I don't want to start a big debate. Please - I just want a simple answer to my question. Are there any all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean that DON'T have topless sunbathing (at the resort or right across a fence)? If so, could you please tell me which ones? Thanks.

Anguilla doesn't have topless bathing but I can't think of an all inclusive there - maybe someone else can.

Most islands that have been conquered and settled by the British do not approve of topless sunbathing, with Jamaica being a notable exception. You may occasionally run across a topless or nude sunbather on a secluded stretch of beach, but for the most part, since locals tend to frown upon it, you won't find it at the more heavily visited beaches on these islands.

What's your price range? DO you truly want an all-inclusive? (There are many pros and cons for them. Just make sure you know both sides before deciding on an AI.) What do you want to do on vacation? We can't really suggest anything until you give us more to go on.

Topless sunbathing...how gross is that?? Good luck on your search.

Wyndham in St. Lucia does not have topless sunbathing and it's inclusive.
The Divi Aruba mega all inclusive does not have topless sunbathing as well.
Definitely DON'T do the islands that are French territories (like Martinique or Guadeloupe) if you don't want topless sunbathing. That should reduce your possibilities.

EJ is correct in that generally if an island is british, you will not see topless sunbathing. If it's french or dutch, you will see plenty of it. I can add that the only island I can think of where we did an AI and never saw any nude sunbathing was Wyndham Sugar Bay in St. Thomas.

We've been to 12 all inclusives throughout the Caribbean and don't recall not seeing some degree of toplessness. Even on the Mayan Riveria where it's generally frowned upon to go topless, you will still see some toplessness, albeit usually very discreet while lounging, but the tops go back on when they go for a drink or a walk along the beach.

As a rule, the British Islands do not allow topless sunbathing.

There are no all inclusives on Anguilla, althouogh you can add a meal plan to your resort reservation. I do not think that is a good idea though, since the food on Anguilla is wonderful and I highly recommend exploring the island and it's beautiful beaches, dining establishments and meeting the locals.

As far as AI's. They are not created equal. There are 2 beautiful resorts which come to mind. Jumby Bay, is all inclusive all meals, and alcohol and Biras Creek all meals, alcohol not included. Both are outstanding, upscale resorts. No topless sunbathing. I am sure there are more that other Fodorites can add to the list, but those are 2 that I thought of. Hope this helps!

Thank you for your help everyone.
Carib-traveler, you mentioned the Wynham in St. Lucia - is that the same at St. James Club Morgan Bay?

Beaches Turks & Caicos, and Allegro Turks & Caicos - T&C is a proper British West Indies island where nudity is frowned upon - in fact illegal.

Hi, yes it's the same..name changed...not sure if that means different management.
Are you considering it? If yes, I can give you our thoughts on the hotel if you want.

That is a consideration. The following information may help as well: my dates are roughly October 3-12. I'm planning a destination wedding and honeymoon and taking 3 couples with us. Yes, I definitely want an AI as we would be considered "big drinkers" and also because my fiancé and I are going to pay for our friends' trip as well!

A couple of my modest girlfriends are very squeamish about the topless beach thing. And, yes, I know it is my wedding and all, but it doesn't matter to me. And if someone has a preference about that, I'm happy to accommodate the request to help everyone have a good time.

Is Beaches owned by Sandals - or is it the same resort?

Hi Tonya. Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials. If you definitely want to go the route of all inclusive, I would lean towards a high quality, non-chain establishment such as Curtain Bluff on Antigua. It has a charm and sense of class that the other places just don't. Plus, the British influence there makes topless sunbathing a no-no.

Have been to Antigua, Jamaica, and the Bahama's All of these islands have some people who like to go topless, including Mexico where both my daughters have been to as well. I really dont think you can get away from it totally. Yes Beaches is owned by Sandles.

