Tired of the same all-inclusive where you have to keep going to that tired old buffet night after night? These standout all-inclusive resorts might just be the breath of fresh air you needed – with their unique and sometimes unusual amenities, they can even make some of the world’s top resorts look boring. From wildlife-watching destinations in Africa to a private island in the Caribbean, these are the world’s most unique all-inclusive resorts.
Fogo Island Inn - Newfoundland, Canada
Fogo Island is located off the northeast coast of Newfoundland, accessible by ferry from Farewell. It offers an other-worldly experience in a place that’s sometimes referred to as the edge of the Earth. Set along the rocky shores of Joe Batt’s Arm, Fogo Island Inn is an escapist’s fantasy come true, with expansive ocean vistas that are considered some of the best hotel views in the world. Each room at the inn boasts handmade Scandinavian-inspired furniture, a wood stove or fireplace, and a giant soaking tub. If that’s not enough, the property also features three rooftop hot tubs for soaking up the amazing surrounding scenery. Watch for blue-hued icebergs and passing whales with the in-room binoculars, and when you want to get out and explore you’ll find a network of marked hiking trails.
The Singular - Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile
The Singular sits within a former cattle storage facility, surrounded by the nearly uninhabited wilds of Chilean Patagonia. To get to the rooms or to dinner, guests need to venture through intact machine rooms and tannery facilities first. Most of the factory has a museum-like feel, with elevated walkways to minimize foot traffic between engines and furnaces, but the employee mercantile has been transformed into an elegant restaurant and bar, while the massive cold-storage space was totally re-designed into guest rooms with full floor-to-ceiling glass windows, letting the wild scenery seep into your dreams. During the day enjoy thrilling adventures, including full-day hikes to the base of Torres del Paine and scenic boat rides to glaciers. Return to relax with a cocktail or unwind in the sauna.
Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado
One of the best all-inclusive resorts in Colorado, Dunton Hot Springs offers a unique Colorado mountain adventure that includes overnights in a meticulously-restored 19th-century ghost town – complete with mineral hot springs. This five-star property sits against a backdrop of aspens and the rocky San Juan Range. Dotted with historic log cabins that are spread across 1,400 wildflower-filled acres, the 19th-century structures were restored by local craftsmen two decades ago and converted into this luxurious, secluded retreat that sits about 30 miles southwest of Telluride, offering the chance to totally disconnect from the chaos of modern life. Use the time away from your electronic gadgets to go heli-skiing, rock climbing or hike miles and miles of scenic trails. In addition to the ring of cabins that form the perimeter of the pond, other historic buildings house a lavish spa, a well-stocked library, and a saloon with wagon-wheel chandeliers and the original bar that Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid once imbibed at – by looking closely, you’ll even see their names carved into the wood.
andBeyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp - Botswana, Africa
The Okavango Delta offers one of the top safari destinations on Earth. This oasis of rivers and lagoons in the heart of the Kalahari Desert is filled with an abundance of wildlife, including a vast array of birds, lions, cheetah, leopards, hippo, elephants, buffalo, mongoose, and more. And, it’s all part of your all-inclusive stay, which also includes overnights in one of nine deluxe private tents, each featuring an oversized indoor tub, outdoor shower, and private plunge pool. In addition to going out on game drives via four-wheel-drive vehicles, guests enjoy excursions by dugout canoes and gliding across the water in an electric “eco-boat.” All meals are included too, along with Champagne, fine wine, beer, and cocktails.
Alisal Ranch - Solvang, California
Alisal Ranch is set upon a 10,000-acre working cattle ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley that makes for an ideal all-inclusive family vacation. Melding the spirit of the Old West with the modern charms of a relaxing resort, it features a 100-acre spring-fed lake, 50 miles of horseback riding trails, two 18-hole championship golf courses, a swimming pool, spa, tennis courts, and fine dining. Tasty buffet-style breakfast and dinners are included in the rate, and in the evening the hearty western-style fare might include items like ribs, steak, or locally caught fish. Breakfast horse rides where guests travel to a remote hillside location for flapjacks and a cowboy poetry recital are offered too.
