Think of all-inclusive holidays and cliched images of cheap, crowded and classless resorts spring to mind. But that’s not always the case.
Many high-end accommodation options now offer pay-up-front packages, including butler service, fine wines and even use of your own powerboat. And there’s not a cheesy wristband in sight!
If you’re an all-inclusive snob, read on…
1. Kandolhu, Maldives
(Kuoni/PA)
This one is for the wine lovers. Not only will you be able to relax on a tranquil island with it’s very own reef, each villa has a wine cooler stocked with 30 bottles of quality wine, which are refilled as often as you like.
The ‘all inclusive’ element doesn’t stop at the wine. Guests can enjoy a la carte dining for every meal, including at the exclusive Banzai Japanese restaurant, which seats only six people, as well as joining a sunset champagne boat cruise or private snorkelling tour, choosing from 30 different villas over the sea or on the beach.
How to book
Seven nights from £3,704pp based on two adults sharing. Includes return flights from Manchester in September, private transfers, Jacuzzi beach villa and all-inclusive meal plan. Book through Kuoni.
2. Sangat Island Dive Resort, Philippines
(Sangat Island Dive Resort/PA)
If you care about the environment but still want your every need taken care of, this one’s for you.
This stunning ecological resort is powered completely by solar power. Guests stay in 24 beautiful huts facing Coron Bay, the third largest of the Calamian islands in northern Palawan, close to some of the world’s best diving sites.
(Sangat Island Dive Resort/PA)
One of the hillside villas even has its very own private beach, allowing relaxation in utter seclusion.
Fill up on home-style cooking and burn it all off with diving and snorkelling trips, windsurfing and canoeing.
How to book
Seven nights from £1,346pp based on two adults sharing in July. Includes transfers. Flights and activities cost extra. Book through Booking.com.
3. Ulusaba Safari Lodge, South Africa
(Virgin Holidays/PA)
Nestled among the rocky terrain of the Sabi Sands private game reserve, bordering Kruger National Park, Sir Richard Branson’s Ulusaba Lodge brings together the excitement of a safari in the African bush with the comfort of a five-star resort.
Unpack in one of its 21 spacious, treehouse-inspired rooms or suites and hang out on your private deck as you watch the sunset over the plains. Those lucky enough to bag one of the Elephant Rooms will have full view of the elephant migration route.
Game drives depart before dawn and again in late afternoon, in search of the national park’s big five – lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalo – as well as an array of other creatures.
Once night has fallen, guests can try stargazing, wine tasting or visit the spa (extra cost for treatments).
How to book
Four nights from £2,440pp based on two adults and two children sharing a standard room. Includes flights from London Heathrow to Johannesburg and private transfers in November. Book through Virgin Holidays.
4. Hillside Beach Club, Feithye, Turkey
(Hillside Beach Club/PA)
For active folks, Hillside Beach Club in southwest Turkey is a dream. Not only will you be able to sample luxury food from around the world and sip drinks to your heart’s content, you’ll also get a wide array of fitness classes included.
From Zumba and yoga to wakeboarding and mono-skiing, picking up a new hobby couldn’t be easier in this sprawling yet sheltered bay, owned exclusively by the resort.
For those wishing to specialise, guests can visit during themed weeks focusing on water sports or relaxation. Children are specially catered for at meal times with an in-house “baby chef”.
How to book
Seven nights from £1,999pp based on two adults sharing. Includes flights from London Gatwick (other UK departure airports available) and private transfers in July. Book through Hillside Beach Club.
5. Fowl Cay Resort, Bahamas
(Sandals/PA)
Delicately placed in the middle of the Exuma chain of islands, this resort accommodates only 28 guests at a time, so you can be sure of a spot on one of its three white sand beaches.
Along with meals and drinks, packages include water sports equipment hire and your own golf cart to trundle around the island.
What sets this place apart, though, is the use of a 17ft power boat included with every villa. Don’t worry, you’ll be given full training on how to use it.
How to book
Seven nights in a Lindon Villa from £9,375 based on two adults sharing between March and August 2018. Includes accommodation, Butler Elite Service and 24-hour room service. Flights cost extra. Book through Fowl Cay.
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