slo’s FRIDAY 8/15 poll - All Inclusive Resort

[LoveDaisy]

We have been to all inclusive resorts in Mexico, DR, and Jamaica. I think it is a fun group vacation because everything is prepaid and the resorts usually have lots of food options (something for everyone). There is quality differences in them for sure. I recently asked my friends and we all agreed of all the ones we have been to Secrets Maroma Beach was our favorite.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Visited one in the Caribbean islands once back in the late ‘70’s/early ‘80’s.
An enjoyable time for what it was but not my cup of tea.
I tend to visit new places to explore environs and these types of vacations whether resorts or corporate owned islands seem the opposite of that.

 

[Micca]

We've been on several cruises, that's as close to all inclusive as we've done. I doubt that we would try such a resort.

 

[Praying Colonel]

In 2013 DW told me she was going to one and I was welcome to come along if I wanted. (She was pretty stressed at work and needed to decompress.) I loved it, but I can sit on a beach with a book and a drink just about indefinitely. After 3 days, DW's looking for something to do. So I doubt we'll ever go to another one.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Adding to my reply above, we would not do again. Once and done.

 

[DCL58]

Been to numerous all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico over the years. The best, hands down, was Beaches, Turks and Caicos.

Here are the ones I can remember:

Beaches, Turks and Caicos (twice)
Beaches, negril (twice)
Moon palace, cancun
The Robinson club, playa del carmen
Hard rock, punta cana
Dreams, la romana

 

[Skippy918]

Most recently we went to XCaret in playa del Carmen. This is a super duper all inclusive because they own multiple parks and all of those plus your transportation and food at each park are included. It was well worth the money. It is pricey though. We kept very busy and the kids loved it. They also offer the photo package which is worth it. If you like adventure and adrenaline activities, it’s worth it.

Prior to that I’ve been to AI’s in Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica.

 

[jimmymc]

Never been, but I might try one in the right situation.

 

[evilmommie]

We’ve been to 3 all inclusive resorts. The groups we were traveling with wanted to travel this way.
2 places in Mexico and a resort in Jamaica.
Not my favorite way to vacation. Food was ok. I wanted more of a variety. I’m not a big drinker, but on vaca I like to order top shelf. So my choices were limited unless I paid more.
Probably won’t go inclusive again.

 

[MIGrandma]

We’ve done several cruises, but never an all inclusive land resort. I would love to try it though.

 

[tvguy]

We’ve done several cruises, but never an all inclusive land resort. I would love to try it though.

Cruising would be as close as I have gotten. And cruising is getting less and less inclusive. The best food is no longer in the MDR, it is often in extra cost restaurants. And allegedly some cruise lines are considering charging extra for some of the shows.

 

[soccerdad72]

Cruising would be as close as I have gotten. And cruising is getting less and less inclusive. The best food is no longer in the MDR, it is often in extra cost restaurants. And allegedly some cruise lines are considering charging extra for some of the shows.

In some ways, even all-inclusives do this as well. Premium drinks are extra. Some specialty restaurants can also be extra. The ones I've been to, it can be hard to get into some of the restaurants for dinner without being in concierge level (again, extra $$). So it's not too much different than cruise ships in that regard.

 

[clappyclaps]

I've never done an all-inclusive and to be honest I'm not sure I ever would, unless it was only for a few days. I struggled enough doing a cruise with the monotony of the same restaurants, bars etc so an all-inclusive just doesnt appeal. I could happily chill out and relax for a day or so but after that I'd be itching to do something more.

 

[Turn the Page]

Been to a couple, both in the Dominican Republic. The first time probably 17 or 18 years ago when our kids were little.

The last time was between Christmas and New Years 2020/21. The issue, IMO, that time around was that there were still a lot of Covid restrictions, so there weren’t a lot of activities and stuff was still closed.

All inclusive resorts are ok to me. I’ll likely go back at some point (probably with other couples) but they’re not my favorite vacation. You’re generally stuck in the resort (they’re not usually in great areas, country wise) so the trip consists of sitting by the pool or on the beach, eating a lot of very average food and drinking a lot of bottom shelf alcohol. It gets boring quickly.

This. My mother loves all inclusive resorts. There's only so much time I can spend this lounging by the pool and visiting the pool bar before I need to do something else

 

[georgina]

I voted yes, but it wasn't necessarily all-inclusive. You could pay for a full meal plan or a fewer meal plan. It's a place DHs scuba group would go to on St Lucia, and the only scuba trip I would go along on! Could snorkel right off the beach, use their kayaks, paddleboards and small sailboats for free. Small fee to rent a bike for the jungle biking nearby. Relatively quiet place, there was nightly music in the bar, some available excursions around the island. I would go back sometime, but might spring for the new higher-end resort they built, Jade Mountain.

 

[Darcy03231]

We've done several over the years. Best ones for adults only are Sandals. Best ones for family for us is the Iberostar resorts. My favorite was Sandals Emerald Bay in Exuma, Bahamas. I'd go back, but they're turning it into a Beaches.

We also went to Young Island when it was adults only and would go back there as well.

 

[rowan1813]

I've never been to one but as a teacher, I often dream of a vacation at an adult-only, all inclusive, that is quiet (no loud parties) where I can lounge by the ocean, listening to the waves, reading a book, and a cabana boy brings me drinks and calls me princess.

If anyone knows of a place like that, let me know!