Earlier this year I got to experience an all-inclusive resort for the first time.
Prior to this I always pooh poohed anyone who took a holiday at an all-inclusive resort. My travel snobbery taking over me, believing that you aren’t really travelling if you aren’t wandering the streets, getting lost, and eating out.
However from our recent family getaway to Bali when we were invited to stay and review the Grand Mirage Resort and Samabe Bali, I learnt the secret of why people choose the all-inclusive resort option.
All-Inclusive Resort Benefits
1. Convenience and Ease
When I travel with kids I want life to be as easy as possible.
When I stayed at the all-inclusive resort everything I needed and wanted was at my fingertips: bottomless options of food, drinks and activities to suit everyone in the family all available within the resort – I did not have to step out the door.
This was fantastic for a short getaway as it usually takes a few trials and errors to find the right restaurant and shops that suit us. Before I know it the trip is over and I’m still trying to locate the best place to eat or how to keep my son occupied.
The all-inclusive resort had several restaurants to try with a variety of menus.
2. Lots of Activities
They also offered us loads things to do for all the family. Not only was there the standard kids club craft or child-minding for younger kids. But lots to keep the adults entertained as well: yoga, ocean kayaking, water volleyball, beach soccer, cooking demonstrations, and games rooms with pool table, air hockey and table tennis.
We didn’t even have time to think about booking a separate day trip to explore outside the resort (remember we were only away for a few days this time and it is all about relaxation).
3. Physical Safety
If we do have to step out of our accommodation to look for food one thing that often concerns me walking about the streets after dark is my personal safety. As we did not have to go out I did not have to negotiate the run down streets filled with pot holes, cracked concrete drain covers and uneven paving.
Plus I didn’t have to worry about my pockets being picked or bag snatched by a passing motor cyclist.
4. Secure with Food and Drinks
Another safety concern when travelling is the quality of the food and drinks. Will the kids or I get sick. Top hotels and resorts ensure they wash fruit, vegetables, make ice and drinks all with drinking water.
I know that I can safely order a salad, or drink with ice knowing I will not regret it by being sick for the next few days of my family holiday. There is nothing worse than watching kids be sick or worse having to cope with kids while you feel like you are on deaths doorstep with a violent stomach upset.
5. No Work
Another thing I don’t want on a family holiday is housework.
I know a lot of people are currently into hiring a villa, but to me all I see in that option is work. I don’t want to cook, clean, wash dishes, make beds, or do the laundry.
With all-inclusive it is ALL included. A true holiday for me as well as the rest of the family.
6. All Costs Included
But what happens at the end of the family holiday? You have to pay the bill.
Well the final clincher as to why I now love all-inclusive. The price is set. I know how much the entire holiday is going to cost before we leave home. There are no shocking bills at check out, from having one too many drinks by the pool bar or ordering extra snack for the kids.
When we checked out we had nothing more to pay. But had spent our getaway living it up with unlimited food, drinks and activities for us all.
Tell me in the comments whether you think the all-inclusive resort is the option for your family.
Linking Up With:
- With Some Grace #FYBF
- My 2 Morrows #URH
- Escape With Kids #TeamWanderlust
An all inclusive holiday sounds like a brilliant option for our family!
I’m glad I’ve inspired you to look at another alternative for your family holiday Ingrid.
I think you’ve sold me Sally! I kinda always had your original opinion about this style of accom but I can definitely see the benefits especially in a country like Bali. Thanks for sharing xx
Your welcome Shannon
I love all inclusive for all these reasons. It just makes a holiday so easy and there is nothing scary about the bill on the last day.
I have to say Karin I loved that there was nothing more to pay on check out.
Some great reasons there for an all inclusive approach and I just think there are some destinations that this is the best way to go – Fiji comes to mind.
Yes there are loads of great getaway locations that the all-inclusive option would work Leanne.
I must admit I am starting to see the appeal of an all inclusive holiday now I have the kids. We have friends that do the Club Med thing & they adore it! I’m with you, if I’m not eating at the local eateries & wandering the streets with the locals I don’t feel like I’m truly experiencing the place I’m visiting! BUT, I also realise there might be a time & a place for everything!!! 😉
That’s is Shan, a time and place for everything. I think the all-inclusive is great for a getaway when you just want to recharge and relax with family or friends. It takes all the stress out of the holiday.
For a totally relaxing holiday (as opposed to one where I want to get out and about and see stuff) I think there is nothing better than an all-inclusive resort. You just don’t have to think about anything. Our favourite for this type of holiday is Tanjung Rhu in Langkawi.
That’s exactly how I feel Fairlie, I will have to check out that resort in Langkawi
These are all great points for staying at an all-inclusive. We’ve never stayed in one and would really like to try one but just waiting for the right time and location. This looks like a wonderful resort and one we’d love to stay at especially in a foreign country. This looks like such a great and relaxing stay.
Timing is everything Mary, when you are meant to experience the all-inclusive something will turn up.