When you’re researching all-inclusive resorts online, it’s easy to feel confused and overwhelmed. After a while, the resorts and their inclusions all blur together, and it’s hard to say what’s really covered in your “all-inclusive” stay.

Never fear; I’m your resident resort expert, and I’m here to translate “resort speak” into plain English for you so you know exactly what you’re getting into by booking a stay at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico or the Caribbean.

All-Inclusive Resort vs. European Plan Hotel

The first thing to know about resorts is that there are two major types, separated by what they include.

AI, or All-Inclusive resorts include.. well, just about everything (more on that in a minute).

EP, or European Plan hotels include your stay, and may include breakfast. But that’s it. Beyond the one meal that might be included, you’re on your own. Typically these EP hotels will have some dining options and bars on-site, but these meals and drinks will be paid for individually – not included in the cost of your stay.

But there’s also a lesser-known, third type of hotel, that offers you the choice between an EP stay and an AI stay. In this case, you’ll usually see a “base” (EP) price, and then have the option to add on an all-inclusive package.

Usually in these cases, the all-inclusive package is a bit different than the standard one I’ll describe below. It’ll probably have 3 set meals that are included, rather than the freedom to eat and drink whatever and whenever you want. And they are typically a bit more expensive than a standard AI resort. This is a great option in some destinations, but be sure you understand the rules surrounding these included meals and drinks before you buy!

Pro Tip: Even if a property calls itself a “resort” versus a “hotel,” you’ll still want to double-check to see if it’s truly an AI resort, or if it is, in fact an EP hotel.

That’s pretty much it – those are the types of hotels you’ll encounter in these tropical destinations.

Now that you know the difference, and since we’re here to discuss AI resorts, let’s dive into what’s included and what’s not included at a typical all-inclusive resort.

What’s Included at an All-Inclusive Resort in Mexico or the Caribbean?

For the most part, all all-inclusive resorts will include everything you need to have an incredible vacation, right there on property! These are the standard inclusions that most resorts in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Costa Rica, Colombia, and other Caribbean destinations will offer:

Your Room

Of course your room will be included in the cost of your stay. Most resort rooms will have a bed, dresser, closet, safe, and private bathroom. But some go above and beyond!!

Some all-inclusive resort rooms will have a jacuzzi or soaking tub, either in the room or on the balcony, if you have one. Some have additional furniture inside, such as a couch or dining table, while others may have a patio or balcony with different levels of furnishing.

If you want to take it a step further, you can choose a room that has some sort of pool situation right outside! Some of these options include:

• Private plunge pool
• Semi-private swim-up pool (just yours, or just shared with the rooms along the same row as yours)
• Public swim-up pool (connects to a main or public pool shared at the resort)

No matter which room category you choose, you will have access to the mini bar that’s included.

In-Room Mini Bar

While each resort offers different inclusions in your mini bar (and sometimes these will change based on whether you have a ‘standard’ room or a ‘club level’ room), the basics are usually the same.

Usually your in-room mini bar will be re-stocked daily, and will include:

• Bottled water (an absolute MUST in Mexico and some other destinations)
• Fruit juices
• Beer
• Individually wrapped snacks (think bag of M&Ms, little pack of Oreos, a bag of chips, etc.)

Most resorts will include a coffee maker of some kind as well, with all the accessories you’ll need for your coffee or tea.

And some resorts include a bottle of liquor and/or wine in your room, that you just get once per stay, but can drink in your room, or even take with you.

While this doesn’t seem robust, remember, that’s just what you can find without ever leaving your room! When you do venture out, you’ve got a world of food and drinks at your fingertips.

Unlimited Dining

Yep, that’s right. UNLIMITED dining.

Sure, there are some buffets, where you get the “all you can eat” action, but there are also à la carte restaurants available at resorts, too! Many resorts offer a wide variety of dining selections, including both local and international cuisine.

Some common types of restaurants you’ll see at resorts will include:

• Italian
• Mediterranean
• Mexican (especially when in Mexico 😉)
• Asian – lots of resorts have a few Teppanyaki (hibachi) tables, and/or sushi or other asian cuisines
• Steakhouse (sometimes international)
• and more!

