“European Plan.” Those two words say it all. The fact that EP is used as a model for, essentially, room only and maybe breakfast if you’re lucky, is telling when it comes to the likelihood of having food and drinks included with a stay anywhere in Europe. And activities? You’re on your own either dime or itinerary.
But times, they are a-changin’, and the Inclusive Collection is once again leading the way. With the expansion of the Zoëtry® Wellness Resorts Spas, and Secrets® and Dreams® Resorts & Spas brands into beach destinations in Europe, all-inclusive across the pond is now fact, not fantasy. Eight properties have been officially inducted into the Inclusive Collection, bringing the Unlimited-Luxury® for vacationing adults and families and Endless Privileges® of Mexico and the Caribbean overseas to island escapes in the Balearic, Tenerife, and the Ionian Seas. Here’s a crash course on where you can find an all-inclusive experience within the Inclusive Collection for an all-new take on a European Plan, Plan(ned) with a Pro.
Ionian Sea
Dreams® Corfu Resort & Spa
Where: Off the northwestern coast of mainland Greece, across from the heel of Italy off the Albanian coast
Why: This family-friendly resort is the only one of its kind on this island—in fact, the first Dreams Resort & Spa to open in Greece. It offers spectacular views of Gouvia Bay, the fishing village for which is a mere five minutes away. Those views are even better from available Preferred Club accommodations, which feature the elevated amenities and services we know and love from this category.
F&B: Five dining options offering authentic Corfiot Greek dining at Yiayia, plus Italian, international, and seafood focuses; five bars.
Looking for the Cyclades in the Aegean? Learn how to hop the islands on the other side of Greece here.
Canary Islands, Atlantic Ocean
Secrets® Bahia Real Resort & Spa
Where: The northeastern tip of Fuerteventura, diagonally southwest of Isla de Lobos and south of Lanzarote
Why: An extraordinary location with unobstructed views of Lanzarote and Lobos is made even better by the fact that most rooms are oceanfront. This charming but sprawling Spanish Mediterranean design offers a sense of place while a stunning modern spa lets guests get away from it all, whatever “it” may be. Preferred Club available.
F&B: Seven dining options, including Chozo for “fine local cuisine” with Canarian specialties, The Bay Lounge above sea level and with views of Lobos and Lanzarote, ant Olio on an upper floor for great resort views. Two bars with two more to reopen.
Secrets® Lanzarote Resort & Spa
Where: The southeastern crescent of Lanzarote, the easternmost island of the Canary Islands off the western coast of Morocco
Why: One of the first Secrets Resort & Spas to open in Europe, this resort offers luxury private transfers to and from the Lanzarote airport, making getting there a (sea) breeze. Once there, it’s only a ten-minute walk to the exclusive Puerto Calero marina and easy day trip to volcanic Timmanfaya National Park. Plus, most rooms face the water.
F&B: Six options for dining include an international buffet, Italian, seafood, grill, steakhouse, and Asian restaurant, plus a café for snacks. Five available bars quench any thirst and make it well worth going Unlimited-Luxury® as opposed to half-board or b&b.
Dreams® Lanzarote Playa Dorada Resort & Spa
Where: The southernmost curve of Lanzarote due north of Isla de Lobos, just north of the Morocco/Western Sahara border
Why: The very first Dreams Resort & Spa to grace the shores of Europe, this resort has dibs on location. Not only is it right on a beachfront overlooking Lobos and Fuerteventura islands, it’s also only five minutes from the Playa Blanca fishing village for a dash of culture for the family … and glamour besides, as Marina Rubicon is full of luxury boats and yachts. Only 20 minutes away is the Timanfaya National Park and Papagayo’s beaches, if you can summon the will to leave the overhead ocean views and pool of the resort.
F&B: Three gourmet restaurants – paellas and local cuisine, Asian, Mediterranean – are reason enough to opt for Unlimited-Luxury® over half-board, but a café, grilled snack bar, and an international buffet, and six bars and the Preferred Club Lounge give you plenty more.
Learn more about the Canary Islands
Balearic Islands, Mediterranean Sea
Zoëtry® Mallorca Balearic Islands
Where: Slightly inland on the south shore of Mallorca, southeast of Palma and center-island, due east of Valencia, Spain
Why: Only ten minutes from the Mediterranean Coast and convenient to Palma’s Old Town, this isn’t a typical waterfront resort experience. This country estate-style property in the historic Sa Torre estate – complete with its own neo-Gothic church and windmill, plus olive trees and mountain views – instead focuses on wellness, healing body, mind, and spirit by way of yoga sessions, healthy meals made with local produce, and Pure Spa.
F&B: There’s only one restaurant, but don’t believe for a minute that you’re short on choices, as menus are determined by the day’s haul from the resort’s own garden and local markets. There are also snacks to be had at Se Bovedes Gastro Bar. However Giro Ros is coming soon, offering Mediterranean fusion for dinner. Until then, the Chef’s Table is unmissable as a special experience, and three bars offer balanced libations. Half-board and bed and breakfast is also an option.
Secrets® Mallorca Villamil Resort & Spa
Where: On a bay west of Palma on the far southwestern tip of the island directly diagonal from Ibiza and just north of Valencia
Why: Built in the peaceful village of Paguera, this castle-style retreat is one way to live royally yet among the people. Most rooms overlook the sea and all enjoy the attentive service the adults-only brand is known for – the Preferred Club guests even more so. Boat trips and walking tours are offered in the winter (subject to change), but year round, you can travel to Palma’s Old Town in 30 minutes and to Port d’Andratx, a fishing village with Italianate villas and docked yachts in just ten.
F&B: Six dining options under three different options: bed & breakfast, half-board, and Unlimited-Luxury®. Two Mediterranean-influenced restaurants offer à la carte service, and a buffet, grill, and Asian restaurant with a sushi bar lend no end of variety. Plus, a café, piano bar, pool bar, and Sky Bar are all included.
Dreams® Calvia Mallorca Resort & Spa
Where: Southwest of Palma, across Isla de sa Porrassa on one side and Secrets Mallorca Villamil’s bay on the other side of the peninsula
Why: Fresh off a 2021 renovation, this family-friendly resort has even more vivacity infused into its lifestyle-first approach, with modern style, and a warm, fresh appeal. An available Preferred Club with 103 rooms in that category make upgrading easy, and expands their experience to include lounge access and additional restaurants. No matter where on the resort guests stay, the Poniente Golf Club, Marineland Mallorca, and Sierra de Tramuntana are relatively close by – but not closer than the Calvia beach, which is only about 325 feet away.
F&B: Not one, but two buffet options with children’s sections means that the whole family will find plenty to fill their bellies. An à la carte Asian restaurant supplements a snack bar (plus one more for Preferred Club), cafe and a food market leave no stone unturned. An adults-only Preferred Club bar might be attractive to those in that category who want something different from the regular Preferred Club lounge, and three other bars are open to all.
Want to learn how to hop from island to island abroad? Check out our how-to guide for the Balearic Islands or this guide for the Greek Isles. For a deep dive into these destinations, read our Top Tips for Taking Tenerife or our Cities & Seas for Mallorca.
