Secrets to a Successful All-Inclusive Resort Experience (And My Top Picks)

Backpacking through Southeast Asia, hiking Machu Picchu, seeing African wildlife, and meeting friends in European cities were just a few ways I traveled P.C. (pre-child and pre-COVID). I would have never considered an all-inclusive resort — where was the adventure in that? I stayed at cool boutique hotels and explored destinations through the eyes of locals. The world felt like my oyster, and then the COVID-19 pandemic hit and grounded me. Facing a difficult pregnancy and strict COVID-19 travel restrictions in my home of Spain, I stopped most of my far-flung or spontaneous travels.

I’m traveling again, but now with my 3-year-old in tow. I finally understand why people say traveling with kids is fun, memorable, and special, but it’s not necessarily a vacation where you can take a break. You’re just caring for your kid(s) in another place. As a new mom with an infant, I was overwhelmed and needed a way to get a real vacation and de-stress. Enter the all-inclusive resort, where I didn’t have to cook, clean, organize, or figure out where our next meal would be.

I’m now privy to the secrets others have known: that all-inclusive properties can offer a relaxing vacation. After some trial and error, I have strategies for choosing the right all-inclusive properties and enhancing my stay. Here’s what you need to know about maximizing your next all-inclusive hotel stay, whether you’re a seasoned all-inclusive pro or a newbie.

A True Lifesaver: All-Inclusive Hotels

I once scoffed at all-inclusive resorts, and now I swear by them, at least until my child is old enough that I can enjoy other types of travel again, like hiking, safari, off-the-beaten-path, or visiting cities. All family members can enjoy diverse activities at all-inclusive hotels and resorts, so it feels like everyone is getting a real break from their daily routine. Plus, it’s an excellent value in many cases, especially with rising food costs. As hotels often tack resort fees onto your stay, all-inclusives often don’t have additional fees.

As a parent, I find staying at all-inclusive properties helpful for my sanity. It’s how I can get an actual vacation, but as a former adventure traveler who loved boutique hotels, the transition has still been hard. I miss the days of excitement and adventure travel, but I appreciate how easy an all-inclusive resort makes traveling. After staying in a few and making some mistakes along the way, I realized there’s a strategy to picking the right all-inclusive and an art to make the typical all-inclusive feel cool and exciting.

Demand for All-Inclusive Resorts Is Rising: Will You Jump on the Trend?

It’s not just me who is showing interest in all-inclusive properties. According to data from JLL Research, demand for all-inclusives is on the rise. I’m not alone in adopting a stress-free vacation style with minimal planning in post-pandemic travel.

The concept of all-inclusive vacations is changing. People want to travel more easily, but they often look for a more luxurious approach that includes getting to know local communities or seeing local attractions.

According to the JLL report, “Luxury and upper upscale all-inclusive resorts are here to stay, driven by growing consumer demand for high-quality experiences and stress-free vacations.”

Big hotel chains are taking note. Hyatt has its Ziva and Zilara properties, and groups like Dreams, Zoetry, and Breathless sit under the Hyatt umbrella. Iberostar was recently acquired by IHG, and Royalton and Elegant are part of Marriott, a brand that’s also ramping up its own all-inclusive line.

Take These Steps When Planning Your All-Inclusive Vacation

Just because an all-inclusive vacation means an actual vacation for all (parents and beyond), it still takes a bit of planning to ensure you’ll have the best time once you’re there. Here’s what to do.

1. Think About This: Why an All-Inclusive?

Reasons to stay at an all-inclusive might include:

• You’re an exhausted parent looking for an easy vacation where you don’t have to clean or cook.
• You enjoy eating and want endless buffet options.
• You love all the activities, like AquaGym Fitness and darts.
• You want to relax on the beach and not have to decide where to eat.
• You want to drink and party at the pool without a second thought.
• Unlimited booze sounds like a dream.

Be clear on your reasons so you can find an all-inclusive that best fits your preferences, as not every all-inclusive includes the same thing. Realizing your needs and what you’d like to get from the vacation is the first step to planning the right all-inclusive experience and avoiding disappointment.

