There are some holidays where you’ll happily spend hours researching the best places to eat, finding activities and trawling the internet for great flights and hotels.
But, sometimes, all you want is a luxurious place to stay, with all the facilities, plenty of food and drink to indulge in and something for all ages to do.
And booking an all-inclusive stay is one of the most stress-free ways to do that, especially if you want to know exactly what you’re spending on the trip. We’ve tracked down the best of the new all-inclusive resorts and some great deals for this year to suit every style and budget.
The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah
This brand new island resort, opened in June, is just over one mile long and home to 173 villas — all with private pools, indoor and outdoor showers and king-size beds. Two-bedroom villas are also available.
Attached to neighbouring island Falhumaafushi, guests have all-inclusive access (with drinks) to six restaurants across the two islands serving a wide range of international cuisine.
Paddle boarding, kayaking, windsurfing and other non-motorised sports are included too, as well as access to the Clarins spa (treatments at additional cost) and Turtle Kids’ Club for ages three to 12.
You can also discover two “castaway” islands — one accessible by ladder from the half-mile-long bridge connecting the islands, and the other by complimentary speedboat transfer. Or try aerial and floating yoga, plus HIIT classes, as well as an introduction to diving and an outdoor movie night.
Seven nights all-inclusive in a Sunrise Beach Pool villa cost from £3,325pp, based on two sharing, including flights and transfers. turquoiseholidays.co.uk
Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, Vietnam
Set around a huge lagoon-style infinity pool with slides and a shallow area for children, this new resort sits on a secluded beach in the south of Vietnam’s Phu Quoc island.
Rooms come with floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces, while two-bedroom suites are also available. There are two restaurants — an international buffet is part of the all-inclusive package, plus à la carte dining available at the Club House restaurant at additional cost.
There are also several bars, including one on a rooftop soon to open. And you can wander directly on to the sands of Khem Beach where there are sunbeds shaded both by umbrellas and palm trees. Kayaking and paddle boarding are available at additional cost as well.
Seven nights all-inclusive at the 4T+ Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay cost from £934pp, based on two adults sharing, including flights from Gatwick airport on January 14, 2020 if booked online. TUI.co.uk
Jumby Bay Island, Antigua
Meaning “Playful Spirit” in Antiguan, Jumby Bay Island — a 300-acre private island — has been recently renovated to include a beachside pool and an updated water-sports centre, along with motorised water sports added to the all-inclusive package.
As well as the Italian-style Veranda Restaurant, you can eat at a beachside BBQ restaurant while the Beach Shack serves West Indian street food. Drinks are also included, as is afternoon tea.
The Jumby Bay Explorers’ programme takes kids aged three to 11 on adventures by bike, boat and more, plus they can learn about conservation through the Hawksbill Turtle Programme.
There are three pools, a spa and a tennis club, too.
Seven nights all-inclusive at Jumby Bay Island, Antigua, costs from £4,375 per person, based on a family of four in interconnecting rooms/suites, including flights and private transfers. scottdunn.com
Heritage Village Club, Goa
These whitewashed villas are set around palm-filled gardens and a large pool, while the white sands of Arossim Beach are less than a five-minute walk away and Colva with its bars and beach shacks is around 15 minutes by taxi.
There are three on-site restaurants, too — an international buffet with outdoor terrace, a poolside BBQ and an a la carte restaurant in the shade of a large mango tree where you can dine a couple of times a week as part of the package.
Indian beers, wines and spirits are included plus there’s a weekly cocktail party and regular entertainment such as Bollywood-themed gala evenings, DJ nights and karaoke.
During the day you can sign up to cookery classes and learn to cook Goan dishes, join yoga, meditation or aerobics classes or use the gym, all free of charge. You can also hire bikes, enjoy water sports or relax in the ayurvedic spa at additional cost.
Seven nights all-inclusive at Heritage Club Goa cost from £967pp based on two adults sharing a double room, including flights from Manchester on November 8. holidayhypermarket.co.uk
Tamarind, Barbados
On Barbados’ Platinum West Coast, the 104 rooms (including interconnecting junior suites) are cheerfully decorated, and active travellers will love the fact that all water-sports included, even motorised ones such as water-skiing and tubing.
Free water-sports lessons are available, too, plus complimentary yoga, pilates and aqua aerobics.
This summer, a £99 supplement (per adult per night) includes all food and drink, with children under 12 staying on the same basis for free. There’s also a complimentary Flying Fish Kids Club for kids aged three to 12, a family lounge and adults-only section.
Seven nights all-inclusive at Tamarind Barbados costs £5,099 for a Junior Suite Pool for dates in August and September (book by July 31), including flights from Gatwick. caribbeanwarehouse.co.uk
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