• April 24, 2025
  • The Group
  • Media

Why The Resort Isn’t All-Inclusive

And Why That’s a Good Thing.

In the world of luxury hospitality, the term “all-inclusive” often conjures images of indulgence without limits. However, seasoned travelers know that this model can sometimes come with hidden caveats. At The Resort, we’ve chosen a different path—one that prioritizes transparency, quality, and personalized experiences over the traditional all-inclusive approach.

The Fine Print of “All-Inclusive”

Many resorts advertise all-inclusive packages, but upon closer inspection, they often include only the basics. For instance, while meals and standard beverages might be covered, premium dining options, top-shelf liquors, and exclusive experiences frequently come with additional charges. At a lifestyle property open to the public in Riviera Maya, guests may find that while general food and beverages are included, room service carries an additional charge, and select experiences—like spa treatments, premium wines, or top-shelf liquors—are excluded from the base package and require an extra fee.

Similarly, at another well-known lifestyle property in Negril, Jamaica, guests may find that while food and drinks are generally included, additional costs apply for spa services, select premium alcoholic beverages, and private excursions, highlighting once again that “all-inclusive” rarely means everything is included.

Other resorts are known to feature a separate “premium” menu for higher-quality cuts of meat, wine lists that exclude their best vintages, or cocktail bars with upcharges for items like aged rum and champagne. This leaves many guests frustrated when they realize the “all-inclusive” label didn’t mean what they thought.

Transparent Pricing with Elevated Service

At The Resort, we believe in offering our guests complete clarity. Instead of bundling services into a one-size-fits-all package, we offer a curated selection of experiences and amenities that guests can choose from based on their preferences. This approach ensures that you’re only paying for what you truly desire, without any hidden fees or surprises.

We’ve also eliminated the ambiguity around tipping and resort fees. Rather than expecting guests to calculate gratuity or discover hidden daily charges at checkout, we’ve implemented a flat 10% service charge that is distributed fairly across our entire staff, from housekeeping to kitchen to groundskeeping. It’s our way of honoring the whole team’s contribution to your experience while keeping our pricing simple, transparent, and equitable.

Tailored for Returning Members

Guests staying a minimum number of nights also enjoy complimentary luxury airport transfers to and from The Resort, ensuring their seamless experience begins the moment they land.

A common criticism we’ve heard from frequent guests of the well-known lifestyle resorts is that even after several visits, staff still ask if it’s their first time there. At The Resort, our members-only format ensures a different kind of experience—one grounded in personalization and continuity. Our Member Services team begins before you arrive, tailoring your stay from the moment your booking is confirmed. We coordinate with our on-site staff to ensure your room, suite, or villa is prepared exactly to your preferences. Whether it’s your favorite snacks, a particular wine chilled and waiting, the perfect pillow, or notes on your dietary needs, each repeat visit becomes more seamless and welcoming, as we learn and remember exactly how you like things.

For members who return frequently, we offer the option to have your personal property, including clothing and accessories, laundered, securely stored, and waiting in your suite upon your return. In addition, members can store their preferred vintages from their own cellars in our individualized, climate-controlled wine vault, ensuring that their favorite labels are always on hand, ready to be decanted or chilled to perfection.

What You Can Expect Instead

Our oceanfront retreat allows us to focus on quality over quantity. By not adhering to the all-inclusive framework, we can offer:

  • Gourmet Dining: Access to a variety of dining options featuring locally sourced ingredients and world-class chefs.
  • Premium Beverages: A selection of fine wines and top-shelf spirits available without the limitations often found in all-inclusive packages.
  • Exclusive Experiences: Personalized activities and excursions designed to cater to your unique interests.
  • Personalized Continuity: Resort members may store personal items, laundered clothing, and even their vintages in our secure, climate-controlled wine cellar, ensuring every return visit feels even more like coming home.

Choosing The Resort means opting for an experience that values authenticity, quality, and personalization. By moving away from the traditional all-inclusive model and eliminating tipping and surprise fees, we ensure that every aspect of your stay is both seamless and sincere, offering true value and unforgettable memories.

If you’ve ever found yourself disappointed by the gap between promise and experience at other properties, we invite you to discover the difference at The Resort.

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