2. Pick the Right One

Once you’ve settled on your needs, it’s time to address them. Start by reading about what the resort includes.

Check Inclusions

If your main reason for choosing an all-inclusive is the unlimited booze, carefully read the inclusions. Some resorts may not include alcohol or only offer local and not top-shelf liquors or bottles of wine. See if the hotel has a kids club, pool, spa, and numerous restaurants or dining options. I also always check to see if there’s a coffee shop (for me) and an ice cream shop (for my kid). Either way, note what the hotel includes within its all-inclusive package.

Understand the Concept

Understanding the concept of the all-inclusive is essential, too. This is where reading reviews can help. Dig through reviews to get an idea of the crowds at the resort or what to expect. For example, when I go to an all-inclusive with my family, I determine if kids are allowed because I don’t want to consider adult-only properties. I then sift through reviews to see if it feels party-heavy, as the last thing I want is a bunch of screaming college kids ruining my blissed-out vibes. Of course, if you’re looking to party, this is the type of information you’ll want, too.

Hot Tip:

When reading reviews, I usually start with Google because it pulls in reviews from other sites like Tripadvisor, Booking.com, Hotels.com, and others. This means I’m seeing a little more variety. Then, I check to see if any blogs or vlogs have reviewed the hotel and always determine whether the reviewer has been hosted or has gotten a free stay.

View the Activities

Take a look at the activities. I love it when all-inclusive hotels offer beach yoga or paint-and-sip workshops, and my husband loves getting in on a game of beach volleyball. I’m always alert to kids amenities, including whether there’s a kids club and the ages allowed in, playgrounds, special kids activities, a kiddie pool, and whether it’s heated (when relevant). A resort I recently visited included a CrossFit box with classes, which was the deciding factor between that and another hotel.

3. Follow Proper All-Inclusive Etiquette (aka Be Nice)

One reason all-inclusive hotels often get a bad rap is the assumption that guests are rowdy or rude. You can’t control the other guests’ actions, but reading reviews to get an idea of the general vibe can help you avoid situations where you may not feel like you’re on the same page as the other guests. You’ll share the resort with others 24/7 during your stay, so having a good rapport with other visitors can make things smoother.

Different resorts appeal to different types of travelers, so pick the one that feels like it might have your vibes and then behave appropriately. The most important thing is to model good guest behavior. I’m not perfect, but I try to be as friendly as possible to staff, never cut in line at the buffet, and usually avoid reserving pool chairs (though I’ll admit to doing this when everyone else does; shame on me!).

4. Stay at All-Inclusive Points Properties

Turn a decent stay into a more luxurious one when you stay at an all-inclusive property where you can earn or redeem points. This is especially beneficial if you hold hotel elite status because you’ll often get perks like club lounge access, room upgrades, access to nicer restaurants or pools, private butlers, or resort credits … all things that can make an all-inclusive stay much cooler.

These are some of the brands associated with points that are all-inclusive:

• Hyatt: Hyatt features its Hyatt Inclusive Collection, with brands such as Secrets, Impression by Secrets, Breathless, Zoetry, Hyatt Ziva, Hyatt Zilara, Dreams, Hyatt Vivid, Alua, Sunscape, and various independent categories.
• IHG: Certain Holiday Inn properties may be all-inclusive, and IHG’s all-inclusive options include Iberostar and JOIA by Iberostar.
• Marriott: The All-Inclusive Collection by Marriott has brands such as Royalton and Elegant, but certain properties of other brands may also be all-inclusive, such as the W Punta Cana, Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, or the Westin Reserva Conchal.
• Wyndham: Some of Wyndham’s resorts and hotels may be all-inclusive, but its primary all-inclusive brand is Viva by Wyndham All-Inclusive Resorts from Trademark Collection.
• Hilton: Most of Hilton’s all-inclusive resorts are Hiltons, but a few other brands have the occasional all-inclusive option, such as The Yucatan Playa del Carmen All-Inclusive Resort, Tapestry by Hilton.

