Imagine a place close to a beautiful beach where you can enjoy unlimited meals and drinks, activities such as swimming pools, hot tubs, water sports, kids’ clubs, and spa services. An all inclusive resort is a hotel with many exclusive amenities like the ones mentioned and much more. Unlimited access to many services is the core of an all-inclusive resort. Other amenities typically included are airport transfers, accommodations, and entertainment programs.
Another main characteristic of an all inclusive resort is that when you reserve that experience, you leave behind the worry of constantly paying for your services since the majority of your expenses will be covered beforehand. Pre-paying for your all-inclusive resort also helps you to control your budget more effectively and brings you more security.
The main destinations for all-inclusive resorts are tropical and beach areas such as the Caribbean, Mexico, and many other parts of Central America and Asia.
It’s important to note that not all all-inclusive resorts are created equal. They vary in terms of amenities, food and beverage quality, and activities. Therefore, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research and make a careful selection before booking. Always ask questions before making a payment. At Latin Spirit Travel & Tours, we take pride in our meticulous selection of all-inclusive resorts, ensuring all the necessary services for your peace of mind. Our experienced travel agents are adept at helping you book your dream destination. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Next, there is a list of 20 tips on how to choose the best all-inclusive resorts:
A romantic getaway, group trip, solo trip, family vacation, etc., are examples of travel goals. The intention of your journey will define what amenities, locations, and accommodations are more suitable for you. A setting for a honeymoon and an anniversary celebration cannot be compared. Talking to your travel agent beforehand about your travel goals will help you enjoy your trip to an all-inclusive resort.
Review carefully all that is included in the all inclusive package. Typically, it should include at least all meals in addition to the accommodation. All resorts should include Wi-Fi, but there are times when such service is limited, and it is better to ask if this will bother you. Also, many all inclusive resorts could charge gratuities or not offer airport transfers. Premium options are also available, such as off-site excursions, private dining events, or spa treatments. Understanding all your options will decrease your chances of disappointments or unexpected surprises during your stay.
This tip is similar to the previous one but with an emphasis on the dining options exclusively since you need to receive the food that you like in order to enjoy your vacation plans. Ensuring your dietary needs can be satisfied will provide you with a pleasant overall experience in your all-inclusive resort. Ask about the range of cuisines, such as whether they have casual buffets and à la carte restaurants, regional and international flavors, gluten-free/halal/kosher/vegan options, and also ask about the operating hours and reservation policies.
For many people, food is a crucial component of enjoying their stay at an all-inclusive hotel, but others prefer to focus more on the location, accommodation, or activities provided.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages can vary according to the establishments. The most common non-alcoholic drinks are juice, sodas, mocktails, and coffee. The most common alcoholic beverages to expect are spirits, wines, beers, and cocktails. The all-inclusive resort might have a premium selection that you will have to ask about at the resort. Also, you can ask about the lounge hours before booking because each resort’s policies differ
For many people, food is a crucial component of enjoying their stay at an all-inclusive hotel, but others prefer to focus more on the location, accommodation, or activities provided.
All-inclusive resorts can include or offer to add activities, entertainment, and recreational facilities on-site and off-site. For example, you can check if there are options for snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fitness classes, cooking demonstrations, entertainment programs such as live music, themed events, and other adventure activities exclusive to the area. The entertainment, activities, and recreational facilities can definitely provide you with a satisfactory vacation.
Looking at the reviews from past guests can give you an overview of what to expect and not to expect in your selected all inclusive resort. The reviews often contain quality and guest satisfaction information that is not mentioned anywhere else.
Take time to read the most recent reviews, which will keep you updated about the current resort experience. I usually review both the positive and negative reviews separately and judge accordingly because many people can fake reviews. However, you will most likely notice when somebody is lying by reading a bunch of reviews. Also, sometimes, people leave negative feedback without explanation or with a complaint that does not make sense.
Overall, reading the reviews of past guests will always give you a sense of the resort’s reputation. Google Maps, Expedia, and TripAdvisor are the most common places to check for reviews. It is not recommended to check the reviews from their resort website since they might be filtered according to what is more convenient for them to show.
Read about the resort’s policies related to check-in/check-out times, cancellations, and gratuities. Ensure the check-in/out times align with your travel itinerary and that, for example, you do not have to carry cash to tip the staff directly. The resort’s policies will determine your ability to request a refund or make changes if necessary. Many overlook those policies, which might generate complications or financial burdens that negatively impact your all inclusive resort experience.
Sometimes, the all-inclusive resorts do not specify beforehand additional fees, such as what types of services are premium that will take additional costs from you, private transfers, specialized treatments, supplementary charges, club-level lounges, and private events. The resorts are not always obvious in showing you the additional fees for which it is necessary you ask before instead of expecting a service to be included in your travel package.
If you or any member of your group has mobility needs or other physical considerations, it is essential to ask before booking about accessibility features like wheelchair-friendly pathways, elevators, ramps, assisted transportation, specialized equipment rentals, or dedicated staff assistance. Many resorts could have narrow doorways, bars, or uneven terrain that will impact your stay. Do this search upfront for your peace of mind and ensure a pleasant stay.
