The Daily Telegraph - Saturday - Travel
All-inclusive, decoded How to get the most out of your stay
ALL RATES ARE NOT MADE EQUAL
Many hotels have tiered plans based on what kind of room you are staying in – and the bigger, the better. At Ozen in the Maldives, that means the Reserve Plan versus the Reserve Experience.
The latter includes floating breakfast in your pool, a private barbecue and extra spa treatments. Others have a more luxurious hotel within a hotel set up; see Club Med’s Exclusive Collection spaces at their 4-Trident resorts.
DINING A LA CARTE… Hotels are moving away from buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner, although they all offer at least one. At some, however, you will only have a certain number of evening meals included at the fancier à la carte restaurants – and if you want more, you will pay for it. The same goes for room service and minibars: are they in or are they out? Branded spirits or just beer?
… AND DINING OUT
If you are worried about the prospect of getting cabin fever, look for a hotel that lets you leave the gates as part of its rates. At Impressions Isla Mujeres by Secrets, the Sip, Savour and See programme means you can hop across to Cancun and another of Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection hotels for dinner. Better still at Ikos, “Local Discovery” means dinners at nearby tapas restaurants or traditional Greek tavernas.
ALL THE GEAR Almost all hotels will include non-motorised water sports such as stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and snorkelling equipment – but what they throw in over and above that is where it gets interesting. At Sandals, if you are a PADI-certified diver you can dive as much as you want for free (if you’re not, take your PADI for £400 in resort, then you are free to go).
PREMIUM OR ECONOMY When it comes to drinks, one person’s “premium” is another’s Aldi Specially Selected, so do ask questions before you book: what exactly is the “sparkling wine”? Is it served anywhere all day or only in bars after 6pm?
LITTLE ONES
Resorts aimed at families will include kids’ clubs from the age of four. Many will have a crèche for those younger than that, but at an extra charge; unusually, Maxx Royal’s Smiling Babies childcare (for ages up to three) is part of the plan.
BOOK AHEAD
The Asian-fusion beach restaurant might be included but that doesn’t mean you will get a table. In peak season, it pays to make dinner reservations ahead of your arrival if you can; ditto kids’ club sessions during school holidays. More and more hotels have WhatsApp concierges or apps to manage those bookings.
EXIT STRATEGY
Flight home not until evening? Check if your package covers your stay until you actually leave the grounds, or whether there is a cut-off time. At some hotels, it can be the morning on the day of departure.