Additionally, lots of resorts have smaller, more informal dining options for convenient, grab-and-go food or snacks, such as:

• Pizza, burgers, hot dogs, and fries – typically outside near the pool, so you don’t have to come in and get cleaned up to grab a snack! Just keep enjoying the fun
• Taco stands or carts – again, a quick bite outside, and get back to the beach or swim-up bar!
• Ice cream, dessert, or pastry shops – for a quick dessert with no wait!

Plus, lots of resorts will include room service in the cost of your room, so you may not even need to leave! This is especially great for having breakfast in bed – you can order in advance, relax in your room, and wait for your delicious breakfast to come to you! It’s my favorite travel hack for honeymooners or families traveling with little kids who they want to feed easily before heading to the beach!

Now comes the part that lots of destination wedding guests get excited about – beverages!

Unlimited Beverages

In Mexico and many Caribbean islands, the drinking age is 18 – but beware, they are STRICT about this. Don’t expect to sneak your 17 year old in for a cerveza 😉

That being said, all-inclusive resorts are well known for having unlimited beverages! Yes, this means alcohol, think:

• Margaritas
• Beer
• Cocktails with top-shelf liquor
• Wine by the Glass

But you also get unlimited beverages of other types, too:

• Mocktails
• Bottled water (again, this is a BIG DEAL, especially in Mexico)
• Coffee and specialty coffees
• Fruit juices
• Smoothies
• and more!

Most all-inclusive resorts will have multiple bars across the property. The type and number will depend on the property, but there are a lot of options! From swim-up bars in the pool, to walk-up bars inside and outside, rooftop bars, speakeasies, night clubs, and more!

What If I Don’t Drink Alcohol?

Many all-inclusive resorts also have other non-alcoholic beverage shops as well, such as coffee shops or cafes, juice bars, smoothie bars, and more!

Remember, while I’m calling these “bars, shops, and cafes” – these beverages are all included in the cost of your all-inclusive stay. You don’t have to pay anything – just walk up, order, grab your drink, and hang out or wander around! The world is your oyster, and you can typically carry drinks from one area of the property to another.

Access to the Property

Speaking of wandering the property – you’ll have access to a LOT just by being there, on site at an all-inclusive resort. I mean.. a LOT.

The pools and jacuzzis? All yours!

The lounge chairs at the beach and around the pool? There for you!

Beach area, volleyball court, game room, lobby, lounge, and more? Yours to explore!!

Basically, your all-inclusive resort will be mostly available to you to explore and experience as you wish!

The one exception is if there are certain areas that are only for “club level” members or guests. So if you’re not staying in a club level room, you may not have access to certain spots. Typically, these will include maybe a lounge, one certain pool, or one certain bar. During my own travels, I’ve rarely upgraded to the club level rooms, and rarely felt like I was “missing out” on anything big by not accessing those few spaces.

But to be sure you’ve got access to everything, just upgrade to a club level room. Then you’ll gain access to those spots, and often enjoy upgraded amenities in your room (and sometimes even butler service!! 🤩)

Fitness Center

Just like the rest of the resort, you’ll have access to the fitness center, which often includes a gym with machines, free weights, treadmills, and sometimes even a sauna!

Most all-inclusive resorts have excellent gyms! So if you’re a person who loves to workout, or who just needs to keep your routine to maintain your momentum or sanity, they’ve got your back!

Non-Motorized Water Sports

Most all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean are located right on the beach, or very near it, so of course water activities and sports should be included, right?

Right!

Most resorts have some non-motorized water sports available for you to participate in, or equipment available for you to borrow and use during your stay.

While the specific offerings will vary by destination and property, some of the common inclusions are:

• Snorkel gear (snorkel, mask, fins)
• Life jackets (they’re big on water safety!)
• Paddle boards
• Kayaks
• Boogie boards

While I’ve never successfully paddle boarded, I’ve seen a LOT of other all-inclusive resort guests take advantage of those over the years. I’m more of a snorkel girl, and love to explore what lies below the surface! No matter your chosen water sport, there’s something for everyone!

On-Site Amenities, Activities, and Entertainment

Did you know that many all-inclusive resorts offer all kinds of different entertainment and activities for you to do that have nothing to do with the beach or water at all?

Yep! Lots of resorts offer a wide variety of activities, both during the day and at night, that you can take advantage of and participate in or watch. It’s one of my favorite things about all-inclusive resorts. Because after all, a person can only eat and drink.. and eat and drink, and sit in the sun so much.