Jumby Bay Island Resort - Antigua
Jumby Bay Island Resort is a luxurious property that is on its own private 300-acre island, just minutes by boat from Antigua. Even the biggest all-inclusive skeptics get excited about the perks here, which include lavish suites with ocean views and outdoor baths in lush, private courtyards. There is a full-service spa, Sense, which features sumptuous treatments like the Sense Hammock Massage for two in an open-air facility steps away from a breathtaking beach as well as poolside yoga and lawn games like croquet. Looking for the ultimate in romance? Book one of the candlelit dinners along a private stretch of sand at the edge of turquoise waters.
The Resort at Paws Up - Greenough, Montana
If Montana life is calling, The Resort at Paws Up offers incomparable luxury in the stunning Blackfoot Valley, 30 miles east of Missoula. One of the top wilderness resorts in Montana, it’s truly the best of the best, particularly for romance-seeking couples who can enjoy dining in an award-winning restaurant on a deck under billions and billions of stars. Spend your nights cozying up together in a luxury canvas tent, waking up to amazing mountain scenery, fresh clean air, and morning coffee delivered via a “camping butler.” Spend your days exploring the wilderness on horseback, on foot, or by soaring above the trees in a hot-air balloon. In the mood for an even bigger adventure? Join the ranch hands in a cattle drive, and, when you return your butler will pop open a bottle of wine so that you can toast to the unforgettable experience.
Dar Ahlam - Skoura, Morocco
Dar Ahlam is a 19th-century casbah that enjoys a magnificent Sahara dunes backdrop and features stylish rooms, suites, and villas as well as plush desert tents for sleeping under the stars. Its location, as the resort itself notes, is central to its philosophy of peace and privacy, to make guests feel as if they’re in another world entirely. Excursions are decidedly unique, from sunset camel rides in the deserts to touring the facilities of olive oil producers during harvest season and picnic lunches under the blossoms of an almond tree. Salt mines, gorges, valleys, and lakes are all within easy reach and can be explored via horse, mule, 4X4, quad bike, or mountain bike.
Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef - Australia
A unique eco-friendly escape nestled at the edge of the ocean and coral reef in Western Australia, Sal Salis offers the chance to wake in one of the spacious wilderness tents to the sounds of the ocean and the songs of the birds, while watching for glimpses of kangaroos that graze among the dunes. Sitting on raised platforms, they offer impressive views of both the sea and the land. The main lodge offers more panoramic views as well as a library and board games. Activities include snorkeling, kayaking, guided walks and even swimming with whale sharks. All-inclusive rates include accommodation, all meals, beverages, daily guided activities, and one swim cruise per person, including a wetsuit and snorkel gear and gourmet buffet lunch.
Playa Vive Guerrero - Mexico
Playa Viva is an eco-focused, luxury resort that’s nothing like your typical all-inclusive resort. It’s located on a working farm and a beach allowing guests to enjoy the perfect mix of time soaking up the sun and the sand, and a culturally immersive experience. Kids can collect eggs from chickens, identify and pick vegetables, collect cacao pods to make chocolate, help care for the goats, and enjoy swimming in the pool or the ocean. The delicious meals are made from many ingredients that come right from the property’s own farm and are served communally, aimed to provide interaction with others. Accommodation includes suites, casitas, and even a treehouse.
Explora Rapa Nuii - Easter Island, Chile
Explora Rapa Nui is located on the island of Rapa Nui, the most remote inhabited island in the world with its closest inhabited neighbors the Chilean Juan Fernandez Islands, 1,150 miles away. Better known as Easter Island, to get there you’ll need to get to Papeete, Tahiti or Santiago, Chile first, followed by a five-hour flight. But how many people can say they’ve been here and witnessed the iconic monolithic stone figures that made the island so famous? In addition to delving into the mysteries behind them, you’ll be able to enjoy an eco-friendly stay that comes with spectacular ocean views, open-air Jacuzzis, and a swimming pool. Included meals typically feature fresh seafood that can be paired with Chilean wines.
