Fact or Fiction? Debunking Common Myths About All-Inclusive Resorts

Times have changed, but not all travelers’ opinions of all-inclusive resorts have. Travel agents must share with guests the facts about these beautiful properties and right the wrong impressions some tourists may still hold. With local-flair, bold flavors, and a wide variety of atmospheres, from family-friendly to relaxation-based to party-central, the perfect all-inclusive resort vacation is just around the corner. Help your clients find the right fit for their next stay with these helpful myth-busting facts.

Myth #1: Guests Must Leave the Resort to Experience Local Culture

While guests may choose to book excursions for a little adventure, they do not need to go far or spend extra money to experience the local culture. For example, at several select AMResorts^® branded properties, including Zoëtry^® Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya and Dreams^® Tulum Resort & Spa, guests can take part in a traditional Temazcal ceremony. This cleansing spa experience, led by a healer and involving stress relieving aromas and herbal steams, is included free of charge as part of travelers’ Endless Privileges^® or Unlimited-Luxury^® and is located right on the property. At Secrets^® Puerto Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort, guests can join the Cabo Art Walk tour, which travels from the resort’s lobby to San Jose del Cabo for an interactive immersion into the Los Cabos art scene, checking out local galleries and downtown features along the way.  

Wine cellar at Secrets^® Akumal Riviera Maya, available for private dining

Myth #2: Boring Buffets

These days, the all-inclusive food and beverage experience is anything but ordinary. Beyond buffets, properties are now offering elevated gourmet restaurants, unique dining alternatives like private wine-cellar dinners, and interactive culinary experiences. All-inclusive resorts’ programming includes chef-hosted cooking classes, tequila and wine tastings, and so much more. Looking for local flair? Check out the Mezcalerias at the Dreams^® and Secrets^® properties in Huatulco, where guests can try and buy authentic Mezcal. For the health-conscious travelers, agents can turn to Zoëtry^® Wellness & Spa Resorts, where guests can expect fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a multitude of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options.

Myth #3: Cookie-Cutter Atmospheres

One of the biggest myths about all-inclusive resorts is that they are all the same. This common misconception can take on a variety of forms in your clients’ minds. Some travelers believe that all-inclusive resorts cater only to hard-partying spring breakers, while others are under the impression they will necessarily be surrounded by families with young children. However, the range of all-inclusive options is broad, and even within the same resort there can be dedicated spaces to meet a variety of needs. AMResorts^® branded properties each have their own distinct personalities and atmospheres.

At Zoëtry^® Wellness & Spa Resorts, sophisticated travelers are surrounded by the highest level of luxury characterized by holistic and wellness experiences in harmonious, natural environments. Guests of Zoëtry^® Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya can experience a secluded oasis within the Impression™ Club and its nine villa-inspired suites. Even between the adults-only properties, Secrets^® Resorts & Spas and Breathless^® Resorts & Spas, there are unique features that make each a fit for a different traveler. For example, at Secrets^® Cap Cana Resort & Spa, guests can live in luxury within an exclusive gated community that features pursuits including stables, an equestrian center with polo fields, a protected harbor marina and a championship golf course. Likewise, the family-friendly options, including Dreams^® Resorts & Spas, Now^® Resorts & Spas, Reflect^® Resorts & Spas, and Sunscape^® Resorts & Spas, cater to different audiences.

All-inclusive resorts have developed to be anything but cookie-cutter, each with activities, atmospheres and experiences that uniquely accommodate different travelers based on their personal preferences. Understanding these differences and being able to present them to clients in order to assist them in finding their perfect match is key.

For more information on AMResorts^® branded properties’ corporate values, practices, and resources for travel agents, visit AMResorts' supplier showcase.

About the Author

Erica Doyne is the Senior Vice President of Marketing at AMResorts, an Apple Leisure Group related brand. Erica Doyne is a savvy industry leader who has leveraged her talents to create and lead award-winning, integrated marketing programs, while overseeing the global marketing, public relations and advertising strategies for the company. Erica was recently named one of the Top 25 Minds in Sales, Marketing and Revenue Optimization by the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI).