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All-inclusive resorts: Why, What, Where, and Which to Choose?

By , About.com Guide

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All-inclusive Resorts: WHAT's included

Lazy River, at Coconut Bay Resort on St. Lucia.

First, the basics:

  • arrival and transfer to the resort: ideally, all you need to do is find the booth or rep for your resort, and be whisked away.
  • multiple restaurants. Poolside snacks; buffets that feed kids with no waiting, often with a kids' section; specialty a la carte restaurants (Japanese, Mediterranean, etc.) Note that, often, guests have limited access to the a la carte restaurants: i.e., one or two dining opportunities during a 5-night stay.
  • drinks: from self-serve soda dispensers, to fancy cocktails --virgin or with alcohol. Liquor varies from house brands to premium.
Next, all the activities:
  • watersports: typically, the non-motorized watersports are included, such as kayaks, windsurfing, sunfish sailing. Sometimes lessons are included. Some resorts include snorkeling boat trips and scuba; other places, these are excluded as "motorized".
  • kids programs: many resorts have a basic kids' club for ages four to 12. Others go all out, with separate programs for 4 or 5 distinct age groups. Some offer infant care.
  • family activities: Bingo, scavenger hunts, beach parties...
  • night-time entertainment: ranges from cute-but-amateurish to professional caliber. Many places have theme nights.

Some resorts have nice little touches, such as sand toys available for borrowing.

*photo of Coconut Bay Resort © Teresa Plowright

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