An all-inclusive resort is a hotel stay that usually bundles your accommodation, meals, selected drinks, activities and entertainment into one booking price. In practical terms, the usual package covers nine broad areas: your room, food, drinks, pools, beach access, activities, entertainment, fitness facilities and, at some resorts, kids' clubs.
"All-inclusive" does not mean every service on the property is free. Premium drinks, spa treatments, excursions, private experiences, airport transfers and some activities may cost extra. Inclusions depend on the resort, room category and package.
All-Inclusive Resort Inclusions at a Glance
| Usually Included | May Cost Extra |
|---|---|
| Room or suite | Flights |
| Breakfast, lunch and dinner | Off-site excursions |
| Snacks and selected drinks | Spa and beauty treatments |
| Pools, beach access and loungers | Premium alcohol or specialty wines |
| Daily activities and entertainment | Motorized water sports |
| Fitness facilities | Private lessons or private dining |
| Wi-Fi at many resorts | Babysitting and laundry |
| Kids' clubs at some family resorts | Airport transfers at some properties |
| Tips and taxes at some resorts | Boutique purchases and phone calls |
What Accommodation Is Included?
Your selected room category is included in the booking. This might be a standard room, ocean-view room, suite or family room.
A higher room category, private pool, butler service or club-level access usually requires a higher rate. Some resorts also include Wi-Fi and a stocked in-room minibar. Selected Hyatt all-inclusive properties list Wi-Fi, fitness facilities and an in-room minibar among their package benefits. Sandals includes Wi-Fi in guest rooms and public areas.
Are Meals Included at an All-Inclusive Resort?
Yes. Most all-inclusive resorts include breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks between meals. Food may also be available at poolside or beachside venues, cafés, grills and other participating restaurants.
The dining setup varies by property. Some resorts use buffets, while others include à la carte restaurants, cafés, snack trucks and specialty dining. Restaurant reservations, premium menus and private dinners may have restrictions or additional charges.
Are Drinks and Alcohol Included?
Most all-inclusive packages include a selection of:
- Water and soft drinks
- Coffee and tea
- Juices
- Beer
- House wine
- Cocktails
- Standard or selected premium spirits
"Unlimited drinks" normally refers to the brands and serving formats covered by the resort's standard beverage package. Champagne, full bottles, rare wines, aged spirits and some premium brands may cost extra. Club Med excludes certain premium alcohol, bottles and selected brands from its standard all-inclusive package.
Are Activities and Entertainment Included?
Yes. The package commonly includes access to:
- Swimming pools
- Beaches and standard beach facilities
- Fitness centers
- Yoga or exercise classes
- Beach volleyball and other land sports
- Games and scheduled daily activities
- Live music, shows and evening entertainment
- Non-motorized water sports
- Snorkeling equipment at some resorts
Family resorts may also include supervised kids' clubs or teen programs. Age limits, operating hours and availability vary by property. Hyatt's all-inclusive resorts list activities such as snorkeling, beachside yoga, fitness classes, water sports and live entertainment. Some family properties also include children's and teens' clubs.
Are Tips, Taxes and Resort Fees Included?
Tips, hotel taxes and service charges are included at some all-inclusive resorts, but not all of them. Sandals states that its package includes tips, gratuities and hotel taxes. Hyatt also promotes included gratuities at its all-inclusive resorts.
Check the property's rate conditions before booking, especially if the price displays separate taxes or resort fees.
What Usually Costs Extra?
Flights and off-site services are common exclusions. Other charges may include:
- Airport transfers
- Taxis and car rentals
- Off-site tours and excursions
- Spa treatments
- Salon and beauty services
- Private dinners
- Premium wines and spirits
- Motorized water sports
- Scuba certification courses
- Private fitness, golf or tennis lessons
- Babysitting
- Laundry and dry cleaning
- Boutique purchases
- International phone calls
- Beach or pool cabanas
Hyatt's Dreams La Romana, for example, lists spa services, off-site excursions, airport transportation, laundry, selected premium beverages and certain specialty meals as exclusions. Club Med also identifies spa treatments, private lessons and boutique purchases as additional-cost services.
Are Airport Transfers Included?
Airport transfers are sometimes included, but they are not automatic. Some resorts include round-trip transfers in the package, while others charge separately.
Club Med includes transfers in certain bookings made directly with the company. Sandals includes airport and resort transfers in its stated package inclusions.
How to Check What Your All-Inclusive Booking Covers
Before paying, review the resort's official inclusions page and confirm:
- Which restaurants and meals are included
- Whether alcoholic drinks include premium brands
- Whether airport transfers are included
- Which water sports and activities are free
- Whether kids' clubs have age or booking restrictions
- Whether tips and taxes are included
- Which spa treatments, excursions and private services cost extra