Travel blog

Expert tips for choosing an all-inclusive resort

If you're tired of worrying about fluctuating exchange rates and want to enjoy a stress-free holiday where everything is taken care of, an all-inclusive holiday might just be the perfect fit for you.

2min read

Published 24 July 2023

Flight Centre

If you're tired of worrying about fluctuating exchange rates and want to enjoy a stress-free holiday where everything is taken care of, an all-inclusive holiday might just be the perfect fit for you.

Demand for all-inclusive holidays is expected to surge as South Africans opt for a one-stop shop approach to holidaymaking as their wallets feel the pinch. While the weaker rand is a driving factor, it's a global trend. The UK travel trade association, The Travel Association (ABTA), has revealed that 29% of Brits plan to take an all-inclusive holiday this year.

An all-inclusive holiday is simply as it sounds: you make a one-time payment for a package that covers your accommodation, meals, and additional extras like access to fitness centres or a kids club. But according to Antoinette Turner, GM for Flight Centre South Africa, the rise in their popularity is that all-inclusive holidays are shedding their old image of being a generic holiday option

"All-inclusive holidays have always been a great way to keep your spending under control, but now they've become even better," says Turner. She explains that the resort closures caused by the pandemic allowed them to make exciting changes and redefine the experience.

"What we have now are revamped and modernised versions of all-inclusive holidays that cater to the changing preferences of travellers," Turner says.

According to Turner, an all-inclusive package is perfect if South Africans seek a relaxing holiday where value is prioritised. She suggests considering the following questions before making your choice.

What do you want to get out of your holiday?

"If you're all about reaching your destination, unwinding, and instantly disconnecting from the world the moment you step off the plane, an all-inclusive holiday could be your perfect choice," suggests Turner. However, if you're an adventurous soul who loves exploring new places, there may be better options than an all-inclusive option, as you'll essentially be paying twice for meals.

If having the flexibility to go on day trips outside the resort is important, choose your location wisely. Take Mauritius, for instance. The southern part of the island boasts incredible resorts that are fairly remote.

On the other hand, staying in the north, like La Pointe aux Canonniers, gives you a chance to experience more of the local island life and easily visit the village of Grande Baie whenever you please. When booking, ask how close the resort is to town and whether there is easy access or a resort shuttle, suggests Turner.

What atmosphere do you enjoy?

Some resorts offer adults-only pools or areas for different types of travellers. However, an increasingly popular option is the rise of "adults-only" resorts like the Radisson Blu Poste Lafayette Resort & Spa in Mauritius. It's important to note that excluding children doesn't necessarily guarantee a quiet atmosphere.

According to Turner, it's crucial to understand the kind of experience a resort offers. Is it suitable for solo travellers or more focused on couples? Does it provide a relaxing ambience, or is it known for being a party hotspot? To clarify the specifics of an "adults-only" designation, it's advisable to consult your travel expert. Different resorts may have varying age restrictions, ranging from 16 to 21, for example

Does everyone have the same appetite for the activities?

"If you're seeking an activity-driven holiday like skiing, opting for an all-inclusive package can lead to significant savings," suggests Turner. "A skiing holiday is a fantastic choice for families, but if you have very young children, they may not fully benefit from an all-inclusive package. Therefore, it's important to find an offer that caters to your group's specific needs."

For instance, Club Med Alpe d'Huez in France provides a six-day ski pass and ski lessons and a complimentary stay for children under four, so you won't be paying for perks you won't be using.

Club Med Phuket is also an ideal destination for travelling with small children, as the deal includes the use of a kids club where they can enjoy supervised activities, with snacking included as part of the deal (a big money saver). Parents can enjoy a range of free sports and leisure activities knowing their little ones are well taken care of.

Can you get two experiences for one?

Some brands have diversified their offering to spice things up by creating multiple resorts in the same destination, each designed for different audiences. This means that when you stay at one resort, you get to enjoy the restaurants and amenities available at the others too. For example, Mauricia Beachcomber and Canonnier Beachcomber in Mauritius offer an all-inclusive package which includes a multi-course lunch daily at Mauricia Beachcomber and a choice of two restaurants at Canonnier Beachcomber.

"If you have a clear idea of your destination and travel dates well in advance, booking early is advisable. By doing so, you can take advantage of early booking bonuses and sales offered by travel providers. Plus, booking in advance allows you to have a wide range of choices in terms of resorts and dates, which is especially beneficial if you're planning a family holiday and need to accommodate everyone's preferences and schedules," says Turner.