Some of the common offerings at all-inclusive resorts are:

• Fitness classes: water aerobics, yoga, and more!
• Cultural classes: sushi making, cooking classes, dance classes, language classes, and more!
• Mixology classes, wine tastings, tequila tastings, rum tastings, and more!
• Silent disco (if you don’t know what this is, you should look it up! It’s so fun, and a silly way to pass the time with your group!)
• Live entertainment: live musicians, dancers, shows, acrobatics, water / dolphin shows, Mariachi (in Mexico), and more!

One of my favorite events to attend at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico is “Mexican night.” Almost all resorts there have one.

It’s one designated day of the week where the Mexican restaurant itself closes for dinner. And there’s a huge buffet of Mexican food outside at night. They usually have mariachi or other local entertainment outside. Add in the dinner of freshly smoked or grilled meats, a massive bowl of fresh guacamole, and soooo many local, authentic foods, that you’re sure to leave stuffed and happy!

Round Trip Ground Transportation… sometimes

Finally, one thing that is sometimes included in the cost of your all-inclusive stay is round trip ground transportation between the airport and resort.

A few resorts always include this in the cost of your stay, but not all do.

However, if you book a room in a room block for one of Tailored Travel Experiences’ destination weddings, you will definitely have round trip ground transportation included!

This can be a sneaky cost to be saddled with later, so be sure you know up front whether or not this cost is included in your stay.

So.. many.. inclusions!

Alright, that was a LOT of stuff – don’t you love how truly inclusive an all-inclusive resort stay is?! I find it’s incredibly convenient for:

• Honeymooners who have just planned a zillion wedding details, and just need their honeymoon to be a truly relaxing vacation
• Destination wedding couples and guests who don’t want to have to figure out more details when they arrive. It’s already handled
• Families with kids who want to be able to get what they want to eat and drink, any time of day, without packing up and heading to a new location. Easy peasy.

To make sure I’ve covered all my bases, let’s talk about the few things that are NOT included in an all-inclusive resort stay.

What’s NOT Included at an All-Inclusive Resort?

As you’ve seen, there is a LOT included already- honestly, everything you need to have a relaxing and fun vacation! However, there are certainly some extras to consider adding if you want to take your all-inclusive honeymoon, vacation, or destination wedding to the next level!

Excursions and Leaving the Resort

One big thing that is not included in your stay, but can certainly elevate your vacation experience is an off-site excursion.

Obviously your options for activities and experiences open up a LOT if you choose to go off-site. Plus you’ll often let you get a more authentic feel for the local culture, flora, history, food, etc.

Some popular excursions that all-inclusive resort guests choose (again, depending on where you’ve chosen to visit) include:

• Boat trips – snorkeling trips, catamarans (music, food, snorkeling, etc.), booze cruises, sunset cruises, dolphin / whale watching, visiting a local island or beach club, etc.
• Historical sites or Museums – think archaeological ruins, local museums, etc.
• Food!! – Food tours of local eateries, visiting outside restaurants, cooking classes, having a meal with a local family, etc.
• Land tours – ATVs, zip lining, hiking, sightseeing, waterfalls, etc.
• Parks – standard parks, adventure parks (zip lining, rafting, etc.), or “theme” parks like Xcaret parks in Mexico
• and more!!

Whatever you choose to do off-site, just know that this is probably not included in the cost of your all-inclusive resort stay.

Motorized Water Sports

Remember how I said non-motorized water sports are typically included? Here’s the other side of the coin – motorized water sports are not usually included. These may include jet skis, snuba, or other adventurous water sports.

Sometimes you can rent these from a local vendor on the beach near your resort. However, it’s usually best to go off-site to a company that specializes in your chosen motorized water sport for the best experience.

Massages and Spa Treatments

Every once in a while, your all-inclusive honeymoon stay may include a brief couples’ massage. Your destination wedding stay may include a credit for a massage. But typically, massages and spa treatments are not included in the cost of your all-inclusive stay.

However, almost every all-inclusive resort has a lovely spa on site, and offers a wide variety of services. From massages (individual or couples) to facials, hot stone and Swedish treatments, to a variety of other foot, skin, hair, and beauty treatments.

Why not treat yourself while relaxing at your already-paid-for resort in paradise?

Note: some resort spas fill up quickly, so it’s better to make your reservations in advance. While others will only allow you to make a spa reservation once you have checked-in on site. If a spa treatment is important to you, be sure you let your travel agent know in advance!

