Truth is, you want to know how much your trip is really going to cost even before you pack your bags. But this is not an obvious reality.
Once you get to your journey’s end you get bombarded by locals who want you to spend on artifacts, excursions and local cuisine as you explore your destination.
Your impotent ‘No’s are overpowered by their insistence and you end up spending on items and activities that were not on your budget.
This is why all inclusive resorts are all the rage.
Since their introduction in 1950 by water polo player Gerard Blitz, all inclusive resorts have become popular locations for destination weddings, family vacations, and group travel.
All inclusive resorts packages come at a fixed cost and at the very minimum caters for three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, entertainment, lodging, and gratuities.
We are talking evening entertainment and unlimited multiple snack, dining and bar choices.
Sometimes, non-motorized aqua sports and other activities are included in the package but any extra activities such as spa treatments, golf, and excursions to tourist sites will attract additional fees.
A major characteristic of all inclusive resorts is that they are often found in warmer regions of the world where episodes of sunshine and powdery sand abound such as the Caribbean, Cape Town, Zanzibar, Diani, Malindi, Dubai, and Pattaya.
This takes relaxation to a whole new level. You get to enjoy everything that your beach holiday has to offer without doing quick maths in your head every time you down a cocktail. And you won’t have to worry about saying no to your kids when they ask for ice cream or a beverage.
An all inclusive package gives you freedom:
- To try out a variety of cocktails from the different bars
- To sample a variety of foods at the buffet
- To stay on budget since costs and food don’t cost a dime
- To keep children occupied because kids’ club is usually included in the cost
You get to truly kick back and relax when you don’t have to worry about spending but all-inclusive resorts have a downside. What’s a garden without a snake?
It discourages you from touring the neighboring sites especially if you have to cough up more money for excursions.
With 3 meals a day, snacks and cocktails in between, when will you get the time of day to sample local food?
Unlucky travelers may encounter a detached staff at the resort or discover that there are hidden charges.
That is why you should do your research before making any bookings to find out what features and amenities are included in your package.
Vacay Holiday Deals did some of the homework for you. We have a list of highly rated all inclusive resorts that you should book right now.
Sandies Tropical Village, Malindi
As the name suggests, Sandies is a beach village, traditionally built with sloping thatched roofs offering all the modern comforts you might expect in a 5-star resort.
It is located in Malindi, a beach destination that houses so many Italians that it has been christened Little Italy.
Gelato, pasta, wood oven baked pizza are a must eat when you’re at this resort.
There are no restaurants around and the buffet costs about KSh1500 if you do not have an all inclusive package. The menu ranges from continental to Italian, seafood and local dishes.
Package includes:
- 3 meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Hard drinks and cocktails (available from 6:00 pm)
- Soft drinks
- Beer
- House wine
- Afternoon tea/coffee
- Evening poolside entertainment
- Gratuities & taxes
Sandies Tropical Village has 2 restaurants, 3 bars and 108 air-conditioned, well-appointed rooms with ensuite bathrooms fitted with large basins, hair dryers, and showers.
While you’re here you may go for an excursion to Shimba Hills, Watamu and Malindi marine parks at an extra cost.
Amani Tiwi Beach Resort, Diani
You want to stay at a resort that is so popular with guests that it has been listed in the 2014 Conde Nast Traveller Gold List of the world’s best places to stay and the 2014 Travel +Leisure 500.
Amani Tiwi Beach Resort is set on Kenya’s coast and is lined by blinding white sandy beach where you can spend your days sunbathing with a delicious cocktail in hand.
It has 209 air-conditioned rooms surrounding the palm-fringed pool, all with satellite TVs, WiFi, minifridge and tea and coffee making facilities. There are 5 restaurants which serve both buffet and à la carte menu, 2 poolside bars, and a pool table.
Package includes:
- House wine
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Alcoholic drinks
- Supervised kids’ club
- Entertainment
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Fitness centre
- Gratuities & taxes
JA Palm Tree Court, Dubai
An oasis of luxury is what this is and it gives you a much welcome break from the bustling city of Central Dubai.
Sunbathing at this private beach, water sports and excursions to tourist sites through the free shuttle bus will ensure that your days in Dubai are well spent.
JA Palm Tree Court Dubai is known to spoil its guests rotten with tantalizing roast dinners, potent cocktails, premium beers and spirits and all day snacks, so get ready to pack on the pounds.
Guests may enjoy some of the meals on à la carte menu that are not in the all inclusive package by paying only 50% of the meal’s cost.
The 208 guest rooms are spacious with large baths, walk-in showers and ‘his’ & ‘hers’ sinks.
Package includes:
- Live music entertainment
- Buffet and à la carte menus
- Alcoholic beverages
- Snack menu
- Afternoon tea/coffee
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities & taxes
- Non-motorized water sports
- Area shuttle
The Ritz Cape Town
This is a great resort to spend your days when you’re in the Mother City.
It’s conveniently located near parks, hills, museums, a lighthouse, and aquarium and Cape Town city center is only 4km away.
You will get all warm and fuzzy inside when you taste some of the meals whipped up by celebrity chef Bertus Basson at the rooftop revolving restaurant.
If this makes your head spin, go over to the resort style restaurant on the first floor for Cape Californian cuisine and champagne.
Package includes:
- Babysitting services
- Non-alcoholic drinks
- Alcoholic drinks
- Buffet meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Pillow menu
- Snack menu
- Gratuities & taxes
Rooms have bathtubs, showers, designer toiletries, WiFi, satellite TV, minibar, and kickass views of Table Mountain and the sea.
Guests may also take in soul-stirring views from the 2 restaurants, 3 bars, and pools at the Ritz.
Ocean Paradise Resort & Spa, Zanzibar
Ocean Paradise Resort & Spa features early 20th-century tropical style with wooden beamed roofs and wooden floors. Guests may make a splash at the sea facing pool or relax at the semi-olympic one that has a Jacuzzi.
The spa treatments like Sauna Tepee, Turkish bath or Ghassoul mud are to die for, so consider bringing someone special to this vacation.
Package includes:
- Buffet and à la carte menus
- 3 meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
- Snack menu
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Afternoon coffee/tea
- House wine
- Alcoholic drinks
- Evening entertainment
- Gratuities & taxes
Ocean Beach Resort has 3 restaurants, 3 bars and rooms are spacious with large showers, bidet, hairdryers, satellite TV, WiFi, and minibar.
A driving excursion around Stone Town, Prison Island, museums, hotels and local markets complete with a driver and guide can be arranged at an extra cost. You can also go kayaking, cycling, windsurfing, sailing, and snorkeling.
All inclusive resorts get booked superfast during the festive season.
If you’re planning to go on holiday, find an all inclusive resort you like and reach out to our travel agents to make a booking.
