‘Love is all you need. Everything else is included’: What to expect at an all-inclusive
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Adults-only, all-inclusive resorts evoke visions of couples walking hand-in-hand by the seashore and gazing into each other’s eyes over candlelit dinners.
Sandals Resorts' tagline used to be “Love is all you need. Everything else is included.”
These days, you don’t even need love.
“While these (all-inclusive) resorts are ideal for couples seeking romantic getaways like a honeymoon or anniversary trip, they are equally popular among groups,” said Nicole Tilzer, vice president of Hilton’s All-Inclusive & Resort Strategy.
Adults-only, all-inclusive vacations may embrace lovebirds, but they’re for all kinds of travelers. Here’s what you can expect.
Do you have to be a couple to stay at ‘couples’ resorts? Can you do all-inclusive for one person?
The only thing you have to be is an adult.
Club Med, which proudly calls itself the pioneer of all-inclusive, said its adults-only resorts are “thoughtfully designed with all types of travelers in mind – whether couples, solo adventurers or groups of friends and families with grown children.”
The same goes for Hilton’s adults-only destinations, like Hilton Playa del Carmen, an All-Inclusive Adult Only Resort in Mexico, where Tilzer said guests celebrate milestone birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette trips and more.
“Adults-only properties are also great for meetings, events, and conferences, providing a child-free environment for attendees to focus, network and unwind,” she said. “With accommodations ranging from beachfront suites to secluded villas, these properties offer a private, sophisticated atmosphere perfect for group travel.”
Non-couples are also welcome at Sandals, though most rooms are designed for double occupancy with one bed, and solo travelers typically need to pay a single supplement fee. The company is, however, introducing new room configurations like its first two- and four-bedroom villas at Sandals Ochi in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, which is being touted as “the ultimate friends’ getaway.” There is also a two-bedroom villa suite at its newest property, Sandals St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
What does all-inclusive mean?
Think of an all-inclusive resort as a cruise on land. Lodging, food, resort amenities and entertainment are included. Drinks are included, too.
Sandals prides itself on its additional inclusions, ranging from airport transfers and Wi-Fi to activities like free PADI-certified SCUBA diving. “Everything is about how do we keep even more value, build it into the package,” Sandals Resorts Executive Chairman Adam Stewart told Paste BN.
Club Med includes sailing, kayaking, tennis, and flying trapeze among covered activities at Club Med Turkoise in Turks and Caicos. The company also has adults-only areas at other Club Med locations.
"What truly sets Hilton All-Inclusive Resorts apart is the range of curated experiences and entertainment that immerses guests in the local culture,” Tilzer said. “From dining accompanied by local musicians to local tequila tastings, live theatre performances and merengue dance lessons, each moment is designed to inspire and delight.”
Is a flight included in an all-inclusive resort?
You can choose to add airfare when booking an all-inclusive vacation, but it’s not automatically included in package pricing.
Is it rude not to tip at all-inclusive resorts?
Tips are built into many all-inclusive packages, so you’re already tipping.
In some cases, additional tips may not even be allowed. Only butlers and spa therapists may accept tips at some resorts.
“You don't have to worry about – sort of tongue-in-cheek saying – walking around with a bikini, having to tip team members,” Stewart said.
Tips and gratuities are also included at Club Med and Hilton’s all inclusives.
Is it worth paying all-inclusive?
Prices vary widely by destination, trip duration and choice of accommodation and value is subjective, but many guests see the value in all-inclusive vacations.
Stewart noted more than 40% of Sandals’ occupancy is comprised of repeat guests. Some even try to visit all 17 Sandals resorts.
“We have customers that have paid more than 1,000 paid room nights staying with us,” he said. “It is unbelievable, and they're fanatical, and we owe a sense of duty to them to keep going and doing best by them.”