Today’s traveler is propelled by a sense of curiosity, so booking an all-inclusive resort may seem antithetical to that exploratory mission. Some of the world’s largest hotel brands, however, believe there is a growing market for this category, especially since many saw resorts flourishing during and after the pandemic. Consider the HBA-designed Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort, which opened in 2021 flaunting a secluded beachfront in the shadow of coral reefs. The Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort, which followed in 2022, reels guests in with a more than 21,500-square-foot spa and 13 restaurants and bars.
Both provide a new offering in sought-after destinations that are short drives from must-see attractions with upscale accommodations and a more seamless way to travel at a more attainable all-in price. In fact, a 2022 survey by Wyndham (the company formed a partnership with Playa Hotels & Resorts to launch all-inclusive brand Alltra in 2021) reported that 75 percent of respondents thought the best way to travel was an all-inclusive trip, and 77 percent thought they were the least stressful way to travel.
A view of the lobby at the Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort, designed by HBA
In 2022, Hyatt launched its Inclusive Collection, nine brands—Hyatt Ziva resorts, Hyatt Zilara resorts, Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts, Secrets Resorts & Spas, Breathless Resorts & Spas, Dreams Resorts & Spas, Vivid Hotels & Resorts, Alua Hotels & Resorts, and Sunscape Resorts & Spas—that merge the all-inclusive luxury portfolios of Hyatt and the AMR Collection. The Latin America and Caribbean region is expected to see a 20 percent boost in these types of properties by the end of 2024, but five resorts slated for Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast and the 2024 opening of the Dreams Madeira Resort Spa & Marina in Portugal also make Europe ripe for expansion.
Likewise, Accor rolled out its All-Inclusive Collection in 2022, building on its success with the Rixos brand by bringing Fairmont, Sofitel, Pullman, Swissôtel, and Mövenpick into the mix. This luxurious shift will be reflected, for example, in elevated food and drink offerings from Carte Blanched, Ennismore’s F&B concept lab.
A pool overlooks the Aegean Sea at the Rixos Premium Göcek in Turkey
The year also saw the arrival of Sanctuary Cap Cana, an adults-only resort in the Dominican Republic. The first of its kind in Marriott’s Luxury Collection, it stars the bi-level, 5,500-square-foot Castle Island suite set on a private island with three indoor plunge pools. The brand will strengthen its hold on the region with the W All-Inclusive Punta Cana in Uvero Alto, also in the Dominican Republic, scheduled for 2025, as well as a group of forthcoming Mexican resorts developed in tandem with AB Living Group between 2024 and 2026: Almare, a Luxury Collection All-Inclusive Resort, Isla Mujeres; Marriott All-Inclusive Costa Mujeres; and All-Inclusive Costa Mujeres.
IHG’s Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants will unveil its own all-inclusive resort, the Kimpton Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort, Spa & Nature Park, on Mexico’s Riviera Maya in 2024. “All-inclusive vacations have boomed over the last two years, with many travelers opting for the cost efficiency and stress-free nature that all-inclusive resorts provide,” says Mike DeFrino, CEO of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, noting that this tropical debut, designed by Mexico City-based Cherem Arquitectos, will showcase “a delicate balance between luxurious amenities and environmental conservation.”
This article originally appeared in HD’s December 2022 issue.
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