Let’s face it—tickets for attractions and entertainment can rack up quickly. From theme to water to eco-parks, the cost of entry to do everything a destination offers can easily add up to almost as much as the hotel stay itself, leaving travelers struggling as they pit their fear of missing out against their fear of going over their budget.
That’s where travel advisors come in with their secret weapon: all-inclusive resorts that are truly all-inclusive. Once you leave the U.S., there are a wide range of options for customers looking for value. Many major all-inclusive properties offer the bonus of included admission to their on-site or affiliated attractions—some of which are travel headliners in and of themselves! Plus a bunch of luxurious extras, some of which encompass the likes of which most guests would never even imagine.
Take a look at the list we at ALG Vacations® have put together for your fun- and funds-minded vacationers. You might be pleasantly surprised to learn just how many activities are included in the cost of a stay!
Atlantis Paradise Island
The Bahamas
A world in and of itself, designed in and of water (as befits its name!), Atlantis, Paradise Island remains the quintessential destination for incredible aquatic experiences. Cruisers and Bahamas vacationers often go out of their ways to spend at least a day here, but guests of any of its five distinct hotels receive full access to the entire 141-acre Aquaventure water park and its five miles of white sand beaches.
Staying on-site means easy access to everything from your room or suite even as you hit the 11 pools spread across the property, a mile-long rapid river, and more than eight thrilling slides. Don’t miss the Leap of Faith for legendary heart-in-throat action, or The Abyss, which takes you down the “Secret” cenote, an underground lair of prehistoric fish accessible only via this slide.
All that water park fun sounds like enough of an attraction, but of course, this one-of-a-kind outdoes itself by adding on more appeal. It’s also a fully functional living aquarium, with habitats and marine exhibits showcasing some of the very best from the deep, from sharks to rays to barracuda, piranha, eels, and even endangered alligator gar and sea turtles. Included admission to these attractions make Atlantis Paradise Island the closest you’ll get to “under the sea” without even getting your hair wet.
La Casa de la Playa
Riviera Maya, Mexico
All of the hotels that are part of the Grupo Xcaret collection include admission to their 8 splendid eco-park attractions and tours and sailing excursions. It’s one of the highest-value features of booking a stay with this brand. But this newer boutique-y property offers even more for your money. Lots more for it, honey, and they’re gonna treat you right, as they offer upgrades you’ve never even thought of asking for.
For example, their Tailor Made Experiences are the stuff vacation legends are made of. Not only is your admission included to the park they make the venue of your experience, you also have special access to events exclusive to La Casa de la Playa guests. Go completely behind the scenes for the Tlachco Backstage Tour, where you’ll be transported to the stage on an elevated platform. Go beyond the grounds of their protected cenotes to have a romantic dinner next to one, accompanied by live jazz. Instead of the usual caves, explore one in a small group with a guide with the Xpeleo excursion. Tour the Rio Maya with drinks and pastries in hand as you float through mangroves out to sea. Discover hidden parts of Xel-Ha in a purification ceremony that guides you through the grounds.
Along the lines of the latter, guests of the Wellness Building of this special property also have access to the hydrotherapy circuit at the spa. And all have included access to the exceptional, exclusive restaurants on site, which are led by celebrity chefs such as Martha Ortiz, Virgillio Martinez, and the Rivera-Rio brothers.
Couples Resorts
Jamaica
What do the four Couples Resorts—Couples Tower Isle, Couples Sans Souci, Couples Negril, and Couples Swept Away—have in common, other than a shared geography of Jamaica in the Caribbean? Extra value.
No matter which property in Ocho Rios or Negril vacationers opt to stay at, if they’re there for 3 nights or longer, they unlock a new level of inclusions. For example, unlimited PADI-certified scuba diving, an activity that’s often a premium in most destinations. And that’s not the only motorized water sport that that gets comped for guests here—wakeboarding and water skiing are available at no additional charge, tacking on more ways to enjoy the ocean even beyond the usual non-motorized recreation.
On land, tennis and golf are included, but we’re not just talking access to the space. Complimentary group clinics and one private lesson with a pro per day is up for grabs, too.
But if we’re talking about included admissions, we can’t not mention excursions! Those staying at Couples Tower Isle or Couples Sans Souci will be able to adventure out to Dunn’s River Falls on the house, while travelers who call Couples Negril or Couples Swept Away their home base can take a trip to a popular sunset bar—a quintessential Jamaican experience. And for all but Sans Souci, a romantic catamaran cruise with rum punch and sea swimming is available four times a week and glass bottom boats push off on the regular, all for free.
Meliá Punta Cana Beach, a Wellness-Inclusive Resort
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Spa access usually comes at a pretty penny, but not at this relaxing retreat in Punta Cana. Here, access is included for The Level suite guests … and in The Level Wellness Suites, treatments, too!
Those staying in any of The Level suites for more than five days receive one spa treatment per person, with a maximum of two treatments per room. But spring for the category we just mentioned and you can add on “per day” to that offer. We’ll say it again to reassure your disbelief: one spa treatment per person per day.
Alternate between a 30-minute Signatura Facial, Relaxing Body Therapy massage, or a Calming Nature Treatment to soothe sunburnt skin. Then bask in the wellness theme of the resort with perks like a minibar with healthy options, a Personal Wellness Santhi Concierge, mood-enhancing aromatherapy, the Stay Well vitamin C shower in your room, Cleveland Clinic wellness program access on the Stay Well interactive mobile app, and active unwinding with a provided fitness kit for your private use, consisting of a yoga mat, dumbbells, and a fitness ball. And if you’d rather get outside, grab a bicycle. You’re entitled to one for the entire length of your stay.
Riu Latino
Costa Mujeres, Mexico
As you can see from this round-up, we can safely say we’re all in agreement that water park fun is not just for kids. So how about this for a change-up? A water park strictly for adults? At a resort only for grown-ups.
That’s right. No signs of having to be yea high to ride this slide. No worrying about jostling young’uns as you patiently wait your turn among them. Splash Water World at brand-new Riu Latino, opening October 1, is just for you.
It’s the very first adults-only Splash Water World in Mexico, an extension of their Dominican Republic concept, and offers two pools with swim-up bars ready to serve you fresh cocktails in between the fun. And for a change of pace from the gargantuan slides and water rides at this pool, you’re also welcome to pop over to neighboring Riu Dunamar. Admission to both—and the hot on-site Pacha nightclub—is included with your check-in at Riu Latino resort.
Want more water parks? Click here for Six On-Site Water Parks for Hassle-Free Fun. Or read on about club level privileges if you want to get the very most out of your room category. Don’t forget, ALGV’s Exclusive Perks can also add more value into every booking, so don’t forget to Ask a Travel Advisor how to score the very best ones!
