How the Face of All Inclusive Vacations and Resorts Has Changed

Years ago the thought of an all-inclusive vacation brought up scenes of long lines at the buffet three times a day, volleyball, beads being used to pay for extras, and a rowdy atmosphere due to many guests taking advantage of the availability of adult drinks.

Fast-forward to today’s all-inclusive vacations and resorts. Now it’s luxury all the way at many of these resorts – full service spas, cigar bars, a private butler, wine tasting and many other upscale amenities.

New consumer trends are showing that patrons of the all-inclusive resort are wealthier than ever before. And, the resorts are catering to certain niche markets – honeymooners, couples, families, divers, golfers and so on.

Almost every all inclusive vacation company offers destination weddings. And, it’s not just for the bride and groom and a few other family members and friends. These couples bring 50 or 60 (or more!) of their closest family and friends with them to enjoy a long weekend or an entire week participating in many more activities than just the nuptials. With the average US wedding costing from $26,000 to $30,000, it’s often less expensive to have a destination wedding. Then the bride and groom will often remain at the resort for their honeymoon after the guests have gone home.

Remember Club Med of the 70’s? – the swinging singles scene. Now, it has gone after families in a big way. In just a few weeks, and after almost 25 million (USD) in renovations, the new Cancun Club Med will debut. The Club Med family properties are very well known for their excellent children’s programs for those 17 and under. Actually, one program starts with infants as young as four months. And, Beaches has children’s programs including Sesame Street activities for the younger set and XBox Oasis Game Centers for the teenagers.