Top tips to know before you go to an all-inclusive resort

What could be more relaxing than a spring break vacation where meals, drinks, and activities for every member of your group or family are all included in the price of your stay? All-inclusive resorts are designed with families and groups in mind, offering a wide variety of dining options, entertainment, and room choices to suit every traveler and interest. Whether it’s your first time exploring this kind of getaway or you’re returning after trying something different, this comprehensive guide will help you plan a stress-free, memory-making all-inclusive vacation the whole family will love.

Get the right room for you

The first part of a perfect all-inclusive stay starts with the essentials: Rooms and dining. If watching a dreamy sunrise from the comfort of your bed or knowing you’ll have the same table at your favorite restaurant each night are requirements high on your spring break wish-list, an all-inclusive resort will deliver.

Carefully browsing different room categories before you book your all-inclusive vacation is an easy way to make sure expectations and reality are matched when you arrive. At Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort in Mexico, you’ll find Ocean Viewand Tropical View room options — available as both guestrooms and suites.

Meanwhile, the price you’ll pay for your all-inclusive stay is based on three things: room category, number and age of guests, and the number of nights you'll be staying. A top tip is to always state the exact ages of children traveling when you’re exploring options — you might be able to get an extra discount for younger vacationers (plus, at some properties, guests under 2 years old stay for free!).

Planning a group get-together for family or friends? If you’re a party of 10 or more, it’s worth speaking directly to the resort's group sales manager. There are likely to be group-focused incentives and discounts that you can access.

Premium perks

Splashing out on a premium stay means not only will you enjoy in-room luxury amenities (how does nightly turn-down service and an upgraded mini-bar sound?) but you’re also likely to unlock other in-resort benefits, too.

The best club-level guestrooms offer a slew of perks designed to make your stay extra special, often including treats like a welcome gift upon arrival, premium Wi-Fi, luxurious robes and slippers and a personal concierge at your disposal. Exclusive across-resort benefits may also extend to a private check-in, ensuring you can access your guestroom early and get straight to exploring the resort.

Opting for a premium package can also provide access to pools and lounges reserved for fewer guests. At Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort, Enclave club-level guests enjoy premium suites, preferred room location and exclusive access to the Enclave lounge with dining, drinks and snacks, and an 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. concierge. Two private pools with luxurious loungers are also included alongside wellness and fitness activities and exclusive access to dining at Mexican seafood restaurant Chiringuito Cocomar.

Fun for all ages

All-inclusive vacations are ideal for families, with entertainment and relaxation options on offer in equal measures for every age.

All-inclusive resorts put diverse dining options on the vacation menu too, with multiple on-property restaurants serving everything from kid-friendly dishes to fine dining, ensuring even the fussiest eater is likely to love mealtimes.

The swimming pools — and their tangle of slides — may often be the first port of call for children, but there are many other activities to try your hand at during an all-inclusive vacation, with every age group from babies and tots to teens offered tailor-made fun.

Younger children will love the dawn till dusk entertainment on offer at the kids clubs — think treasure hunts, campouts and arts and crafts sessions — all in a safe environment supervised by childcare professionals.

At the other end of the age spectrum, teens up to the age of 17 are just as well catered for. Clubs are often open late (meaning parents can relax too), with activities such as foam parties, gaming, movie nights and sports in the mix.

No matter your travel-style (or companions), choosing an all-inclusive resort for your next spring break trip is a guaranteed way to ensure maximum enjoyment and minimal stress. Leave the details up to the resort staff while you sit back and relax in a new destination.

Joanna Tweedy is an award-winning travel writer and editor who lives in London. A former UK national newspaper travel editor, she now contributes across many titles, and specializes in writing about family travel, wellness breaks and luxury vacations.