The mere mention of an all-inclusive holiday can evoke a wave of relaxation. An escape from everyday life with no worries about meals or drinks, it sounds like paradise for many travellers. While you might be familiar with the concept, do you know exactly what all-inclusive includes?
From understanding its definition in the context of hotels to knowing your rights as a guest, this article will give you a comprehensive understanding of an all-inclusive holiday. I’ll explore the benefits, tips, and comparisons when it comes to booking all-inclusive hotels and help you find the best deals.
- What all-inclusive means
- What do all-inclusive hotels include?
- Resort vs. hotel
- All-inclusive vs. full board vs. half board
- Is all-inclusive worth it?
- Making the most of your all-inclusive holiday
- How to find all-inclusive hotels on KAYAK?
- FAQ Section
What does “all-inclusive” mean?
When it comes to searching and booking hotels, the term “all-inclusive” can mean a variety of things. But at its core, it simply means that everything from meals to activities is included in the price of your stay.
However, it’s important to remember that what’s included may not be set in stone. Additional services or activities may vary depending on the hotel. While some resorts offer a range of additional activities, others may come at an extra cost.
Find out before booking what kind of activities and services are included in your rate. Tap into KAYAK’s Freebies Filter, which lets you filter for hotels depending on what they offer; all-inclusive, free breakfast, full-board, etc.
What do all-inclusive hotels include?
Imagine stepping into a world where every craving is satisfied. This is the magic of all-inclusive hotels. For example, in 2022, Hyatt Hotels launched their Inclusive Collection of resorts, which they defined as including, “no check-in or check-out times, 24-hour room service, top-shelf cocktails, gourmet a la carte dining without reservations required, and endless activities throughout the day and night”.
Let’s break down what all-inclusive generally includes (other than your room):
- Meals
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are typically included, as well as snacks and beverages. Alcoholic beverages may be included in some packages, but this varies between hotels and resorts.
- Activities
Activities are generally included too. This can include things like the use of the hotel’s facilities, such as the pool or gym, while some hotels also offer activities like golf, tennis lessons, or even water sports like jet skiing.
- Entertainment
Entertainment is another common inclusion in all-inclusive packages. This can include things like live music or shows, in-room films, and access to the hotel’s game room.
- Childcare
Childcare is sometimes included which can be a great benefit for families travelling with young children. Services often include babysitting, kids’ clubs, and children’s activities.
Resorts vs. hotels
Both hotels and resorts can offer all-inclusive packages but there are many differences. A resort tends to offer a variety of amenities that go beyond the standard hotel, from luxurious spas and gourmet restaurants to recreational activities like golf and water sports.
I like to think of a hotel as a place to stay, but a resort as a destination in itself. Resorts are often self-contained, providing entertainment, dining, lodging, sports activities, and shopping on the premises. There’s often very little reason to leave a resort, other than for local sightseeing.
Hotels tend to be more focused on providing a comfortable place to sleep with some added amenities, whereas resorts offer a range of activities, from water sports to yoga classes to keep you busy during the day. Resorts go beyond somewhere to sleep, they’re lively destinations in themselves.
They tend to be larger than hotels, occupying a sprawling space and usually located in scenic or natural areas. Think beachfront villas lining the Caribbean coast or treetop bungalows deep in the forest. Meanwhile, hotels tend to be located in city centres or nearby main attractions, aimed at providing a base for travellers to explore outside the hotel grounds.
Who are all-inclusive resorts suitable for?
If you want to leave all the worries of holiday planning behind and sink into relaxation mode, then all-inclusive resorts are perfect for you.
- Families
Many all-inclusive resorts are ideal for families, as they offer a wide range of activities and amenities that appeal to all age groups.
- Couples
All-inclusive resorts are a great romantic getaway, especially when you book an adults-only resort.
- Groups of friends
Resorts typically offer some large rooms that can accommodate multiple people, as well as a variety of activities that will appeal to everyone in the group.
- Solo travelers
Many all-inclusive resorts offer activities and amenities that are perfect for solo travellers, such as yoga classes and spa treatments.
- Business travelers
From meeting rooms and business centres to restaurants and bars, they offer everything you need for a successful business trip. Plus, when you’re busy all day in meetings, you know everything will be taken care of for you on-site.
With the variety of activities and amenities on offer, they can suit almost any type of occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone with a significant other or enjoying some quality time with family, all-inclusive resorts are ideal for a range of occasions.
- Family reunions
From kids’ clubs to pools and beaches, your family will have everything they need to have a great time and keep the kids entertained. It also takes the stress out of holidaying with little ones, as you can simply book and forget all about the planning stages.
