Luxury all-inclusive holidays: what to compare

What luxury all-inclusive can mean

There is no single standard. Resorts use names such as all-inclusive, premium and ultra all-inclusive, and what each covers differs. Read the detail, because the label alone tells you little.

What to check is included

• Drinks. Which drinks are included, whether they are local or imported, and when the bars open and close.
• Food. The main buffet, the a la carte restaurants, and whether they need booking or cost extra.
• Snacks and room service. Whether they are included, and at what hours.
• Activities. Which sports, classes and entertainment are included, and which cost extra.
• Spa and wellness. Whether access is included, and whether treatments cost extra.
• Beach and pool. Whether sunbeds, towels and cabanas are included.

Where all-inclusive is common

All-inclusive is most common on the Turkish coast around Antalya and Bodrum. You will also find it at some resorts in Spain, Greece and Portugal. In Dubai, most hotels sell bed and breakfast or half board, although a few resorts offer all-inclusive. Our guides to Antalya and Crete cover the areas to know.

What to compare between resorts

• the room category, and whether it has a sea view or a balcony
• the beach: whether it is private, how far it is, and what it is like to walk to
• the number of restaurants, and whether you must reserve
• adults-only or family-friendly, depending on who is travelling
• the transfer time from the airport, which can be an hour or more
• the resort's own star rating, which is set locally and can vary from country to country

Timing

Peak summer and school holidays are the busiest and dearest weeks. Shoulder months such as May, June, September and October are often better value and more comfortable in the heat. Book early for school holidays, and compare a few dates if you are flexible.

Ask how your booking is protected

Before you pay for any holiday that includes flights, ask what protection applies to your booking and what is covered if something goes wrong. Get the answer in writing and keep it with your confirmation.

Questions to ask before you book

• Which drinks are included, and which are not?
• Which restaurants are included, and do I need to reserve?
• What does the room category include, and can I upgrade?
• How far is the beach, and is it private?
• Which activities and spa services cost extra?
• How long is the transfer from the airport, and is it included?
• What are the change and cancellation terms?

Get a quote

Tell us where you want to go, your dates, your departure airport and who is travelling. An agent will come back with options, what each price includes and what is not included. Call Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm or use the form on this page. No payment is taken on the form.