Coupled clients want a break from the kids? Sell an all-inclusive holiday with Yolanda Zappaterra’s pick of the best adult-only resorts
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As the cost of living squeeze continues, all-inclusive holidays are continuing to prove popular with a growing number of customers who want to know that all aspects of their break are covered, with no unexpected additional costs.
And their appeal is bringing about a shift in the sector’s demographic, with more millennials choosing to holiday in all-inclusive resorts – without the kids.
As Caroline Beckett, product manager at Elegant Resorts, puts it: “The cost of living crisis is impacting everyone in some way and all-inclusive is becoming attractive to everyone, couples and families alike.”
At Caribtours, marketing manager Brydie Peacock adds that the appeal of an all-inclusive holiday for couples covers everything from “à la carte dining to dining at times that suit your clients, unlimited room service and top-shelf alcohol.
It is much more flexible, which makes it feel more of a luxury experience.” Here we look at some new and popular adult-only choices.
1. Wellness retreat: Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, Qatar
The world’s first centre for Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine offers an impressive range of programmes from three to 14 nights, allowing guests to cherry-pick their activities, therapies and treatments from expansive menus.
What’s included?What’s not? Each programme includes up to eight options, ranging from Thai boxing and freeform power balance to postural corrective treatment and back scratch therapy.
What’s the vibe? Decidedly zen. Overlooking the Arabian Gulf on the northern tip of Qatar, Zulal Serenity, for adults, has just 60 rooms and suites, all in neutral palettes and many with their own private pools. It’s all geared towards a restful, calming experience.
Book it: Healing Holidays offers a seven-night Taste of Zulal programme from £3,699 per person, based on two sharing, including flights, transfers, full-board accommodation and treatments, based on travel in September.
healingholidays.com
2. New kid on the block: Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets, Mexico
Arrival by exclusive resort boat or catamaran sets the scene for a luxury stay in this new beachfront resort, located on the paradise island of Mujeres. A range of pools – including one on the rooftop – and eight à la carte restaurants (no reservations required) are just some of the many features to expect.
What’s included? Unlimited drinks and dining, elevated amenities, personalised butler service, spa experiences, overwater cabanas and watersports are included under the brand’s Endless Privileges concept.
What’s the vibe? Pure sophistication. All 125 suites exude chic contemporary style and come with fully stocked wine coolers and a balcony or terrace (most with hot tubs).
Book it: Seven nights in a Junior Suite on an all-inclusive basis starts from £3,899 per person, based on two sharing, departing September 4. The price includes international flights, transfers and UK lounge access.
elegantresorts.co.uk
3. One for wildlife fans: Sanctuary Baines’ Camp, Botswana
This intimate, eco-conscious camp features just six luxury suites set on elevated platforms, as well as a lagoon-facing deck for outdoor dining and a swimming pool.
What’s included? All meals, premium brand drinks, all safari activities (day and night game drives, walking safaris, mokoro canoe cruises) and laundry.
What’s the vibe? Eco-focused luxury across a camp made from recycled materials, commercially grown wood and recycled cans. Should clients want a night under the stars, netted four-poster beds can be rolled out on the private decks.
Book it: Abercrombie & Kent’s 11-day Classic Botswana package starts from £9,740 per person, based on two sharing, including three nights’ all-inclusive at Sanctuary Baines’ Camp and international and domestic flights and transfers.
abercrombiekent.co.uk
4. Classic Caribbean: Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa, Dominican Republic
No adult-only recommendation would be complete without a Secrets resort, and this stylish option on Juanillo Beach, part of the exclusive Cap Cana development, is a beauty.
What’s included? Unlimited à la carte dining in nine eateries, snacks, drinks, watersports, dance lessons and even Spanish lessons are among the perks in the resort’s Unlimited-Luxury all-inclusive package.
What’s the vibe? Laidback fun, movies on the beach, weekly parties and more. A huge pool, diving and one of the most beautiful coastlines in the Caribbean.
Book it: Seven nights starts from £2,249 per person, based on two people sharing a Tropical View Junior Suite, departing October 14 from Gatwick with transfers included.
caribtours.co.uk
5. Long-haul value: Veranda Paul et Virginie Hotel & Spa, Mauritius
For clients on a budget, but with their hearts set on the Indian Ocean, this boutique resort set close to the quaint fishing village of Grand Gaube, in the north of Mauritius, is an excellent choice.
What’s included? A wide range of sports and water activities, including windsurfing, glass-bottomed boat trips, kayaking, snorkelling and dinghy sailing. A nice touch is the picnic box the hotel staff put together for guests leaving the resort for the day to explore the local area, while excursions include cooking demonstrations at a local house.
What’s the vibe? Bright, cheery and welcoming, with a street-food kiosk, two pools and just 81 rooms. Book it: A seven-night holiday costs from £1,699 per person, based on two sharing a Comfort Room, including Emirates flights and transfers between May 16 and June 30, 2024.
premierholidays.co.uk
6. Cretan beauty: Atlantica Kalliston Resort, Crete, Greece
The idyllic beachfront setting on the island’s northwestern coast is the perfect companion to this swish resort, which is all about contemporary class.
What’s included? Dining and drinking in three seafront eateries and three bars, including an international buffet and some meals at à la carte restaurants serving Greek, Italian and Pan-Asian cuisine.
What’s the vibe? Chic, sleek rooms with sea-view windows, in a resort that offers three outdoor pools and a sandy beach dotted with sun loungers, bamboo parasols and Balinese beds. A spa and gym complete its very affordable appeal.
Book it: EasyJet holidays offers seven nights from £1,872 per person, including flights and transfers from Gatwick on July 19.
tinyurl.com/easyjettrade
7. Short-haul favourite: Casa de Maris Spa & Resort, Dalaman, Turkey
For clients looking for a tranquil, affordable option on the Turquoise Coast, this small four-star resort with a spa on the outskirts of Marmaris might just fit the bill.
What’s included? All meals in the main restaurant and one à la carte dinner per seven-night stay, plus snacks, drinks, a daily minibar restock and a range of activities, including aerobics and yoga.
What’s the vibe? Youthful and lively, with a fun atmosphere that never gets too much thanks to the resort’s compact size and location.
Book it: Seven nights on an all-inclusive basis costs from £869 per person, based on two adults sharing with return transfers and flights from Leeds Bradford on July 4.
jet2holidays.com
Selling tips
- Look for the extensive inclusions being offered by many resorts; upgraded or premium plans might include excursions, snorkelling, car hire or spa treatments.
- Consider packages that offer experiences outside the resort so clients can engage more with the community, art and craft classes or dinner in local restaurants.
PICTURES: Glown Photography/Don Loriezo; Sanctuary Retreats/Mark Williams
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