If you've not managed to get away so far, now's the time to get booking a holiday. Whether you opt for a winter sun holiday or looking to book a break for 2025, we're all for escaping for some much needed R 'n' R.
For many Brits, an all-inclusive holiday is the only thing they'll consider. Loved for being a 'no-brainer' holiday, an all-inclusive hotel will take care of everything for you and your family. There's the food and drink (including snacks, essential if travelling with kids!), entertainment, activities...the list is endless.
And all-inclusive holidays aren't just offering a buffet meal and the odd ice cream. Many all-inclusive hotels have fine dining restaurants, food trucks with hot snacks around the pool, ice creams on tap and all the drinks you could possibly want, from coffee to a cosmopolitan.
I for one love an all-inclusive holiday, have been going on them for years. And the data on what makes a good holiday for Brits in 2024 supports my love - a recent Skyscanner holiday trend report 2024 showed that value for money remains a priority for UK travellers, with the cost of the hotel and flight being the biggest factors determining where they travel - which is why an all-inclusive helps with that decision making.
There's the popular all-inclusive hotels at classic holiday hotspots like Spain, the Canary Islands and Turkey, boujis adults-only all-inclusive spots in long-haul destinations from Mauritius to the Maldives and cheap all-inclusive hotels all over the world too. Not forgetting hotels for babies and toddlers, energy-fuelled kids and teenagers too - got to keep the kids happy!
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One of the top reasons holidaymakers praise all-inclusive holidays is that you know what it’s going to cost you, upfront. Then it’s up to you to see if your budget or time allows for meals outside of the resort or activities that aren’t included. Another is the ease; everything is taken care of for you, with food available throughout the day (most including breakfast, lunch and dinner along with poolside snacks throughout the day), drinks on tap (from local wines and spirits to cocktails and soft drinks) plus activities on tap, which often includes kids’ club, evening entertainment, fitness classes and more.
We’ve scoured the globe to find real reviews and the best-rated hotels out there, from Spain to Aruba and more...
How I chose the best all-inclusive hotels
Tripadvisor reviews: I’ve done a deep dive on travel websites like Booking.com, Tripadvisor and more, read the accompanying reviews to check they are nothing but positive and complimentary. Unfortunately we're not able to test out the hotels featured, but if a HELLO! staffer has, we'll let you know their thoughts too.
Location: From Spain to the Seychelles, I’ve included all-inclusive resorts from across the globe.
Budget: As well as luxurious, I’ve included family all-inclusive hotels, plus cheaper all-inclusive holidays, to suit all budgets and price points.
Trusted holiday companies: Booking a holiday is pricey, and I’ve included all-inclusive hotels available via trusted holiday companies. That means they’re either ABTA or ATOL accredited or the HELLO! team have had personal – and positive - experiences with the companies.
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LANDMAR Costa Los Gigante, Tenerife
4-star hotel
Splash park
Six swimming pools, including one with a slide
Ideal for young families
Tripadvisor rating: 4/5
Steeped in palm trees and greenery, the LANDMAR all-inclusive in Tenerife is ideal for families with young kids, with a splash park, lots of swimming pools, kids club and mini disco. For the adults, there's a spa and plenty of activities to join in with.
"The best holiday," declared one reviewer. "The location was brilliant, there was a lovely coved beach two minutes away and the hotel has a luxury feel."
"The hotel facilities are amazing! Spacious, clean and plentiful!" said another.
"Beautiful location, immaculately clean and fabulous food."
This resort has its own exclusive offshore island where guests can take a complimentary ferry and enjoy its two pristine white beaches and waters renowned for their snorkelling.
One guest commented: “It was never crowded, had hammocks in the ocean, lots of loungers at the pool and the beach. The restaurant was delicious without a long wait time and, for those that love to take pictures, this island had spots every two feet! It was extremely relaxing and gorgeous.”
Another wrote: “In addition to beautiful beaches (private island is the best!) and all-inclusive food and alcohol, we got to see sharks! The PADI scuba diving certification was lovely - they were relaxed, organised, and fun, all while being safety conscious. I highly recommend.”
“We were pampered beyond expectation,” another holidaymaker reviewed. “The resort is gorgeous, the food is wonderful and everyone was so very nice.”
Home to Lanzarote's most prestigious spa, Secrets is a beach-side resort which features six gourmet dining options, swim-up rooms, six bars and a piano bar with live music. There are also activities available for anyone wanting to do more than lounge by the pool, incuding pool spinning, aqua yoga, pool scuba diving as well as regular pilates and yoga. Boat trips, diving and bike hire can also be organised for an additional cost.
HELLO! Online's Senior Lifestyle Editor Katherine Robinson has visited Dreams Lanzarote, and she's a big fan. "The level of attentiveness and politeness of staff is excellent - everyone, down to the garden workers, has a smile and 'good morning' for you. Facilities and activities are equally good," she says.
"The spa was one of the best I've ever been to - I tried out the amazing full-body massage which included their unique calming sound therapy - and visited the indoor pool and sauna and steam rooms after stopping for a glass of cava in the spa’s tea room.
"Dining options are varied and the quality of the cuisine was excellent. The Prefered Club continental breakfast was a definite high point for me - the eggs benedict was so good I ordered another.
"I was also delighted to find out that the hotel is dog-friendly! Dogs, up to 10kg, are allowed in some of the room categories. Very tempted to go back with my pug!"
This Greek hotel boasts 15 outdoor pools (ten for adults and five suited for children), a waterpark, open-air cinema, Hamman spa and diving centre.
One review said: “It’s a very Cretan style hotel with excellent service, very friendly staff and a chilled atmosphere but with plenty to do.”
