The most exclusive all-inclusive
Once avoided by well-heeled travelers, resorts make a comeback
Forbes Traveler: Luxury Travel
Blame Linda Hamilton. Long before her star turn in “Terminator 2,” the actress appeared in “Club Med,” a made-for-TV homage to the all-inclusive experience. Until fairly recently, to these moneyed travelers, the idea of vacationing at an all-inclusive resort held little appeal and even less cachet. A new generation of luxe all-inclusive is wooing the once cynical jet-set with posh accommodations, lavish amenities, gourmet wining and dining and a standard of service that rivals the toniest resorts. 10 celebrity-owned resorts
The levels of luxury range from posh to princely with prices to match. “We’re definitely raising the bar for luxury all-inclusive properties,” says Fernando Garcia, Managing Director of The Royal in Playa del Carmen on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Guests booking the resort’s top tier suites earn extra perks such as free international and domestic calling and a spin in a BMW Mini Cooper.
When money is no object, what’s the allure of an all-inclusive? “It’s about the worth of the experience relative to the price paid.”
Luxury all-inclusive tariffs are all over the place. So we’ve come up with a tasting menu of top resorts around the world in all price ranges. Unless otherwise stated, resort fees, taxes, and gratuities are not included.
