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Children are wonderful. But sometimes they just don’t factor into your vacation plans. You might crave alone time with your significant other; a girls or guys getaway; or “me time” at a white-sand beach. Even worse, you could end up at a resort with that one kid who continually cannon-ball dives into the infinity pool, to the applause of his kiddie posse, while you try to sink into a paperback novel without getting splashed.So. Not. Cool.

RELATED: 6 guilt-free ways to leave the kids behind on your next vacation

If it’s a kid-free zone that you seek, the Caribbean and Mexico’s Riviera Maya have excelled in offering adults-only sanctuaries. Here are 12 of our favorites adults-only resorts where diaper changing and sippy cups don’t exist—at least, not unless that “sippy cup” holds a rum or vodka drink.

 Jade Mountain Resort

Photocourtesy of Jade Mountain Resort

1. Jade Mountain Resort

Where: St. Lucia
Age requirement: 16 years and older

It’s no surprise that Jade Mountain Resort is consistently ranked one of the most romantic resorts in the entire world. The site of the season 14 finale of “The Bachelor,” it’s a true lovers’ paradise. The eco-friendly suites (called “sanctuaries” here) each carry an open design with sweeping views of the lush Piton Mountains and sparkling Caribbean Sea. Most also include a private infinity pool.

The Caves Hotel

Photo courtesy of The Caves Hotel

2. The Caves

Where: Negril, Jamaica
Age requirement: 16 years and older

This luxurious resort, perched atop limestone cliffs overlooking the Caribbean, is also quite small: The Caves boasts just 12 cabins set in jungle-like gardens. That gives this resort an intimate feeling and personalized service that also make it a favorite with celebrities such as Naomi Campbell.

3. Excellence Playa Mujeres

Where: Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Age requirement: 18 years and older

With seven pools, ten restaurants, 11 bars and a high-end spa, you might never want to leave this all-inclusive resort in Isla Mujeres, just north of Cancun. The secluded nature of Excellence resort, on a two-mile stretch of white-sand beach away from the touristy Hotel Zone, is perfect for those looking for quiet beachfront R&R. In other words, this isn’t your quintessential “Spring Break” resort in Cancun.

Photo courtesy of Galley Bay Resort and Spa

Photo courtesy of Galley Bay Resort and Spa

4. Galley Bay Resort & Spa

Where: Antigua
Age requirement: 16 years and older

Galley Bay Resort and Spa in Antigua made the 2015 Conde Nast Gold List, a compilation highlighting the best hotels in the world. This adults-only boutique hotel is on 40 secluded acres of beachfront property with dazzling sunset views. The accommodations evoke a simple Caribbean style befitting the tropical environment, and are adorned with thatched roofs, stone and rattan.

5. IBEROSTAR Grand Rose Hall

Where: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Age requirement: 18 years and older

This all-inclusive, all suite IBEROSTAR resort is considered the best of the three Iberostar resorts in Montego Bay. While also the priciest, guests enjoy access to all three resorts in the complex, including its five pools, 15 bars and 11 restaurants. Plus, the stretch of private beach at this resort (which is off limits to those staying elsewhere) is lacking something else that makes it quite magical: crowds and noise.

Photo courtesy of Sandals Granada

Photo courtesy of Sandals LaSource Granada

6. Sandals LaSource Grenada

Where: Grenada
Age requirement: 18 years or older

This couples-only, all-inclusive Sandals resort at the southwestern tip of Grenada offers lovebirds romance while strolling Pink Gin Beach or escaping to the three freshwater pools, two river pools or 10 gourmet restaurants across its sprawling grounds. Of the 225 rooms here, 69 are suites that offer butler service.

ALSO: Earn instantly towards that grown-up getaway when you sign up for  Orbitz Rewards—it’s fast and free!

7. The House by Elegant Hotels

Where: Barbados
Age requirement: 18 years or older

This chic resort, ideal for couples and friend getaways, is tucked into the ritzy west coast of Barbados. The House fosters luxury without being stuffy, however, with its intimate grounds boasting ponds, gardens and waterfalls. With only 34 rooms, it feels like you’ve got the place to yourself. Thoughtful extras include welcome drinks, champagne breakfast and a complimentary “jet lag revival” massage upon arrival.

Photo courtesy of Jewel Dunns

Photo courtesy of Jewel Dunn’s River Beach Resort and Spa

8. Jewel Dunn’s River Beach Resort & Spa

Where: Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Age requirement: 18 years and olderNestled amid tropical gardens alongside a white-sand beach, Jewel Dunn‘s all-inclusive haven boasts six bars, six restaurants, two pools and a spa. If you plan to spend your vacation drinking pool- or beachside, know this: All-inclusive rates include premium top-shelf liquor.

9. BodyHoliday St. Lucia

Where: St. Lucia
Age requirement: 16 years and older

Tap into the fitness and wellness offerings at this oceanfront resort for the mind and body. Customize your stay by choosing from an expansive menu of activities ranging from yoga to sailing to biking the coastline—and indulge in a daily spa treatment (included!). BodyHoliday is great for couples, friends and solo travelers (especially during the month of September when BodyHoliday hosts its September Solos Retreat).

10. Excellence Punta Cana

Where: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Age requirement: 18 years or older

This swank, all-suite, all-inclusive resort overlooks the Caribbean—so yes, a white-sand beach is included. Two massive pools at Excellence wind through the colonial-style grounds, also home to nine restaurants, ten bars and a spa. For those seeking a little more adventure, activities such as horseback riding, SCUBA diving and archery are also available.

Photo courtesy of Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort

Photo courtesy of Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort

11. Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts

Where: Aruba
Age requirement: 18 years or older

This adults-only oasis resides on the soft white sands of Eagle Beach. A contrast to the bigger chains that dominate Aruba’s beaches, Bucuti & Tara is an intimate resort of 104 rooms that caters to couples and solo travelers with a sophisticated, low-key vibe. The resort does not allow groups or weddings, and doesn’t offer a ton of “activities” as the focus here is on tranquility.

12. Sandals Emerald Bay

Where: Great Exuma, The Bahamas
Age requirement: 18 years or older

Situated on sparkling Emerald Bay, this 404-room, all-inclusive Sandals resort has a lot going for it. Across 500 tropical acres visitors will discover tennis courts, pools, restaurants, a spa and a Greg Norman-designed golf course. At night, the resort’s massive pool with a dramatic fire pit in the middle is a popular place to cozy up and sip a few cocktails.

Olive Boutique Hotel

Photo courtesy of Olive Boutique Hotel

13. Olive Boutique Hotel

Where: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Age requirement: 18 years or older

This chic, 15-room boutique hotel is an intimate gem nestled amid posh shops and restaurants. Mediterranean flair with rustic touches make Olive feel hip without being pretentious. The rooftop bar and lounge features a plunge pool, and the beach is just a few blocks away.

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Tagged: Caribbean, Mexico

Note: Orbitz compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site.

Erica Bray

Erica Bray

Erica is a practical free spirit who loves travel, yoga and ice cream. A Northwestern University-trained journalist with more than 15 years of experience straddling digital and broadcast media, Erica can be found doing handstands everywhere she travels -- even risking arrest in some cases. Learn about her at www.erica.media.

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