Maybe You Should Just Book That All-Inclusive Vacation

An all-inclusive vacation may be the last thing you think you need when you love to travel. BUT it might also be exactly what you need.

Burnout gets most of the credit for our renewed interest in all-inclusive vacations. We’re not trying to escape burnout, though. We’re actually just tired of making decisions. Even your Type A travel friend wants someone else to call the shots now and then.

If your mental image of an all-inclusive involves an all-you-can-eat buffet, hedonistic activities and a wristband you wouldn’t be caught dead wearing, you’re not alone. Thankfully, all-inclusives have come a long way from the early Club Med days.

The buffet-and-wristband stereotype hasn’t disappeared, yet today’s all-inclusives stretch much wider than that. Think adults-only resorts, destination spas, adventure lodges and hotels where food and cocktails are as much a draw as the beach.

The basic premise of an all-inclusive vacation hasn’t changed. Pay in advance, settle in and let someone else handle the details. What has changed is what you can expect once you get there.

What’s Actually Included in an All-Inclusive?

As we all know, travel can be wonderfully complicated. Planning it is another story. Researching excursions, comparing prices, making reservations and coordinating schedules can turn a getaway into a stressful project before you even pack a bag.

At an all-inclusive resort, you pay one upfront price for your room, meals, drinks and select activities. That said, you still book anything that requires a reservation. You just don’t have to keep pulling out your wallet or figuring out every meal and activity as you go.

What’s included varies by resort, so read the fine print. Premium alcohol, spa treatments, excursions and golf often cost extra. On the flip side, some resorts throw in airport transfers and water sports.

Six All-Inclusive Resorts for Every Kind of Traveler

And forget the cookie-cutter idea. These six all-inclusives have one thing in common. You pay once and stop thinking about it.

1. Mohonk Mountain House — New York

Set in New York’s Hudson Valley, the historic Mohonk Mountain House bundles three meals, afternoon tea and seasonal activities, including hiking, row boating, a round of golf and snow sports. With so much going on, few guests bother leaving the grounds.

2. The Lodge at Woodloch — Pennsylvania

This adults-only destination spa hands you three gourmet meals a day, wellness and fitness classes, guided outdoor activities and full use of the spa facilities. The Lodge at Woodloch is designed for guests who want wellness to be the focus, and someone else to build the daily schedule.

3. Hilton Head Health — South Carolina

Healthy meals, fitness classes, wellness education and activities such as biking, kayaking and paddleboarding come standard at Hilton Head Health. Personal training, Pilates, yoga and meditation round out its health-focused programming.

4. The Ranch at Rock Creek — Montana

At The Ranch at Rock Creek, guests choose two guided activities a day. Horseback riding, fly fishing, archery and mountain biking are all on the list. The rate covers farm-to-table meals and drinks, while spa treatments and yoga classes cost extra.

5. Hotel Xcaret — Mexico

Hotel Xcaret México in Playa del Carmen takes an active approach to all-inclusive travel with its All-Fun Inclusive concept, which includes resort amenities, dining and unlimited access to Grupo Xcaret’s parks. Transfers are part of the deal, so guests skip the excursion-booking scramble.

6. Meliá Punta Cana Beach — Dominican Republic

Adults-only Meliá Punta Cana Beach has the classic Caribbean setup plus wellness-inclusive programming. Guests who want more than another round at the swim-up bar have plenty to work with. Yoga, guided meditation, bike tours, culinary workshops and botanical garden walks are all on the schedule.

What to Know Before You Book an All-Inclusive

An all-inclusive vacation takes some decisions off your plate. But there are still a few questions to answer before you book.

Are all-inclusive resorts worth it? An all-inclusive tends to pay off when you plan to eat, drink and stay on site most days. If you want to eat around a city or take independent day trips, you will not use what you have already paid for.

Do you tip at an all-inclusive resort? Policies vary. Some resorts fold gratuities into the rate; others expect tips for bartenders, housekeeping and activity guides. Check before you go, and bring small bills in the local currency if tipping is customary.

Are all-inclusive resorts good for solo travelers? Some are. Destination spas and activity-based resorts with group programming are easier to arrive at alone. Couples-focused beach resorts often charge a single supplement, so check pricing for one guest.

How far in advance should you book an all-inclusive vacation? Popular resorts and holiday weeks fill up months in advance, and small properties with limited rooms go quickest. Booking ahead also gives you first pick of activities and dining that require reservations.

About Vacayou

At Vacayou [pronounced VACAY – YOU], we believe that travel has the power to change lives. The power to revive, rejuvenate and redirect your inner wellness warrior. And that’s why we’re here. Vacayou brings the world of wellness travel to you!

No matter how far or how adventurous, our team scours the globe to curate the best in wellness travel. However, the booking process can often be time-consuming and complicated. We’ve simplified your search for wellness and active vacations with Vacayou’s Instant Book, so your dream wellness getaway is now just one click away.

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