Think all-inclusive resorts are only in the Caribbean and Mexico? How about the Maldives, Thailand, China, Japan, Africa, Italy, Morocco? French Alps for skiing anyone?
Adults only with emphasis on romance. Singles resorts. Family oriented with dedicated kid camps and staff. Sports and activity oriented. Focused activities such as ski resorts and dive resorts. Cultural immersion resorts. You name it, there’s probably an all-inclusive resort dedicated to it.
Disclaimer. I used to have a very snobby attitude towards all-inclusive resorts. I thought of them as an “Americanized” means for people to visit Mexico or the Dominican Republic. The last few months have been a bit of an epiphany for me and I thought I’ d share some pros and cons to this vacation option.
Pros
- All-inclusive. Well, duh. Not coming home to a huge credit card bill is probably number one when considering the advantages. Activities, drinks, food, entertainment are all part of the package.
- Unpack once. You have a home for a week or two or three. The nomadic lifestyle is for another vacation.
- Activities galore. Tennis, sailing, paddle boarding, golfing, skiing (water or snow), snorkeling, volleyball, hiking, biking, yoga, Zen meditation, cooking classes, wine tasting, and on and on and on. You can’t be bored at an all-inclusive unless you’re trying. This includes the kids!
- Relax and chill. Want to just enjoy some quiet R&R? Spas, private plunge pools, private lanais or balconies are waiting for you.
Cons
- Little interaction with local culture. This applies primarily to the gated resorts where you stay on property your entire vacation. Some people love this while others loathe it. Picking the right resort to meet your expectations will alleviate this con.
- Too regimented. Yes, frequently, activities and mealtimes have scheduled windows of availability. But, room service and light meal options are always offered between scheduled dining. And, if an activity time isn’t to your liking, you can opt for a private lesson or schedule your own activity time.
- One size fits all. This is true within each individual resort. I mean, if you go to a ski resort in the Alps, it is assumed that you will want to play in the snow. And, if you’re a multi-generational family, you’ll want to go where there’s a good kids’ program.
Recap
An all-inclusive resort isn’t for everyone. But, they are more diverse and flexible that many people realize.
A specialist is vital to find the resort that’s right for you and meets your group’s expectations. Whether it’s team building, multi-generational family reunion, destination wedding, sporting group, it’s critical to have a good fit.
What type of all-inclusive would you pick for YOUR group?
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