Easy, Affordable Tropical Escapes
All-inclusive resorts offer terrific values in
beautiful beachfront locales
By Elizabeth Armstrong
Rise with the sun and join an early morning yoga class, or sleep in and hit the expansive breakfast buffet. Grab a kayak for a paddle through crystal-clear waters, or retreat with a good book to an oceanfront lounge chair shaded by a palapa.
You might take part in a merengue or salsa dance class, or join fellow vacationers for a game of beach volleyball. When it's time for lunch, should you try the deli for a sandwich or the beachside grill that specializes in Jamaican jerk chicken?
Later, belly up to the pool's swim-up bar, or stretch out in a hammock and allow the ocean's rhythms to lull you into an afternoon nap. Or, jump right back into the action: Play tennis, hit the basketball court or go snorkeling or windsurfing.
That evening, contemplate your dinner options as you take in the sunset. Perhaps you'll try the Japanese restaurant that serves sushi and sashimi or the New York-style steakhouse, and maybe tomorrow night, you'll dine at the romantic Italian-themed trattoria. Before turning in, stop by the piano bar or disco, or check out that evening's theme party or live show.
At an all-inclusive resort -- an especially popular vacation option in the Bahamas, Caribbean and Mexico -- you can do all this without ever opening your wallet. For one rate that's paid up front, you'll receive accommodations, meals and snacks at a variety of restaurants, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, many water- and land-based activities, and entertainment. Gratuities are typically covered as well, so there's no need to carry cash with you.
All-inclusive resorts offer a full gamut of recreation and amenities: water-skiing, kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboats, tennis, volleyball, basketball, bicycling, fitness centers, multiple pools and Jacuzzis, for example. The Breezes brand has "circus schools" at its properties in the Bahamas, Dominican Republic and Jamaica -- guests can take lessons on the flying trapeze or try out the trampoline. Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau each have their own private offshore islands reserved exclusively for resort guests.
The degree of inclusion at these types of resorts can vary. Depending on the property, scuba diving and motorized water sports may not be included in the up-front rate, although free beginner's scuba lessons could be offered in the resort's pool. And while most resorts have a wide array of dining choices, there could be a small surcharge to eat at the most upscale restaurants. You may also be limited to particular brands of liquor.
Spas are a big feature of many all-inclusive resorts, with treatments that range from hot stone massages and seaweed wraps to anti-aging facials and body polishes. However, these services come at an additional charge. If you're a golfer, look for resorts that waive greens fees, but be aware that cart and club rentals can cost extra, and sometimes caddy services are required.
If you want to take any off-site tours, perhaps to Dunn's River Falls near Ocho Rios, Jamaica, or the Mayan ruins of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, you'll likely need to pay an additional fee for those as well. There are exceptions: Palace Resorts in Mexico offers rate specials that include free excursions to the archaeological sites of Tulum and Chichen Itza as part of its Palace Passport promotion. Couples Resorts offers sunset catamaran cruises, glass-bottom boat tours and shuttles to shopping areas in its all-inclusive packages.
Dining options are numerous and diverse at all-inclusive resorts -- in some cases you'll find as many as eight or 10 restaurants at a single property. Choices can range from casual poolside snack bars, where you can dine in your bare feet and swimsuit, to reservations-required restaurants with dining by candlelight and casually elegant dress codes.
In between, there might be eateries specializing in Caribbean, Asian, Mexican, French, Southwestern and Italian cuisines. Buffets are ubiquitous, though the selection of buffet items at three-star resorts may not be as varied as the spreads offered at more upscale properties.
With so many choices, guests rarely have a reason to venture off-site for their meals. If you enjoy sampling local restaurants when you travel, an all-inclusive might not be right for you.
When it comes to accommodations, room choices can be just as wide-ranging. Garden-view rooms are the least expensive. They overlook tropical landscaping of palms, bougainvillea and hibiscus bushes, typically, or perhaps a pool -- but not the ocean. If you want to see the beautiful blue Caribbean first thing in the morning, ask for an ocean-view room. And if you desire the accommodations that are closest to the beach, go for an oceanfront or beachfront room.
For the ultimate in pampering, the Caribbean resorts of Sandals and Beaches offer butler service with the highest level of suites. Your butler can unpack and pack your luggage, draw a scented bubble bath, restock your private bar or orchestrate a romantic gourmet meal in your suite.
Swim-up suites can be among the most desirable accommodations at some all-inclusive retreats. These rooms front a "lazy river" -- a long, winding pool about 4 to 5 feet deep that snakes through the property. You can step off your back patio and right into the water. Swim-up suites are offered at El Dorado Royale and El Dorado Seaside Suites on Mexico's Riviera Maya and at Sandals Negril in Jamaica.
Some resorts have added small private pools to top-end suites, such as at Half Moon Montego Bay and Couples Ocho Rios in Jamaica, and Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa.
Make sure you select a resort that matches your personality and vacation desires. If you enjoy socializing, ask your travel agent about destinations that offer a fun-filled, active environment. At some resorts, activity directors organize a full day's slate of games, contests, talent shows, informal classes, theme nights and get-togethers, often acting as cheerleaders to encourage guests to participate. You'll find this type of lively atmosphere at Club Med and Breezes resorts.
If you're planning a romantic getaway and prefer a little seclusion, ask for a resort that has a more tranquil ambience. Resorts designed just for vacationing couples fit the bill, such as the Sandals properties in Antigua, the Bahamas, Jamaica and St. Lucia, and Couples Resorts in Jamaica.
Vacationing families can look for an all-inclusive property that caters to kids. The Beaches resorts in Jamaica and Turks and Caicos are especially attractive to families, with Kids Kamps, teen discos, interactive Xbox gaming centers and, for an additional fee, baby-sitting services.
At the family-oriented FDR Pebbles and Franklyn D. Resort near Runaway Bay, Jamaica, guests are assigned a "vacation nanny" who will look after young guests, perhaps taking them to the pool or to the Yellow Bird Kids' Club. Nanny service is free during the day, and evening baby-sitting is available for an hourly fee after 4:40.
Information: For information and rates at all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, Mexico and Bahamas, visit Vacations To Go, or call (800) 998-6925.
The information in this story was accurate at the time it was published in March/April 2008.
Please visit Vacations To Go or call (800) 998-6925 for current rates and details.