Recent statistics from Mintel show the all-inclusive sector has grown over 30% in the last five years, which suggests consumers are well aware of its benefits – going inclusive is a no-brainer for clients wanting to watch their holiday spending and eurozone travellers faced with forking out more for meals or supermarket bills.
Now it’s just a case of deciding where to send them. We’ve chosen four destinations where all-inclusive is going from strength to strength.
1. The Maldives
What’s on offer? Once the preserve of exclusive (for that, read expensive) holidays, the Indian Ocean’s paradise islands will never be bargain basement, but they are certainly more affordable these days. Operators report that bed-and-breakfast resorts that charged a premium for meals struggled last year, while newer properties offering guests more bang for their buck, such as Lily Beach, with its five-star premium, all-inclusive formula, hit the jackpot.
Others, including the four-star-plus Olhuveli Beach and Spa Resort, sold by Kuoni among others, have followed suit and one of the latest to introduce all-inclusive is the five-star Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu.
Why it’s special: Live the life of luxury for less in a dream destination.
Sample product: Hayes and Jarvis is offering a seven-night, all-inclusive package at the Coco Palm Dhuni Kholu for £1,999, departing in September, with SriLankan Airlines flights from Heathrow. hayesandjarvis.co.uk/agents, 0871 664 0246
2. Egypt
What’s on offer? Olympic Holidays has brought its tally of Red Sea all-inclusives to 43, with additions in Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab and Hurghada. Sharm newcomers include the five-star Tropitel Naama Bay and four-star Aqua Blue Sharm el-Sheikh, Tropicana Azure Club and Tropicana Rosetta Hotel.
Two new hotels opening this summer, the five-star Makadi Spa on Makadi Bay and four-star Grand Marina in Hurghada, will be offered on an all-inclusive basis by Red Sea Holidays. Discover Egypt has all-inclusive Nile cruises on board MS Orchestra, including 10 excursions.
Why it’s special: Top twin-centre destination with beach resorts just a one-hour flight from iconic sights such as the Pyramids.
Sample product: Thomas Cook has seven nights’ all-inclusive at the five-star Sunrise Royal Makadi Resort, Makadi Bay, from £645 per person for winter 2010/11, including Gatwick flights. thomascookworld.com/agent-services, 0871 230 2399
3. Turkey
What’s on offer? Prestige Holidays has expanded the number of all-inclusive hotels in its 2010 summer programme, including the Select Maris Resort in Marmaris and Hilton Dalaman in Sarigerme. Olympic has boosted its Turkey programme adding three-star all-inclusives in Gumbet, Marmaris, Ovacik, Hisaronu, Olu Deniz and Side, a new resort for the operator. Seven-night prices lead in less than £400.
Why it’s special: Family-friendly and an ideal destination for active or relaxing breaks.
Sample product: Olympic Holidays offers 14 nights’ all-inclusive at the newly featured four-star Vera Club Hotel Lindita in Side for £1,085 per person, twin-share, departing in August, including flights from Gatwick and transfers. olympicholidays.com/agents, 0800 093 332
4. Ocean and river cruising
What’s on offer? MSC Cruises recently launched an all-inclusive beverage package, including wine, beer and cocktails, with prices starting at £999 for a seven-night Mediterranean flycruise. All-inclusive cruise lines include Silversea, Seabourn and Regent Seven Seas, which also includes shore excursions in its prices. Crystal has introduced ‘All-inclusive As You Wish’, giving passengers $1,000 on-board credit.
Why it’s special: A savvy way to see several countries with the added bonus of only having to unpack once.
Sample product: A seven-night European river cruise with AMA Waterways starts at £1,395 per person and free flights and transfers up to the value of £250 per person are being offered on selected sailing dates this year. amawaterways.co.uk, 0800 389 9811
