Holly Johnson

If you feel like you’ve been to every all-inclusive resort under the sun and you’re ready for a different experience, there are quite a few all-inclusive properties that absolutely break the mold. Some of these hotels are located in destinations you’d never expect, like on an incredible beach in Abu Dhabi or tucked in the mountains of western Montana. In contrast, others focus on specific activities like outdoor adventures, surfing or diving.

There are also all-inclusive resorts that feature private villas with up to four separate bedrooms, resorts with Michelin-starred dining and properties with rooms just feet from the beach. There are even private island all-inclusive resorts to try out, including Turtle Island in Fiji and Pine Cay in Turks and Caicos.

If you’re ready to try a new twist on the all-inclusive experience this year, consider these unique hotels and resorts that include meals, activities and entertainment but offer a fresh take for travelers who want to try something new.

Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island: Abu Dhabi

The United Arab Emirates may not come to mind when you think of all-inclusive resorts, yet the capital city of Abu Dhabi has more than its share of properties that fit the bill. One of the most celebrated is the Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, which is known for offering luxurious family getaways in a lush, tropical setting.

This exclusive property offers all-inclusive packages with meals and entertainment included, and yes, alcoholic beverages are part of the resort’s all-inclusive offering. More importantly, this resort sits on a stretch of incredible white sand beach with calm, turquoise waters that are perfect for snorkeling or relaxing in the surf. Rooms and suites are also lavishly decorated with premium amenities like huge soaking tubs and private gardens. Families wanting more space and privacy can book a luxury poolside villa.  

Alpine Falls Ranch: Superior, Montana

If you’re seeking an all-inclusive experience focusing more on outside adventures than beachfront lounging, check out Alpine Falls Ranch in western Montana. This luxury ranch resort is located just 45 minutes from the Missoula airport, yet it sits on 800 acres of pristine wilderness that makes you feel like you’re a world away.

Visitors to the property can spend their days bird watching, speeding around on a UTV, whitewater rafting, hiking and more. Gourmet meals are also available, including exquisite eats deemed incredible enough to receive a two-star ranking in the MICHELIN Guide.

Guests can also enjoy incredible stargazing experiences, considering the property’s location. While not all packages are all-inclusive, guests can opt for inclusive packages that include top-notch lodging, three meals per day and a range of outdoor activities and tours.

Surf Synergy: Costa Rica

Surf Synergy is an all-inclusive resort in Costa Rica with a unique focus on surfing as a sport. Located only 90 minutes from the San Jose International Airport and next to the Pacific Ocean, this wellness and surf destination offers an all-inclusive, week-long surf program that includes personalized coaching with video analysis and recovery techniques that help beginning surfers hone their skills. Other wellness activities are also offered in addition to daily surf lessons, including meditation, yoga, ice baths and excursions to nearby landmarks and attractions.

Surf school students can stay in various lodging choices, including tropical bungalows with side-by-side options available for families. An 11,000-square-foot villa is also available for larger groups. Meals are also included in every stay, including breakfast, a buffet-style lunch, and family-style dinners that use fresh, local ingredients to help fuel bodies for a week of surfing they’ll never forget.

Honeymoon Beach at Turtle Island in Fiji.

Honeymoon Beach at Turtle Island in Fiji. (Photo Credit: Turtle Island)

Turtle Island Fiji: Fiji

If you’re after an all-inclusive experience that’s exclusive, relaxing and in the middle of nowhere, consider Turtle Island Fii — a private island resort that only hosts 14 couples at a time. This eco-destination in the South Pacific offers 12 private beaches to choose from across 500 acres of pristine natural lands. Each couple stays in a private villa, offering incredible jungle or ocean views, outdoor showers and king-sized beds with romantic netting.

Sea and farm-to-table dining is included in every stay, including Pacific green lobster caught daily, native fruits and vegetables are grown on the island itself and other nearby islands in Fiji. Additional activities for guests range from horseback riding to diving, snorkeling, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.

Garza Blanca Los Cabos: Los Cabos, México

If you’re looking for luxurious resorts in the Los Cabos area, Garza Blanca Los Cabos should be on your list. This property is unique in that you can book it all-inclusive or opt for a room-only reservation, and it offers rooms and suites with up to four bedrooms. This makes Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Los Cabos perfect for large families or groups that want to have their own private villa with multiple bedrooms but with the convenience of having restaurants and bars on-site.

This property also sits on a stunning stretch of shore that boasts calm, clear, swimmable waters. You can even see tons of whales from your balcony or the resort’s spa or rooftop pool during whale season from mid-December to April.

Fish Tales at Bungalows Key Largo.

Fish Tales at Bungalows Key Largo. (Photo Credit: Bungalows Key Largo)

Bungalows Key Largo: Key Largo, Florida

Bungalows Key Largo is unique because it’s one of the few all-inclusive resorts that’s located in the United States. This property is also adults-only, so it offers a mature, anything-goes style and vibe that makes it easy for couples and groups to enjoy and relax.