Lizard Island Resort - Queensland, Australia
Lizard Island Resort in Queensland boasts a unique location right along the Great Barrier Reef. For those who want to experience some of the world’s best diving or snorkeling, you’ll find it here. You need to take a charted flight to reach it which brings an aerial view over the famous Reef, something that’s sure to be a highlight. The meals are all included and often raved about, with most featuring creative takes on the catch of the day. Many of the activities, from snorkeling to stand-up paddleboarding are complimentary too.
Blackberry Farm - Walland, Tennessee
Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Blackberry Farm offers a luxury retreat that draws many well-heeled footies thanks to its all-inclusive farm-to-table cuisine that’s won numerous accolades over the years. You’ll enjoy the total gourmet experience in The Barn, a rustic-luxe building that oozes charm and includes a massive 8,000-square-foot wine cellar. Guests can also take part in a variety of activities on the 4,200-acre property, with everything from horseback riding and hiking to brewery tours and wine tasting.
Quirpon Lighthouse Inn - Quirpon Island, Newfoundland
Enjoy a remote adventure with a stay at Quirpon Lighthouse Inn, the only accommodation on Quirpon Island, which lies off the shores of Newfoundland’s Great Northern Peninsula. The historic 1922 lighthouse is in what’s called “Iceberg Alley,” ideal for watching the many icebergs float by or park here between May and early July. Summertime brings frequent orca and humpback whale visitors too. In fact, they sometimes come so close you can almost touch them. There’s no TV, Wi-Fi, or cell service, but all your meals are included, with traditional dishes that have a focus on local fish alongside some local game. Breads and jams are made right on-site and they even make their own beer using water harvested from icebergs.
Abbeyglen Castle Hotel - Clifden, Ireland
Live out your castle fantasy at Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, nestled in the beautiful Connemara region just outside the town of Clifden. While it’s not your traditional all-inclusive, there are a variety of packages to choose from that come with all you need, like the Wild Atlantic Way. It includes two nights of B&B accommodation with a generous daily breakfast and a gourmet five-course evening meal, plus traditional music or live piano that can be enjoyed afterward. You’ll also get a complimentary trip to Inishbofin island with its monastic sites, cliff forests, a castle, and beautiful sandy beaches. A complimentary glass of bubbly and an informational talk on the history of the area and Abbeyglen is provided in the evening too.
Atlantis the Palm - Dubai, UAE
While Atlantis the Palm, an aquarium hotel and resort, isn’t entirely all-inclusive, it comes with so many perks and offers such a unique stay we had to include it on our list. The Underwater Suite offers the chance to wake up to views of sea life right from your bed. They aren’t actually beneath the water’s surface, but look out at the vast Ambassador Lagoon aquarium through floor-to-ceiling windows. It houses 65,000 marine animals from stingrays to sharks and colorful fish. The rates include airport shuttles, dolphin encounters at Dolphin Bay, unlimited access to the world’s largest waterpark, 24-hour private butler service, and more.
Mitsis Laguna Resort & Spa - Crete, Greece
You’ll feel like you’re royalty by staying at this full-service, all-inclusive resort in Crete. It offers the perfect mix of a luxurious beach escape with opportunities for sightseeing, including centuries-old historic sites. It sits directly on Anissaras beach in the north of the island, just a couple of miles from lively Hersonissos and about 15 miles from the Crete capital of Heraklion. There are five outdoor pools, waterslides, and seven on-site restaurants, along with complimentary pedal boats and canoes for getting out onto the water. Bungalows feature the classic Greek white-and-blue, many offering sea views.
