Major All-Inclusive Players
Eschewing the one-size-fits-all mentality, the major groups that pioneered the all-inclusive vacation are going after the most discerning traveler while still offering unbeatable deals.
CLUB MED
The Properties Eighty “villages” in over 25 countries
Rates Start at $165/person a night
What's New Over the last two years, the group has poured $530 million into revamping their existing properties and adding new outposts from Guadeloupe to the French Alps. Post-revamp improvements include bigger rooms, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary half-day excursions. At the revitalized Club Med Cancún Yucatan, guests can stay in an oceanview suite in the new Jade Villa, which boasts amenities such as private airport car service and foie gras on the room-service menu. In 2008 this trend will expand at Club Med Albion, Mauritius, which will offer multiple fully serviced luxury villas adjacent to the main resort.
COUPLES
The Properties Four adult-only resorts, all in Jamaica
Rates Start at $507/couple a night
What's New The group is keeping up with the competition with additions such as Lychee, a gourmet Asian-fusion restaurant at Couples Negril; private villas with outdoor Jacuzzis at Couples Ocho Rios; and private beach dinners at some locations for an additional cost.
SANDALS RESORTS
The Properties Twelve Sandals Resorts in the Caribbean for couples only; two high-end Royal Plantation properties in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and Fowl Cay, Bahamas; Negril Gardens Beach Resort in Jamaica; four Beaches Resorts in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos.
Rates Start at $536/couple a night
What's New In October 2007 Sandals launched their “Luxury Included Vacation” campaign, ushering in a wave of new amenities, including plasma TVs, Rolls Royce airport transfers, and 24-hour butlers—to the tune of over $200 million. Two properties feature new “Swim-Up River Suites,” rooms that open directly onto a flowing pool. The Royal Plantation at Ocho Rios boasts the island’s only caviar-and-champagne bar, as well as Le Papillion, one of the most upscale restaurants in town.
SUPERCLUBS
The Properties Thirteen resorts in the Caribbean and Brazil
Rates Start at $129/person a night
What's New A 10-minute drive from the Grand Lido Negril Resort and situated on a private stretch of beach, the Negril Beach Villa is a three-bedroom property with a pool, private chef, and housekeeper. New oceanfront suites at the Breezes Runaway Bay in Jamaica feature private plunge pools.
