As global tourism adapts to shifting post-pandemic expectations, all-inclusive resorts are evolving from static beach retreats into gateways for exploration and cultural immersion. From Dominica to the Mediterranean, a growing number of luxury properties are expanding their offerings beyond the buffet line to meet a new kind of traveler: one who wants both comfort and connection.
From Relaxation to Exploration
For decades, the all-inclusive model was built around simplicity—guests checked in and stayed put, indulging in sun, food, and entertainment without leaving the resort. That narrative is changing rapidly.
Gregor Nassief, owner of Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort in Dominica, noticed early signs of this shift in 2022 when international travel resumed following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions. His guests weren’t interested in the typical “fly-and-flop” experience. “People come here to explore Dominica,” he said. “It would be impossible for an all-inclusive offering to succeed here if we don’t include the island.”
In response, Fort Young launched its “island inclusive” package. Along with full board and airport transfers, the package includes guided land or sea excursions, such as treks to Trafalgar Falls or visits to Roseau Market. Despite its $456 per night price tag—considerably higher than the $302 room-only rate—it now accounts for 30% of all-inclusive leisure bookings.
Designing for Engagement
This strategy reflects a broader trend in the hospitality industry. Luxury travelers now expect curated experiences that extend beyond resort walls. At Nay Palad Hideaway in the Philippines, rates start at $900 per person per night and include bespoke activities like surfing, paddleboarding in mangroves, and exploring local rock pools.
“I like the fact that you don’t need to check prices once you’re there,” said Kathrina Sadsad-Tamesis, a guest at Nay Palad. “You don’t need to think about what you are going to eat, you don’t have to plan your activities, because they planned it all for you.”
According to A’Rielle Thomas, a travel advisor at Fora Travel, about half of her all-inclusive clients now seek off-property experiences. “They don’t want just a flop-and-stop vacation. They want to interact with locals and with the destination,” she said.
Dining and Discovery Programs
Some resorts have taken a creative approach to enriching the guest experience. Sandals Royal Curaçao introduced its Island Inclusive dining programme in 2022, offering guests in select rooms a complimentary dinner at a local restaurant, complete with transfers and a $250 dining credit. The initiative has been well-received, and Sandals plans to roll it out across its 17-resort portfolio.
Similarly, Ikos Resorts in Europe have been offering off-site experiences since 2015 through their Local Discovery initiative. Guests can borrow cars to explore areas like the Costa del Sol or Mallorca, and visit local museums and wineries using the resort’s Culture Pass. Meals at local taverns are included in the package, creating a deeper connection to the destination.
Paradisus by Meliá joined the movement in 2023, unveiling a “Destination-Inclusive concept” for premium-tier guests. Properties in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Spain now offer off-resort excursions ranging from beachside yoga on catamarans to hikes around Gran Canaria’s Roque Nublo.
A Social Media-Driven Shift
The rising demand for off-site experiences is also being driven by social media. As vacationers scroll through travel content on Instagram and TikTok, they’re inspired to do more than lounge poolside.
“Now, no. Guests are more curious, because they have access to more information,” said Paula Forero, general manager at Paradisus Palma Real. “They want more experiences, more adventures.”
She notes that modern travelers expect to immerse themselves in the culture and lifestyle of a place—without sacrificing the ease and comfort of a luxury resort. Resorts that succeed in merging both worlds are not only meeting guest expectations, but setting a new industry standard.
What began as an adaptation to a global crisis has become a transformation of the all-inclusive model. Resorts are no longer just destinations; they are launchpads into the world beyond the property line.