That's really nice of you to pay for your friends...I can see why you'd prefer an AI, at least you'd know your cost up front.
We went at about the same time you plan to. We went end of September/start of October. Please be aware that it's rainy season. I believe St. Lucia is at least in the top 5 of Caribbean islands that get the most rain. We were lucky and it rained only 2 days out of the 7 we were there.
I feel like I'm going to make you change your mind about St. Lucia, but I'm really not trying to. I just want you to know what to expect if that's your choice.
The island itself is BEAUTIFUL so you can't go wrong there.
I would say the Wyndham was average. We didn't have any outstanding complaints. Our room was oceanview, spacious and clean.
There were only 2 restaurants when we went (in 2000), which can get old after awhile. One served a breakfast buffet in the morning. At night, it became a really nice restaurant (with a menu, not a buffet). We had to call to make reservations. The second restaurant served lunch (things like burgers, etc..) and at night served a buffet-style dinner.
The food at both restaurants was good, but the lunchtime at the 2nd restaurant was so-so.
We thought the beach was small. A bit rocky but then again I believe they had a hurricane the year before. And the water is not that crystal-clear water one associates with the Caribbean.
The hotel is comprised of several low-rised buildings, so depending on the type of room you pick (gardenview), you might be a bit of a walk from the beach.
Bottom line, I think we got the best value for our money. It was good price for a last minute decision to go away. However, this was 3 years ago, so who knows how the hotel is today.
Yes, there are definitely higher-end hotels but it's all up to what you want to spend. My personal opinion, if you can afford a little more, look at some other places.
Good luck!

True, there can be discreet toplessness on any island, but it really is rare on many of the brit places. On Antigua, the only place I saw it was on the only clothing-optional beach on the island. I saw two European womentake their bikini tops off on a different beach and they were quickly asked to put them back on.

I agree with previous poster about getting the nicest all-inclusve that you can afford. Curtain Bluff is among the nicest of them, but it really is very expensive. Galley Bay is a nice AI on Antigua that is not quite as upscale, but still quite nice.

As for St. Lucia, if you choose this island and want a romantic AI for your weddingmoon, I don't think you could beat the Jalousie Hilton. While not an AI per se, they offer an AI plan for you and your guests. The villas are beautiful and each have their own private plunge pool. The beach is essentially private, as there are no other hotels along it. There are quite a few actiities to choose from: spa, pool, scuba, snorkel, hiking, fitness center--all on site. And, importantly, there is no topless sunbathing on the beach or any other public area.

First of all, I want to thank everyone for helping me out. This is a LOT easier when I have some honest opinions!
Jumby Bay - Too expensive for me
Biras Creek - is actually closed during the time we want to go
Curtain Bluff - wow! That looks soooo nice, but I think that is going to be too much $$ also!
(remember - we are paying for other couples as well)
St. Lucia - I definitely AM looking for that 'crystal clear water' that you think about when you think about the Caribbean - so does that mean this island is out?
St. Thomas - I passed through on my way to St. John and also spent a day there. I don't think I want to go back.
Antigua - maybe I'm leaning towards this?

What do you all think about the Sandals / Beaches resorts? They look really affordable, but would that meet my tastes? I don't mind a family atmosphere, but then again, I don't want to be trampled by kids. Want: all-inclusive, loosely affordable, good drinks, some nightlife - but not 'one big party', food doesn't really matter to us, ACTIVITIES!, and then there's the no topless thing (if possible).

Thank you all for your help!

Sounds like you're doing your homework! If Jumby Bay and Curtain Bluff are out of your price range, but you still think you might an AI on Antigua, you could check out Galley Bay (which admittedly has been getting mixed reviews lately, but I enjoyed visiting there several years ago). Then, on the untouristed side of the island (east coast) there is the Grand Pineapple Allegro (or some such. The name has changed a couple of times.). It is less money than Sandals or Galley Bay, but from reviews that I've read, it offers a better value. I've never stayed there, but I've stayed just up the beach from there. (Lovely beach, gorgeous water.) Cocobay is another AI that is fairly new and looks lovely--individual cottages, not hotels-style rooms.

Antigua is, in my opinion, a good island for beginning Caribbean travelers. It's got enough development on the west coast to reassure many American travelers, but it's large enough to provide some off the beaten path experiences for the more adventurous.

I don't think you should completely write off St. Lucia, though, as it is in my opinion, a more romantic island. The water there is beautiful and clear, but very dark blue to indigo once you get a few feet offshore. It's because it's a volcanic island and the bottom drops off precipitously just yards offshore. Makes for good snorkeling right off the beach, though.

I'm in the anti-Sandals/Beaches camp myself, but their formula sure works for other people. Maybe it will work for you and your guests. But I do think that other hotels, even at their AI rates, give more bang for their buck than the Sandals chain does. Let us know what you decide on, and above all, have fun!

Can't say about Sandals but Beaches are chock-full of kids. I mean, wall to wall kids. Looks like a lot of fun for them but not the adults! Probably no topless bathing, though...

ritz carlton rose hall jamaica. beautiful, quiet, classy and relaxing.