Random Extras

These days, many resorts are offering some random extras that are available to you during your stay, but may not be included in your resort cost. Some of the popular ones I’ve seen lately include:

• Bowling
• Laser Tag
• Escape Rooms
• Some cooking classes or tastings

In my experience, these aren’t necessary experiences, but they’re a great addition if you’re stuck inside on a rainy day in the tropics and need something to do.

Some “Top Shelf” Experiences May Not Be Included

Similarly, there are some “top shelf” type of experiences that can certainly upgrade your resort stay if you want to spring for the added cost.

Some of the most common top shelf experiences I’ve seen are:

• Cabana reservations – some resorts give these away for free (score!), but many do charge for this. Most resorts will set up the cabana for you and provide special service directly to your pool or beach cabana throughout the day. This may mean bringing food, drinks, towels, and more. Some even have TVs so you can watch the big game while lounging!
• Scuba or Surf lessons – The destinations that offer these sometimes charge extra for them. Honestly, those both require expert knowledge and experience, and I’d certainly want to pay for someone to know what they’re doing with either activity! 😅
• Full bottles of wine – yes, you can drink wine by the glass throughout your resort stay. But if you want a top shelf bottle, or a full bottle, most all-inclusive resorts will charge you for this.
• Imported alcohol (think Japanese beer), Lobster, Steak – some resorts will include some of these items, but some charge extra. So if these ‘top shelf’ foods and beverages are important to you, make sure you check it out in advance!
• Wine, rum, or tequila tastings or Mixology classes – again, some resorts include these experiences, but some will charge extra.

These experiences and options are not available at every resort, and they’re also not included at every resort. It’s hard to make sweeping statements about every resort. But that’s what makes travel interesting and fun!

Round Trip Ground Transportation… sometimes

Remember I said that sometimes round trip ground transportation is included? Well… sometimes it’s not.

Be sure you know whether your ground transportation cost is included in your resort cost. If not, ask your travel agent how to arrange that in advance!

I always recommend arranging your ground transportation in advance, especially between the airport and your resort. It’s the best way to ensure you have a ride, and that it’s a safe and reliable one. Plus, last-minute taxi fees can be unpredictable. No one wants that.

One Notable Exception: Hoteles Xcaret

I’ve talked a lot now about what most all-inclusive resorts do and do not include. But I should mention one notable exception: Hoteles Xcaret.

Hoteles Xcaret is set of 3 luxury resorts in Playa del Carmen (about an hour south of Cancun):

• Hotel Xcaret Mexico – a family friendly property
• Hotel Xcaret Arte – an adult-oriented property for 16+
• La Casa de la Playa – an ultra-luxury property for 18+

If the name “Xcaret” is ringing a bell, then congratulations! You’ve paid close attention and remember that Xcaret is also a company that runs some incredible theme parks!

When you stay at an Xcaret resort, they go above and beyond all-inclusive stays – they call it “all-fun-inclusive.” This is because you get not only access to the entire property (gorgeous and dedicated to Mexican and Mayan culture), their incredible grounds (both jungle and beach!), the activities and amenities on-site, pools, beaches, restaurants, etc. plus an included shuttle to and from the airport, AND you also get access to these incredible parks:

Parks Included in an Xcaret Stay

• Xcaret Park – an eco-archaeological theme park that blends nature, culture, archaeology, and adventure! You get to explore underground rivers, Mayan ruins, wildlife, traditional Mexican performances, and more than 50 natural attractions
• Xplor & Xplor Fuego – an adventure park where you can zipline through the jungle, drive amphibious vehicles through caves, swim in underground rivers, and more! Xplor Fuego is the nighttime version of the park, lit by torches and fire
• Xel-Há – a natural water park known for its lagoon where you can snorkel among tropical fish, float down lazy rivers, and participate in a variety of water activities
• Xoximilco – celebrates Mexican culture with a lively, floating fiesta, where guests enjoy traditional music, food, and drinks aboard colorful trajinera boats
• Xenses – a sensory adventure park that plays with perception through optical illusions, mind-bending activities, and immersive natural settings designed to awaken all the senses
• Xenotes – a tour that takes visitors on a guided adventure through four different types of cenotes, combining swimming, kayaking, rappelling, and zip lining in the heart of the Mayan jungle!
• Xailing – Xcaret Xailing operates an official ferry service between Cancun and Isla Mujeres, as well as between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel, with numerous daily departures. You can spend the day enjoying the gorgeous islands just off the Mexican coast
• Catamaran Light by Xcaret – offers a sailing experiences along the Mexican Caribbean coast, with scheduled departures that include snorkelling, open bar, and time to relax on board

