Get more vacation value for your vacation budget
Beyond the pool, amenities and suites, an all inclusive vacation is like having a butler, chef and entertainment coordinator all rolled into one – minus the awkward small talk explaining why you’re still in your bathrobe at 3 p.m. Paradise is what you make it and these resorts in some of our favourite sun-soaked destinations will get you MORE out of your getaway. Value isn’t just about what you save – it’s about maximizing your bragging rights on social media, and here’s how.
Underwater beauty that ignites your imagination
If your idea of a perfect getaway means spending more time with fish than people (no judgement here), let us introduce you to your fantasy island! Roatán, Honduras is basically a theme park for divers with stunning beaches, a laid-back vibe and some of the best snorkelling and diving conditions in the tropics. At Fantasy Island Beach Resort, Dive and Marina, you get 21 private acres of paradise, three secluded beaches and a mini-zoo with exotic animals because nothing says unreal like having breakfast with peacocks. The crown jewel? A PADI-certified dive centre right on site. This is a big deal because the waters off the coast are home to a wide variety of colourful marine life – just don’t try to speak whale...that never works out well.
POV: You’re on your dream family getaway...
…at Playa Vista Azul in – plot twist – Varadero! This unassuming resort is perfect for kids and parents alike, with plenty to keep the whole fam entertained, from breakfast to dinner! As one of our Smile Resorts™, parents will love that kids two to 12 can stay, play and eat FREE (translation: save more of your budget for your next getaway!). There’s a Kids Club, or as we call it an oasis (where brothers get along), with everything from kids’ Olympics, parties, pirate days, musical quizzes – OK now we’re jealous. There’s also a sparkling infinity pool, plenty of non-motorized water sports to try, massage services ($), outdoor tennis courts and more to keep you going all day long.
Pacific Mexico has a few secrets to share
While Cancun and Riviera Maya get all the fanfare, don’t sleep on Riviera Nayarit! The perfect blend of beach destination and boutique stay, you’ll see what we mean when you stay at Decameron Isla Coral Guayabitos Ramada, overlooking a golden-sand beach and its namesake, Isla Coral (it’s like Mother Nature had a baby with a beach-loving Ken – it’s that pretty). Perfect for families, couples and groups, booking here is the flynancially-savvy thing to do as you get complete access to the facilities and amenities at neighbouring Decameron resorts, plus complimentary shuttle service to both (unless you really want to get your steps in)! If you visit between December and March, you’ll probably be lucky enough to see humpback whales swimming through the bay. You can’t put a price on that.
Explore at your own pace
OK, we love Cancun because it’s more than just a stunning beach destination – it’s a bustling city with something new around every corner. Smart Cancun by Oasis is like the Switzerland of resorts – perfectly positioned in the middle of everything, specifically downtown Cancun, and with its European meal plan offering, you have the flexibility to explore the best of the city just steps from your front door. Sample a range of delicious restaurants ($) serving up more than just tacos, grab an ice-cold margarita at one of the stylish bars ($), shop ‘til you drop and don’t forget to check out the lively nightlife scene. Of course you can still take a break by the resort’s pool or kick your feet up at the nearby beach club.
Three’s better than one
El Cid Marina Beach’s architecture brings a taste of the Mediterranean to Mazatlán’s golden shores with all the amenities you look for in an all inclusive resort, like a zero-entry pool that looks like a natural grotto, spa services and delectable dining. That’s just the beginning – triple your fun with complimentary entry to two nearby El Cid resorts (this is the kind of math we love) with shuttle service included, plus the El Cid Golf and Country Club for those vacation golfers. The resort also offers water taxi service to a nearby secluded beach for when you need a vacation from your vacation. Parents, we got you… kids seven and younger stay, play and eat FREE while those from eight to 17 still gotta pay but at special rates.