The Blurred Line Between All-Inclusive and Full Board in Luxury Travel

All-Inclusive: Convenient But Confining?

Predictable Dining Experiences: Imagine this: you’re at a five-star resort, but every meal feels like an upscale version of school dinners. The buffet lines are long, and while the food is decent, it lacks the excitement and uniqueness you’d expect from a luxury holiday. High-end ingredients are often prepared in bulk, which can compromise the culinary experience.

Activity Overload: Sure, an all-inclusive package promises endless activities, but have you ever felt overwhelmed by an over-scheduled itinerary? The sheer number of options can leave you feeling like you’re ticking boxes rather than enjoying spontaneous moments of relaxation.

Limited Local Flavor: One of the biggest drawbacks of all-inclusive resorts is their insular nature. Everything is designed to keep you within the resort’s boundaries. While this is great for convenience, it often means missing out on the local culture and authentic experiences that make travel so enriching.

Alcohol Appeal: A major draw for many opting for all-inclusive is the promise of unlimited alcohol. But is it truly unlimited, and is it worth it? Often, resort drinks can be watered down, and the variety might be limited. With full-board, you can still enjoy alcohol—sometimes even the minibar is included. Plus, our VIP perks and amenities often include complimentary drinks and exclusive offers.

Full-Board: A Better Luxury Experience?

Now, let’s talk about full-board options. High-end resorts often opt for this model, and there’s a good reason for that—it offers a superior balance of convenience and flexibility.

Curated Culinary Delights: Full-board packages typically include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but the experience is vastly different from all-inclusive. Picture exquisite a la carte dining where each meal is a culinary event, crafted with local ingredients and served in an intimate setting. The emphasis is on quality and variety, giving you a taste of the region’s best flavors.

Flexibility and Exploration: Unlike all-inclusive packages, full-board gives you the freedom to explore. Do you want to dine at a local restaurant renowned for its seafood? Go ahead. Full-board doesn’t confine you to the resort. This flexibility means you can experience the local culture more authentically and often find more value and memorable experiences outside the resort.

Selective Indulgence: With full-board, you’re not overpaying for activities and amenities you might not use. Instead, you can selectively indulge in premium services and excursions that truly interest you. Whether it’s a private yacht tour or a bespoke spa treatment, you’re in control of your luxury experience.

No Meal Restrictions

Did you know that with full-board, you can still enjoy as many meals as you like? Whether it’s an extended breakfast, multiple lunch courses, or an elaborate dinner, there are no restrictions. You have the freedom to indulge without the confinement of fixed menus or schedules. Imagine yourself at a charming Italian restaurant, and you feel like indulging. Go ahead and order:

1. Antipasto Platter: A delightful selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables to start your feast.
2. Bruschetta al Pomodoro: Grilled bread topped with the freshest tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil. Who says you can’t have a second helping?
3. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil drizzled with balsamic glaze and olive oil. Because one salad just isn’t enough!
4. Tagliatelle al Tartufo: Luxurious homemade pasta smothered in a rich truffle cream sauce. Yes, you can have another pasta dish too.
5. Tiramisu: End your meal with a classic Italian dessert—layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa. And if one dessert isn’t enough, go for a second round!

Feel like ordering all five dishes? Go right ahead. There’s no one to judge, just a smiling waiter ready to bring you another course. With full-board, you can savor each dish to your heart’s content, making every meal an indulgent and memorable part of your luxury vacation.

High-End All-Inclusive Resorts: The Exception

It’s important to note that some high-end all-inclusive resorts, especially in exclusive destinations like the Maldives, do offer a genuinely luxurious experience. These resorts can spoil you for choice with a plethora of gourmet dining options, bespoke activities, and exceptional service. In such cases, the all-inclusive package may indeed deliver unparalleled luxury, convenience, and value.

However, even in the Maldives, full-board can often provide an experience similar to all-inclusive, offering comprehensive meal plans and access to a wide range of resort amenities without the restrictions and potential drawbacks of an all-inclusive package.

The Bed and Breakfast Option

Sometimes, even full-board can feel restrictive. That’s where the bed and breakfast (B&B) option comes in. Especially in destinations with vibrant local food scenes, opting for B&B can be the smartest choice.

Local Gems: Starting your day with a sumptuous breakfast at your resort sets a high bar, but having the rest of the day to explore local eateries can be incredibly rewarding. You get to discover hidden gems, try street food, and dine at establishments beloved by locals.

True Value: In many cases, you’ll find that dining outside the resort offers more value for money. You’re not paying resort prices for every meal, and the culinary diversity you’ll encounter can be a highlight of your trip.

The Bottom Line

When advising clients, I always ask: Do you want to be confined to a resort with everything included, or do you want the freedom to explore and find more authentic, valuable experiences? While all-inclusive packages have their perks, they can often fall short of delivering a true luxury experience. Full-board and bed and breakfast options, on the other hand, offer a more balanced approach, combining the convenience of included meals with the freedom to indulge in local culture and cuisine.

Luxury travel should be about creating memorable, unique experiences that go beyond the predictable. So, next time you’re planning a high-end getaway, consider stepping outside the all-inclusive bubble. You might just find that true luxury lies in the freedom to explore and savor every moment. With our VIP perks and amenities, we ensure that your travel experience is not just luxurious but also personalized and enriching.