9 Amazing All Inclusive Beach Vacations
By VacationIdea Travel Editors on April 8, 2013
[Photo:Couples Swept Away]
When you are about to take a relaxing vacation on a sandy beach, the last thing you want to worry about is dining and activity expenses adding up to an uncomfortable amount. That's why all inclusive beach vacations are so great - you can quite accurately estimate what the vacation will cost ahead of time and then stop thinking about the expense and enjoy your well-deserved time off.
There are different types of all inclusive rates. Some beach resorts offer only all inclusive rates which means that meals and most activities complimentary. This is a great scenario if you plan to spend most of your time at the resort, but many not be the best value if you are planning to explore a lot since you would be paying for meals that you would then not be able to make. If you, for example, know that you will be having breakfast and dinner at your hotel, and lunch elsewhere during the day, look for meal plans that allow such a flexibility.
Often hotels offer all inclusive packages as an option, so you have to book the package instead of just the room to get the special rate. More secluded the destination, the more likely the hotel is to offer a package that includes meals because they know that other restaurants are harder to get to. Our list includes many affordable all-inclusive beach vacations as well as ultra-luxury getaways.
1. Affordable Beach Vacation in Jamaica
[Photo:Couples Swept Away]
Couples Swept Away in Jamaica offers affordable rates from just $290 and a diverse range of activities such as snorkeling, sailing and wind surfing. Guests can dine at six distinct restaurants offering a variety of flavors and settings that range from casual to sophisticated. The resort has three pools, a swim up bar and several Jacuzzis for those who prefer the pool. The sandy beach has soft sand and relaxing hammocks. Other top all-inclusive options in Jamaica are: Sandals Negril, Couples Tower Isle, The Ritz-Carlton, Rose Hall, Jamaica (ask about their packages) and Sandals Whitehouse.
2. All-inclusive Luxury in Cancun
[Photo:Secrets Maroma Beach]
The Unlimited-Luxury program at Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun was designed to give vacationers everything they could possibility need on their beach vacation. Some of the highlights include: full breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks each day, 24 hour unlimited room service, pool and beach wait service and swim-up pool bar. Included in the cost are non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, beach and pool volleyball. Daily activities such as tennis clinics, water aerobics, billiards, and dance lessons are also complimentary. You don't have to worry about taxes and gratuities either since they are include in the daily rate as well. Other all-inclusive hotel and resorts in Mexico are: Hacienda Tres Rios, Casa Iguana and Rancho La Puerta.
3. Romantic Island in the Bahamas
At Kamalame Cay, vacationers have the option to go all-inclusive with the "Guest of House Rates", so be sure to ask about this program when booking. This will cover all all food, beverage, spirits and house wines. However, there is an additional tax and gratuity charge. You will also have to pay for transfers to the island yourself. Kamalame Cay is private and secluded, with spectacular beaches. There are just 11 guest rooms and cottages, so you can look forward to a quiet vacation. Another great all-inclusive secluded hideaway in the Bahamas is Tiamo Resorts.
4. Private Island in Fiji
The ultra-luxury Dolphin Island is a private island retreat, 20 minutes by boat from Viti Levu, Fiji. The resort accommodates only a handful of people at one time it its completely unique bures located on the hill or on the beach. The outdoor showers make it easy to wash the sand off when you leave the beach. Meals consist of unique flavors that incorporate Fijian cuisine, fresh fish and tropical fruit. Pricing at this resort is all inclusive of accommodations, meals, most activities and transfers to and from the island. 4-night packages start at AUD $27,200 for two. Other great all-inclusive beach vacations in Fiji are: Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort, Vomo Island Resort and Lomalagi.
5. Great Value for Families in Antigua
The all-inclusive rates at Curtain Bluff in Antigua include a long list of perks, including activities that you have to pay for nearly everywhere else such as scuba diving. The resort is a great value for a family beach vacation since children under two years of age stay in their parents' room free of charge. Children over two and under five years also stay free during the summer, and pay $75 otherwise. The list of inclusions is impressive, from all meals and drinks, including room service and mini-bar items; all watersports; all land-based activities; and fitness classes. Also popular with families, the All-Inclusive Sugar Bay Resort & Spa is located on St. Thomas.
6. Full-service Resort in the Dominican Republic
Whether you are planning a family beach vacation or an active couples getaway, the Gran Ventana Beach Resort in the Dominican Republic offers plenty of things to do, included in the cost of your stay. The Playa Dorada Tourist Complex offers quite a selection of activities and is the largest tourist development on the island. The Gran Ventana is ideal for those who want to combine relaxing on the beach with many activities.
7. Affordable Getaway in St. Thomas
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort is a colorful resort in St. Thomas that lets you choose from a European Plan (room-only rate) or the all-inclusive option. If you are planning to stay at the resort to enjoy its beach, dining and activities, the all-inclusive plan offers the best value. The hotel offers a range of accommodations with some affordable options that won't break the bank. Included in the cost of your stay are Bolongo Bay's award-winning sailing excursions, a Discover Scuba Diving lesson and live entertainment 365 days a year. All-inclusive rates from $409 for two. Children under 12 pay $98 (or $15 room-only).
8. All-inclusive Resorts in Barbados
Barbados is known for its colorful sunsets over the Caribbean Sea, beautiful beacheas and pristine waters great for snorkeling and diving. The 88-room Crystal Cove offers rates that include meals and activities, including the Kids' Club with supervised activities, crafts and games, offering a good value to families. The resort has three lagoon-like pools, tennis courts, and two restaurants and bars. Turtle Beach Resort on the south coast of Barbados is another great option, especially for those who want more space since the resort has 161 suites with private patios.
9. Luxury Private Islands
If you are looking for a luxury private island getaway with beautiful sandy beaches where you will be pampered from head to toe with five star service, there are many excellent options. Heron Island in Australia has a new spa and luxury suites just steps from a sandy beach. You get to snorkel and scuba dive on the best coral reef in the world.
Song Saa Private Island is covered with a lush rainforest and has just 27 spectacular villas. Grove Isle Hotel in Florida is quite easy to get to and offers a spa and scenic views of Miami. Cayo Espanto is set on a private island with just 7 luxury villas and seven white-sand beaches. All of the villas at Soneva Fushi in the Maldives have their own stretch of private sandy beach and a garden.