One Xcaret Experience That’s Not Included:

• Xichen – ($33 USD per person) – Transportation to and tour of Chichen Itza witih a certified guide, visit to Santuario Tsukan Cenote, food, drinks, a tour of Valladolid, and a buffet of Yucatan specialties

This is my absolute favorite set of resorts in Mexico, or honestly, anywhere. Yes, the grounds are gorgeous and offer an authentic Mexican experience. But also check out all the incredible activities you can do while there – INCLUDED in the cost of your stay!!!!

How to Budget for an All-Inclusive Resort Stay

Let’s be real, the reason you want to know what’s included or not really comes down to budget – we all have one! Here’s how to budget for your all-inclusive resort stay.

First, remember that your stay (and its inclusions), is going to be a per person, pernight cost.

How Much Do All-Inclusive Resorts Cost?

Here are some average per person, per night costs for different levels of resorts:

• Budget-friendly resorts: typically $250-$300 per person, per night
• Mid-level resorts: typically $300-$375 per person, per night
• Luxury resorts: typically $375 – $450 per person, per night
• Ultra-Luxury resorts: $450-$550+ per person, per night

Note: kids can often stay at a discounted rate. While every resort offers different rate breaks by age, they are normally something like: 0-2, 3-7, 8-12, and 13+ is charged as an “adult.” Every once in a while, there’s a promotion where kids can stay free!

Next up for budgeting, you’ll want to consider two big things:

• What’s not included that you need (namely transportation) or want (excursions, massages, etc.)
• Tipping!!

Tipping at an All-Inclusive Resort

Yes, that’s right. All good travelers know to tip at an all-inclusive resort. (With a notable exception being Sandals / Beaches resorts, where they will not allow staff to collect tips, and do not want you to tip).

While tipping is, of course, not strictly required, it is strongly encouraged!

As you’ll soon see during your all-inclusive resort stay, the staff works incredibly hard to create an idyllic, stress-free atmosphere so you’ll be able to truly lose yourself in your vacation, and have very few worries!

They also are often paid very low wages, and tend to live in dramatically different circumstances than which they work. Tips are a HUGE source of income for resort employees, drivers, and all the fine folks who make your vacation a stress-free reality.

How To Tip At Resorts

The good news? You don’t have to tip a lot to make a big difference in their lives!

The US Dollar still goes pretty far, and many of the fabulous tropical destinations that house our beloved resorts will even accept USD for tipping! So you don’t even have to exchange your cash or get any local currency from the ATM to truly make someone’s life better.

How Much to Tip At Resorts

Here’s my standard guide to resort tipping – assuming that you’re receiving excellent service that warrants a tip:

• Room attendant – $3-5 per night (can be left all at once at the end of your stay, or day by day, in case the attendants change throughout your stay)
• Restaurant waiters – $2-5 per meal, per couple
• Bartenders – $20 per day, if you’re visiting the same bar many times. Otherwise, I recommend $1-2 per drink
• Transportation – $10-20 per trip, per couple* this is one of the most important people you can tip, as they are often employed outside of the resort, and are criminally underappreciated!
• Spa staff – $15-25 per hour
• Bellmen – $2-5 per bag that they help you with, up to your room, out to your transportation, etc.

Of course, this is completely up to you – use your judgement in each situation.

Pro Tip for bringing tipping money: Bring a bunch of singles and a few $5 or $10 bills, and hand them out liberally! (making sure you’ve got enough to tip your final driver back to the airport). I never recommend bringing large bills, because you’re unlikely to get any “change” back in USD. Start with small bills, and everything will flow smoothly!

Always Double-Check the Inclusions

All-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean follow a fairly standard inclusion format that I described above with a few exceptions. Just remember, each property is different and run by different individuals, families, or corporations. So while this list is pretty standard, you’ll still want to double-check the inclusions at a specific property before booking your trip there.

If you ever have questions about what’s included at a certain resort, feel free to send me an email for some expert assistance!