What really sets modern all-inclusive resorts apart

The new generation of ultra-all-inclusive resorts impressively demonstrates what it has to offer – and it’s no longer just about coffee and cake buffets. Exclusivity now comes included.

A day that begins almost casually: the glistening of light and water, the muffled clink of a glass, the aroma of fresh coffee and the feel of cool stone underfoot. Nothing is intrusive, and yet everything is right on hand. Nowadays, ultra-luxury all-inclusive is less an offer than an attitude: the knowledge that wishes are not to be expressed, but anticipated. A new generation of resorts is translating abundance into tranquillity and hospitality into art. Here, ​‘all-inclusive’ does not necessarily mean more, but rather perfected. Hoteliers speak of ​‘ultimate all-inclusive’ or ​‘all-inclusive, all-exclusive,’ and guests gratefully accept this new ethos. Even in the high-end segment, people appreciate it when costs are predictable and they don’t have to worry about ​‘charging it to the room’.

A few years ago, all-inclusive was still met with raised eyebrows, but now those days are gone. The resorts often feature prominently in the Caribbean, Mexico, or Mauritius; and the reasons are obvious. The target group: adults only, but not exclusively. Fine dining restaurants – several of them – and wellness treatments are standard in this category, but there is still room for improvement. Take Sandals Resort, for example, a family-run business with 17 resorts in the Caribbean. Those with a diving licence can count personal dives among the list of all-inclusive services. And those who check into one of the so-called butler-level suites can enjoy boat trips, Mini Cooper excursions, or even the entire universe, depending on the location: at Sandals Dunn’s River in Jamaica, a dedicated stargazing concierge brings the stars to within touching distance.

Anyone who has shown a little interest in travel trends in recent years will know that, nowadays, it’s all about meaning rather than show, experience rather than extravagance. It’s not the biggest room or the longest wine list that counts, but the experience, the lasting impression – if not an an entirely new take on life. Since everyone ticks differently, the industry is responding with increasingly sophisticated offers. The Royalton Vessence Barbados (to become part of the Autograph Collection Hotels from summer 2026) will feature an open-air studio. During the day, guests can create pottery or paint here, and in the evening, they can take in concerts. It is conceivable that, in future, there will be dedicated art or culinary resorts; in Mexico, the Xcaret Arte hotel is already experimenting in this area with an ​‘all-fun inclusive’ concept, specifically: unlimited enjoyment of the nature parks of Cancún and the Riviera Maya.

You can swim in underground caves, learn about Mexican culture, and enjoy everything to the full, regardless of where the day takes you. The individual ​“casas” are inspired by Mexican artists, and here too, workshops – from Latin dance to weaving – are part of the curated holiday kaleidoscope. All inclusive, all authentic. And in a completely different corner of the world: At the ​‘andBeyond Vira Vira’ lodge, a South American ranch in Chile, you can explore the prairie on horseback, raft along the rapids of the Liucura River, or approach the Villarrica volcano on – wait for it – skis.

The best of the best

As always, there are countless rankings of the best all-inclusive resorts in the world – some focusing on families, others on wellness – where you can have the best of the best served to you on a silver platter. Ikos Resorts is consistently named the best all-inclusive brand in Europe. Ikos Porto Petro (Mallorca) holds the 2025 title of ​‘Best Hospitality Luxury All-Inclusive Hotel 2025’. A nice gimmick: guests can explore the Balearic island in the hotel’s own Tesla. There are currently seven resorts, all in Greece and Spain, operating under the Ikos banner. Planned for the next few years: locations in Crete, Marbella, and the Algarve. The Caribbean – there it is again – is also part of the expansion plan; while the Middle East is also rumoured. This is a region that is generally worth keeping an eye on.

The ​‘Rixos Hotels’ brand, founded in Turkey in 2020, is currently developing into a hospitality powerhouse here. Impressive: the Exclusive Sports Clubs, which surpass the already impressive offerings delivering a genuine service masterclass – for example, ​‘Rixos The Palm Dubai’. From Muay Thai to sound healing, and even ice bathing – an interesting approach in Dubai – you can find absolutely everything here. And so, in the mid-2020s, luxury means one thing above all else: setting out on a journey – from self-care and self-optimisation to self-mastery, whatever that may look like for each individual.

Made-to-measure: All-inclusive meets individuality

For a long time, classic all-inclusive meant lots of choice, little individuality. The future, on the other hand, is all about hyper-personalisation – not ​‘everything included’, but exactly the right thing for each guest. Technology, data, and personal service create experiences that can be flexibly adapted to your personal preferences: individual menu suggestions, tailor-made wellness programmes, personalised activities.

Two benchmark resorts show where the journey is headed:

‘Kudadoo Maldives Private Island’ offers the most radical form: ​‘Anything. Anytime. Anywhere.’ in place of the traditional package mindset. Each villa has a butler at its disposal who not only fulfils guests’ wishes, but anticipates them. Unlimited spa treatments, private dives, jet ski experiences, and individual excursions are all included. You don’t pay for services – you pay for absolute freedom

‘Impression by Secrets’ focuses on a refined version of premium all-inclusive. A personal butler takes an already luxurious offer to an individual level: suitcases unpacked, private dinners, minibar on demand, concierge service. Spa treatments and activities are included, but are not unlimited as at Kudadoo.

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