Luxury all-inclusive holidays: 11 of the best to book this year

All-inclusive holidays do not have a chic reputation. Long associated with bland buffet style meals, watered down booze and naff organised activities.

But, over the past few years, the all-inclusive holiday has become a go-to option for the savvy traveller who wants to make the most out of the short holiday leave they have. Ultimately returning to work as refreshed as possible while maximising their relaxation.

You can now find a number of luxury all-inclusive hotels across the world – from Michelin star curated meals in Greece to two safari game drives per day in South Africa.

Below, take everything you thought you knew about all-inclusive holidays and place it to one side while you daydream about these luxury escapes.

In Mexico…

Hotel: UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya

Mexico has been a must-visit destination for a few years now and an all-inclusive hotel is one of the best ways to experience the stunning country. Situated between Instagram-favourite Tulum and Playa del Carmen, this adults-only beachfront hotel is home to four restaurants and three bars – with all food and drink included – along with poolside and beachside service. Selected spa and beauty treatments also come with the package, as does golf, some tours and scuba diving experiences. 

From £1,783 per person including seven nights at the hotel and flights from London Heathrow to Cancun. unicohotelrivieramaya.com/

In the Maldives…

Hotel: Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives

After being met at the airport by staff, take a seaplane to the resort followed by a speedboat ride and you will land at the Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa. During your stay here, if you opt in for the ‘ultimate all inclusive’ package, expect to enjoy a sumptuous champagne breakfast each morning, followed by a choice of three restaurants for lunch and dinner. Two bottles of wine will be included in your mini bar each day along with soft drinks, mineral water and beer and each guests will receive between $100 to $400 credits per stay to redeem at the spa. Don’t feel like a massage? Swap your spa treatment for three diving trips per week for certified divers or spend your down time taking on one of the tennis programmes.

From £3,000 per person for six nights. centarahotelsresorts.com/

In Kenya…

Hotel: Mahali Mzuri

Just north of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, right in the path of the annual migration, you’ll find 12 individual tents overlooking some of the world’s most spectacular scenery. Each tent comes with a king-size bed and en suite bathroom and at least two game drives per day are included in your stay. All meals and drinks are included and you can opt for them to be served in the dining room, in the bush or somewhere private. Informative talks about the local culture are also available, as are visits to the local markets.

Price on request. virginholidays.co.uk/

In Greece…

Hotel: Ikos Oceania

On the Greece mainland, experience ultimate luxury at Ikos Oceania with a la carte menus curated by Michelin star chefs, over 300 local and international wines included in the price along with spirits, beers, soft drinks, juices and cocktails and beach-to-pool food and beverage services. An ideal place for families, Ikos offer a kids club for those ages 4 to 12 and a teenagers club for 13 to 17-year-olds in the high season. Spend the days migrating between the pool and the beach before settling in for dinner with the famous Greek sunset as your backdrop.

From £1,640 for two adults for five nights including flights. ikosresorts.com/

In Spain…

Hotel: Iberostar Grand Salomé

Tenerife had been synonymous with raucous young Brits, but the largest of the Canary Islands has turned a corner towards more luxury offerings in recent years. Take the Iberostar Grand Salomé hotel for example. This five-star adults-only resort is located in the lush area of Costa Adeje. Expect a choice between buffet and a la carte breakfast, lunch and dinners at your choice of four restaurants, an infinity pool to dip into and a private sun terrace to read your book on.

From £3,335 for seven nights for two people sharing. iberostar.com/

In St Lucia…

Hotel: Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort

For the perfect mix of earth and sea, Sugar Beach is nestled within 100 acres of rainforest on the site of an 18^th Century sugar plantation with grounds sweeping down to the white sand beach. Swim in the awe-inspiring azure Caribbean Sea or relax on the palm lawn or simply unwind in your room with your private plunge pool. Book into the Rainforest Spa to experience the treetop treatment rooms or take advantage of the resort’s complimentary shuttle service to see more of the island.

From £3,594 per person for seven nights including flights with British Airways. britishairways.com/

In Barbados…

Hotel: Waves Hotel & Spa By Elegant Hotels

With up to four spa treatments per person included in the price, this might be our new go-to destination for a touch of self-care. The boutique wellness hotel is divided into two sections: an adult-only area and family-friendly rooms. The two on-site restaurants include a range of healthy options like made-to-order sushi and there is also a coffee bar, deli and two bars on-site as well. When you’re relaxing by the pool during the day, look out for the hotel’s ‘ambassadors’ who will be bringing around ice water, frozen grapes and ice creams to help you cool down.

From £1,817 for seven nights per person including flights. kuoni.co.uk/

In South Africa…

Hotel: Lion Sands Sabi (River and Ivory Lodges)

If you’ve only got a long weekend to spare, spend it at Lion Sands Sabi in South Africa. Here, you’ll have your own private villa or house for two with views of the Sabie River along with two game drives per day to Kruger National Park. You can also opt to spend a night in one of the treehouses, like the Chalkley Treehouse built around a 500-year-old Leadwood Tree overlooking the plains.

Price on request. virginholidays.co.uk/

In Mauritius…

Hotel: LUX* Belle Mare

A week in Mauritius will leave you feeling renewed and refreshed – and the best way to spend your island holiday is at an all-inclusive resort. The LUX* Belle Mare is located on one of the island’s prettiest beaches with the sparking ocean just steps away. Expect modern interiors and lush, outdoor showers, tailor-made exercise programs and movies on the beach. Try your hand at one of the many water sports on offer including diving and snorkelling. While away evenings at one of the three resort restaurants.

From £2,039 per adult for seven nights including flights from London Gatwick with British Airways. britishairways.com/

In Bali…

Hotel: Samabe

Located in trendy Nusa Dua, Samabe boasts white sand beaches on its doorstep and is home to an infinity pool overlooking the striking blue ocean. Choose from a buffet breakfast in the on-site restaurant or an a la carte breakfast in your private suite or villa. Lunch and dinners can also be served in your room, at the restaurant, at the beach or by the pool. If you choose the ‘Unlimited Privileges’ package you can also have an hour-long massage each day, or take part in a painting class, body scrub, or reflexology.

From £270 per night. samabe.com/

In Cuba…

Hotel: Royalton Hicacos Resort & Spa

If spending a week lazing about on a white sand beach with intermittent swims in the surrounding turquoise ocean sounds like your idea of a perfect holiday, then it’s time to head to Cuba. The Royalton Hicacos Resort & Spa is an adults-only hotel and if you’re a certified diver, the all-inclusive package includes three dives per week and if you’ve never dived before you can learn the basics in the resort’s swimming pool. While there, if you can peel yourself away from the beach, make your way to the local market or stay at the resort and have a cocktail at the piano bar.

From £1,825 per person for seven nights including flights. kuoni.co.uk/