6 Common Myths About All-Inclusive Resorts BUSTED!

Hola Beaches!!!

I hope the start of a new year is treating you all well and I hope everyone is staying healthy!

I am back and with the start to a New Year, I decided to tackle some of the myths surrounding different vacation types. To get us started, I will bust 6 myths about all-inclusive resorts.

6 Common Myths About All-Inclusive Resorts

Since the days of dude ranches ( they are still a thing ), there has been an attraction to the hassle free vacation at an all-inclusive resort. Arrive at your resort, put your belongings away and now it's time to just lay back and relax. Somehow throughout the years, these resorts have gotten a stigma...tacky rooms, bad food and cheap feel, just to name a few. While there can be some truth to that, it is certainly not always the case. Here, I bust some of those myths and share a reality that may surprise you.

Myth # 1: You will enjoy an all-inclusive resort only if you like bad buffet food:

Reality: All-inclusive resorts do not simply stick guests with mass-produced and unhealthy dishes and meals. In fact, guests will find themselves with more food options that they can probably explore during their visit. Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya, for example, offers 9 different dining options, 10 if you count room service and over 12 bars. These options range from French and Asian Fusion cuisine, to a steak house and food trucks by the pool. Some of the bars include a martini bar and a sports bar, of course 2 well stocked swim up bars at the main pool. These are just some of the options you have to choose from if you're looking for a favorite watering hole during your vacation. Want dinner and show? Make your reservations for Japanese teppanyaki. Looking to try their Mexican food because when in Mexico? Go to La Hacienda, their Mexican restaurant and enjoy on-site handmade tortillas. Do not want to leave the quiet of the golden pool? We went as far as just ordering sandwiches from our pool snack bar on our first night because travel days are exhausting. With the many options at any given resort, not sure how the bad food myth is still around?!🤔

Myth # 2: Everything is already paid for:

Reality: When booking an all-inclusive vacation always ask the right questions. The devil is in the details. Make sure you ask what is included and what is not. More often than not, travelers think all-inclusive means, EVERYTHING is included. While a lot is included, the all-inclusive rates really have varying degrees of inclusivity. Your free alcohol options may be limited, wifi is not always included and some activities at the resort may come with an added charge. Make sure to ask your travel advisor to go over these details with you. There is nothing worse than having a bill at the end of a vacation that you did not expect.

Myth # 3: I will get bored at an all-inclusive:

Reality: The reality is that an all-inclusive resort vacation, is like any other vacation. It is what you make it! If you're like me, I can only lounge around but so long. While relaxing by the pool and beach is someone's perfect vacation, resorts understand that this is not a one size fits all formula. Most resorts offer nightly shows and activities which are already included in your package price. Shows, live bands and activities by the pool are just a few of what resorts offer. At the Luxe Casa De Campo in the Dominican Republic, there is a shooting range and equestrian center. For the golf enthusiast, Casa De Campo is also home to the number 1 ranked golf course in the Caribbean.

If you want to get out and explore the area, there are plenty of excursions that can be booked either prior to your arrival or once at the resort for an extra charge.

For example, when in Cancun, it is not uncommon for guests to take a cab to Playa Del Carmen's 5th Avenue and enjoy a day of shopping and dining. When in Jamaica, a couple of the popular excursion are Dunn's River Falls and Rick's Cafe for some cliff diving!

You can make your vacation as relaxing or as action packed as you want or a nice balanced combination of both (which is what we prefer).

Myth # 4: All-inclusive will always be the best value:

Reality: Again, details will be key when comparing all-inclusive vacations versus any other vacation. Make sure to do your homework and spend time deciding what it is that you want to do while on your getaway. If you plan on being out of the hotel/resort most days, an all-inclusive may be a waste of money since you will not be there long enough to enjoy all the resort has to offer. Another biggie is what activities are offered. If you're not interested in the shows or activities offered, why pay for something you do not intend on utilizing? It may be better to look at a hotel or a resort that offers an "non-all-inclusive" option.

Myth # 5: Staying at an all-inclusive will feel cheap:

Reality: This can be attributed to the food myths that have been fueled through the years and even the room decor has been used to keep this myth going. While there are budget friendly resorts who's amenities are more basic and some family resorts that will keep the cost down for your group, there are plenty of both luxury adults only as well as family resorts. Some all-inclusive resorts take luxury to another level. The Palafitos Overwater Bungalows by Karisma, offers guests their own guest services for check in, with concierge service and their own private restaurant. Want to take it another step further? Beaches and Sandals Resorts goes as far as to offer butler service that will take care of everything for you. Dinner reservations, anticipating your and your family’s needs are some of the services butlers provide. Your vacation will be as luxurious or as budget friendly as you desire.

Myth # 6: Adults Only all-inclusive are just for nudists:

Reality: For some reason or another when people hear the words "adults only" our minds automatically go to nude beaches and orgies all over the place. 🤭 While some resorts do cater to guests looking for that type of getaway, like Temptation Cancun Resort and Hedonism II in Negril, Jamaica, not all adults-only resorts offer this type of vacation experience. If you are not interested in that sort of experience, make sure to let your travel professional know that ahead of time. Some resorts while not a 100% nude, may offer parts of their property that caters to those looking for a nude beach. For example, Couples Tower Isle, while not a clothes optional resort specifically, they do offer a nude beach on site. Always make sure to give your travel professional a very detailed list of wants and needs for your vacation. This will make it a lot easier to find the correct property for your vacation.

**Tip: Make sure to look at the tv channel guide, these are adult-only resorts, so there will be adult channels. Don't keep clicking trying to find the room service menu and get caught off guard when you see another type of menu on the tv 😂**

What is your favorite all-inclusive resort? I want to hear from you! Let me know in the comments! ☺️

Have travel questions? Looking for travel tips? Or suggestions on what topics you want to read about? Email me at info@holabeachestravel.com .

Never miss a wave, subscribe to my newsletter at www.holabeachestravel.com . Stay social, follow me on Facebook , Instagram and Pinterest