What is all-inclusive?
When you book all-inclusive, you get to sit back and relax in whatever setting you want, whether it’s overlooking the ocean or in the heart of the jungle, and know that everything is taken care of. An all-inclusive holiday takes nearly every part of your vacation and bundles it into a single upfront package.
An all-inclusive package typically includes your accommodation, all meals and snacks and unlimited drinks, though there are usually limitations on the kind of alcohol you can drink. You also get access to resort entertainment, sports and activities and often even tips and taxes, so you don’t have to worry about hidden fees.
What is all-inclusive for Blue Bay Travel?
All-inclusive is a package holiday concept where the resort charges one fixed price that covers the bulk of your costs. At a minimum, this means your room, three meals a day, unlimited soft drinks and local alcoholic beverages, plus many on-site activities and entertainment. Essentially, you walk into the hotel and find everything ready and waiting, and you don’t get a surprise bill at check-out for your dinners or poolside cocktails.
All-inclusive specials are becoming increasingly popular across the globe because travellers are realising that when the cost is capped or prepaid, it’s easier to relax and enjoy the holiday without worrying about extra costs.
Research shows that all-inclusive holidays have surged in popularity since 2019, especially among younger travellers and Gen Z holidaymakers. At Blue Bay Travel, our all-inclusive holidays reflect an everything-included spirit. You’ll find 5-star resorts where lavish buffets, multiple restaurants and bar options let you savour international cuisines and unlimited drinks without reaching for your wallet.
What’s included in all-inclusive?
All-inclusive resorts typically include the following as part of one price:
- Accommodation: Your chosen hotel room or suite for the duration of your stay.
- Meals and snacks: Buffet breakfasts, lunches and dinners are covered, plus snacks between meals. Many resorts also have themed dinners, multiple restaurants and even à la carte options at no extra charge.
- Unlimited drinks: Soft drinks and a range of alcoholic beverages, usually local beer, wine and spirits, are included. Premium brands or imported liquor may sometimes cost extra or be available as an upgrade. Most all-inclusive packages cover gratuities and service charges, so there’s no surprise tip added to your bar tab.
- Entertainment and activities: Daily activities like pool games, fitness classes or kids’ clubs, as well as evening shows, are generally included. Most resorts also offer basic water sports like kayaking and snorkelling, gym access and non-motorised equipment.
- Extras and amenities: Depending on the resort, extras like Wi-Fi, non-motorised sports and certain facilities (spa access, beach cabanas, kids’ clubs, etc.) are part of the package. In fact, some luxury all-inclusive resorts even throw in bonus perks like spa treatments or premium experiences at no additional cost.
- Travel essentials: When booking with Blue Bay Travel, your package often includes return flights, airport transfers and luggage allowance as part of the deal. That means your flights and shuttle to the hotel are all booked together.
How does all-inclusive work?
Figuring out how an all-inclusive holiday through Blue Bay Travel works is the easy part. All you have to do is choose your destination and resort, pick the all-inclusive board basis and pay the package price up-front. This involves a deposit and then a final balance, just like any holiday.
Once you arrive, you’re free to eat, drink and enjoy activities all day long with no extra paperwork. Most resorts will give you a wristband or room key that identifies you as an all-inclusive guest, and that’s the end of it.
Best all-inclusive resorts to visit
Luckily for you, all-inclusive resorts through Blue Bay Travel can be found all over the world, in some of the most breathtaking locations. Places like the Dominican Republic and Jamaica really know how to run an all-inclusive resort, with gorgeous beaches and family-friendly hotels. Likewise, Mexico’s Cancun and Riviera Maya regions dominate the mid-to-luxury all-inclusive market. One of the top resort offers in the Americas is a 7-day Sunset at the Palms retreat.
Beyond the Americas, the Indian Ocean is home to stunning all-inclusive escapes, like the Maldives and Mauritius, where overwater villas and turquoise lagoons come with deluxe all-inclusive service, such as at Cocogiri Island Resort Maldives. In Europe, sunny spots like Turkey, Greece and Spain, especially the Canary and Balearic Islands, also offer countless all-inclusive options, ideal for budget-conscious families or couples. Ikos Kissamos, in Greece, is one of the most sought-after resorts in the area.
Whether you’re lounging by a Caribbean pool, sunbathing in Mexico or snorkelling in the Indian Ocean, our all-inclusive resorts let you experience the best of every destination. No matter where you go, the hallmark of the best resorts is top-notch service and endless amenities.
In the end
At the end of the day, all-inclusive holidays are designed to give you the utmost freedom from worrying about bills and everyday life. When you pay one transparent fee upfront, you can eat, drink and relax to your heart’s content. An all-inclusive getaway is a hassle-free solution to travel being adopted all over the world, especially for couples travelling together. This takes the money stress out of a vacation, so you and your companions can enjoy it to the fullest.
At Blue Bay Travel, we get to see how all-inclusive packages turn a good holiday into an excellent one in a matter of minutes. Guests get to enjoy luxury resorts, endless entertainment and worry-free spending, even including flights in a lot of situations.
Ready to book? Our friendly travel experts are here to help you pick the perfect all-inclusive escape. With ABTA and ATOL protection and unbeatable offers backed by our Price Match Promise, your dream holiday is in safe hands. Leave the planning to us and get excited about lounging poolside or exploring palm-fringed beaches.
FAQs
Are flights and transfers included with an all-inclusive package?
When you book an all-inclusive holiday through Blue Bay Travel, we usually include the flights and airport transfers in the price. This means you’ll fly from the UK to your resort and be met by a transfer to the hotel, all included in your package cost.
Note: if you book only an all-inclusive room without a package deal, flights may be separate.
Are alcoholic drinks and tips included on an all-inclusive holiday?
Yes, in most cases. All-inclusive resorts usually include alcoholic drinks as part of the plan, which typically covers beer, wine, house spirits and cocktails, usually local brands. Premium or imported liquor might be extra or require a premium upgrade. Gratuities are usually included, so tipping staff for standard service isn’t expected. Of course, you can always tip extra for exceptional service if you wish.
What costs might not be covered by an all-inclusive holiday?
While all-inclusives cover the basics, some extras can cost more. Special spa treatments, high-end salon services and water sports or activities not offered by the resort are typically pay-as-you-go.
Are all-inclusive holidays good for families?
Absolutely. In fact, all-inclusive resorts often cater especially well to families. They feature kids’ clubs, pools with slides and family-friendly entertainment. With unlimited snacks and drinks available, it’s easy to keep both the parents and kids happy. Family all-inclusive getaways can be a dream. Parents can relax knowing children are entertained, and the convenience of unlimited snacks and drinks means more happy faces.
