Definition
A hotel or resort plan that bundles all meals, snacks and a list of drinks, sometimes with activities, into one nightly price. It's common in the Maldives, Mauritius and Turkey, but rarely covers everything, so read the exclusions.
What's usually included and what isn't
| Usually included | Usually extra |
|---|---|
| Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks | Premium spirits, wine lists, champagne |
| House beer, wine, spirits and cocktails | Spa, diving and motorised water sports |
| Soft drinks, tea and coffee | Speciality restaurants and private dining |
| Non-motorised water sports | Excursions, and seaplane or speedboat transfers |
Many Maldives resorts offer two tiers, basic and premium all-inclusive. The premium plan adds better drinks, more restaurants and sometimes an excursion or a spa treatment.
Is it worth it?
It depends mostly on what you drink. In the Maldives, cocktails often cost USD 15–25 each before service charge and tax, and the resort is the only place to eat. An all-inclusive supplement over half board (MAP) is often USD 100–250 per person per night at mid-range resorts, about ₹8,800–22,000. A couple who has two or three drinks each a day plus lunch usually comes out ahead.
A vegetarian couple who doesn't drink alcohol often won't. Full board, or half board plus a few lunches, can cost less, and the Indian vegetarian choice on a resort buffet may be limited anyway.
In Thailand, Bali and Dubai, all-inclusive rarely makes sense, because food outside the hotel is plentiful and often cheaper.
Before you book
- Ask for the resort's written all-inclusive list, including bar hours.
- Confirm Jain and vegetarian options in advance.
- Budget transfers separately: a return seaplane transfer is often USD 500–900 per adult. See overwater villa.