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

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.

• 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}

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

1. 1. All-inclusive beach resorts for families
2. What's the Appeal?
3. All-inclusive Resorts: WHAT's included
4. WHAT you'll pay extra for
5. All-inclusive resorts: WHAT to watch out for
6. All-inclusive resorts: WHAT's the price range?
7. All-inclusive resorts: WHERE?
8. All-inclusive resorts: WHICH is right for you?