By Chris Leadbeater
With everyone watching the pennies a bit more closely these days, more and more people are thinking about taking an all-inclusive holiday this summer. And it makes a great deal of sense, knowing that, with everything paid for, you can simply relax. But where exactly to go? The following five all-inclusive resorts may give you some ideas…
Best for all inclusive luxury
Dubai
has become the poster boy for holidays in the lap of luxury over the last decade.
But luxury tends to mean expense. So is the Gulf region off the menu in these
times of economic worry? Not necessarily - and especially not if you stay all-inclusive.
While such financial prudence may not be in keeping with the extravagance of
the region of sail-shaped hotels, it seems to work at the Hilton
resort in Ras Al Khaimah, the most northerly of the United Arab Emirates.
A plush retreat in a desert state already off the beaten track, the Hilton Ras
Al Khaimah Resort and Spa's three pools and mile-long beach could well induce
an urge to burrow in and ignore the outside world completely, especially if
each meal is already paid for.
Best for bargain all-inclusive
Of course, 'all-inclusive' does not have to mean 'five-star'. Turtle
Beach Resort in Tobago
operates as an all-inclusive mid-range resort. It's nicely tucked away at Courland
Bay - which leaves its guests well-placed for the fine beaches of the Caribbean
island's north coast, the wildlife-rich Rainforest Reserve and the weekly street
party of Sunday School at Buccoo Bay. And better still, this hideaway offers
an all-inclusive deal that features four meals a day (afternoon tea being the
unexpected extra), plus soft and alcoholic drinks. It also has enough attractions
that you might be reluctant to leave the complex - a lagoon-style pool and a
beach where leatherback turtles lay their eggs between March and July.
Best for all-inclusive families
Barbados has
long been the Caribbean at its most welcoming,
its history as a British outpost lending itself to an atmosphere that is half
'little England', half laidback isle in the sun. Its selling points are many
- the beautiful beaches and excellent surfing of its east coast, the flora and
fauna of its interior, the nightlife of St Lawrence Gap. Moreover, it is a place
that caters to families. The Escape
At The Gap, for example, comes equipped with suites that sleep up to six.
Perched on the south coast, its all-inclusive breaks include access to the resort's
two swimming pools, its supervised kids' club, a games room and the opportunity
to try kayaking and boogie-boarding.
Best for all-inclusive romance
Rival islands would probably want to dispute the claim, but St
Lucia may just be the most romantic corner of the Caribbean. Perhaps this
is down to its famous twin peaks Gros and Petit Piton - a pair of inseparable
lovers if ever there was one. And maybe the theme continues at Sulphur Springs
Park, where hot pools of steaming water boil with volcanic passion. Either way,
Rendezvous,
on the north-west corner of the island at Malabar Beach, fits in with the woozy
ambience. An adults-only resort, its all-inclusive policy covers all meals (its
main restaurant is called The Trysting Place), and a host of activities - such
as archery. Just don't take the Cupid thing too literally.
Best for intrepid all-exclusivity
Despite the conflict that has kept it on the news pages, Sri
Lanka is a remarkably safe place for a holiday, its trouble spots well away
from the areas frequented by tourists. There are many reasons to visit - the
museum-laden capital Colombo, the former royal capital Polonnaruwa (with its
12th century ruins) and the colossal rock fortress of Sigiriya. And after all
that sightseeing, what better way is there to relax than by spending a few days
on the beach? The south west coast has some lovely sandy stretches and plenty
of resorts. Club
Hotel Dolphin, at Waikkal (near Colombo), does all-inclusive breaks (meals,
alcoholic and soft drinks), and is even home to Sri Lanka's largest pool.
Fancy an all-inclusive holiday? Check out our latest holiday
offers now
Chris Leadbeater is a freelance travel journalist. He writes regularly for the Daily Mail. His favourite destinations are Cuba, the USA and Paris.