Why 2025 is the year of the all-inclusive — and the chic hotels for the ultimate stress-free break

The term all-inclusive once conjured images of beige buffets and tacky entertainment, overpacked pools and feral spring-breakers. But in recent years there’s been a quiet revolution. Chic disrupters such as Ikos – a high-end family-friendly brand with Michelin-starred chef credentials – have expanded across Europe, while traditionally à-la-carte hotel groups like Marriott have rolled out new takes on the all-inclusive format.

This fresh breed of all-inclusives appeal to a cool, moneyed clientele who luxuriate in the freedom of bottomless gourmet restaurants, sleek décor, on-tap fizz and eclectic activities. But for those of us who are watching our spending (and really, who isn’t at the moment?), there are plenty of chic resorts which deliver.

That’s because whatever your budget, there’s something liberating about knowing the bill is settled in advance. Rather than calculating how much that extra round of cocktails is going to cost, you can relax. Which, after all, is what a holiday is all about...

Ikos Porto Petro, Mallorca, Spain

On-point design at Ikos Porto Petro (Ikos Porto Petro)

Best for: Families

Ikos opened its first property in Halkidiki in 2015 – and within 10 years it’s rewritten the all-inclusive playbook with a thoroughly luxe take on the category. The resorts have the spacious suites, lust-worthy design and fabulous food you’d expect in a high-end à-la-carte resort, but with a truly all-inclusive philosophy where nearly everything is thrown in. That means candle-lit meals with Michelin chef-designed menus; a selection of 300 or so wines; extensive kids’ club care; and activities ranging from tennis to canoeing.

The newest resort, Porto Petro, hangs on the southeastern shores of Mallorca among the stunning greenery of Mondrago National Park, sandwiched between two enticing coves. Airy indoor-outdoor rooms – some with private pools – provide the perfect retreat after a busy day exploring the island via an (also included) Tesla hire car.

Details: From £553. ikosresorts.com

Sensoria Dolomites, Italy

A different breed of all-inclusive, in the greenery-clad Dolomites (Sensoria Dolomites)

Best for: Sand sceptics

Think all-inclusive and you might automatically imagine a beach break — but this wellness-focused hotel in the Italian Dolomites proves the format can work just as well in epic mountainscapes. Eschewing the classic fly-and-flop model, Sensoria dishes up unlimited guided walks in alpine greenery from village Seis am Schlern, dramatically ringed by craggy Dolomite peaks. Adding to the feel-good vibe is serene Japanese-inspired design, photogenic six-course meals with South Tyrolean farm produce, zippy local wines and a spa with Finnish sauna rituals.

Details: From £170 per person. sensoriadolomites.com

W Punta Cana, Dominica Republic

Marriott has joined the all-inclusive party (W Punta Cana)

Best for: Marriott loyalists

Great news for Bonvoy obsessives: hotel giant Marriott recently made its all-inclusive debut. Among its planned openings is the first all-inclusive W Hotel, launching this June in Uvero Alto, a beach enclave on the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic just outside popular Punta Cana. Adults-only and with 10 on-site food and drink outlets – including a rooftop spot and a speakeasy – the resort will channel all the signature fun-loving energy of the W brand, combined with the delicious freedom of an unlimited holiday. Hop between three pools, sipping bottomless rum punch to DJ mixes, then sleep it all off in rooms with plunge pools. Then, tomorrow, rise at noon and do it all again.

Details: Rates to be confirmed. marriott.com

Miraval The Red Sea, Saudi Arabi

All-inclusive wellness at Miraval in Saudi Arabia (Miraval Resorts & Spas)

Best for: Adventure

Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea region is being touted as the new ultra-exclusive Maldives, with top-tier hotels like Four Seasons, Six Senses and Faena opening their doors. And you can add to the list the first overseas location of luxe American brand Miraval – specialists in wellness holidays that throw in yoga classes and health lectures alongside your daily food and drink.

Due to launch by the end of 2025, the resort will sprawl across three million square feet on the south end of beachy Shura Island, and dish up unplugged adventure among landscapes of coral reef, canyons, dunes and dormant volcanoes. Rather than over-stuffed buffets, expect virtuous days full of watsu massage, diving and meditation.

Details: From £927 per person. miravalresorts.com

Álkyna Lifestyle Beach Resort, Corfu, Greece

Sundowner hour on the west coast of Corfu (Alkyna Lifestyle Beach Resort)

Best for: Unconventional activities

Opening this May, Álkyna clings to the rocky coastline of Corfu at Agios Gordios Bay, above a slice of golden beach lined in parasol-shaded loungers. Adults-only and west-facing, the reimagined resort – formerly known as La Grotta Verde – is in prime position for seaside sundowners, whether you fancy a glass of icy local wine or an opulently fruity cocktail from the mixologists at al fresco bar Boséto (or both, given all’s included).

Unlike the socially sequestered resorts of the past, Álkyna also encourages immersion into the Corfu way of life via off-beat activities. Think catch-and-cook fishing experiences in the Ionian Sea or a tour of traditional soap-making factory Patounis.

Details: From £227. ellaresorts.com

Secrets St. Lucia, Caribbean

A new Secrets will soon open in St. Lucia (Secrets St. Lucia)

Best for: Romance

Adults-only Secrets is a more established name in the all-inclusive space – its list of resorts now numbers more than two dozen – but it still does things with style. Its first resort in St Lucia opens this June on unadulterated Caribbean beachfront, catering in particular to couples looking for a sun-soaked romp among landscapes of ancient volcanoes and wind-rustled palms.

As well as bottomless piña coladas, sign up for twosome spa treatments, private candlelit dinners and sandside vow renewals. When it’s time to cosy up, chill in outdoor areas full of twinkly lights or contemporary rooms dressed in dazzling whites and sea blues.

Details: From £177 per person. hyattinclusivecollection.com

Club Privé by Rixos Belek, Antalya, Turkey

Villas galore at this hotel within a hotel (Club Privé Rixos Belek)

Best for: Groups

In simple terms Club Privé as an exclusive hotel within a hotel – all the privacy of a villa holiday combined with the unlimited goodies and rambling facilities of an all-inclusive. This clutch of gated three-to-six bedroom villas is set away from the main Rixos Belek resort, and includes private pools, dedicated butlers, beach cabanas and a VIP airport pick up.

Belek has an impressive 17km of sandy, turquoise-lapped beaches and the club has one to itself, complete with a dedicated pier where yachts collect guests for surf-splashed days out. Privé comes with its own dedicated dining spots too, though guests can also opt to eat in the main resort’s à la carte restaurants – that is, if they don’t fancy a private chef whipping up dinner in-villa instead.

Details: From £859 per person for four nights. rixos.com

Vivosa Apulia Resort, Puglia, Italy

Sun-soaked natural tranquility at Vivosa Apulia Resort (Vivosa Apulia Resort)

Best for: Nature

Thought all-inclusives couldn’t come with a conscience? Set on pine-coddled coastline in the Litorale di Ugento Natural Park, Vivosa puts the focus on unlimited nature, rather than excessive consumption.

The resort, which is certified carbon positive, works with a local sea turtle rescue centre to protect nests on its white sandy beach; uses solar panels and water reuse systems; and donates surplus food to avoid waste. Children can get involved with eco-activities like gardening and beekeeping, while also spotting the park’s rich bird species, lizards and butterflies. Meanwhile, older kiddos and adults can up the thrills with the likes of SUP tours through palaeolithic sea caves.

Details: From £160 per person. vivosaresort.com