertainment. Several room types can also work well for senior trips taking place at the Hilton Cancun, including family two-bedroom suites for larger groups.

The property is just 20 minutes from the airport and Cancun's Hotel Zone, so it's easy for everyone in your party to reach. The hotel also boasts 12 different gastronomic experiences, plus three bars. Other on-site amenities include dedicated clubs for kids and teens, a fitness center and an on-site spa at the adjacent Waldorf Astoria Spa Cancun.

Princess Grand Jamaica: Negril, Jamaica

With a convenient location between Montego Bay and Negril on the tropical island of Jamaica, Princess Grand Jamaica is convenient to get to. The all-inclusive property offers 590 rooms and suites geared to families, couples and groups, including upgraded Platinum suites with more amenities and butler service.

The all-inclusive resort has nine on-site eateries serving cuisine from all over the world, including Asian, Italian, Jamaican and Mexican food. There's also a food truck for quick bites and snacks, along with eight distinct bars.

Activities available at the resort include everything from beachside lounging to tennis, pickleball, volleyball and archery. Guests can also cool off or relax with friends in three pools or ride water slides at the on-site waterpark.

Hyatt Vivid Grand Island: Cancun, Mexico

If you want a senior trip vacation in a convenient location, consider the Hyatt Vivid Grand Island in Cancun, Mexico. While this new all-inclusive resort is for adults only, travelers ages 18 and older can plan a visit. The property is also located just 15 minutes from the airport, and it features 10 diverse dining venues, six bars and a stunning rooftop pool with panoramic views.

Room options at this hotel can work for couples, groups of friends or families with adult children. For example, guests can book everything from a suite with a king bed or two queens to a 775 square foot suite with a king bed and a separate living area.

Woodloch Resort: Hawley, Pennsylvania

Maybe you want to plan a senior trip you don't have to fly to, or you're just plain tired of the typical beach vacation. In that case, you should look into Woodloch Resort in the Poconos Mountains of Pennsylvania, which offers all-inclusive packages, including activities and two or three meals daily.

Fun and games at Woodloch Resort range from athletic contests to bakery wars and bingo. Outdoor activities include everything from archery to fishing, golf, paintball competitions and skiing nearby. Woodlock Resort also offers lodging options for any group size, including traditional hotel rooms, suites, and vacation rentals with up to five bedrooms.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana helps visitors enjoy a luxury all-inclusive experience with the incredible hospitality the Dominican Republic is known for. Benefits of the resort include five-star accommodations, gourmet dining in nine distinct restaurants, 24/7 room service, live entertainment and on-site activities galore. For example, guests can participate in everything from pool games to volleyball and water aerobics. Each stay also includes access to the on-site Rockaway Bay Water Park, home to 26 water slides and food trucks.

This all-inclusive property also has 13 different pools, including a family pool, an adults-only pool and a lazy river. Several suite options are also geared to families, including the Rock Family Suite with a king bed, two sofa beds, a dining room and a separate living space.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana. (Photo Credit: Hard Rock Hotels Media)

Divi & Tamarijn Aruba: Aruba

Aruba is an excellent destination for a senior trip since it's easy to travel from the United States, there's plenty of nightlife, the island is especially safe, and the beaches are to die for. If you're trying to choose a hotel for this kind of vacation and considering this Caribbean locale, Divi & Tamarijn Aruba should be at the top of your list.

Divi & Tamarijn Aruba are two side-by-side all-inclusive resorts that share some amenities like restaurants and pools. This means parties in your group can be held at either property, and then join together for meals, beach time, or a volleyball game in the pool. These properties also have larger room options that can fit larger parties, including the Pool Two-Bedroom Suite at Tamarijn Aruba. This room includes two king beds in two separate bedrooms, a queen sofa sleeper, a large dining area and a modern kitchen.

Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa & Casino: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa & Casino is another solid option for senior trips among all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic. Not only is this resort huge, with tons of room options to choose from, but it also has seven freshwater swimming pools, including an oceanfront infinity pool and its own waterpark.

In addition to two huge buffets, guests can dine at restaurants serving Mexican, Mediterranean or Asian cuisine. Lopesan also features a steakhouse, a traditional Italian restaurant, a sports bar, two beach clubs, and a vast lobby bar. Notable amenities at this expansive all-inclusive property include water sports like windsurfing and water skiing, a nightclub, bowling alleys and an 11,000-square-foot casino.

Palmar Beach Resort & Spa Riviera Maya: Riviera Maya, Mexico

Following a multi-million-dollar renovation, Palmar Beach Resort & Spa Riviera Maya recently reopened its doors to guests this year. This means nearly every part of this property is newer or recently updated, including its spacious multi-bedroom suites that sleep up to six adults.

The beachfront property in Riviera Maya has a 139,000 sq. ft. spa and wellness center with various massages and treatments, separate clubs for kids and teens, five sparkling swimming pools, and eight gourmet restaurants. Dining options even include a Michelin-starred dining destination, Le Chique. Conveniently located in Puerto Morelos, Palmar Beach Resort also offers easy access to local attractions and unique adventures nearby, including opportunities for snorkeling or diving and exploring ancient Mayan ruins.

JOIA Aruba by Iberostar: Aruba

JOIA Aruba by Iberostar is a new all-inclusive resort in Aruba that's perfect for family, senior, and group trips of all sizes. This new five-star resort is located along the stunning shores of Eagle Beach, and it features three pools including an expansive infinity pool, rooms with whirlpool baths or swim-up pool access, two themed restaurants (and a total of three restaurants) and four bars including a swim-up bar.

Some suite options even come with butler service, which can be helpful when trying to coordinate meals and activities with different groups you're traveling with. The resort is also close to Tierra del Sol, Aruba's only professional 18-hole golf course.


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