Booking a resort is not only available on the company webpage; you can book the same resort through different third-party channels such as Expedia or your favorite travel agency. The rates will always be impacted by the number of travel dates, holidays, and peak seasons. Comparing prices can sometimes give you the best deals, but remember that their descriptions of the package might not be complete, so you must book in a place where you can ask all your questions before buying.
Planning to travel during a peak travel season? Book well in advance since the spots and/or services are always limited. When you book well in advance (2-3 months before), you will ensure your preferred travel dates, room types, or any other service needed. You might find deals to book when buying close to the travel date, but those deals usually have limited amenities/services. All-inclusive resort special offers/discounts are commonly available when booking well in advance, and your chances to add more services or any other requirements are possible. Peak season is a wonderful time to travel because the weather will most of the time be delightful, but if not well planned, it cannot guarantee the best accommodations and desired services.
Consider reading about the different resort brands before booking, specifically if you plan to visit a particular location. For example, within the same area, there could be adult-only or luxury experiences such as the Sandals and Club Med resorts, but there could also be more budget-friendly all-inclusive brands such as RIU and Bahia Principe. You can also ask your travel agency about your preferences and all the resorts available in your desired destination.
All inclusive resorts can be in many different settings and are not always in front of the beach. Some have direct access to the beach, but others are located nearby, and you will have to commute to them. Other settings include mountainside views, nature-inspired settings, the city center, and nightlife activities.
Selecting the best room category for your trip can make a huge difference in your vacation. Remember to check what your room view is, such as an oceanfront panorama, garden view, or city view. Some rooms can include a private balcony, jacuzzi, and swim-up access. Check if the room is interconnected to other rooms to ensure enough space and privacy.
Many hotels available are adults-only or completely/partially family-friendly resorts. Check the area designated for the kids in case the resort you selected might not have what your kids will enjoy the most; this will help you enjoy your stay by not worrying about how to keep your kids distracted. Also, check all the available options for adults-only resorts because you will learn about all you can do to get the best experience on your trip.
Request an all-inclusive package deal, including flight tickets, adequate accommodations, transportation, and any other add-ons you can request. Buying a bundle package will help you relax more during your vacation because it can ensure that what you want and need is included. Also, a bundle package could provide cost savings, but if you book your services independently, it might cost you more. Ask for both prices (all inclusive resort only or a bundle package) to compare.
Loyalty/rewards programs are available in many all-inclusive resorts. Signing up for those programs can reduce your expenses for future travels. Some loyalty/rewards programs can give you VIP services or unlock exclusive reservations. Consider asking about those programs to elevate your all-inclusive vacation experience.
When choosing the best all-inclusive resort, you have to consider many alternatives that fit your preferences and specific needs. The most important ones are the meals and accommodations. The 17 tips for choosing the best all inclusive resort are: determine your travel goals; understand all that is included in the package; evaluate your dining options; check for the selection and quality of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages; ask about the activities, entertainment, and recreational facilities on-site and off-site; read the reviews from past guests, consider the resort’s policies; inquire about any additional fees; check the resort accessibility if needed; compare the all-inclusive rates; book well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons; research the different all-inclusive resort brands in your desired destination; check the exact hotel location; select the best room category; verify if the resort is for adults-only or completely/partially family-friendly to know the designated areas and amenities; buy a bundle package if it is more convenient for you; and check for loyalty/rewards programs.
Consider these 17 tips for a rewarding and well-deserved vacation. Contact us if you need help booking your all-inclusive resort.
☀️ How much do all-inclusive resorts cost?
It depends on the resort type, but in general, you could pay $100 to $200 per night per person for most all-inclusive resorts. In the luxury ones, you will have to pay around $500 and up per night per person. When special deals appear, you could pay around $50 to $80 per night per person.
☀️ Are tips and gratuities included?
Most all-inclusive resorts include tips and gratuities in the package, so you won’t need to worry about tipping the staff. Consult the resort’s policies or ask your travel agent.
☀️ What kinds of activities are offered?
The principal activities offered in an all inclusive resort are:
☀️ Are all-inclusive resorts good for families?
Yes, all inclusive resorts are perfect for families, and it is expected to find kids’ clubs there. Nevertheless, always ask before booking what the amenities and designated areas for families are in case the resort has adult-only areas.
☀️ Does Puerto Rico have all inclusive resorts?
Yes, Puerto Rico does have all inclusive resorts available for travelers. The number of such resorts is less than in other Caribbean destinations. However, you can still find high-quality resorts like Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham Rio Grande and the Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Those resorts include unlimited meals, drinks, and activities.
☀️ Do Turks and Caicos have all-inclusive resorts?
Yes, Turks and Caicos has all-inclusive resorts with turquoise waters and beaches, like the Club Med Turkoise and the Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa.
☀️ Are there any all inclusive resorts in the us?
Yes, there are many all-inclusive resorts in the United States, like the Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
☀️ Does Hawaii have all inclusive resorts?
No, in Hawaii, you cannot find the typical all-inclusive resorts like in popular destinations like the Caribbean or Mexico, but you can find hotels that will charge separately for the meals, services, and other activities. You can also request to bundle certain activities or services but not all of them. The reasons why Hawaii does not have the typical all inclusive resort is influenced by diverse factors such as the Hawaii cultural dining experience, where most of the visitors prefer to go to local restaurants that are limited to only the hotel dining options; also, there are a lot of recreational activities in Hawaii for which is not required to go to an all-inclusive resort to enjoy.
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