All-inclusive hotels: all you need to know

Pondering whether to book all-inclusive for your next luxury break? Here at Travel Seen we’ve dived into the world of all-inclusive luxury holidays to offer you our expert insight into fully-comprehensive getaways.

Plus, keep scrolling to the end of the page for a behind-the-scenes peek at the all-inclusive Ikos Resorts group as it celebrates ten years. We’re helping to mark the occasion with our very own Travel Seen Ikos Andalusia offer!

Why book an all-inclusive hotel?

For some travellers, booking all-inclusive is the only way to travel. While for others, it’s just one type of holiday to enjoy.

Regardless of which camp you fall into, the benefits of all-inclusive remain:

• Budgeting – before you’ve even left the airport, you know what you’ve paid for; you’re informed of what that means you’ll receive in-resort; and you won’t need to consider additional spending, bar any souvenirs or airport expenses.
• Ease – all-inclusive makes life simple, so you can literally “fly and flop” as the travel saying goes. You won’t need to think about what restaurants to eat at, or searching for kids’ activities. And while all-inclusive doesn’t universally alleviate some pre-booking; it more often than not allows you the flexibility to enjoy meals, clubs and activities to suit your own schedule without forethought.
• Indulgence – the all-inclusive hotels and resorts which luxury travel providers like Travel Seen offer include all those added indulgences you might otherwise struggle to justify. These might include a free in-room mini-bar, premium spirits and fine wines at the bars, spa treatments or menus created by Michelin-star chefs.
• Variety – again, this is often not the case with budget all-inclusive, but when you book a 5-Star option like those featured by Travel Seen providers, there will be options aplenty. Restaurants might range from buffet-style to pizzerias, à la carte dining to sushi. While sports and activities can vary depending on the location, with racquet courts including tennis and padel popular in Europe, and snorkelling and SUP offered at most all-inclusive Indian Ocean resorts.
• Extras – 5-Star resorts feature 5-Star all-inclusive. While each is individual (speak to your Travel Expert about what is included with yours), many have as standard extras: airport transfers, in-room check-in, and dine-around options at nearby restaurants.

What is included at an all-inclusive hotel?

Of course this will vary depending on the resort. Ikos Resorts for example offers a wealth of extra special additional inclusions that go beyond full-board dining and kids’ clubs (read more about that below).

But as standard at most all-inclusive properties you can expect the following (in addition to the usual facilities, beach and pool access etc.):

• All meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner
• All drinks – including alcoholic, non-alcoholic and hot beverages
• Refreshments – snacks including ice creams and an in-room mini-bar
• Activities – gym access, sports’ courts and fitness classes
• Kids’ Clubs – usually included from tots to teen.

Where and when should you book all-inclusive hotels?

All-inclusive hotels and resorts come into their own and offer the very best value in two situations: where the resort is remote and when your ultimate aim is to switch off.

At far-flung resorts, such as those in the Maldives, choosing all-inclusive is often the best board basis – as your options in-resort are entirely limited to what’s on site, so you can’t opt for different places to eat out for example.

All-inclusive is also the best option when you want to seriously chill. For families it’s a great choice for kids, as younger ones can make the most of the kids’ club facilities and picky eaters have plenty of dining choice; while older children can revel in all the sports activities and included amenities.

If you’re on a holiday for two, not having to think about a thing maximizes your free time to enjoy each other’s company and truly unwind. And if it’s a honeymoon you’re booking, all-inclusive allows you to stay within the budget of your wedding guests’ generosity without additional expense.

Behind-the-Scenes with Travel Seen: Ikos

For the past decade the luxury travel industry has heralded Ikos Resorts for their ultimate all-inclusive offering.

Launching in 2015 with their hallmark hotel, the Ikos Olivia in Halkidiki, Greece, Ikos has grown to offer a number of exclusive European retreats which redefine “luxury all-inclusive”. In fact, at Ikos Resorts, it’s called Unconditional Luxury!

That means that alongside the à la carte menus created by Michelin-star chefs, sommelier-selected wines, and included kids’ clubs; you’ll also get a number of indulgent extras. Examples include: pool and beach butler service, a Tesla to explore the coast, an in-room mini-bar, and two lovely additions to allow exploration of the area: Local Discovery and Dine Out.

Sound good? Check out Travel Seen’s All-Inclusive Ikos Andalusia Offer! Or speak to a member of the team for a bespoke luxury all-inclusive package designed just for you.