Another commented: “They have simply thought of everything at Creta Maris. I cannot speak highly enough, this place is fantastic.”
Another: “A wonderful hotel resort providing everything you could possibly want for a family holiday. There was a wonderful selection of food, beautifully presented and served by attentive, friendly and helpful staff.”
Understated elegance is the best way to describe this all-inclusive sanctuary. Staff make guests feel relaxed and really special, the beaches are untouched and the cuisine is second to none.
“The Palms is paradise. It’s Heaven on Earth. Customer service at its best from the Janitor to the manager,” said one guest.
“I love the exclusivity of the resort (7 villas only), tranquility, the flexibility whenever you ask for different food not listed on the menu, the impeccable service offered by the staff and the dedicated cabana for each villa," another wrote.
One holidaymaker remarked: "This is the best resort or hotel I have ever stayed at in my entire life. We went for our honeymoon and could not have been happier."
This adults-only, all-inclusive resort boasts a white private beach, a full-service spa, a Greg Normal signature golf course and gourmet cuisine served in 10 restaurants.
One reviewer gushed: “Whatever you do, stay here at least once in your lifetime.”
"All I can say is, it far exceeded my expectations, and we were treated like royalty," one guest said.
One holidaymaker reviewed: "Top notch resort with impeccable service. So much to do for the beach goers as well as the active adventurers."
Lara Barut Collection-Ultra All Inclusive, Antalya, Turkey
5-star hotel
8 a la carte restaurants
Spa and wellness centre
Three pools and private beach area
Beachfront location
Tripadvisor rating: 5/5
There’s plenty for everyone at this Turkish resort with eight restaurants, a Thalasso Centre, an on-site nightclub, children’s clubs and indoor and outdoor pools with water slides.
“Great for kids and loads to keep them entertained,” said one guest.
Another remarked: "Words cannot explain how much we loved this hotel! There is so much to do at this hotel no matter your age, whether you’re a family with children or just there as a couple."
"An immaculate hotel and grounds only made better by the staff who all go above and beyond to look after you," one guest said.
The whole family is the focus of this much-loved Benidorm all-inclusive, with kids' activities, sports, evening entertainment and more on offer. There's four pools, including an indoor pool, and a buffet restaurant.
"We were really impressed with every aspect of the Flamingo Oasis," exclaimed one guest.
Another commented: "Another brilliant stay at the Flamingo Oasis. Overall this is an excellent hotel. Hard working staff keep it clean. All the staff are so helpful and always friendly."
"Back again to this superb hotel our 15th visit we will be back next year," said one holidaymaker.
Five pools, including a pirate ship pool and indoor pool
Four restaurants to choose from
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5/5
Wellness and food are the heart of this all-inclusive Majorcan resort, with plenty of restaurants, a full spa with treatment menu and lots for the kids to do too.
It's located on the stunning beach of Cala Mesquida, and has an adults-only area available too.
A guest wrote: "We loved our two weeks stay at the Viva Cala Mesquida Resort, and our kids did too!"
"The staff are so friendly, they worked so hard to make us feel welcome and they did! The entertainment was extraordinary. The resort in general was absolutely stunning!" reviewed another.
"The best hotel you can wish for," one holidaymaker commented.
With breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea combined with a sparkling cityscape, this resort is truly special. As well as a 24-hour casino and vast array of restaurants, a water taxi can transport you to a 40-acre private island where you can watch flamingos roam freely while you enjoy world-class spa treatments.
"This place is phenomenal ," said one guest.
"Best vacation ever!" another wrote in their review.
Another review: "Everything far exceeded our expectations. This place and its workers are truly a slice of heaven. We can’t thank them enough for their hospitality and kindness, we had a fabulous week."
Despite its very affordable price tag, each room at the Atrium Palace has a private balcony or terrace with a view of the sea and the gardens. While you are sunning yourself around the pool, the kids can enjoy a variety of games, splash around in their own pool or run around the playground.
“Really a place where Greek hospitality meets with excellent service,” said one holidaymaker.
Ideal for multi-generational holidays, Windjammer Landing Resort and Residences is a beautiful oasis tucked away on a hillside in the north of St Lucia, boasting it's own private, golden sandy beach.
With a variety of restaurants available to dine from, plus excursions to excite the whole family (from rainforest zip-lines, scuba diving and volcano tours) this destination is a great option for all-inclusive holiday seekers.
HELLO!'s Andrea Caamano recently visited, and said: "It really was the perfect paradise vacation for our family. Windjammer has set the bar high, making it hard to imagine a more incredible Caribbean experience elsewhere."
For the ultimate luxury all-inclusive getaway, the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is set to impress, having garnered an array of five-star reviews on TripAdvisor.
The all-inclusive package is pretty spectacular, and includes seaplane transfers, breakfast, lunch, dinner at a selection of dining venues, unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, Club InterContinental benefits of daily afternoon tea and a range of water sports activities including windsurfing and paddle boarding. What's not to love!
"Beautiful location, fabulous accommodation and perfect weather."
"True paradise and is much more than just a vacation destination."
"As close to paradise on earth as you’re likely to find."
Riu Gran Canaria sits amidst the glorious promenade in Melonares Gran Canaria. It has a wide variety of restaurants available to dine from, plus excursions available to entertain even the most ardent thrill seekers. This destination is an incredibly popular option for all-inclusive holidaymakers as when they say all-inclusive, they do mean it. You are never far from drinks or food.
HELLO!'s Christian Anderson-Ramshall recently visited, and said: "It really was the perfect family holiday. We had multiple generations staying and the staff were amazing and so helpful. They really did bend over backwards for every request."
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