What does 'all-inclusive' mean?

If you’ve come across the term ‘all-inclusive’ when planning a holiday or browsing hotels, you may have wondered exactly what all is included.

When you book a regular property, you get the room you booked, access to basic hotel facilities like the pool or fitness centre, and maybe free breakfast, depending on the property and rate you select.

All-inclusive, on the other hand, typically means that everything in your stay is included in the price, from accommodation to meals to activities.

Inclusions can differ from property to property – some may include alcoholic drinks, others might have a set limit on the number or type of activities you can do. To avoid any unexpected charges, it’s best to read the fine print or check what’s included and what costs extra.

The key differentiator between ‘all-inclusive’, ‘full board’ and ‘half board’ is the meal plan. 

Half board

When you book a room with half board, you get two meals a day. These are usually breakfast and dinner, but some hotels may offer you a choice between lunch and dinner for the second main meal.

Full board

With full board, you get all three meals a day – breakfast, lunch and dinner – included in your room rate. This is a good option if you don’t want to worry about where to eat or what to cook throughout the day.

All-inclusive

Along with the three meals, all-inclusive rates also include snacks and drinks. Does all-inclusive include alcohol? Most of the time, yes. However, the selection may be limited to just wine and beer or local brands instead of premium liquor. All-inclusive also means you can enjoy all the hotels’ facilities and activities. Sometimes, even transfers and excursions are included in the price.

Resorts are designed to be complete holiday destinations. They offer everything from entertainment to recreation, and can feature top-notch facilities like tennis courts, golf courses, cinemas, shops, water parks and a variety of food and drink spots. Resorts are often sprawled across some of the most stunning locations, from Thailand to the Caribbean Islands, and give you little reason to leave the property at all.

When you book an all-inclusive resort in such destinations, you can expect to have every need catered to, from gourmet meals to children’s entertainment. They typically include everything in the price of your stay, promising a grand experience. For instance, it’s common practice for all-inclusive resorts in the Maldives to even arrange seaplane or boat transfers from the airport if they’re located on a private island.

All-inclusive hotels offer a simpler experience. Their inclusions are in line with the hotel’s standard offerings and will usually include your room, all three meals, snacks, drinks and access to facilities like the pool and gym. Some hotels may also offer a selection of spa treatments, airport transfers, room service or excursions in their all-inclusive rate.

Rooms

The room you select when booking an all-inclusive hotel is a given – this typically includes taxes and tips as well. Some inclusions may also differ on the basis of the room category or tier you select. For example, a waterfront villa at a high-end all-inclusive resort might include butler service or access to exclusive facilities that lower-category room types don’t have. At some properties, all-inclusive rates also cover room service and items stocked in your room’s minibar.

Meals

One of the best things about booking an all-inclusive rate is not having to worry about where to eat or what to cook. Most places offer breakfast, lunch and dinner in their all-inclusive plans, along with snacks and drinks. Meals are typically served buffet style, but this can differ depending on the property. Large resorts often boast multiple restaurants, bars, cafés and more – gourmet food, a variety of international cuisines, award-winning chefs and swim-up bars, to name a few.

Activities

When you book an all-inclusive rate, you’ll generally get access to all the hotel facilities like the pool, gym, spa, business centre, etc. Some properties include a selection of paid services such as spa treatments, activities like yoga or fitness classes, tennis lessons and even water sports in their all-inclusive rates. 

Resorts often have facilities like tennis, basketball or volleyball courts, golf courses, private beaches, water parks, video game arcades, skiing and surfing, all of which are often included. While some properties offer unlimited access, some may have a limit on the number or type of activities you can do, or require you to book in advance.

Entertainment

If a hotel or resort offers any kind of entertainment, it’s usually included in the all-inclusive package. Options include things such as live music or dance performances, evening entertainment with dinner or themed nights. Adults-only properties often host variety shows, late-night parties and local nightlife events that guests are invited to attend.

Simpler entertainment offerings are access to the hotel’s games room, film and TV libraries, movie or trivia nights. Some properties even include excursions, guided walks or tickets to local attractions in their all-inclusive package.

Child-friendly services

Plenty of all-inclusive hotels and resorts cater to guests with children with their family-friendly facilities. These can include services for kids of all ages, from babysitting and crèches for toddlers to supervised activities and dedicated pools for older children.

1. Group holidays

If you’re planning a holiday with a group of friends where the main idea is for everyone to hang out together, an all-inclusive property is just the thing. Instead of trying to pick a destination and craft an itinerary tailored to diverse interests and preferences, you can just book a place that’s conveniently located and let the property take care of the rest. Resorts that offer villas, bungalows and larger rooms are ideal for big groups, so everyone can stay together and make the most of their time.

2. Romantic retreats

All inclusive resorts can be the perfect choice for couples looking for a secluded romantic getaway, where you can spend all day getting massages, sipping cocktails in your private pool or hot tub, and just enjoying quality time in scenic settings. There are premium all-inclusive resorts that cater to once-in-a-lifetime occasions like honeymoons or anniversaries, and some properties truly go the extra mile with top-notch perks and special touches.

3. Family getaways

An all-inclusive hotel is great for a family trip or family reunion. It takes the stress out of planning a holiday where everyone’s wants and needs are accommodated, and there’s something to do for all age groups. With a number of dining and entertainment options on-site, you won’t have to waste time trying to find restaurants or activities each day that will keep kids entertained. Family-friendly facilities, from babysitting services to kids’ clubs, are perfect for groups with younger children, while resorts with their own theme park or private beach promise an unforgettable trip where the whole family can have fun together.

4. Business travel

If you’re travelling for work and don’t have the time to worry about where you’ll eat throughout the day, consider staying at an all-inclusive hotel. Your meals are taken care of while you’re busy working or in meetings and you can make the most of the hotel’s business facilities and meeting rooms. Those who like to stick to their workout regime while travelling can benefit from access to the fitness centre or gym, and even unwind with a relaxing swim or spa treatment to close the day.

5. Last-minute escapes

Booking an all-inclusive hotel is a good idea for a last-minute holiday when you simply don’t have enough time to plan your activities. No matter who you’re travelling with, you can rest assured that the property will make up for the lack of advance planning with enough to keep you entertained throughout the stay. 

6. Wellness retreats

Health and wellness resorts are some of the finest examples of all-inclusive hotels. With a focus on physical as well as mental well-being, they invite you for a stay where all your concerns are targeted with a tailored plan. From hotels with award-winning spas to holistic wellness destinations where your entire day is carefully thought out and curated, all-inclusive resorts take care of everything you need to recharge and rejuvenate. Their offerings range from sunrise yoga and meditation in a serene natural setting to food prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients at their in-house restaurants. You can also expect to find a selection of pools, signature spa treatments and state-of-the-art wellness facilities and fitness programmes to complement your healing journey.

7. Cost-effective trips

When you consider all the expenses that are covered in an all-inclusive stay, it can actually turn out to be the most cost-effective option. While it may not make much sense to book an all-inclusive package for city trips where you plan to be out exploring most of the day, it can be the ideal way to experience a scenic destination if all you want to do is relax. With things like meals, activities and sometimes even airport transfers taken care of, you can rest easy and stick to your budget without worrying about hidden costs. For an even more budget-friendly holiday, try travelling during the off-season if possible or look for special deals.