{"id":1140,"date":"2009-08-12T09:01:35","date_gmt":"2009-08-12T14:01:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/?p=1140"},"modified":"2016-12-17T02:43:53","modified_gmt":"2016-12-17T08:43:53","slug":"special-extras-make-all-inclusive-vacations-even-better","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2009\/08\/special-extras-make-all-inclusive-vacations-even-better\/","title":{"rendered":"Special extras make all-inclusive vacations even better"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Lena Katz<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThat chicken club sandwich cost $25 dollars? But it didn\u2019t even have cheese on it!!\u201d *Cue sputtering outrage.<\/p>\n

\"All

Paradisus Palma Real<\/p><\/div>\n

As anyone who\u2019s 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\u2019re traveling with kids during a cash-strapped spell. That\u2019s why so many people have turned to all-inclusive vacations<\/a><\/strong> these days\u2026you pay upfront, and you know there won\u2019t 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<\/strong> to improve the vacation experience.
\nThe greatest example of this that I\u2019ve 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<\/strong> in the package price. Paradisus properties tend to be on the large side, so for a slight price hop, Family Concierge<\/strong> and Royal Service<\/strong> programs give\u00a0 family or adult groups the extra personalized attention and perks they desire. For families, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n


\nAnother 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 \u2018n fun Allegro resorts, where kids stay free with grownups; to the posh adults-only Royal Hideaway Playacar<\/strong><\/a>, where five-star services include free wireless, beach butler service and \u201cChef\u2019s Table\u201d interactive personalized dinner theater<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Occidental Grand Xcaret<\/p><\/div>\n

One can\u2019t do justice to a story about all-inclusive vacations without specially mentioning the Riviera Maya<\/strong>. This golden strip of Mexico beach is home to most of the flagship properties in the world, including the Occidental Grand Xcaret<\/strong><\/a>, the only resort bordering stunning Mayan-themed eco-theme-park Xcaret (pronounced \u201cIxsh-Cah-Ret,\u201d and yes, Occidental guests get discounted park admission); and the Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort Riviera Maya<\/strong><\/a>, a luxury spa resort so sophisticated in its spa and gourmet offerings that you really do forget it\u2019s an all-inclusive. Their latest innovation is a 40,000 square foot \u201cWater Lounge\u201d with \u201cSpa Valet\u201d service<\/strong>\u2026yes, access may require a slight extra charge, but for a day of mermaid bliss, it\u2019s so worth it.
\nAnother all-inclusive hot spot is Jamaica<\/strong>\u2026where 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.\u00a0 Also in Jamaica, longtime return travelers may shed a tear for the passing of Couples Ocho Rios\u2026but only till they learn it\u2019s transformed into the Couples Tower Isle<\/strong><\/a>, a beautifully re-envisioned take on the romantic inclusive.<\/p>\n

From the \u201czero-edge\u201d walk-in showers<\/strong> in guest rooms to the glass bottom boat tours to the \u201cau naturel\u201d sunbathing island, this is very much a grownup getaway — building on the tradition of 50 years.
\nVery soon the Grand Lido Resorts are going to undergo similar reflagging, but for now, it\u2019s still operating under the grand moniker so many people know (and so many other chains have copied).\u00a0 One \u201cgrand\u201d extra to take advantage of while you\u2019re visiting: complimentary mani\/pedi at the Blue Mahoe Spa<\/strong>. This is an unsung perk that any over-stressed Type A vacationer can seriously appreciate.<\/p>\n

\"All-inclusive

Paradisus Playa Conchal<\/p><\/div>\n

While most people don\u2019t look to Central America for all-inclusive options, signs indicate that Costa Rica <\/strong>and Belize<\/strong> may soon become major players in that market. Costa Rica already has the Paradisus Playa Conchal<\/strong><\/a> and is going to get a new RIU resort in late fall. Belize isn\u2019t big on the chain hotels yet (and that\u2019s a good thing, say some people), but it has one-of-a-kind properties like St. George\u2019s Caye Resort<\/strong>. This cool eco-resort offers extra-special all-inclusive vacation experiences including a seafood barbecue on the beach,\u00a0 nighttime kayak excursions<\/strong> through the mangroves; and fresh-squeezed juice brought to guest rooms<\/strong> every morning.<\/p>\n

Related Orbitz resources:<\/strong><\/h3>\n