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INTERVAL WORLD Summer 2015
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All-Inclusive, Defined
What exactly is an all-inclusive resort? In a nutshell,
it’s a property that includes added amenities, serv-
ices, and/or food and drinks with your stay via an
all-inclusive package. Packages vary by property;
most include all of your meals, snacks, and drinks
(usually alcoholic beverages), as well as many on-
site activities.
Identifying all-inclusives is easy: Just look for
the in the online or printed
Resort Directory
. You
can also find an Index to All-Inclusive Resorts in the
Directory.
Leave Your Cash Behind
One of the key perks of all-inclusives: With nearly
everything paid for upfront, you can get money off
the brain, and focus on enjoying the moment rather
than racking up charges. Think of it like you would
a cruise — with drinks included!
The vast majority of the added bells and whis-
tles all-inclusives offer are covered by a per-person,
per-day fee paid directly to the resort. Prices vary
and are determined by the resort. Each property
bases its supplemental package price on a number
of factors, including how many restaurants are on
the property, the type of food and beverages
served, and the assortment of available activities.
Many resorts require the purchase of the all-
inclusive package for the entire stay; at others, you
may be able to pay the all-inclusive supplement for
less than a full week, or it may be optional altogether.
Note that the all-inclusive fee is in addition to the
exchange or Getaway fee that you pay Interval.
And if you’re traveling with children, based on
their ages, their all-inclusive fees are often dis-
counted — sometimes by more than 50 percent.
At some resorts, there might be no charge for the
youngest of travelers (3 and under, for example).
To find out an all-inclusive fee, call the Member-
Services Center at 800.INTERVAL for mandatory
all-inclusives, or contact the resort if the all-inclusive
fee is optional. If you’re booking online, fee infor-
mation will be available before you confirm your
exchange or Getaway.
It’s All On-Site
Staying at an all-inclusive resort is an experience in
itself. It’s so much more than a place to sleep and
leave your luggage; the array of amenities can be
astounding. Many properties are destinations in
themselves, from beachfront access and an array
of pools to numerous restaurants, expansive spas,
water sports, and dedicated spaces for kids and
teens. You don’t even have to leave the property to
have a full vacation experience, whether you’re
seeking activity-filled adventure or hours on end to
truly relax.
And if you want to do some exploring beyond
the grounds, the resorts can often make that easy
for you, too, via expert advice or arranged excur-
sions. Love to learn while you travel? Take a guided
day-trip to visit ancient ruins or local historic sights.
Looking to set sail? Book a sunset cruise or snor-
keling adventure.
Anything but Cookie-Cutter
Whether your tastes tend toward only-the-best or
more middle-of-the-road, whether you’re traveling
with active youngsters or seeking kid-free down-
time, there’s an all-inclusive resort for you in
Interval’s network. Just as there’s a range in price
level, there’s an even bigger selection of resort
types and the unforgettable experiences they offer.
Plenty of properties have robust activity
programs for little ones and casual, kid-friendly
dining options.
Steve Larese; Karisma Hotels & Resorts; Moris Moreno/Karisma Hotels & Resorts; Steve Larese; Steve Larese
TOP: Le Blanc Spa Resort’s
lobby bar is one of five on
property, including two
swim-up bars. MIDDLE:
Superior culinary standards
are a defining element of
the all-inclusive experience
at Azul Sensatori Mexico, a
Gourmet Inclusive Hotel, as
evidenced in its artfully
arranged beef tenderloin
(left) and Le Chique carrot
dessert (right). BOTTOM
LEFT: Bodyboard or surf two
lanes of simulated waves at
Moon Palace Golf & Spa
Resort’s FlowRider. BOTTOM
RIGHT: Spacious suites at
the adults-only, beachfront
Hyatt Zilara Cancún afford
picturesque views of the
Caribbean Sea.
IF YOU’RE READING THIS MAGAZINE, IT’S PROBABLY SAFE TO ASSUME THAT YOU ENJOY VACATION
PLANNING — OR AT LEAST A LITTLE WANDERLUST.
Yet there’s a whole other side to traveling that you may
be missing out on; one that’s not so much about where in the world you are, but rather what type of experience you
seek. So consider the all-inclusive resort. Far from being relegated to cheesy mambo classes a la
Dirty Dancing
or
imbibing cheap liquor beneath unrelenting sun, the all-inclusive resort has undergone an evolution worthy of further
consideration — particularly if you’ve never considered yourself the all-inclusive type.