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8 Best All-Inclusive Destinations for An Unforgettable Milestone Birthday
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So it’s time to blow out the candles on your cake and make a wish — but dreams of wine-tasting tours in Napa Valley, line dancing in Memphis, and beach resort getaways in Cancún don’t have to just be in your head.
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When it comes to those milestone years that are truly worth celebrating, don’t just settle for putting up some store-bought streamers and balloons around the house. Give yourself the gift of a bucket list travel adventure you’ll be sure to remember for years to come (and will last longer than any of those deflated balloons will). Whether you’re a parent planning your little one’s first international jaunt, a newly-minted teen ready for an adrenaline-pumping jungle adventure with the family, or a retiree ready for some rest and relaxation at a wellness resort, the best places to go for your birthday have something for everyone.
How to Plan A Birthday Destination Trip
Look, if you’d travel halfway across the world to see Taylor Swift on one of her international Eras Tour dates, or to see whoever’s currently in residency at Sphere in Las Vegas (currently the Eagles), then it’s worth investing in the experience of an unforgettable destination for your milestone trip. Our advice? Unless you’re into planning a daily, step-by-step itinerary to curate the perfect vibes for you and your special guests (I’m a Virgo too, I feel you), may we suggest an all-inclusive resort? Hilton is our go-to, with exclusive packages that take the hassle out of planning, and even extra elements you can add on to tailor your celebration to you.
book a hilton all-inclusive resort
When you book at an all-inclusive property, you don’t have to worry about figuring out separate accommodations, finding restaurants with open reservations, snagging tickets to local entertainment, etc. You should always start planning with a budget in mind, but this way you don’t sweat the small stuff (aka individual costs, and the nightmare that is post-trip Venmo chains) and can spend more time enjoying your big day. Transportation will really be your only big factor, and even then, many resorts offer free transport between local airports and the hotel (that won’t prevent any of your guests from missing their flights, though).
Here are some of our favorite Hilton destinations for milestone birthdays, where everyone in your crew can find something to enjoy, all in one spot.
The Best Destinations to Travel To for Your Birthday
EDITOR'S PICK
Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort
For a beach-side celebrations, the Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya‘s clear pristine and secluded bay will feel like you’ve got your own private beach for your birthday celebrations. We suggest booking an Enclave room, which includes private check-in and exclusive pools and beaches (that range in vibes from relaxing to seriously lively), along with access to the Enclave Lounge, priority reservations at restaurant outlets, and rooms with extra-special amenities. As one of the most ecologically diverse places in the world, you’re close enough to visit the turquoise lagoons and cenotes or take a trip to Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the New World. You can even go take a tour with a sommelier around Mexico’s most recognized wine region, or attend sustainable cultural workshops like Mexican Embroidery or Huichol art-making. Bottom line? This locale combines the best of traditional resort relaxation and immersive cultural experiences you won’t want to miss out on.
FOR BIG FAMILIES
Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort
If you’re bringing the whole clan along for the festivities, escape to Cancún’s famed Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort. A majority of the rooms face the Caribbean Sea and feature a private terrace or balcony, but you also have options to choose a two-bedroom suite to keep the whole family together (or book in the Enclave category like previously mentioned). What we like: this resort also offers a Kids Club, Beach Bunch, with a dedicated playground and splash pool along with a Sandbar Social teens club if there are any younger ones in your party. The diversity of food options, from Mexican, to Italian, and grab-and-go spots, also comes in the clutch when catering to different tastes (and picky eaters). There’s also a lush spa, unlimited drinks and cocktails, and a golf course.
FOR ADULTS ONLY
Hilton La Romana All-Inclusive Adult Only Resort
If you’re looking to indulge in resort activities and nightly entertainment without any kids running around (we understand!), Hilton La Romana All-Inclusive Resort is an adults-only retreat in the Dominican Republic that offers an excellent locale for birthday celebrations. Think oversized, swim-up rooms and suites with a hydro tub, a casino where slot machines and poker tables await you, and a PADI Five Star Dive Center for scuba diving right here at the resort. Some of the country’s best golf courses are even within 20 minutes, including Dye Fore, La Estancia, and Teeth of the Dog.
FOR SOMETHING NEW
Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton
Some older resorts feel like they just slapped a fresh coat of paint on top of dated buildings — but this upcoming opening from Hilton is already gearing up to be one of the coolest spots to celebrate a destination birthday. Opening early 2025 (with reservations open now), Zemi Miches overlooks the clear waters of Playa Esmeralda just 80 minutes from the Punta Cana airport, and features over 10 restaurants and bars, a full-service spa, four pools, and, get this — a waterpark. If you’re not the thrill ride type, we’re also excited for the new coffee and espresso hub that doubles as a social spot, so you can attend a spirit tasting and toast rum drinks to another rotation around the Earth.
FOR FOODIES
Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort
If you consider yourself a foodie (or just get really obsessed with your birthday cake flavor) then it’s worth spending your special day on a trip to Hilton Cancun. This all-inclusive resort features 12 unique dining experiences in five specialty restaurants, including a five-course meal experience on the beach and under the full moon. There’s also an experiential open-fire mixed grill, at Auma if you’re ready to dig into a juicy birthday steak, flavors from across regions of Mexico at Maxal, and a central wood-fired pizza oven at the Mediterranean La Luce. Bonus: there’s an all-you-can-eat churro shop on-property, too.
FOR PARTIERS
Hilton Playa del Carmen, an All-Inclusive Adult Only Resort
Do you want to be in the middle of the action whenever you travel? Enter: Hilton Playa del Carmen All-Inclusive Resort. With Playa del Carmen’s most famous street at your doorstep, you can extend the birthday festivities to the restaurants, boutiques, and clubs the bustling Fifth Ave has to offer — without having to endure an additional leg of travel. There’s also two vibrant outdoor pools that you can cool off in while you keep the party going with their weekend DJ, and endless drinks in seven lounges. That doesn’t mean your space isn’t designed for relaxation though. Every room feels like a suite here, from marble bathrooms, to ocean views, swim-up entries, and even butler service.
FOR ACTIVE TRAVELERS
Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa
Spanning 400 tropical acres along the Caribbean coast in Jamaica, Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa truly does have it all (especially if you don’t want to spend your birthday just sitting by the pool with a book). Not only do they have one of the country’s largest water parks, Sugar Mill Falls, at the resort (with a 280-foot water slide, lagoons, and a lazy river), you can also golf like a champion at the 18-hole Cinnamon Hill course, which offers smooth fairways played by some of the pros. Ready to explore the island? Plan a rafting excursion, Blue Mountain hike, visit to Montego Bay Marine Park, or a day trip to Dunn’s River Falls, all from the concierge desk.
FOR POOLSIDE RELAXERS
Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort
So you do want to spend your big day poolside sipping on a mixed drink — we’ve got you covered. Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort has an excellent Bali Bed situation, where you can book a spot poolside or beachfront and enjoy the view from your own shaded cabana. You can even customize your birthday daybed experience with luxurious extras — we’re talking sparkling wine, massages, chocolate-covered strawberries and more (with an added fee). Grab your crew together and lounge by an indoor pool too at the eforea Spa, where invigorating hydrotherapy pools, a steam room, sauna, and whirlpools await. It’s that ultimate aaaah feeling that’s the best present you could give to yourself.
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