January 27, 2023
Sometimes a holiday isn't just about the destination. It's about the experience. And these 11 fantastic all-inclusive resorts are not simply great bases for exploring the surrounding areas – they’re brilliant places to discover in their own right.
So, whether you’re seeking tropical luxury in a far-flung destination or something closer to home, we’ve rounded up some of the best all-inclusive resorts for your next do-nothing-at-all holiday.
1. Six Senses Kanuhara, the Maldives
Okay, Six Senses Kanuhura’s opening date hasn’t been confirmed but when it comes to new resorts in the Maldives, this is the one to watch. Located on the remote Lhaviyani Atoll (you’ll need a seaplane journey to get there), the property will be surrounded by over 40 dive sites and will have 80 overwater, beach and family villas. Sustainability will be key, and highlights will include an organic herb garden and a sustainable fashion boutique. It’s expected to open in summer 2023.
Price: TBC
2. Sanctuary Cap Cana, Dominican Republic
You can’t beat the Dominican Republic for sun, sand and a laidback approach to life, and the Sanctuary Cap Cana isn’t just a brilliant base – it’s one of the Dominican Republic’s best all-inclusive resorts. Guests at this beachfront property get easy access to one of the Dominican Republic’s best golf courses, Punta Espada Golf Club, and on-site amenities include seven bars, five restaurants, six pools and a private beach. It’s one of the few adults-only all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic, making it a great option for couples seeking a kid-free escape.
Price: From £187 per person per night.
3. Sea Side Resort and Spa, Mononaftis, Crete
For a luxurious adults-only getaway, consider this fabulous all-inclusive resort in Crete. It’s just a 25-minute drive from Heraklion, so it’s a great option for couples or solo travellers keen to combine a culture fix with beach time. That said, the emphasis is firmly on relaxation – there are four stunning swimming pools (great for those all-important swimsuit selfies), and a huge spa and wellness centre. When hunger strikes, head to one of the four restaurants: two are buffet-style and two are à la carte.
Price: From £147 per room per night.
4. Jade Mountain, St Lucia
Prepare to splurge on a stay at St Lucia’s Jade Mountain. Possibly one of the world’s most romantic all-inclusives, largely thanks to its gorgeous views from its balcony hot tubs, it’s truly a bucket list-worthy resort for couples. You can sign up for a huge range of activities, from volcano hikes to sunset sails on the resort’s yacht. Most types of cuisine are on offer at the resort’s restaurants, although the Chocolate Laboratory is hard to beat. Visit for chocolate tasting sessions and whip up your own cocoa-based concoctions – all with cocoa sourced from the resort’s plantations.
Price: From £1,832 per suite per night.
5. Banyan Tree Phuket, Thailand
One of the world’s top all-inclusive wellbeing retreats, this gorgeous property is also one of the best luxury resorts in Phuket. Opened in March 2022, Banyan Tree Phuket takes wellness to the next level. All guests start their stay with a private consultation with wellbeing experts, before a personalised itinerary is created to suit guests’ needs. Therapies on offer include naturopathy, Eastern medicine, hydrotherapy and sound healing, and food is healthy, filling and delicious, thanks to the input of the resort’s so-called nutrition sommeliers.
Price: From £405 per person based on two sharing.
6. The Ixian Grand & All Suites, Rhodes, Greece
This adults-only all-inclusive resort in Greece is perfect for lovebirds, who can enjoy romantic dinners for two at the fantastic restaurants and make the most of various added extras, including welcome drinks on arrival. It’s a great property for foodies – the resort regularly collaborates with some of the world’s top chefs (the most recent example is a partnership with Michelin-starred chef Frank Rosin), and there’s a genuine passion for seasonal, local ingredients. It’s right on the beach too, so it’s great for those late-night star-spangled walks along the sand.
Price: From £552 per person per night.
7. Seaside Palm Beach, Gran Canaria, Spain
This five-star resort in Gran Canaria has a sleek seventies vibe (think retro décor, plenty of palm trees and splashes of pastel throughout) and is known for its food – there’s a huge focus on sustainable seasonal ingredients at the resort’s twice-weekly barbecue evenings and its five restaurants and bars. Want to get active? Swim a few laps in the various pools, play a match on the tennis courts or hit the green. Guests get reduced rates at the nearby Maspalomas, Meloneras, Salobre, Anfi Tauro and the Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas golf courses.
Price: From £342 per room per night.
8. Emerald Collection Zanzibar, Tanzania
Emerald Collection is perched on one of Zanzibar’s most beautiful beaches. Book a stay at this resort and everything – from meals at the resort’s fine dining restaurants to non-motorised watersports – is included. It’s also incredibly family friendly. This all-inclusive has one of the largest resort kids’ clubs on the African continent, and the two-bedroom family suites (there are 250 rooms and suites in total) are perfect for holidaymakers travelling with little ones in tow.
Price: From £250 per room per night.
9. TRS Ibiza Hotel, Spain
This June 2022 addition to Ibiza’s all-inclusive scene is adults-only, so it’s perfect for couples and solo travellers. You’ll find it on Ibiza’s west coast, and the resort’s dreamiest facilities include the Sky Lounge (head here to soak up gorgeous sunset views) and the rooftop infinity pool. Nab one of the swim-up guest rooms if you can, although the rooms with Jacuzzis on the terraces are pretty spectacular, too. Guests can dine and drink at three restaurants and five bars, and for an additional fee can use the restaurants and facilities at other Palladium Hotel Group properties on the island. These include the Ushuaia Beach Hotel and Rock Hotel Ibiza.
Price: From £355 per room per night.
10. Banjaar Tola, A Taj Safari, Kanha National Park, India
Looking for something a little different? Try an all-inclusive safari at Banjaar Tola, a luxurious Taj Hotels safari camp in India’s Kanha National Park. There are two nine-tent camps here, although we use the word tent lightly – these are palatial tented suites on raised platforms and with private decks, king-sized beds and butler hatches through which your morning coffee is delivered. Nightly rates include two daily safari drives, all food and drink, and bush breakfasts, when you’ll feast on muffins, cookies and freshly brewed coffee in the heart of the jungle.
Price: From £406 per tented suite per night.
11. Westin Porto De Galinhas, Brazil
The Westin Porto de Galinhas, on Brazil’s Atlantic coastline, has a gorgeous spa, brilliant fitness facilities and fantastic food (try the resort’s main restaurant, Tuna, for delicious Mediterranean cuisine). There are a whopping eight types of accommodation, although the Master Suites are pure luxury – bag one of these rooms and you’ll get gorgeous garden views and a private Jacuzzi. If you can bear to drag yourself away from the resort, there are some great snorkelling spots just off Porto de Galinhas Beach, while nearby Cupe Beach is popular with surfers.
Price: From £242 per person per night.
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