How All-Inclusive Resorts Have Changed

Years ago the thought of an all-inclusive vacation brought up scenes of long lines at the buffet three times a day, volleyball, beads being used to pay for extras, and a rowdy atmosphere due to many guests taking advantage of the availability of adult drinks.Fast-forward to today’s all-inclusive vacations and resorts. Now it’s luxury all the way at many of these resorts – full service spas, cigar bars, a private butler, wine tasting and similar upscale amenities. New consumer trends are showing that patrons of the all-inclusive resort are wealthier than ever before. And, the resorts are catering to certain niche markets – honeymooners, couples, families, divers, golfers and so on.

Almost every all inclusive vacation company offers destination weddings. And, it’s not just for the happy couple and a few other family members and friends. These couples bring 50 or 60 (or more!) of their closest family and friends with them to enjoy a long weekend or an entire week participating in many more activities than just the nuptials. With the average US wedding costing from $26,000 to $30,000, it’s frequently less expensive to have a destination wedding. Often, the bride and groom will often remain at the resort for their honeymoon after the guests have gone home.

Remember Club Med of the 70’s? – the swinging singles scene. Now, it has gone after families in a big way. In just a few weeks, and after almost 25 million (USD) in renovations, the new Cancun Club Med will debut. The Club Med family properties are very well known for their excellent children’s programs for those 17 and under. Actually, one program starts with infants as young as four months. And, Beaches has children’s programs including Sesame Street activities for the younger set and XBox Oasis Game Centers for the teenagers. Palace Resorts, AMR and Karisma Resorts are three who are sticking mainly with the “adults only” scheme. The majority of their adult guests are looking for a sophisticated and relaxing vacation. Some staff-to-guest ratios are often as high as 2-to-1 in these resorts. They frequently offer 24-hour room service, expanded concierge service and upscale wines and liquors. And, the food scene is totally different from a decade ago. Today, you’ll find French bistros, sushi bars, Italian trattorias and teppanyaki dining spots along with a la carte dining. Resorts catering to families will still offer popular kid’s cuisine along with the more sophisticated adult fare.

All-inclusive vacations and resorts have never been very popular in the US. However, there is one in Crested Butte, Colorado, run by Club Med. Club Med also has one in Florida, the Sandpiper. Kona Village Resort on the big island in Hawaii can also be considered an all-inclusive resort - my family has vacationed there almost every year for over 25 years. Alaska is home to some all-inclusive resorts and hotels, which include meals, many amenities and tours, but usually charge for liquor and some excursions. Most of the all-inclusive resorts are in Mexico, the Caribbean, Asia and South America. All-inclusive vacations are a great way to keep to a budget, perhaps a very generous one, while on your holiday.