Hot Tip:

Not staying at an all-inclusive where you can earn or redeem points with the brand? A co-branded hotel credit card probably won’t help you. Instead, pay with a flexible rewards card that offers additional points for travel or hotel purchases, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve^®, which earns 3x points on travel purchases, or the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card, which gives you 2x points on travel purchases.

5. Choose an Accurate Number of Guests

Many all-inclusive properties price bookings based on the number of guests, as each person usually increases the price. If you book the hotel for 2 but show up as a family of 4, you’ll probably pay extra at check-in, which could be an embarrassing and costly error.

Certain properties have plans where kids eat free, so if you have a large family, it might be a good idea to look into those. Likewise, the best way to find out if a property is adults-only is to try to add your kid onto the reservation. If there’s no box for children, it’s likely because they’re not allowed.

Hot Tip:

Many Holiday Inn properties offer kids eat free deals when they stay with at least 1 adult guest in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.

Tips and Tricks for a Successful All-Inclusive Stay

These helpful hacks can ensure you have an enjoyable stay once you get to your all-inclusive.

Get Off the Resort

Maybe you booked an all-inclusive resort so you wouldn’t have to worry about organizing activities, tours, or meals, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get off the resort. Even just walking further down the beach beyond the confines of your hotel can give you a feel for the destination. You could always book a tour or trip with a local guide or plan to eat local cuisine. Getting off the resort, even just once or for a brief period, can enrich your cultural understanding of the destination and benefit local businesses and the community.

Ask About Dinner Reservations at Check-In

The dreaded dinner reservation process is often more complicated than it should be at many all-inclusive properties. Whether you have to book with a concierge, use an app, or otherwise, get your dinner reservations in order at check-in. Sometimes, it can be challenging to get them, and you might end up at a buffet the first night or 2, but if you address this right away, your chances of getting reservations (and at your preferred times) are much higher.

It may seem obvious, but be nice to the staff member helping you with this. You wouldn’t believe the number of times I’ve seen guests yelling at staff about dinner reservations. You’re much more likely to get the reservations if you’re treating staff with respect.

Get the Lay of the Land

Many all-inclusive resorts are massive, and asking at check-in for a room in a “good location” might help you end up a bit closer to the pool or to dinner. Make sure to snap photos of the map and the calendar so you can access it when needed and won’t miss any fun activities.

Pack Right

While all-inclusive hotels may have a gift shop or pharmacy, average items such as sunblock or bug spray are often grossly overpriced, and you may be far from the nearest shopping center. Pack all of the medicine, toiletries, and anything else you might need so you won’t have to spend an arm and a leg for it at the resort (or risk them not having it at all).

Understand Tipping Etiquette

Some resorts have strict no-tipping policies, while others, especially in specific countries, encourage it. Plan ahead by taking U.S. dollars in $1 bills or taking local currency out of the ATM. Doing a bit of research about your hotel and your destination ahead of time means you’ll be prepared for tipping.

All-Inclusive Properties for People Who Don’t Like All-Inclusives

If you don’t see yourself at the Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos or the Iberostar Selection Bávaro Suites in Punta Cana, it’s OK. There are places where you can have an all-inclusive adventure that feels a little more refined, far-flung, adventurous, or just a bit different.

Miraval

Hyatt’s Miraval collection of wellness resorts is all about relaxation, rejuvenation, and bettering yourself. Miraval Arizona has new-age equestrian therapies, hiking, and sunshine, and I particularly enjoyed walking the desert labyrinth. Miraval Berkshires offers hatchet throwing and pottery, and a new Miraval Red Sea opening is up in Saudi Arabia. This all-inclusive brand puts healing and self-reflection at the top of its priorities. Most rates include meals, daily activities, and a daily resort credit you can put toward spa treatments or specialty activities. Best of all? You can earn and burn World of Hyatt points at Miraval properties.

Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary

Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary is in Bhutan’s Neyphu Valley and features traditional Bhutanese decor and cuisine. It‘s part of Hilton’s Small Luxury Hotels program and can be booked with Hilton Honors points. Consultations with the hotel’s in-house traditional medicine doctors are complimentary, and yoga and meditation group classes are included in your rate. Meals are included, and many ingredients come from the on-site herb garden, vegetable garden, and greenhouse.