- Budget-friendly holidays
When you consider all that’s included in the price, they can offer savings that you might not expect. Plus, some of the extras like airport transfers and activities mean you don’t have to sacrifice any of the fun or relaxation on a budget.
- Wellness retreats
From nutritious meals to curated fitness classes and luxury spa treatments, you can indulge in a variety of wellness activities without worrying about the logistical details.
- Last-minute holidays
Enjoy a relaxing trip even if you don’t have much time to plan ahead. Plus, last-minute deals sometimes offer discounts on otherwise-expensive resorts.
All-inclusive vs. full board vs. half board
For many of us, food is just as important as the room options. When it comes to choosing an all-inclusive hotel or resort, the meals can make a big difference in your experience – and your budget. There are several options to choose from, each offering varying degrees of culinary convenience.
What does all-inclusive include?
From the moment you step into the resort to when you wave goodbye, you can indulge in unlimited food, beverages, and activities without worrying about a hefty final bill. Depending on the resort, this may mean fully catered buffets for each meal or a set menu for you to pick and choose your dishes.
What does full-board include?
Full-board typically provides guests with breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all included in the room rate. This means you can indulge in a continental breakfast, savour a midday feast, and dig into a delicious multicourse dinner without having to worry about paying extra.
What does half-board include?
Half-board at hotels typically includes breakfast and dinner. It’s the perfect option if you want to combine the convenience of dining on-site with trying local cuisine when you’re out and about during the day.
Is all-inclusive worth it?
The decision to invest in an all-inclusive holiday is dependent on personal preferences and priorities – but if you crave a stress-free and indulgent escape, Some of the top benefits include:
- Great value for your money.
When you stay at an all-inclusive hotel, you can be sure that all of your meals, drinks, and activities will be covered in the price of your room.
- A hassle-free experience.
When you stay at an all-inclusive hotel, you won’t have to worry about making restaurant reservations or booking activities.
- Often located in beautiful locations.
All-inclusive hotels are often located in some of the most beautiful locations in the world. From the beaches of Mexico to the mountains of Colorado, there’s an all-inclusive hotel or resort to suit every taste.
- Offer a wide range of amenities and activities.
When you stay at an all-inclusive hotel or resort, you’ll often have access to a wide range of amenities and activities. From swimming pools and tennis courts to spa services and kids’ clubs, there are usually many options to choose from.
Tips for making the most of your all-inclusive holiday
As a seasoned all-inclusive traveller, these are my top tips to make the most out of your next all-inclusive trip.
- Do your research
There are a lot of different hotels and resorts to choose from, and it’s important to find one that’s right for you. Read reviews, look at photos, and compare prices to find the perfect place for your holiday.
- Know what’s included
Once you’ve booked your holiday, take some time to familiarise yourself with what’s included in your stay. Most all-inclusive hotels include meals, drinks, activities, and entertainment but it’s always a good idea to double-check so you know what to expect. This will also help ensure that you take advantage of all there is to offer.
- Plan ahead
Once your research is done, decide which activities you want to do and make reservations in advance. This will help avoid any potential disappointment.
- Explore beyond the resort
While there’s plenty to do at an all-inclusive hotel or resort, don’t forget to explore beyond the property. Many all-inclusive resorts are located in beautiful destinations with plenty of things to see and do. So get out there and explore.
How to find all-inclusive hotels on KAYAK?
Not sure where to start? Take advantage of KAYAK’s filtered search tool to help you find the perfect all-inclusive trip. All you need to do is search your destination of choice and use the all-inclusive filter.
You can also use the Holiday Packages search tool, which enables you to search package holidays with KAYAK and find the cheapest flight and hotel deals.
Find resorts in your favourite destinations
Some destinations are just made for all-inclusive resorts. Cancun and Miami Beach are two of the most sought-after destinations for sunny all-inclusive holidays. You’ll find some of the most famous beachfront resorts there, and KAYAK can help you filter through to find the perfect one. If you want somewhere a little more laidback, check out Palma de Mallorca Resorts or Corfu Resorts for family-friendly all-inclusive resorts.
FAQs
Does all-inclusive include alcohol?
Most all-inclusive resorts provide alcohol as part of their package. However, there may be some limits as to what exactly is included. Always check the fine print before ordering.
Does all-inclusive include flights?
Typically, all-inclusive packages cover accommodation, meals, and amenities on resort grounds, but air travel is rarely included. However, airlines often offer their own bundle deals that may be more cost-effective for your specific travel plans, such as combining flights and an all-inclusive stay. Check specific airline websites to see what they offer.
