By Lisa Wells, Food Drink Life
All-inclusive travel has picked up some negative perceptions in past years for being crowded and inauthentic, but 2025 is redefining the all-inclusive experience. If you are looking for wellness, adventure, relaxation and everything in between, learn why the all-inclusive vacation is the ultimate way to travel in 2025.
Travel is on the rise and travelers are looking for the perfect escape. For many, this means relaxing on white sand beaches, indulging in food and drinks, and activities that you don’t have to plan. New trends in all-inclusive travel offer all of this and more. Whether you are a frequent traveler or booking your first trip in a while, an all-inclusive vacation might just be the perfect choice for a stress-free escape this year.
Why all-inclusive travel is trending in 2025
All-inclusive has been a fraught term in travel in recent decades. As LaDell Carter, the founder and lead travel designer of Royal Expression Travels, explains: “Traditionally, ‘all-inclusive’ has been a bit of a cringe-worthy term for me, often associated with subpar food and crowded buffets where half-eaten plates are left behind.”
But all-inclusive travel is gearing up to be more popular than ever in 2025. Hotels.com saw a 60% increase in searches for “all-inclusive” in 2024. Gen Z is particularly enthusiastic about leading this trend, with Expedia reporting that 42% of young adults would choose an all-inclusive vacation as their preferred way to travel.
Much of this comes from changes in the all-inclusive itinerary. Instead of being confined to a resort property with hundreds of tourists, all-inclusive is trending toward luxury. Spa treatments and wellness, authentic local experiences, expertly crafted food and cocktails and, of course, a backdrop of captivating scenery are becoming the standard at many all-inclusive resorts.
While these trips come with a higher price tag, Carter notes, “It’s a redefined version that seamlessly blends luxury, wellness and guiltless indulgence, offering a higher cost-to-value ratio.” Expedia calls this resurgence the “All-Inclusive Era” and notes that Gen Z is leading the way.
Yet this new style of all-inclusive travel offers something for everyone. There are also a variety of destinations in the United States and abroad. From domestic retreats to escapes in the Caribbean and Mexico, these all-inclusive resorts are worth the trip in 2025.
US all-inclusive vacation destinations
Resorts on the Atlantic and Pacific offer stunning getaways without leaving the country – and a range of different experiences.
East Coast all-inclusive resorts
An island is the perfect vacation escape and the East Coast has many to offer. From sun-drenched Florida islands to estates rich with history off the coast of Georgia, you’ll quickly leave behind daily stresses.
Bungalows Key Largo, named a USA Today 10 best all-inclusive resorts in the U.S., is an adults-only retreat in the Florida Keys. Situated in a botanic garden with 1,000 miles of oceanfront, the resort provides fine dining, daily yoga, two pools, cruiser bikes and stand-up paddleboards. Each room is a stand-alone bungalow with a veranda and soaking tub.
Book a room at The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island in Georgia for a retreat that blends nature, history and indulgence. The historic property can accommodate up to 32 guests and is only accessible by boat, ensuring you an exclusive experience. You’ll enjoy an eco-adventure with naturalist-led tours of the 11,000-acre nature preserve, kayaking trips, fishing trips and meals with locally produced ingredients.
All-inclusive resorts in California
California provides a mix of sandy beaches in the south and rugged vistas in the north. Alila Ventana Big Sur provides relaxation and adventure. Located south of San Francisco in Big Sur, the resort looks out on majestic redwood trees on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. Relax in the hot tub, hike through the trees, get an astrology reading or take a class to create something new.
Guests throughout Alila Ventana and other California resorts are pampered throughout their stay with thoughtful touches that elevate their experience. Imagine sipping your favorite cocktail or honey lemonade as you take in breathtaking views from a poolside cabana or private veranda.
All-inclusive Caribbean vacations
The Caribbean attracts visitors with white sand beaches and sparkling waters. Head to Antigua to stay in the Royalton CHIC Antigua for an adults-only vacation featuring elevated food and drink, spa treatments and DJ sessions at the beachside pools. The resort is on Hotels.com’s curated list of new All-Inclusive Era stays.
At Jade Mountain in St. Lucia, named to Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best list 2021-2024, you’ll stay in sanctuaries that meld into the outdoors with an open wall and offer infinity pools with views of the ocean and surrounding rainforests. Scuba diving, yoga and romantic sunset cruises are just a few of the activities offered.
Kamalame Cay has the only overwater spa in the Bahamas. Guests stay in cottages or villas and have the opportunity to go diving, boat fishing, kayaking or simply relax on the beach for an experience that is both laid-back and luxurious.
Whatever you want from your Caribbean vacation, resorts offer a range of experiences. Explore the Bahamas, Aruba, Barbados, Grand Cayman and more to plan your perfect all-inclusive vacation.
Escape to an all-inclusive resort in Mexico
Mexico’s all-inclusive resorts have long been a destination with warm beaches and poolside cabanas. In recent years, resorts have added more amenities for a more sophisticated and adventure-filled stay.
AVA Resort Cancun, an all-new resort, offers 17 bars and restaurants, a waterpark, kids’ clubs, an adults-only pool, a spa and nightlife. When it’s time to relax, every room has a view of the ocean from the private terrace.
In Puerto Vallarta, Hotel Mousai is an adults-only and luxury-focused resort. With two rooftop pools, a selection of cuisines at the property’s restaurants and activities ranging from tequila tasting to jungle hikes, this all-inclusive stay is an indulgent escape.
On Mexico’s Caribbean coast, Grand Velas Riviera Maya has all-inclusive packages for a romantic getaway, a wellness retreat or a family vacation. Each experience has its own pool for personalized ambiance, although all guests can enjoy gourmet dining, activities and spa treatments.
Could all-inclusive travel be perfect for you?
One-of-a-kind experiences, mental wellness, thrilling adventures – all-inclusive travel is becoming the ultimate vacation that goes far beyond simply a trip that is easy to plan. In 2025, luxury resort stays will be a top choice for travelers. For every destination and every experience, find an all-inclusive vacation to elevate your travel this year.
Lisa Wells is a travel, food and lifestyle writer and photographer who has traveled across 37 countries. As the founder of Coastal Wandering, she shares her love for laid-back beach living with stories, recipes and tips for a relaxed coastal lifestyle.
