While you might travel for the thrill of a forest zip line or ATVing trip through the sand dunes, my vacation revolves around something entirely different: what's for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I want to sip good drinks and eat good food with a scenic beach view in my direct eye line—which is why, up until very recently, I was vehemently against all-inclusive resorts.

Now, you might be thinking, "You want to eat and lounge on a beach chair? That's what an all-inclusive is for." But the industry is better known for its buffets than Michelin-starred dining—or at least, it used to be. I'm not interested in an overcooked filet and watered-down piña colada—even if it's plated next to a white sand beach and clear ocean water.

Now, here's the good news: All-inclusive resorts have fixed their food problem, or at least they're working on it. After visiting a Sandals resort in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (where I experienced some of the freshest nigiri I've had to date), I went down a rabbit hole. You see, the travel category is not only improving its menus but also hiring James Beard Award-winning chefs and earning Michelin stars in the process.

Jade Mountain In St. Lucia

While Jade Mountain Resort might not claim a Michelin Star (yet), it can't be far off with James Beard Award-winning chef Allen Susser at its helm. The luxe travel destination, located in St. Lucia, has become synonymous with incredible food, reshaping the all-inclusive industry's reputation in the process.

The Jade Mountain Club is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offers the best of the best resort menu with tropical flavors and plenty of Caribbean influence.

The farm-to-table concept is amplified by the fact that the farm is actually on site, and other ingredients are bought from small local and organic growers, so you really get a taste of the island. Think: Diver Scallop Crude, Lobster Crusted Snapper, and Jerk Grilled Shrimp Satay.

The Grand Velas Riviera Maya In Mexico

Heading to Mexico? There are only two (real) options if good food is your priority—and they're both Grand Velas properties. The Riviera Maya resort has been honored with not one, but two Michelin stars, as well as a 2021 World's Best Award. In fact, they're the only all-inclusive hotel group in the world that is home to two Michelin-starred restaurants. Experience creative dishes from Cocina de Autor, all crafted by Chef Nahúm Velasco, as well as authentic French cuisine at Pilaf and fresh homemade pasta from Lucca.

The Grand Velas Los Cabos In Mexico

If you want the same Michelin-starred food but in Los Cabos, book the Grand Velas property there. It is also home to the highly regarded Cocina de Autor and includes a multi-course tasting menu so you can really experience the cuisine to the fullest.

Brush Creek Ranch Resort In Wyoming

Staying stateside? This all-inclusive ranch resort in Wyoming does not disappoint in the culinary department. Everything that's plated comes straight from the farm—your American Wagyu is ranch-raised, and the Medicine Bow Creamery cheeses come from their own goat herd.

The resort's Cheyenne Club restaurant is headed up by executive chef Ricky Biswas, who has Michelin-star experience and even hosted the first-ever Friends of James Beard event at the ranch in 2024.

Sandals Resort In Saint Vincent & The Grenadines

Sandals is a more familiar resort brand with a trusted reputation and food that has come a long way from the all-inclusive cuisine that stained my earlier perspective. In fact, Sandals is the very one that changed my entire stance on this sector of hospitality. The Caribbean destination has 12 luxe dining concepts and uses locally sourced ingredients—whether you're snacking on Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice or a Butch's filet mignon. It only makes sense, though. The culinary program is headed up by Emmy Award-winning and James Beard-nominated Chef Walter Staib and his team of trusty chefs.

The resort's three-stone cooking concept, Buccan, is a standout. Everything is prepared over an open fire and served family-style, with a menu intended to showcase the flavors of the island. I told you it wasn't your typical all-inclusive.

Blackberry Farms In Tennessee

This Tennessee-based resort is nestled at the foot of the Smoky Mountains and offers more than just exquisite views (but yes, that too). It's home to a James Beard Award-winning restaurant, The Barn, headed up by James Beard Award-winning Best Chef Southeast (for three consecutive years), Cassidee Dabney.

Unlike a traditional all-inclusive experience, wine and alcohol are excluded from the package, but all food at the resort's restaurants is covered.

Zoëtry Mallorca

The luxurious Zoëtry Mallorca, which is part of Hyatt's portfolio of all-inclusives, is one of the dreamiest destinations you could imagine—and it's home to a Michelin-starred restaurant. Andreu Genestra offers a tasting menu of Mediterranean dishes, all made from fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients.

Maxx Royal Kemer Resort In Turkey

Michelin-starred Chef Alfredo Russo introduced his signature culinary style at Maxx Royal Kemer Resort in Turkey for the gastronomic experience of a lifetime. The menu includes traditional Italian fare with Russo's personal flair. You'll enjoy handmade pastas, the freshest seafood, and more.

Ikos Andalusia in Spain

There are several restaurants at Ikos Andalusia in Spain that were curated by Michelin-starred chefs, so you can't go wrong no matter where you dine while on vacation here. Chef Andoni Luis Aduriz, who has two Michelin stars, offers traditional Spanish fare at Oliva, and one-time Michelin-starred Chef Thiou's Anaya features Asian and Thai cuisine. Sample Italian classics at Fresco thanks to world-renowned Chef Ettore Botrini, or check out Chef Stéphanie Le Quellec's Southern French haunt, Provence. She's one of the few female chefs in history to receive two Michelin stars.