The hotel offers 1,000 feet of shoreline, pools and jacuzzis and a range of garden and waterfront bungalows. Each room has a private outdoor terrace, a soaking tub and its own outdoor shower. An on-site spa offers treatments for couples to book, and guests can use nonmotorized watersports equipment like kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, snorkel gear and water trikes.

Grand Velas Los Cabos: Los Cabos, México

Grand Velas Los Cabos stands out due to the incredible luxury the resort offers, which you don’t always find at other all-inclusive properties. The AAA has awarded this hotel 5 Diamonds, and it features an array of rooms and suites with lavish decor and amenities, as well as personal plunge pools and wellness options. Many suites offer upgraded perks like pillow menus, daily stocked minibars and 24-hour concierge service.

The Grand Velas Los Cabos sits on one of the most beautiful and calm beaches in the Cabo area, but it shines even more when it comes to dining. The resort has seven distinct gourmet restaurants on-site, including Cocina de Autor with its creative 8 to 10-course menu that boasts a Michelin star.

Rancho Cacachilas.

Rancho Cacachilas. (Photo Credit: Rancho Cacachilas)

Rancho Cacachilas: El Sargento, México

Rancho Cacachilas is an upscale glamping resort that offers adventure ranch activities in an incredible natural setting, and it’s all-inclusive to boot. The property offers more than 35 miles of trails set among amazing tropical and jungle landscapes in Baja California Sur, México, paving the way for spectacular hiking and biking adventures. Other activities at the property include mule rides, bee and honey workshops and artisanal goat cheese workshops, to name a few.

Visitors stay in casitas or ranch suites that help them get up close and personal with nature, and the property offers an on-site pool, a campfire area, a clubhouse and an indoor and outdoor kitchen with a grill and wood oven. Bookings include meals throughout the day according to your personalized itinerary.

Tamarijn Aruba: Aruba

Where most all-inclusive resorts have rooms and suites set far back off the beach, Tamarijn Aruba offers select accommodations with walkout access directly to the shores of Eagle Beach — one of the highest-rated beaches in the world. This family-friendly resort also shares its grounds and some amenities with the Divi Aruba next door, which means guests can access even more shorelines, restaurants, bars and facilities across both properties. 

Rooms at Tamarijn Aruba have the best beachfront access, including its Premium Oceanfront suites, which have 357 square feet of space and a king bed or two queens.

Pine Cay: Turks and Caicos

Pine Cay, a Relais & Châteaux property in Turks and Caicos, is another private island resort that offers a fresh, luxury take on the typical all-inclusive experience. This private island hotel sits on 800 acres with only 13 rooms, and guests can only arrive by boat or air. Guests can choose from beachfront rooms and two free-standing beachfront suites, all of which grant access to more than two miles of white sand beaches with some of the clearest water in the world. 

Activities at the resort include kayaking, paddle boarding, fat-tire biking and tennis, to name a few. Every room and suite at the property also has its own private beach tikis and a private garden or porch. Visitors can enjoy three gourmet meals per day, daily snorkeling trips from the property, afternoon tea and the resort’s freshwater swimming pool and Tiki beach bar.

Pine Cay: Turks and Caicos.

Pine Cay: Turks and Caicos. (Photo Credit: Pine Cay)

Ruby 360 Lodge: Lamoille, Nevada

Nevada’s Ruby 360 Lodge offers an all-inclusive experience for people who want to escape it all in a remote setting. The lodge offers a unique take on luxury with lavishly furnished rooms and fine dining, yet guests who want more fresh air can opt for a glamping stay in a fully-furnished yurt. The Ruby Yurts offer even more privacy and some truly jaw-dropping views for guests since they are located at 9,700 feet on top of the Conrad Creek ridge.

Activities at Ruby 360 Lodge are geared toward adventure-seekers who want to get out and explore. Visitors can hike into the Lamoille Canyon wilderness and pass mountain lakes along the way. They can also take in views from the Ruby Mountains, which feature numerous peaks above 10,000 feet. Gourmet meals are included in every stay at the resort, and some packages feature live music performances by a fantastic band.

Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort: Dominica

Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort is a landmark on the island of Dominica known for its incredible activities, including hiking, snorkeling and diving. All-inclusive packages include daily breakfast, a two-course lunch, snacks and a three-course dinner, plus unlimited beverages (including alcoholic drinks) from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. A daily selection of scheduled water activities is also included in every package, such as snorkeling or kayaking.

All-inclusive packages with diving included are also available, and these packages typically include daily two-tank scuba diving. The Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort also boasts sweeping sea views, a vast swimming pool and several restaurants and bars.

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