10 of the Most Luxurious All-Inclusive Resorts Across the Globe
10 of the Most Luxurious All-Inclusive Resorts Across the Globe
If you're looking for the most relaxing getaway possible and want to avoid spending a chunk of time planning it, an all-inclusive destination may be your best bet. All-inclusive resorts and packages have become more luxurious, exciting, and experiential over the years and can be found in unique destinations around the world that feature one-of-a-kind culinary programs, memorable private excursions, and posh accommodations. We've done the leg work by narrowing down ten of the best all-inclusive offerings in the world, from chic safari stays in Africa to Scandinavian spa meccas, with some assistance from some of the world's best luxury travel advisors at Reco, Black Tomato, and Element Lifestyle. Now, all you have to do is decide the perfect city for your dream travel itinerary!
Matetsi Victoria Falls: Zimbabwe
This five-star private reserve offers the ultimate in luxury lodging for adventure-seekers and is seated next to the largest waterfall on the planet. Matetsi Victoria Falls features 22 suites, conservation-minded guides, local artistry, and 136,000 pristine acres of protected wilderness. Besides one-of-kind experiences, the property also boasts fantastic wellness and gastronomy. There’s also an opportunity for exclusive and part-exclusive buyouts.
“Known as the Mosi Oa Tunya, or 'smoke that thunders,' in the local language, the Victoria Falls are one of the most incredible waterfalls to be seen,” says award-winning Reco travel advisor Duncan Greenfield-Turk. “Matets,i is a mere 30 to 40 minutes away from the falls and offers an absolute escape with the opportunity to reconnect to nature while feasting on the most incredible cuisine.”
One&Only Reethi Rah: Maldives
This celebrity-favorite resort is also a favorite of Greenfield-Turk and his clients, as it offers the ultimate romantic getaway. One&Only Reethi Rah is spread across nearly four pristine miles of private coastline, and each villa has its own exclusive slice of paradise. Plus, the resort boasts a stellar roster of curated experiences, from seven-course moonlit picnics to private yacht charters to scuba dive in the world's most beautiful waters.
"Offering guests an opportunity for absolute isolation and seclusion coupled with the renowned One&Only service and product this island resort is second to none," says Greenfield-Turk. "One would be hard-pressed to find fault given all that one can do when staying here."
The Aurora Cabins at Northern Lights Village: Finland
Greenfield-Turk says this chic and charming village in Saariselk?, Finland, is an ideal stay if you've always dreamed of seeing the Northern Lights. Guests stay in glass-roofed cabins and have the opportunity to engage in other unique winter activities, like dog-sledding and snowmobiling, in between hunting for the best views of the Aurora Borealis. A trip to Northern Lights Village makes an exciting, adventurous addition to your Scandinavian vacation or as a trip in itself.
"An alternative to the sunscape, this icescape provides a true winter wonderland filled with adventure," he says. "It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
Six Senses Ninh Van Bay: Vietnam
Pulling up to Six Senses Ninh Van Bay by boat (the only way to access the island) will leave you stunned by the dramatic landscape of white sand beaches, towering mountains, and impressive rock formations, but it doesn't stop there. The resort wows with its wealth of one-of-a-kind, secluded accommodations, from hideaways in the jungle to retreats over rock pools. If you can pull yourself away from your villa, there are endless activities to enjoy, from Vietnamese cooking classes and organic garden tours to locally inspired wellness programming.
"The Six Senses Pillars of mindfulness, eat, sleep, move, and live naturally are elevated and breathed into every aspect of this unique stay," says Turrini. "And there are some of the nicest people you will ever meet working here!"
Soneva Jani: The Maldives
"The list of unlimited amenities keeps going on and on," say Reco trip designers Sietra and Jeremy Jones. "Not only are you getting one of the most beautiful resorts in the world, you’re getting treated like royalty your entire stay." Some of these amenities include: sea plane transfers, dolphin safaris, daily laundry service, and deserted island picnics. And we can't fail to mention unlimited spa treatments.
Soneva Jani is at the top of many lists of the world's best luxury resorts with all-inclusive offerings because it offers some of the largest (and chicest) overwater villas in the entire Maldives. While the resort isn't known for being all-inclusive, it has a special offer to provide guests with a one-stop shop for ensuring their trip to Soneva Jani is as relaxing and special as possible.
Ikos Dassia: Greece
Seated on Corfu's Ionian coast, Ikos Dassia is considered one of the best all-inclusive luxury resorts in Europe, if not the world. Featuring six unique restaurants, spacious accommodations that feel like true sanctuaries, and private white-sand beaches, this Ikos Hotels property can't be beat. And the resort is home to all the wellness programming and nightlife we've come to expect from Greek vacations while still being fun for all ages.
"The family-friendly resort encompasses the Greek and Italian influences that make the island of Corfu unique," says Seetha Ramanathan, a Reco trip designer with extensive expertise in Greece.
The Caves Hotel: Jamaica
Owned by Island Outpost, the boutique luxury hospitality brand that owns GoldenEye and Fleming Villa, the Caves Hotel is a unique all-inclusive experience from the others on the island. It only houses 12 accommodations, all of which are cliffside cottages, plus intimate coral stairways, nooks, and coves for exploring.
"The Caves Hotel is for the traveler who hates large, all-inclusive resorts because they are too large to provide adequate quality services," say the Joneses. "The Caves doesn’t sit on a popular beach. Instead, it’s perched above the Caribbean Sea and bares a strong resemblance to Greece due to its white limestone structure. It's just a few minutes from the very popular seven-mile beach and a quick walk from the world-famous Rick’s Café. This boutique resort is our favorite place in Jamaica." Plus, the resort boasts some of the best food on the island—and guests can take control of the bar once the staff goes home for the night.
Bisate Lodge: Rwanda
"Staying at Bisate Lodge, you could be forgiven for thinking you were being treated like royalty," says Reco trip designer Sunit Sanghrajka. "This may well be the case, as this lodge—in the epicenter of mountain gorilla country—was inspired by the Rwandan Royal Palace. By employing local artisans to construct much of the lodge, vanishing skills have been retained within the community for at least another generation. The woven surfaces and rich textures tempt the fingertips as much as the eyes."
If that's not enough of a recommendation for you, this luxe wilderness camp, adjacent to Volcanoes National Parks, offers countless adventures while allowing you to return to well-appointed suites to rest up for the next thrill.
Stella Island: Greece
Nestled on the idyllic isle of Crete lies the fabulous Stella Island, a luxurious, adults-only resort for those seeking an all-inclusive honeymoon or couple's retreat. You don't want to miss the opportunity to stay in the resort's over-the-water bungalows, the creative cocktails at Vegera, or the fantastic fusion cuisine at Kimata. Plus, there are seemingly endless outdoor, wellness, and cultural activities to enjoy during your stay.
"I particularly love the swim-up pool rooms where you can dive into the winding pool right from your room’s balcony," says Ramanathan.
Viceroy Riveria Maya: Mexico
“As an all-villa property, this gorgeous boutique offers something everyone traveling now craves: time and space!” says Reco's Greefield-Turk. “Time to slow down, reconnect, refresh, and get space away from the masses but be close enough to be able to dip your toe back in when you need to.”
This ultra-chic property is also ultra-exclusive, with just 41 villas, all of which boast a plunge pool, outdoor shower, and hammock with a variety of views. Greenfield-Turk says Viceroy Riviera Maya draws from ancient rituals of the Mayans and Mediterranean. While this offering isn’t an all-inclusive resort, it does have a wonderful all-inclusive package for those interested.
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