Looking for just the right romantic getaway with your spouse? Or how about a great family vacation? Or a fun and safe Gal Pal resort? One of these all-inclusive resorts may be just what you are looking for.
All inclusive resorts are all the rage and continue to grow in popularity. There are dozens and dozens of options now: from Sandals (adults only), Beaches (family friendly) to Hilton and Marriott all - inclusive resorts. Here are a few reasons today’s savvy traveler is turning to the all-inclusive resort.
Safety and Health:
Many of these resorts have been, and continue to offer complimentary, on-site COVID testing for their guest. We experienced that when we visited Sandals in St. Lucia and The Moon Palace in Cancun and it was very convenient. We went into a ballroom that was set up by medical professional, took our test, had our results back in minutes and took off for the airport with our proof of negative COVID tests. Many properties are also offering quarantine accommodations at no additional charge if guests test positive. Sandals and Beaches are also offering complimentary travel insurance for all of their guests traveling through the end of the year.
We were also very impressed with the cleaning protocols that meet and often exceed CDC guidelines. Food was delivered in a safe and healthy way (gone were the buffets) and every employee was wearing a mask properly. In at least the resorts we were in, not wearing a mask properly was a reason for dismissal; they were not taking any chances.
There is also the health benefit found from staying on property, so you will not be exposed to large crowds in numerous different venues. The all-inclusive resorts offer so much for their guests to enjoy on property that there really is no reason to have to leave the resort. You will have a wide variety of beach sports and activities to keep everyone in your family entertained and having fun all day. You will find several choices for evening entertainment from Broadway caliber shows to comedians to live music for dancing. You will have such a wide selection of restaurants, serving a wide variety of foods from around the world, that you will not get bored.
Value:
The price of a vacation at an all-inclusive resort may give you sticker shock at first- until you realize that everything is included. This is your total cost of the trip (excluding air fare, of course). You will not be taking out your credit card every time you eat a meal, get a snack, a drink, a cocktail, do water sports (except perhaps motorized water sports), enjoy beach activities and/or sit in on one of the nightly performances. When I present an all-inclusive resort, I remind clients to compare the total costs of this vacation vs. total cost of a previous vacation, which requires adding up everything on your credit card bill. I often find how surprised many clients are when they take a moment to analyze the actual cost of a previous vacation.
It is convenient to know the total cost of your vacation before you go. There is nothing more discouraging than coming home from vacation and a week later, getting your credit card bill and it practically (or literally) doubles the cost of your room rate, and you are left saying to your spouse, “Did we really spend that much?” For those of you with children who are eating you out of house and home, it can save you a lot of money when all their meals, snacks, ice cream cones, and beverages are included in the cost of your stay.
Here are just a few of our favorite all-inclusive resorts.
Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun in Cancun, Mexico
When I say all-inclusive, you probably think of Cancun, Mexico because that destination offers so many choices. Le Blanc’s Spa Resort is truly fabulous. In fact, this adults-only resort is the No. 1-rated hotel in all of Cancun on TripAdvisor, offering exclusive experiences like dolphin swims and a tour of an ancient Mayan city, unlimited golf sessions, 24-hour room service and more.
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico
When a spa receives Condé Nast’s “Most Excellent Spa Hotel” award, you know it has to be good. That’s not the only accolade the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has received; it’s also been given a perfect 5-star rating from past travelers on TripAdvisor, as well as being named the No. 1 hotel in the Nuevo Vallarta area.
Galley Bay Resort & Spa in Five Islands Village, Antigua
This is another adults-only resort is all about the water, with oceanside dining, a spa, restaurants and more. As of 2021, guests were impressed with the resort’s safety precautions and sanitation.
Sandals, South Coast Jamaica
Sandals has 15 all-inclusive resorts around the wider Caribbean, but we feel like this one is outstanding in every way. This Jamaican beach resort is so serene and gorgeous, truly a romantic getaway with its collection of overwater bungalows and, more recently, the company’s first ever swim-up Rondoval suites. If you are looking for a place to relax, refresh and restore, this might be just the perfect place for you and your sweetheart.
Beaches All-Inclusive Resorts
The Beaches all-inclusive resort chain is part of Sandals and offers the same great service, food, locations, and amenities, and it is designed for families. Therefore, there are tons of fun things for your children to do and for you all to do together as a family such a tubing, bodyboarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, lawn chess and so much more. They have awesome water parks to keep your kids busy and having fun outdoors and away from all the screens. Beaches resorts are located in Jamaica and Turks and Caicos.