What do Vermont and Tahiti have in common? They’re both homes to the best all-inclusive resorts in the world outside of the Caribbean, according to travel experts. These types of stays are generally easier and more stress-free because the price is fixed and you don’t have to pay for anything once you’re at the resort, besides maybe an extra activity.
It’s like a one-stop-shop vacation, loaded with perks — food, drinks and access to luxurious amenities. But two perks that are not on the all-inclusive menu (but still might come with your trip!) are falling back in love and getting better sleep.
A survey found that 42 percent of Americans have fallen back in love with a partner after going on vacation together. Awww. And something that’s also sweet: sweet dreams. Mattress Firm commissioned a poll, which found that 68 percent get the “best sleep” while on vacation, with 75 percent saying they wake up feeling more refreshed than usual when they’re away from home.
So, when you’re ready for a vacation, what all-inclusive resorts do travel experts tell all their friends to go to? We searched high and low and found the five that are continuously ranked as the best all-inclusive vacation resorts (outside of the Caribbean) by travel experts. Read through the list to get a glimpse of what is awaiting you, should you splurge for one of these world-class resorts.
The List: Best All-Inclusive Resorts, According to Experts
1. Twin Farms: Vermont
You might think you’d have to head to a tropical island for the best resort, but it turns out you just need to head to the northeastern United States! Topping the list is a cozy Vermont resort that doesn’t skip on splurging its guests.
“Twin Farms is an all-inclusive 5-star hotel that embodies casual luxury. This adults-only exclusive retreat is tucked into the lush Vermont mountains and is the ideal destination for foodies, nature lovers, design aficionados, and art appreciators alike. Guests can look forward to a beautifully designed property full of amenities such as nature trails, restaurant menus that change daily and are sourced from local and regional partners, a museum-grade art collection, and more,” Veranda writes.
Trips to Discover raves about the top-notch amenities: “Twin Farms is an intimate property with luxurious accommodation, most in highly individualized, beautifully decorated freestanding cottages with king-size feather beds, wood-burning fireplaces and screened porches. Everything you could ever want and need is included in the room rate, including prepared to order Vermont breakfasts and a farm-to-table dinner, fine wines and spirits available at any time of the day, bonfires and s’mores, barbeques and a host of activities. Enjoy everything from downhill skiing, snowshoeing and sledding in the winter to hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking and fly fishing in the summer. Resort facilities also include a Japanese-style soaking tub and a fitness center with a spa.”
2. The Brando, Tahiti
A private Tahitian island could be the center of your next getaway.
“Located on its very own private island in the middle of French Polynesia, you can’t ‘getaway’ farther than this. Pricing includes a beachfront villa, meals and alcohol, 24-hour villa service, one guided island excursion, one spa treatment, all beach equipment, and a bicycle. The only thing the rate doesn’t include is the supplementary airfare to fly to the island,” Town & Country writes.
Travelers looking for an eco-friendly stay will love it, according to TripSavvy: “This now carbon-neutral resort serves as an example of how best to use sustainable solar power, seawater air-conditioning systems, and other kinds of renewable energy.”
3. Ikos Dassia in Dassia, Greece
PlanetWare recommends this resort as a dream come true: “If you are dreaming of a vacation at an all-inclusive property in Greece, give Ikos Dassia a try. On one side sits the tranquil sea, and on the other is a line of creatively designed swimming pools that come in a number of different shapes. There are eight on-site restaurants included in your rate, so there is plenty of variety. If you’d like to book a spa treatment, these cost extra, but there is a spa in each of the buildings. For families, the resort welcomes children, and there is a kids’ club on-site. Other amenities include a water sports center, gym, and live entertainment on some nights.”
Previous guests approve of the stay!
“[The] top all-inclusive resort according to travelers is … Ikos Dassia! Given its eight restaurants, 10 bars, two spas, various indoor and outdoor pools, an open-air theater and more, it’s easy to figure out why,” CNN writes.
4. andBeyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp (Okavango Delta, Botswana)
A safari awaits in Botswana.
“Visit Botswana for a fantastic safari experience at this exclusive camp made up of only nine tents but tons of natural wonder. At andBeyond Okavango Delta Camp, you can take part in a safari on horseback, go on game drives and bushwalks, and ride a helicopter across the islands of the Delta. This is a great option for nature lovers, as you’ll get an up-close look at unbelievable wildlife, such as lions, leopards, elephants, antelopes, and more, including over 450 kinds of birds,” The Daily Meal writes.
Go for the amenities. Stay for the experience.
ABC News says: “andBeyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp isn’t just a hotel, it’s an experience. This ultra luxurious safari lodge in the middle of Botswana’s Okavango Delta is a place where guests can get up close and personal with all kinds exotic wildlife. Here, everything, and we mean everything (excellent Pan-African food, guided excursions, game drives, river cruises, bush walks, etc.) is included in the price of your stay.”
5. The Resort at Isla Palenque
If your idea of luxury is a private island, then this resort is a must.
Travel and Leisure describes it glowingly, writing, “Marrying the serenity of seven beaches along the Pacific Ocean with the intrigue of the surrounding jungle, this 400-acre private island offers unlimited access for taking in the scenery. In addition to all-inclusive meals and non-alcoholic beverages, travelers who stay at Isla Palenque can also book a wide selection of tours. Whether you venture out to witness native wildlife (including dolphins and whales), practice yoga every morning, or unwind on one of Isla Palenque’s seven beaches, your all-inclusive vacation will surely keep your senses occupied.”
Fine Homes and Living encourages this resort stay as a way to break out of routine: “Are you tired of your everyday life? Book a trip to Isla Palenque in Panama, where you can experience the peace of life in nature. The eco-friendly resort is all-inclusive, providing you with the ultimate remote vacation destination. The island has seven secluded beaches, while the jungle forest is home to more than ten nature trails.”
Have you been to an all-inclusive resort? Tell us about your experience in the comments!
Sources
- Veranda
- Trips to Discover
- PlanetWare
- Town & Country
- TripSavvy
- CNN
- The Daily Meal
- ABC News
- Travel and Leisure
- Fine Homes and Living
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.