These hotels are elevating the all-inclusive game by adding an upscale, local flavor
The term "all inclusive" often sparks mental images of sticky fingered children running around a buffet and bars serving unlimited, overly sweet concoctions to spring breakers. Well, that's all changing. The following properties are adding a local edge to the idea of all inclusive, creating unique experiences for discerning travelers.
1. Southern Ocean Lodge (Kangaroo Island, Australia). This clifftop property overlooking the Southern Ocean and Hanson Bay Beach infuses locally-sourced and organic materials like recycled timber, refurbished spotted gums and Kangaroo Island limestone. Sip unlimited local libations over a locavore menu while watching dolphins playing through floor-to-ceiling windows, or dip into a stand-alone tub infused with pure Kangaroo Island Ligurian honey and kiln-dried Australian sea salt, and take advantage of the numerous included daily tours led by local guides. Starting rate: $1,100 per night based on double occupancy.
2. Lapa Rios Ecolodge (Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica). Part of the Cayuga Collection, this locally-staffed eco-lodge sits on a 1,000-acre private reserve hosting 2.5% of the world's biodiversity. While alcohol is not included, guests get three locally sourced meals per day, airport transfers, and onsite tours led by full-time naturalist guides, who take guests for sunrise/sunset bird watching, rainforest hikes, after-dark wildlife spotting and local medicine tours. Starting rate: $270 per person, per night.
3. Playa Viva (Juluchuca, Mexico). The 5-star Playa Viva is all about operating in a conscious manner and introducing guests to the local culture through farm-to-fork dining (it has a 12-acre certified organic farm onsite) and an onsite sea turtle sanctuary. The design incorporates local organic materials like mud pigments mixed with shells for walls and local fan palm thatched roofs. There are also a number of exclusive tours, like net spearing with local fishermen and touring a coconut candy factory. Starting rate: $175 per night for a single, including all meals, virgin drinks, daily yoga and Wi-Fi.
4. Travaasa Hana, Maui (Maui, Hawaii). This 70 bungalow and suite property boasts being Hawaii's only all-inclusive hotel, with largely complimentary programming aimed at introducing guests to local culture. Net fishing, bamboo pole fishing, lei making, ukulele lessons, and hula lessons all come at no extra charge, while outrigger canoe rides, coastal horseback rides and fruit tasting at the local Ono Farms all come with a fee. Each all-inclusive guest receives all meals, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks free, as well as a $125-per-day resort credit to use as desired. Don't miss a Hana Cocomint Organic Body Treatment and Massage, which incorporates cacao from a farm sitting fives minutes from the resort. Starting rate: $600 per night for a single.
5. Ellerman House (Cape Town, South Africa). Overlooking Bantry Bay, this luxury property features two inclusive options. While 13 guestrooms offer a complimentary (not so) minibar (with full-sized liquor bottles!) and 24-hour homemade snacks, the two villas are the main attraction, with a private chef and pool, use of the spa facilities, breakfast, booze and airport transfers included in the rate. Gardens with native flora, 1000+ pieces of South African art and an onsite winery-meets-art gallery are also part of the experience. Starting rate: $435 per night for guest rooms and $3,261 per night for a 3-bedroom villa.
6. ADLER Mountain Lodge (Italian Dolomites). This 30-bedroom lodge blends into the surrounding landscape, crafted from raw local wood and planed by local craftsmen to showcase the region's wood-carving heritage. Locally sourced food and regional booze are included in your stay, and those looking to get pampered can have a spa treatment (for an added fee) infused with local ingredients like edelweiss, mountain pine, Alpine herbs, goat's milk and South Tyrolean flower essence. The onsite Soul Concierge — one of the world's many unique hotel concierges — helps guests plan custom adventures and can take them on complimentary hiking, mountain biking and skiing trips. Starting rate: $665 per night, per person.
Jessica Festa is the founder on the solo and offbeat travel blog, Jessie on a Journey, and the online responsible tourism and culture magazine, Epicure & Culture. She's constantly searching for local experiences beyond the guidebook. You can follow her travels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.