Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts

By David Barclay | December 25, 2024

When my clients hear the words “All-Inclusive Resort”, I get a number of reactions.  Some clients express an interest in hearing more.  But many of my clients tell me they are looking for a more upscale and luxurious experience than an all-inclusive resort.  What these clients don’t realize is that the all-inclusive resort segment has evolved since they first become popular in the 1970’s.  In recent years, many new luxury all-inclusive resorts have opened, and other well-known resort chains have elevated their experiences to better suit the needs of luxury travelers.  These upscale all-inclusive resorts have services, dining, and activities that rival the best of the 5-star resorts around the world.

When a client asks me to assist in finding a great resort for a vacation, I always try to include at least one all-inclusive option.  While some of my clients don’t mind getting a meaningful bill at the end of their stay, others don’t like to feel nickel and dimed after already spending a meaningful amount on their room or suite.  Multiple $100+ per person meals and $20 drinks at the bar can really put a damper on a vacation, as my guests try to mentally keep track of how much they are spending each day on their vacation.  An all-inclusive resort removes this drag on a vacation and my clients are free to relax and indulge as much or as little as they like each day.

Just as there is no common template for the best luxury resorts, as they all have their own unique personality and brand, the same is true for all-inclusive luxury resorts.  Some focus on adults while others cater to families and multi-generational trips.  Some are easy to reach in popular destinations with many off-property activities available, while others are more remote and designed to offer a peaceful refuge from the outside world.  One of the key elements in making a luxury all-inclusive a perfect fit is matching the all-inclusive resort’s offerings to the travelers and their desires for that specific trip.

Below are just a few examples of luxury all-inclusive resorts you might want to consider for your next vacation.

Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts

Grand Velas Riviera Maya

Considered by many to be the best all-inclusive resort in Mexico, the Grand Velas Riviera Maya does not disappoint!  Part of the Grand Velas chain, which also has resorts in Riviera Nayarit and Los Cabos, the Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers three separate all-inclusive experiences depending on the guests’ interests.  The Grand Class section is an adults-only area of the resort that caters to guests looking for a romantic getaway or more peace and quiet.  The Ambassador section is designed for families looking for relaxed elegance and offers many suites suitable for groups of 4-8 guests.  The Zen Grand section caters to both couples and families looking to be nestled in lush tropical foliage and surrounded by the exotic sights and sounds of the Mayan jungle.

Guests can enjoy any of the eight dining venues, including the one Michelin star Cocina de Autor, or have gourmet room service delivered to their suites.  The resort also offers kids and teen clubs, allowing parents a few hours to enjoy lounging at the pool or the fine dining options on the property.

Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya

For a slightly more budget friendly all-inclusive, many of my clients have enjoyed the Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya.  A new resort just opened in 2022, it offers a modern Mexican beach-style experience.   Ideal for families, the resort offers many rooms with two queen beds, perfect for a family of four.  Larger families can request connecting rooms (1 king + 2 queen).  For a slightly more luxurious experience, the resort offers the Enclave.  Occupying the building closest to the main lobby, the Enclave offers many extra amenities including the private Enclave Lounge with personal concierge team, upgraded minibars, an exclusive poolside grill, two large pools exclusive for Enclave guests and priority access to many wellness activities and fitness classes.

For children, the resort offers many kid focused activities for kids 4-12 yrs old as well as a kids club and teen club.  Families and kids can also visit the large splashpad / small water park and many of the pools sprinkled throughout the resort.  Adults can enjoy themed parties at night (Disco, Karaoke, Pool Party) or head over to the neighboring sister property, the Conrad Tulum, to enjoy the spa.

Beaches Turks & Caicos

For a very family focused and family friendly all-inclusive option, consider Beaches Turks & Caicos.  Located on the main island of Providenciales, it is relatively easy to reach from most major U.S. cities. 

Divided into 5 separate themed villages, this large resort offers 10 pools and 4 whirlpools, in addition to a large water park.  Guests can dine at any of 18 dining venues and grab drinks (both kid and adult) from one of the 14 bars.  Since this resort caters to families, there are any options for family rooms, including some that have a bunkbed with trundle (perfect for a family of 5).  The resort offers three room levels, the standard Luxury rooms, the Concierge rooms which include concierge service and stocked mini-bars, and the Butler Elite which butler service and top–shelf liquors and wines.

All-Inclusive Add-On Packages for Traditional Luxury Resorts

Many traditional luxury resorts have seen the rise in popularity of luxury all-inclusive resorts and have modified their offerings to compete.  While not fully transitioning to an all-inclusive offering, they offer all-inclusive packages which can be added to a standard reservation. 

Casa de Campo is a well-known luxury resort in the Dominican Republic situated on over 7,000 acres.  It offers guest numerous activities including water sports, golf, tennis, and horseback riding.  While guests can book just a room, suite or villa, they also have the option of adding on the Casa Inclusive Package.  This package includes all meals & snacks, an extensive cocktails, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages by the glass, unlimited horseback riding, use of the tennis courts, non-motorized water sports, one round of 25 cartridges at the Shooting Center, and the Family Program activities.

Garza Blanca is a popular 5-star luxury hotel chain in Mexico, with properties in Cancun, Cabo, and Puerto Vallarta.  Suites can be booked on their own, or guests can add an all-inclusive package that includes gourmet dining in the on-property restaurants, signature beverages at the bars, daily water and land activities, complimentary wi-fi and exclusive in-room amenities. 

All-Inclusive Private Islands

For the ultimate in all-inclusive resorts, consider one of the private island resorts that offer an all-inclusive experience.

Jumby Bay is a private 300-acre island located off the coast of Antigua.  It offers only 21 Private Residences, 14 Villas and 40 Suites, so the island feels very secluded and uncrowded.  The resort is fully all-inclusive, offering multiple complimentary dining venues and bars.  3 nights per week, the resort also offers themed dinners at various locations around the island.  In addition to many water sports, 2-3 times per week the resort offers a boat cruise with snorkeling around the island. 

Ambergris Cay is a 1,100-acre private island located in Turks & Caicos, about a 20-minute flight from Providenciales International Airport.  The flight from Providenciales is provided complimentary to guests of the resort but the island’s runway can also accommodate private planes flying directly there with guests.  The resort has just 17 bungalows, 2 two-bedroom beachfront/oceanfront bungalows, and 9 villas, offering a very boutique resort ambience with an island twist.  The all-inclusive offering is tailored to each guest’s desires, with à la carte meals tailored to their tastes and dietary preferences and premium spirits used in the crafted cocktails.  Complimentary activities include yoga, guided nature walks, tennis, non-motorized water sports, and onshore fishing.  There is also a kids’ club, called the Explorer’s Hut, which caters to the younger visitors (ages 5+).

Floating All-Inclusive Resorts

For the ultimate all-inclusive experience, you can also try a luxury cruise.  These floating 5-star resorts offer the highest level of dining, entertainment, and service.  And while land-based resorts constrain guests to a relatively localized area for the vacation, luxury cruise itineraries let guests explore broadly, while allowing guests to only unpack once and play or relax as much as they desire.  Cruise lines such as Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Explora Journeys, Seabourn, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas and Ponant provide guests with the ultimate in luxury all-inclusive stays.