There are all-inclusive resorts suitable for everyone, how do you choose the right one for you? We all know that when it comes to vacation travel, the All-Inclusive resorts remain a very popular choice. All-Inclusive resorts offer some of the best value for your money; the choices are vast and there is a resort out there to suite any traveler interested. The all-inclusive resorts of today cover a wide variety of styles, budget, and clientele. When choosing your resort, it is important to understand the differences and options available. The proper resort choice will definitely make or break your vacation experience.
All-Inclusive resorts are located in many of the sun-drenched islands and countries of the Caribbean and Mexico. The largest concentrations of all-inclusive resorts are in Jamaica, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. There are others scattered throughout the Caribbean – such as St Lucia, Antigua, The Bahamas, and Costa Rica, to name a few.
There are 3 main types of All-Inclusive Resorts:
Couples Only
Cater to the romance and celebration clients – think honeymoon, destination weddings, and anniversaries. Of course no special occasion is required to enjoy the adult only atmosphere.
Most often 4 star properties and above
Adults Only
Restricted to adults only, but not couples only.
Great for couples, groups of couples, girlfriend getaways, or the “guys trip / mancation”
Most often 4 star properties and above
Family Friendly
Large range of family friendly dining, entertainment, and activities
Many have adult only areas or sections
Many are great for destination weddings, couples, girlfriend getaways, or the “guy’s trip / mancation”.
Available in all budget ranges
Inclusions are as varied as the resorts themselves – some questions to consider:
- How important is dining? Do you prefer buffet or A’ la carte dining? Are you willing to make reservations?
- Is room service important to you? Butler service? Concierge service?
- Do you prefer premium brands of alcohol or domestic brands (consider the country you will be in!)?
- Are you a beach bum or a pool person?
- What type of activities do you enjoy on vacation? Do you like water sports?
- Do you like a large mega-resort, smaller boutique resorts, or something in between?
- Do you want to stay mostly on the resort or do you want to enjoy the area and local culture?
When it comes to budget, as a general rule, resorts fall in to the following categories:
Budget – usually 2-3 star properties
Moderate – usually 3-4 star properties
Luxury – usually 4.5 -5 start properties
Exceptional Luxury – usually 5 star +
It can’t be overstated – choosing the right resort is the most crucial part of your vacation experience. Make sure your choice suits your lifestyle and expectations. Remember, price is what you pay, value is what you get. If you choose based on price alone, it may not be the value you think it is. The reverse is also true; you can certainly overspend on your vacation without getting any extra value.
As a Couples Travel Concierge and Travel Professional, I can help you sort out all of your options. Don’t hesitate to contact me when you are ready to book your All-Inclusive Resort vacation experience.
Happy Travels