The term “all-inclusive” generally refers to hotels that include food, beverage and at least some activities as part of the room rate. Traditionally, those activities are limited to the hotel property, or perhaps on or in the water just offshore. But an increasing number of Caribbean resorts have been expanding the definition of “all-inclusive,” adding a variety of extras that encourage guests to head outside the hotel and explore more of the destination.
This relatively new trend is especially appropriate given the increasing demand among travelers for more “authentic” experiences. By incorporating activities and excursions beyond the hotel grounds, all-inclusive resorts are making it easier for guests to widen their horizons while on vacation — while still enjoying the convenience of staying at an all-inclusive hotel.
Exploring Off-Property with Sandals
Sandals is one of the highest-profile purveyors of the expanded all-inclusive concept. With its Island Inclusive Dining program, Sandals Royal Curacao, opened in 2022, became the first in the portfolio to enable guests to venture off property without incurring additional charges. Travelers must stay for a minimum of seven nights in a butler suite to participate in the program, which provides a $250 voucher that they can use at any of eight nearby restaurants.
Sandals guests in a butler suite has access to a Mini Cooper convertible.
Credit: 2024 Sandals Royal Curacao
Restaurants featured in the program include Bklyn, which features a hip Brooklyn vibe and specializes in spirits accompanied by eclectic dishes such as Argentinian garlic shrimp and “The Bomb” hot dogs; The Wine Cellar, a French eatery with a 30-plus-year history in Curacao; and Kome, a modern Caribbean venue with an artsy ambience and a menu with dishes including octopus carpaccio, lamb shank and seafood with parsnip puree.
Guests booking a butler suite for seven nights or more at Sandals Royal Curacao also get free use of a Mini Cooper convertible, making it even easier to see more of the island.
Since debuting at the Curacao property, the Island Inclusive program has expanded to Sandals Royal Bahamian with similar terms; guests who reserve seven nights or more in one of the hotel’s butler-level room categories will receive use of a Mini Coper convertible and a $250 dining credit, which can be redeemed at four food and beverage venues.
Participating businesses in the Bahamas include Sapodilla Estate, an upscale Caribbean restaurant; Island Bros & Cie, a casual French brasserie; CocoPlum, which specializes in Bahamian-French fusion cuisine; and Bon Vivants, a craft cocktail bar.
Sandals also offers some off-property activities through its Sandals Exchange Program, which allows guests at one property to visit other nearby Sandals properties in the same country. This is an especially good way to experience more of Jamaica, since the hotelier has seven resorts there. The Exchange Program is also available in Saint Lucia, where Sandals has three properties. Free shuttle service between properties is included at both destinations.
Other Hotels With Off-Site Activities
Paradisus by Melia offers its Destination Inclusive program at properties in multiple nations. In the Dominican Republic, Paradisus Grand Cana offers free admission to Caribbean Lake Park, a water adventure park.
Paradisus Grand Cana offers free admission to a water adventure park.
Credit: 2024 Paradisus Grand CanaThe three-hour visit is included for Family Concierge guests and includes scheduled transportation to and from the park at set times, with activities organized in groups based on the age of participants. Yoga sessions on a tranquil off-site beach are also part of the program.
In Barbados, Treasure Beach by Elegant Hotels, an adults-only, all-inclusive property that’s part of the Marriott All-Inclusive portfolio, offers a free off-site excursion designed to connect guests with local culture and creativity. (Tying in with the property’s dedication to creativity, the hotel offers on-site easels and canvases for guests to create their own art.)
The Treasure Art Crawl, which takes place every Tuesday, is a four-hour outing that includes visits to art galleries and cultural venues around the island, including the Gallery of Caribbean Art, which exhibits the work of artists from around the Caribbean; Hamilton’s Pottery, a workshop that exhibits and sells household items made with Barbadian clay; and Arlington House Museum, which is set in an 18th-century building and documents life in previous centuries.
