Special extras make all-inclusive vacations even better

By Lena Katz

“That chicken club sandwich cost $25 dollars? But it didn’t even have cheese on it!!” *Cue sputtering outrage.

Paradisus Palma Real

As anyone who’s ever had this reaction to a poolside lunch tab knows, a boatload of extra charges for beverage, food and activitiescan nearly sink the vacation vibe, particularly if you’re traveling with kids during a cash-strapped spell. That’s why so many people have turned to all-inclusive vacations these days…you pay upfront, and you know there won’t be a second reckoning at the end. Lately you may get even more than you expected, as so many of these beachside paradises are introducing new and innovative extras to improve the vacation experience.
The greatest example of this that I’ve seen is the Paradisus chain, an all-inclusive brand within the Melia family. For all the different room categories, one round of golf and one SCUBA dive per day are included in the package price. Paradisus properties tend to be on the large side, so for a slight price hop, Family Concierge and Royal Service programs give  family or adult groups the extra personalized attention and perks they desire. For families, it’s kiddie amenities and snacks; for Royal adults, dry-cleaning and laundry service, private butlers and a business lounge with wireless access and other business amenities.

Another European-owned hotel group to check out is Occidental Hotels. Locations from Aruba to Costa Rica to Playa del Carmen offer all levels of all-inclusive vacation, from the casually barefoot ‘n fun Allegro resorts, where kids stay free with grownups; to the posh adults-only Royal Hideaway Playacar, where five-star services include free wireless, beach butler service and “Chef’s Table” interactive personalized dinner theater.

Occidental Grand Xcaret

One can’t do justice to a story about all-inclusive vacations without specially mentioning the Riviera Maya. This golden strip of Mexico beach is home to most of the flagship properties in the world, including the Occidental Grand Xcaret, the only resort bordering stunning Mayan-themed eco-theme-park Xcaret (pronounced “Ixsh-Cah-Ret,” and yes, Occidental guests get discounted park admission); and the Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort Riviera Maya, a luxury spa resort so sophisticated in its spa and gourmet offerings that you really do forget it’s an all-inclusive. Their latest innovation is a 40,000 square foot “Water Lounge” with “Spa Valet” service…yes, access may require a slight extra charge, but for a day of mermaid bliss, it’s so worth it.
Another all-inclusive hot spot is Jamaica…where boutiquey properties like the Sunset Resorts offer poolside movie nights (Sunset Beach Resort), guided garden walks, mixology and cooking classes(Sunset at the Palms), and other fun extra activities geared toward smaller groups.  Also in Jamaica, longtime return travelers may shed a tear for the passing of Couples Ocho Rios…but only till they learn it’s transformed into the Couples Tower Isle, a beautifully re-envisioned take on the romantic inclusive.

From the “zero-edge” walk-in showers in guest rooms to the glass bottom boat tours to the “au naturel” sunbathing island, this is very much a grownup getaway — building on the tradition of 50 years.
Very soon the Grand Lido Resorts are going to undergo similar reflagging, but for now, it’s still operating under the grand moniker so many people know (and so many other chains have copied).  One “grand” extra to take advantage of while you’re visiting: complimentary mani/pedi at the Blue Mahoe Spa. This is an unsung perk that any over-stressed Type A vacationer can seriously appreciate.

Paradisus Playa Conchal

While most people don’t look to Central America for all-inclusive options, signs indicate that Costa Rica and Belize may soon become major players in that market. Costa Rica already has the Paradisus Playa Conchal and is going to get a new RIU resort in late fall. Belize isn’t big on the chain hotels yet (and that’s a good thing, say some people), but it has one-of-a-kind properties like St. George’s Caye Resort. This cool eco-resort offers extra-special all-inclusive vacation experiences including a seafood barbecue on the beach,  nighttime kayak excursions through the mangroves; and fresh-squeezed juice brought to guest rooms every morning.

Related Orbitz resources:

• All-inclusive vacations
• Riviera Maya vacations
• Jamaica vacations

Lena Katz lives on the Left Coast and writes about tropical islands, beach clubs and food, but her heart belongs to NYC.

Tagged: Caribbean, Family time, Mexico