Some all-inclusive resorts have a reputation for hosting major music acts and notable festivals.
If you want to mix in a concert or two with your all-inclusive vacation, try one of the following resorts — all of which are prime spots for big concerts.
Moon Palace, Cancun, Mexico
Few — if any — all-inclusive resorts can outdo Moon Palace when it comes to concerts. The Moon Palace Arena, a 140,000 square foot convention center, has hosted a long list of major acts since its inauguration in 2014. These have included Rick Astley (see image above of Rick rolling at Moon Palace), Marc Anthony, Foreigner, Toto, Kansas, REO Speedwagon, Creedence Clearwater Revisited. Usher and Shakira have also performed at Moon Palace, and the Cranberries are scheduled for 2017. If you stay for five nights or more at Moon Palace you’ll receive $1,500 in resort credit that can be used, among other things, to buy concert tickets. Tickets typically range from $129 to $249. (http://www.moonpalacecancun.com/)
Barceló Maya Grand Resort, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
The Barceló Maya Grand Resort consists of five luxury hotels sharing the same wide array of resort services and facilities. It’s a place to relax during the day and party at night, especially at the Barceló Maya Beach, the venue for single and multi-day music festivals such as Phish: Riviera Maya, Crash My Playa and the Mad Decent Beach Party. All-inclusive packages are available specifically for these events. (https://www.barcelo.com)
Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic
Casa de Campo is a hotspot for celebrity spotting as well as a venue for big gigs. The luxury resort has its own replica 16th century Mediterranean village called Altos de Chavón, at the center of which stands a 5,000-seat Grecian-style amphitheater. This impressive stage has hosted many big acts since its inauguration in 1982, including Frank Sinatra, The Pet Shop Boys, Sting, Elton John, Gloria Estefan, Andrea Bocelli, Marc Anthony, Air Supply, Julio Iglesias, Enrique Iglesias, Plácido Domingo, Spyro Gyra, Michel Camilo, Juan Luis Guerra and Alejandro Fernández. Alicia Keys also filmed the video for her single Karma at Altos de Chavón. (http://www.casadecampo.com.do/)
Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas
Atlantis is another luxury all-inclusive resort that really pushes its live music schedule. The Atlantis LIVE concert series has featured plenty of big names in recent years, such as Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban, Bruno Mars, Avril Lavigne (performing at Atlantis in the image above) and Carrie Underwood — with John Legend scheduled to play in December 2016. Atlantis LIVE has also featured comedians such as Jerry Seinfeld and Jimmy Fallon. Guests can use resort credit for all live performances. Note: Atlantis is testing the all-inclusive concept at their Beach Tower and Royal Towers only, and only for a limited time – until June 2017. After that they may or may not continue the all-inclusive plan, but add-on meal plans, both EP and AP, are always available. Coral Towers is currently closed for renovations. (http://www.atlantisbahamas.com/)
Grand Oasis and Grand Oasis Cancun, Mexico.
Set in the midst of two all-inclusive sister resorts — the Grand Oasis and Grand Oasis Cancun — is The Pyramid. This impressive building features both the longest pool in Cancun and an open-air atrium that attracts internationally renowned music acts (and an occasional world title boxing fight). Previous performers have included Kool & the Gang, Janelle Monáe, Gloria Gaynor and Empire of the Sun. The 2016 line-up featured a series of major events at The Pyramid, such as Dance U (with world-famous electronic dance acts and DJs), Jazz U (which included Chaka Khan), Electro Latin Beat and the Country Music Fest. (http://www.pyramidgrandoasiscancun.com/)
Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, Mexico
Jon Bon Jovi helped inaugurate the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya in 2014. Since then, this particular Hard Rock all-inclusive resort has seen a steady stream of local rock acts and other rock-related events. Unsurprising, really, considering that this is a Hard Rock property with rentable Fender guitars and a Bret Michaels Rock Star Suite (seriously — the suite was even declared “Mexico’s Leading Hotel Suite” in the 2015 World Travel Awards). Major acts set to appear at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya in 2017 include My Morning Jacket and The Avett Brothers. (http://www.hrhrivieramaya.com/)
Sandals Resorts, Various Locations
Finally, keep an eye on the various Sandals resorts scattered around the Caribbean. In 2016, Sandals announced the Story Behind the Songs concert series, a new initiative that would showcase “intimate acoustic performances from top music artists.” The first event, held at the Sandals-owned Beaches Turks & Caicos all-inclusive resort in September 2016, featured country music artists Lee Brice, Jerrod Niemann and Dylan Scott. Next up is the Eli Young Band playing at Sandals Royal Bahamian in December 2016. Similar live music events will be taking place at various Sandals and Beaches resorts, so check the schedule before deciding on a date. (http://www.storybehindthesongs.com/)
What’s your favorite resort for watching a concert? Tell us in the comments!
