All-inclusive Resorts: WHAT's included
Lazy River, at Coconut Bay Resort on St. Lucia.
First, the basics:
multiple restaurants. Poolside snacks; buffets that feed kids with no waiting, often with a kids' section; specialty a la carte restaurants (Japanese, Mediterranean, etc.) Note that, often, guests have limited access to the a la carte restaurants: i.e., one or two dining opportunities during a 5-night stay.
Next, all the activities:
watersports: typically, the non-motorized watersports are included, such as kayaks, windsurfing, sunfish sailing. Sometimes lessons are included. Some resorts include snorkeling boat trips and scuba; other places, these are excluded as "motorized".
kids programs: many resorts have a basic kids' club for ages four to 12. Others go all out, with separate programs for 4 or 5 distinct age groups. Some offer
infant care1.
Some resorts have nice little touches, such as sand toys available for borrowing.
WHAT you'll pay extra for
Generally you should be able to have an entire vacation with what's all-included at your all-inclusive resort.
But of course, there's an innate human tendancy to spend more, and here are some common ways to do it at an AI:
excursions such as horseriding, ATV's, explore-the-country
golf is usually extra (- at Beaches Boscobel, it's included)
scuba is usually extra (not at Beaches, though)
snorkeling boat excursions are sometimes included, sometimes not
spa is always extra
baby care: probably included, if it's offered; but incurs an extra charge at Club Med
special outings at the kids or teen club: sometimes the kids program itinerary includes an off-property outing; these will probably cost extra
at some places, arcade games are an extra cost
occasionally, use of the fitness center incurs a charge
Check with the individual property, to be sure what's in the deal.
Tipping: most all-inclusive resorts included in price.
WHERE?
Breezes Curacao Resort.
Jamaica:
...is home-base for two major AI chains, Breezes and Sandals. Beaches is the family brand of Sandals, with several properties in Jamaica including one with a new waterpark. Meanwhile, Breezes has Starfish: value-priced and lots of fun.
See these and more all-inclusives resorts in Jamaica.
Dominican Republic: the DR is hot, for all-inclusive resorts at a good price point. See AI's in the DR.
St. Lucia: this scenic island has several new all-inclusives. See St. Lucia Resorts
Other Caribbean Islands: AI's are not common on every island. Beaches has a top property on Turks and Caicos; Breezes Curacao welcomes families, often with big discounts; and in the US Virgin Islands, Wyndham Sugar Bay is an AI on St. Thomas.
Other resorts may offer inclusive plans of various sorts: such as meals included, meals plus certain activities...
Mexico, meanwhile, offers numerous all-inclusive resorts in many areas.
Hawaii: one place you won't find all-inclusive resorts is the Aloha state.
All Inclusive Resorts in the US
Generally, the words "all inclusive resorts" conjures up a picture of a beach resort in the Caribbean or Mexico. But families can also find some all inclusive resorts in the US.
Club Med Sandpiper, Port St. Lucie Florida
A Caribbean-style all inclusive resort in the US, this Club Med is two hours southeast of Orlando, and has an amazing kids' complex with baby and toddler care by different age groups; older kids' programs are more like camps, and might include trapeze, roller-blading, water-skiing.
New York: Rocking Horse Ranch
Another all inclusive resort in the northeast: 90 minutes from NY City; 500-acres. Endless activities, such as winter snow tubing and skiing, ice skating, sleigh rides; indoor pool with fountains and geyser; horseback riding; summer water skiing, fishing, archery range, paddle boats; kids' programs; lots more.
Sunrise Resort, Moodus CT
460 acres; along the Salmon River; cabins and hotel-type lodging. All inclusive price includes three meals daily, lodging; lots of activities, evening entertainment.
North Carolina: Earthshine Mountain Lodge
Be an apprentice pioneer at this luxury B&B with 1878 farmhouse, luxury log suites, and heated swimming pool. Families can: help in the blacksmith shop, press cider, go gem mining; time-travel to a Cherokee Village; visit a waterfall; try "high ropes", treetops Zip Line, or a climbing wall. All meals and activities included.
Dude Ranches
Dude ranches deserve a mention as quasi-all-inclusive getaways for families, in that prices typically include meals and at least some activities; some include the whole enchilada.
Family Camps
Family summer camps typically have beautiful settings, simple lodgings, meals included (probably in a dining hall), and many outdoors and other activities, included. Price can be under $1000 for a week for a family of four.
