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The all-inclusive pendulum is starting to swing. For years, rum-soaked, buffet-laden resorts were rightfully associated with high volume and low quality.
Fortunately, several hospitality brands are refining the model and upping their game without jacking up the price. So, how do you spot an all-inclusive that doesn’t suck?
Frequent traveler, father of two and financial strategist Jon Morgan said to look for features that “reduce friction.” Think: streamlined technology like mobile check-ins and apps that allow you to order food from the comfort of your chaise lounge. The co-founder of Venture Smarter also recommends considering ROI.
“A resort including a daily two-hour supervised kids’ club session, valued at $50 per child, delivers a far greater return on investment than a competitor with a slightly lower rate that monetizes every extra activity,” he opined.
We took his advice and crunched some numbers, analyzed amenities and read through hundreds of reviews. The result? Six resorts where value meets class, each with quoted rates that include meals, two adults and two kids under 12. Check them out below.
Hyatt resorts in Puerto Vallarta
It’s easy to elevate your all-inclusive experience at the Mexican miracle that is Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort. Just upgrade to a “preferred club” suite and get access to Puerto Vallarta’s only rooftop infinity pool. Or, stay with the plebs and soar through the jungle canopy via the 699-suite resort’s new zip line. It’s the only destination in Riviera Nayarit boasting ZipBikes (from $817 per night).
If traveling between the treetops on two wheels isn’t your speed, head down the Bay of Banderas to Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta, where the resident tortugas set the pace (from $630 per night).
Annually, three species of sea turtles lay thousands of eggs in the resort’s sandy front yard: Playa Las Estacas, a private beach at the southern end of the hotel zone. Guests staying between August and December can witness the hatchlings emerge and paddle out into the Pacific. While the resort’s marine biologist can teach you all about conservation, he can’t throw knives like the talented chefs at Tamari. This new teppanyaki restaurant is just part of Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta’s recent $20 million renovation. All 335 rooms were also renovated. They’re spread out over two 11-story towers, so most have stellar views.
Casa de Campo Resort & Villas
In the Dominican Republic, old is in vogue. The crown jewel of this 7,000-acre property, featuring private villas and 247 guest suites, is a 16th-century replica Mediterranean village with shopping, dining and live entertainment. Ol’ Blue Eyes performed “New York, New York” in its 5,000-seat amphitheater in 1982. Guests also enjoy unlimited horseback riding — an activity most all-inclusives charge through the hoof for. Tee times at three golf courses are also rolled in to the rates — including Teeth of the Dog, an award-winning course designed by the late Pete Dye, whose ashes are in a pot bunker on hole 8.
From $708 per night.
Club Med Magna Marbella
Across the pond, Europe’s OG all-inclusive resort brand is setting Spain aflame with flying trapeze lessons, as well as 25 other complimentary activities including archery, golf and padel (Spain’s Costa del Sol is the birthplace of the celeb-obsessed sport). The 485-room resort isn’t seafront, but a free bus shuttles guests to the beach club down the road.
From $700 per night.
Aleenta Hua Hin- Pranburi Resort & Spa
For an all-inclusive holistic holiday, consider Thailand. What this one-key Michelin Guide boutique resort on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand lacks in TVs, it more than makes up for with wellness-centric and culture-forward offerings. Start the day with sunrise yoga before meeting the barefoot Buddhist monk who comes to collect alms. Or, fetch your own eggs, and pick herbs at the organic on-site farm for a kid-friendly cooking class. The four-bedroom, 7,300-square-foot beachfront villa is ideal for multigenerational families. It even allows dogs.
From $445; beach villas from $1,000 per night.
