Perks Of Booking An All-Inclusive Resort For Your Next Vacation
There once was a point when staying in an all-inclusive resort meant bracing yourself for breakfasts and meals that make you rethink what you're consuming, gurgling possibly diluted drinks, and surrounding yourself with fellow vacationers who disrupt your peace. While some resorts may still have this vibe, many have evolved for the better since then, positioning themselves as a preferred choice for many travelers.
Their biggest draw, obviously, is their comprehensive prepaid packages that cover your accommodation, meals, activities, and entertainment, leaving you to do nothing but relax once you get there. But there are many other perks involved in staying at an all-inclusive beyond financial ease. From round-the-clock meals to cultural explorations, there is a lot to love about them that may even make you justify a longer stay. Here are a couple of reasons why you should consider an all-inclusive resort for your next getaway.
Resorts cater to various demographics
One of the best things about all-inclusive resorts is that they're not cookie-cutter. This is a refreshing departure from bland hotel experiences that make you feel like you're living in a fancy cardboard box. All-inclusives boast variety, offering something for everyone, from a toddler wanting to dip into a massive kiddie pool to an adult wishing to relish an open bar.
For families, there are resorts brimming with child-friendly amenities, such as water parks and kids' clubs. On the flipside, adult-only resorts cater to a more mature audience, boasting amenities like in-house nightclubs and premium beverages. Travelers with a penchant for all things high-end also have quite a selection of luxurious all-inclusives that offer things like gourmet cuisine and lavish wellness treatments.
With that said, it's important to do your due diligence when taking your pick from a wide array of options to guarantee an exceptional experience for everyone involved. "If your family is interested in filling your day with activities, make sure you have a resort that offers plenty of ways for your family to stay busy," Nicole Tilzer, senior director for All-Inclusive and Resort Strategy for Hilton, told USA Today. "Or if you would rather spend your days soaking in the sun, ensure you find an oceanfront resort with a variety of pool options for both adults and kids."
You don't have to plan your day-to-day
Completely ditching a meticulous itinerary is yet another appeal of all-inclusive resorts. Unlike the typical vacation that demands intricate planning, all these resorts ask from you is to simply surrender to having a good time. While there are a ton of amenities within the premises to sink your teeth into and a long list of activities to try, your participation is purely optional. You're free to maximize your stay with back-to-back activities and excursions, but you can also embrace the art of doing nothing. The choice is yours.
Travel industry expert Kristin Jaffe told The Washington Post that all-inclusive resorts are great for those who are yearning to disconnect from the everyday hustle and bustle of life. "If your goal is to get somewhere, unwind and be able to 'turn off' the world the second you step off the plane, an all-inclusive vacation could be a good choice," she said. Echoing this sentiment is a user on X, formerly Twitter, who noted that in all-inclusive resorts, you're also not burdened to make any tough choices, let alone think, well, anything. "I want the only decisions I have to make everyday to be whether it's a pool day or a beach day and if we're skipping breakfast to have a lie in," they tweeted.
You don't have to think about where to eat, either
With all-inclusive resorts offering food around the clock, you never have to worry about what to get for your next meal. Guests are afforded the luxury of visiting the buffet at their leisure, eliminating the need to venture off-property for restaurants. Even if the selections don't quite tickle your fancy, at least there is always an accessible option for grub.
But you likely won't have to worry about that, with many all-inclusive resorts stepping up their culinary game, offering spreads prepared by chefs with Michelin stars under their belt, the freshest ingredients, and delicacies that embody the essence of the locale. TikTok user @SnackEatingSnacks, who stayed at Grand Velas in Cabo San Lucas, detailed in a viral video how top-notch the food in resorts can be. "Their breakfast buffet has everything you could ever want," he said, adding there is also a taco station that can whip you up quesadillas and tacos with Oaxacan cheese and unlimited cocktails and snacks by the pool. On-site restaurants also deliver an exquisite dining experience. "I got my own Tomahawk steak just for me which was cooked perfectly and so juicy," he said.
It's important to note, however, that while the all-inclusive model entails a wide range of dining options, some specialty restaurants may require an additional fee on top of your package. To ensure a seamless experience, a game-changing tip when dining in them is booking tables far ahead, especially if you're traveling in the peak season.
You can immerse yourself in new cultures
When traveling to an unfamiliar place, the assumption is you only get to grips with its culture if you take the time to actually roam around the area and engage with the locals. With some all-inclusive resorts, however, you don't even have to step foot outside of the establishment for a cultural immersion. "For a long time, all-inclusives have offered guests a lot of different ways to have a culturally immersive experience," Scott Wiseman, senior vice president of a brand under the Hyatt umbrella, told The Washington Post. "But they are being curated and presented better."
For instance, Hotel Xcaret Arte, an all-inclusive in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, combines the locale's natural beauty and cultural richness within the property. Guests can explore lagoons and hidden caves without leaving, while Mayan and Mexican culture is imbued in nearly every corner. "They do really great at actually incorporating Mexican culture and art with the different designs and elements in your room and throughout the resort," TikTok user @MyCurlyAdventures shared in a viral video. "Just staying at the resort is a whole cultural experience."
But if a resort lacks cultural activities on the premises, some will arrange a cultural trip for you. Ikos Oceania in Halkidiki, Greece, provides complimentary culture passes to guests, which include tours of the Gerovassiliou Vineyards and tickets to the White Tower and the Museum of Byzantine Culture. The cherry on top? It even lets you borrow a Tesla for an eco-friendly cultural pilgrimage.
You can get most of your essentials within the resort
Whether you're a minimalist traveler who tries to fit everything into a single carry-on or the type who might accidentally leave their essentials behind, worry not. Many all-inclusive resorts have most — if not all — you need within their premises. While it's always encouraged to bring all your necessities with you to minimize the need for further spending, it may be comforting to know that the resorts' on-site shops and boutiques are there to fill in the gaps.
Run out of sunscreen? No problem, there's a shop for that. Don't feel like wearing any of the swimsuits you brought? You can take your pick from the selection of bikinis from the resort's store. And should you leave your trusty pill box at home, you can always pick up medicine like pain reliever and motion sickness relief from the on-site shop.
Here's the catch: Convenience comes with a price. You have to be prepared to pay double or even triple for some last-minute necessities. One Reddit user dished that they had to cough up $18 for Dramamine, while another was forced to shell out a whopping $58 just for a charging cable. If you don't need to make emergency purchases, though, you can likely still do some souvenir and knick-knack shopping from the boutiques to bring back home. This way, you won't have to venture out of the resort just for some local goodies.