You may be thinking luxury all-inclusive? Is that an oxymoron? Far from it. In fact, there are more and more resorts are offering the amenities, services and dining you’d find at an five-star resort but wrapping it all up in an all-inclusive package. Essentially it’s the best of both worlds. Most all-inclusive resorts include all of your daily vacay essentials like meals, beverages, entertainment, activities and gratuities — with extras often being spa treatments, select restaurants and excursions, so be sure to read the fine print. Intrigued? We’ve found 6 out-of-this-world luxury all-inclusive resorts that will please even the pickiest of travellers.
A Sunset Water Suite at Lily Beach Resort & Spa in the Maldives
1. Lily Beach Resort & Spa, Maldives
Those in search of paradise need to look no further than the Maldives. While it’s a long trek from Canada (think 17 hours of flying time), upon arrival you will forget everything you left behind. Found on Huvahendhoo island in the Ari Atoll, just 25-minutes by seaplane from Male, Lily Beach Resort & Spa is the kind of place you dream about. Pristine white beaches, world-class diving sites, over-water spa pavilions and luxurious water villas that give you direct access to the lagoon. Aiming to provide “affordable luxury” the Platinum Plan includes meals, beverages, in-room mini bar, non-motorized water sports and snorkeling equipment, plus two excursions and Internet access. The only thing you’ll need to plan for is the seaplane ride from the airport. Rates starting at $725/night.
Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort
2. Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort, Punta Cana
Punta Cana is one of the Caribbean’s most popular resort destinations and with good reason — the beaches are gorgeous, flights affordable and you have tons of resorts to choose from. If you previously shunned the Dominican Republic from your list of destinations, thinking its too touristy and not luxurious enough, think again. Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort is one destination offering its guests all of the luxuries any discerning traveller could want. Here you’ll find 5 à la carte restaurants, nine bars, five tennis courts, a casino, full-service spa, championship golf course and unique resort activities like wine tasting, painting and photography. We suggest booking the Royal Service, a private environment for adult guests to enjoy preferential exclusive services like personal butlers, a private beach area with beach concierge and preferential reservations for spa and excursions. Rates starting at $313/night.
The El Dorado Casitas Royale in the Mayan Riviera.
3. El Dorado Casitas Royale, Mayan Riviera
An adults-only resort in Mexico’s Mayan Riviera, the El Dorado Casitas Royale is perfect for a romantic getaway or even a honeymoon. Tucked away in the private area on the property, accommodations in the Casitas include an indoor Jacuzzi for two, large balcony and outdoor shower. Here it’s not just called all-inclusive, but Gourmet Inclusive — meaning you’ll get to enjoy gourmet cuisine — and trust us, the food is really good! Other highlights of this property include the diverse offering of restaurants — there’s everything from Italian cuisine to fondue — 13 bars, a full-service 20,000 square-foot spa and tons of activities and entertainment. Rates starting at $562/night.
Curtain Bluff, Antigua
4. Curtain Bluff, Antigua
There’s much to love about Antigua, as we’ve mentioned before, so for us travelling here is a no brainer. What you’ll find are friendly locals, stunning beaches and a laid-back atmosphere that will instantly put you in vacation mode. An all-inclusive resort that is just as luxurious as it is relaxing is Curtain Bluff. On the property you’ll find a championship tennis centre, watersports centre that includes scuba, waterskiing and kayaks, a fitness centre, beachside pool and 5,000 square-foot spa steps from the water. The room rate includes much more than just your meals too — all of the facitilies including the watersports, exercise classes and land activities are included, as well as room service and anything in the minibar. Rates starting at $565/night.
Namale Resort & Spa, Fiji
5. Namale Resort & Spa, Fiji
Nothing says exotic like heading to the South Pacific and if you’re going to travel that far, you want to make it worth your while. One resort that will definitely live up to your expectations is the Namale Resort & Spa in Fiji. Here it’s all about seclusion, relaxation and luxury. All of the accommodations are inspired by traditional Fijian dwellings and feel warm and homey. For the ultimate book yourself into a Villa overlooking the Koro Sea. Want to unwind? Head over to the 10,000 square-foot spa complete with hot tubs, steam rooms, plunge pool and waterfall dipping pool, not to mention stunning ocean views. Onsite you can also partake in activities from tennis to bowling or even plan an excursion like an upclose encounter with dolphins. From meals to most activities and even your airport transfer, almost everything is included in your stay. Rates starting at $992/night.
The Caves, Jamaica
6. The Caves, Jamaica
How about all-inclusive and boutique? Yes, it does exist and you’ll find it at The Caves. Offering 12 exclusive cliffside accommodations, the thatched-roof cottages are cozy and colourful tucked nicely into the lush landscape. There are plenty of amenities on-site including a cliffside Jacuzzi, saltwater swimming pool, bicycles, snorkeling equipment and an Aveda mini-spa. When it comes to dining you can even reserve a table in a private candlelit cave! Hoping for an after dinner drink? Try The Blackwell Rum Bar that’s built right into the limestone grotto. Rates start at $445/night.
