All-Inclusive Done Right - Resorts That Go Beyond the Buffet

For years, “all-inclusive” holidays conjured up images of bottomless buffets, lukewarm cocktails, and cookie-cutter entertainment. But today’s all-inclusive resorts are rewriting the script. Across the world, forward-thinking hotels and resorts are elevating the concept—offering gourmet dining, authentic local experiences, and luxury perks that prove this holiday model can be anything but basic.

If you’ve been side-eyeing the idea of an all-inclusive, it might be time to reconsider. Here are some standout resorts that are taking the all-in experience to a whole new level.

Ikos Olivia – Halkidiki, Greece

Where: Halkidiki Peninsula, Greece

Best for: Couples and families craving refined relaxation

Price: Approximately €460 per night for two adults ​

This five-star retreat on the Aegean coast redefines all-inclusive luxury. Part of the award-winning Ikos group, Ikos Olivia includes à la carte meals designed by Michelin-starred chefs, a 300-bottle wine cellar, and even a dine-out programme allowing guests to eat at hand-picked local tavernas—all included in the price.

Guests can borrow a Tesla for a day to explore the peninsula, enjoy premium spirits and room service 24/7, or unwind in its Anne Semonin spa. It’s elegant, stress-free, and gloriously Greek.

For more information and to book, visit www.ikosresorts.com

Spice Island Beach Resort – Grenada

Where: Grand Anse Beach, Grenada 

Best for: Couples seeking Caribbean elegance with a personal touch

Price: Pricing varies seasonally; direct booking is recommended for the best rates.

This boutique, family-owned resort is a mix of barefoot luxury with warm Caribbean hospitality. Located on Grenada’s most famous beach, Spice Island Beach Resort includes gourmet meals, afternoon tea, golf green fees, water sports, and top-shelf drinks. Its all-suite accommodation ranges from poolside havens to beachfront villas.

The cuisine is a major highlight—Caribbean flavours with a fine-dining spark, using locally sourced produce and island spices. Sustainability and wellness are core to the experience, making it both a dreamy and conscious escape.

For more information and to book, visit www.spiceislandbeachresort.com

Heritance Aarah – Maldives

Where: Raa Atoll, Maldives 

Best for: Honeymooners and luxury lovers Price: Starting from approximately €3,173 for a 7-night stay for two adults 

Set on a private island in the Maldives, Heritance Aarah offers a “Premium All-Inclusive” experience that includes fine dining at six restaurants, premium spirits, and bespoke experiences like cooking classes and sunset cruises.

The resort champions Maldivian culture through its food, spa rituals, and locally inspired architecture. Think private overwater villas, champagne breakfasts, and snorkelling straight from your deck. This is the kind of place that makes other holidays look a little bit ordinary.

For more information and to book, visit www.heritancehotels.com

Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda – Dominican Republic

Where: Samaná Peninsula, Dominican Republic 

Best for: Families and eco-conscious travellers

Price: Pricing varies; contacting the resort directly or through a travel agent is advisable for current rates.

Club Med’s flagship eco-chic resort is more than just beachfront luxury—it’s divided into four whole boutique villages, each with its own unique vibe. If you want wellness-focused solitude, family-friendly fun, or adults-only elegance, this resort has a spot for you.

All-inclusive here includes gourmet dining, open bars, kids’ clubs, yoga, circus school, excursions, and even tree-planting projects, making it ideal for those looking to relax while giving back.

For more information and to book, visit www.clubmed.co.uk

The BodyHoliday – Saint Lucia

Where: Cariblue Beach, Saint Lucia 

Best for: Wellness warriors and active travellers

Price: Rates start at approximately €500 per night per person; packages often include spa treatments and activities.

For those who prefer their holidays active and enriching, The BodyHoliday delivers. This all-inclusive wellness resort includes daily spa treatments, fitness classes, personal training, and activities from scuba diving to archery—all set in the Caribbean.

Dining here is focused on nourishment and flavour, with menus tailored to various diets and health goals. From Ayurveda to adventure, it’s a complete body-and-soul reset.

For more information and to book, visit www.thebodyholiday.com

Why Choose a Premium All-Inclusive?

The appeal of these next-generation all-inclusives lies in what they don’t do. No mediocre buffet lines. No tacky entertainment. No watered-down cocktails. Instead, you get:

• Culinary excellence, often led by renowned chefs

• Authentic cultural experiences—from food tours to art classes

• Thoughtful wellness offerings and eco-conscious travel

• Transparent pricing that includes the extras (so you can leave your wallet in the room)

If you’re after a truly seamless escape—where planning, tipping, and budgeting are taken off the table—then a luxury all-inclusive could be your best travel move yet!

Stay tuned to TravelTimes.ie for upcoming offers on these world-class resorts—because all-inclusive should never mean one-size-fits-all.