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle (Thailand)

If sleeping in luxury treehouse-style bamboo tents sounds special, you can find it at the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle. At the Four Seasons, camping comes with wooden hot tubs, plush king beds, and incredible Ruak River and Thai jungle views. Booking an adventure package means all meals and drinks come included, as well as activities like sundowners, elephant experiences, transfers, and a spa treatment.

An African Safari

Safaris all over Africa often come as all-inclusive packages that include meals, drinks, walking safaris, game drives, and other activities. My experience at the Phelwana Game Lodge in South Africa was phenomenal. It included half board (breakfast and dinner) and walking safaris. Many luxury safari operators like andBeyond have all-inclusive packages available. Points properties such as the JW Masai Mara in Kenya offer all-inclusive packages you can score with cash or Marriott Bonvoy points.

Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai

Falconry and desert walks aren’t typical amenities at an all-inclusive resort, but they are at Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai, which is bookable with Marriott Bonvoy points. This resort is nestled amid the sands of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. During my stay, I experienced these activities and more, plus all meals (even 24-hour room service to my private pool villa). My villa had some pretty cool amenities, like binoculars to view the oryx that ran around the property and an easel for drawing and painting the vast desert landscape.

A Wellness Retreat

Many yoga, meditation, or wellness retreats are all-inclusive packages that include meals and activities such as yoga classes, sound baths, hikes, or other restorative experiences. I enjoyed Little Cove Yoga Retreat in Goa, India, where I slept in a hut just feet away from the crashing waves on a hidden beach and participated in daily yoga and meditation classes. Amansala, home of the famous Bikini Bootcamp and on our list of the best wellness retreats in Mexico, offered a good experience. I also enjoyed challenging yoga classes and some of the best vegan food I’ve ever tasted during a yoga retreat at Vikasa in Koh Samui, Thailand.

Traditional All-Inclusive Resort Stays

With hundreds of more typical all-inclusive resorts out there, it’s hard to list our favorites. There are just so many, and it depends on your budget and what type of vacation you’re seeking. If you’re looking for fun in the sun, I’d start with choosing your destination based on budget, ease of arrival, and season. All-inclusive resorts are popular in destinations like the Caribbean and Mexico, as well as in destinations such as the Canary Islands in Europe.

My Top All-Inclusive Brands

I’m a big fan of Iberostar Resorts because, thanks to my IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, I can earn 26x points per dollar spent on my stay, and I get complimentary Platinum Elite status. I find Iberostar Resorts to be a consistently solid value in price vs. quality, and the properties are extremely family-friendly, too.

If I were traveling as a couple, I’d probably look into Zoetry, which is part of Hyatt. Zoetry feels more curated, offering a boutique, adult-centric experience that focuses on well-being.

See our coverage on all-inclusive resorts to plan your next stay:

• Best All-Inclusive Family Resorts: Cancún, Jamaica
• Best All-Inclusive Resorts: Cancún, Caribbean snorkeling, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Los Cabos, Mexico, Mexico for couples, Punta Cana

Hot Tip:

Do you absolutely love a traditional all-inclusive? So do we! Here are some of the all-inclusive properties Upgraded Points has reviewed: Alila Ventana Big Sur, Dreams Onyx, Finest Punta Cana, Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana, Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos, Iberostar Selection Bávaro Suites, Miraval Berkshires, Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort, Sun Siyam Iru Veli, and Sunscape Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa.

Final Thoughts

Maybe you’ve been a die-hard all-inclusive resort-goer for decades. Maybe you’ve never been to one, or perhaps you’ve dabbled in the category, are considering it, or have gone once or twice. Either way, all-inclusive resorts are here to stay, and they’ve become more prevalent, more luxurious, and easier to book with points as large hotel chains focus on this type of travel category. And honestly, who doesn’t want a vacation that makes everything simple and relaxing?

If you head to an all-inclusive, use these tips and tricks to make sure your vacation turns out exactly how you hope: fun, relaxing, and stress-free.