Hotels
The best all inclusive resorts in Europe and further afield
All inclusive no longer means just a buffet and house wine. Here are seven resorts for couples and families, from Kos and Belek to the Maldives, and what to check before you book.
Guro Holmene
It is seven in the evening, and nobody is queuing at the buffet. The table at the Greek restaurant is booked, the wine has been chosen by the hotel sommelier, and the bill never arrives. That is what all inclusive looks like at the best resorts today.
In short: the best all inclusive resorts
The best all inclusive resorts now include à la carte restaurants, branded drinks, a kids' club and activities, not just a buffet. From the UK, Greece, Spain and Turkey are three to four hours away and the easiest choice for a week of sun. Mexico, the Maldives and Mauritius offer all inclusive further afield, but packages vary more there.
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Our first choice: Ikos Aria on Kos, with eight restaurants, a free kids' club and a day's car hire included in every stay. See rooms at Ikos Aria
Travelling without children? See the best adults only all inclusive resorts. For winter sun on a shorter flight, see Cape Verde holidays.
What does all inclusive mean today?
At an ordinary hotel, all inclusive usually means a buffet at every meal and local drinks. At the resorts on this list it goes further: you book tables at several à la carte restaurants, the minibar is restocked and the cocktails are made with branded spirits. It costs more per night, but you stop counting the cost of every dinner.
All inclusive by destination
To go deeper on one country, we have separate guides with more hotels, area by area:
All inclusive in Europe: a short hop to the sun
Kos, Antalya and Málaga are all within about four hours of the UK, with plenty of direct flights in season. That makes the Mediterranean the simplest choice for a week of all inclusive, especially with children.
Ikos Aria, Kos: Greece
Ikos Aria sits near Kefalos on the south-west coast of Kos, on a Blue Flag beach about 20 minutes from the airport. The hotel has eight restaurants, buffet and à la carte are both included, and the kids' club is free. Every stay comes with a day of car hire so you can see the rest of the island. It suits families and couples who want good food without leaving the hotel every night.
Book your stay: See rooms at Ikos Aria
Ikos Andalusia, Estepona: Spain
Ikos Andalusia is on the New Golden Mile near Estepona on the Costa del Sol, with the beach right outside. It has seven restaurants and six outdoor pools, and cocktails made with branded spirits are included at no extra cost. The sommelier has put together a list of around 300 wines served in every restaurant. It suits anyone who wants all inclusive with Spain just beyond the gate.
Book your stay: See rooms at Ikos Andalusia
Costa del Sol
Estepona old town is ten minutes away by car. An evening out is well worth it, even on all inclusive.
Maxx Royal Belek: Turkey
Maxx Royal Belek Golf Resort sits on a private beach in Belek, about 40 minutes from Antalya airport. The resort has nine restaurants, an 18-hole golf course, its own water park and a free kids' club. It is one of the most expensive all inclusive resorts in Turkey, and you feel it in the price. It suits families who want everything in one place and do not need to see Antalya.
Book your stay: See rooms at Maxx Royal Belek
Antalya
The old town of Kaleiçi is less than an hour's drive from Belek. Spend a day here for the harbour, the lanes and a dinner away from the resort.
All inclusive further afield
On a long-haul trip, all inclusive varies more. In Mexico it is the norm, and almost everything is included. In the Maldives and Mauritius it is often an add-on you choose, and some restaurants or seaplane transfers cost extra. Read what the package covers before you book.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya: Mexico
Grand Velas Riviera Maya is south of Playa del Carmen, about 45 minutes from Cancún airport. The resort is split into three sections, one of them for adults and children over twelve only. Every room has its own hot tub, and the hotel has eight restaurants and a free kids' club. Some dinners and drinks cost extra, so ask before you book.
Book your stay: See rooms at Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya
The Mayan ruins at Tulum are about an hour south of Grand Velas. Arrive early, before the heat and the coaches.
Grand Oasis Cancún: Mexico
Grand Oasis Cancún is a large beachfront complex in the middle of the Hotel Zone, with many restaurants and bars and its own kids' club. Inside the complex is The Pyramid, a quieter and pricier section for those who want more space. It is busy and lively, so choose somewhere else if you want peace. For more on the areas, see where to stay in Cancún.
Book your stay: See rooms at Grand Oasis Cancún
Grand Oasis Cancún
Grand Oasis sits on the beach in the middle of the Hotel Zone, with The Pyramid as a quieter section inside the complex.
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi: the Maldives
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is on an island in Noonu Atoll, about 45 minutes by seaplane from Malé, and the whole island is ringed by white sand. The resort has ten restaurants and a free kids' club for ages three to twelve. All inclusive is a package you choose, and not every restaurant is included. It suits families who want the Maldives without staying on a couples-only island.
Book your stay: See rooms at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
The Maldives
The seaplane lands by the jetty. The flight from Malé is part of the experience, but it often costs extra.
Constance Belle Mare Plage: Mauritius
Constance Belle Mare Plage is on the east coast of Mauritius, about an hour from the airport, with a long sandy beach and two 18-hole golf courses. All inclusive is a package you choose, and it includes access to the golf course among other things. The kids' club is free. It suits families and golfers who want a beach and fairways in one place.
Book your stay: See rooms at Constance Belle Mare Plage
Mauritius
The island is more than beaches. The waterfalls and rainforest inland are a day trip from the east coast.
How to choose the right all inclusive
What is included? Check whether the à la carte restaurants are included, or just the buffet. Ask about branded drinks and the minibar too.
Tables need booking. At popular resorts the à la carte restaurants fill up quickly. Book on the day you arrive.
Kids' clubs and ages. Check the age limits. Many clubs take children from four, and baby clubs often cost extra.
Long-haul extras. In the Maldives and Mauritius, seaplanes, some restaurants and diving often cost extra, even on all inclusive.
Not everywhere. In Hawaii, all inclusive often means spa, activities and fitness, but not every meal. Read the terms carefully.
Frequently asked questions about all inclusive resorts
Where are the best all inclusive resorts?
In Europe, Greece, Spain and Turkey are the most popular all inclusive destinations, three to four hours from the UK. Further afield, Mexico is the classic choice, while the Maldives and Mauritius offer all inclusive as a package you choose. Ikos Aria on Kos is our first choice.
What is included in all inclusive?
It varies. At simpler hotels it usually means a buffet and local drinks. At luxury resorts, à la carte restaurants, branded drinks, the minibar and activities are often included. Always read what the package covers before you book.
Is all inclusive worth it?
It is worth it if you eat and drink a lot at the hotel, travel with children or want to know the cost of the holiday in advance. If you plan to eat out in town every night, it often costs more than bed and breakfast or half board.
Which all inclusive resorts are best for families?
Ikos Aria, Ikos Andalusia and Maxx Royal Belek have free kids' clubs and are three to four hours from the UK. Further afield, Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi and Constance Belle Mare Plage all have free kids' clubs.
Are there adults only all inclusive resorts?
Yes. Many resorts have adults-only sections or entire hotels for adults, especially in Mexico and the Caribbean. Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a section for adults and children over twelve, and Picolo has a separate guide to adults only all inclusive.
Enjoy your holiday
Guro Holmene