All-inclusive resorts [1] can be a little bit "holiday by numbers". Sure, you get the golden beaches and the chance to top-up your tan without worrying about the bill at the end of the trip, but you might not feel that you've had the most personal experience, or really gotten the very best of visiting a new country. Also, as all-inclusive trips have become more popular (especially with families), hotels have found sneaky ways to make them more profitable, whether that's through constant extra charges, uninspiring menus, or subpar drinks. Luckily, there are still all-inclusive resorts out there that are making it their mission to give you the most incredible holiday experience they can. We promise you no substandard buffets or awful entertainment here. Take a look through our gallery, and start planning the all-inclusive holiday of your dreams!
Travaasa Hana, Hawaii
Hawaii isn't known for its all-inclusive resorts, but then there is Travaasa Hana [2]. It costs from £400 to go all in, and you get £100 of resort credit per day to spend on a wide variety of adventures and experiences.
Longitude 131, Australia
If you want to experience Uluru in serious luxury, Longitude 131 [3] is ideal. You're right at the base of the rock, which means perfect views and the chance to have a romantic sunset dinner with the best view. It's not cheap, though — £850 per person per night — so maybe save this for the last night of your outback adventure.
Cloud Camp, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, Canada
Canada's Clayoquot Wilderness Resort is already the best there is in all-inclusive, but now the resort has gone one better, with a chance to sleep up in the clouds. For just one night, you can take a helicopter ride to stay in the Cloud Camp [4], high up in the mountains looking down over the resort. It's £900 per night to stay all-inclusive at the hotel, but the trip to Cloud Camp is extra, with prices available upon enquiry. We think this is code for "keep dreaming".
The Body Holiday, St Lucia
One of the best things about all-inclusive is being able to eat and drink whatever you like. But if you prefer your trip with more of a focus on health than indulgence, how about The Body Holiday [5] in St Lucia? All of your fitness and wellness activities are included, which means you'll come back from your trip looking and feeling better than ever.
Soneva Kiri, Thailand
If you're going to go all-inclusive in Thailand, do it at Soneva Kiri [6]. You get the expected incredible beaches and delicious food, but it's the unusual extras that make it special: how about eating in a private tree pod and having waiters zip line their way through the jungle to deliver your dinner? A tray on your lap in front of Love Island when you get home isn't going to be quite the same.
Blackberry Farm, Tennessee, USA
Blackberry Farm [7] is certainly not your usual all-inclusive resort. For a start, there isn't a white sandy beach for miles. This idyllic farm in Tennessee is a secret gem, and if you're looking for an unusual alternative where the focus is on the food and the countryside, you've found it.
Ikos Oceania, Greece
Like a lot of the all-inclusive resorts dotted around the Greek islands, Ikos Oceania [8] is a bit of a happy medium between the cliched party resorts and the luxury option. It's good value at around £250 a night, too. If you need us, we'll be by that amazing pool.
Hotel Schwarzenstein, Italian Alps
Not quite all in, like a lot of hotels in the area, Hotel Schwarzenstein [9] offers its accommodation at three quarter board, which includes all of your meals and soft drinks but gives you a little bit of freedom as well. Think less yodeling and more modern alpine chic.
Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado, USA
Dunton Hot Springs [10] is incredible. The abandoned ghost town in Colorado has been given a new lease on life as a luxury resort, and we're pretty sure we'd never want to leave once we arrived. The little cabins are gorgeous, and you can drink in the bar that Butch and Sundance drank in. It looks stunning in all seasons, too. This is the ideal spot for those who need to do something other than lie on a beach all day (we are not those people, but this could tempt us).
Cocobay, Antigua
Everything about Cocobay [11] is idyllic, from the white beaches for days to the private bungalows, some of which have plunge pools. The adults-only resort is small and friendly and incredibly romantic. Bungalows cost around £400-£500 per night. We are very tempted to hop on a plane immediately.
Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland, Canada
Canada's remote Newfoundland might seem like an odd place for an all-inclusive resort, but Fogo Island Inn [12] is unique. This place is all about art and creativity and the great outdoors, and there's a really excellent itinerary of activities each day, which is the main draw for most visitors. You could be quilting in the morning and on a sea boat to explore Iceberg Alley in the afternoon. It's not cheap at £1000 per night, but it'll be a magical experience.
Ozen by Atmosphere at Maadhoo, Maldives
Of course this list wouldn't be complete without a stunning Maldives resort, complete with overwater villas. Ozen by Atmosphere at Maadhoo [13] offers an "atmosphere indulgence" package that ensures you won't pay a penny once you arrive, whether you're dining at the underwater restaurant, enjoying premium drinks, or taking part in water sports. Oh, and did we mention you get a butler?