For years, "all-inclusive" and "luxury" rarely appeared in the same sentence. That is changing quickly. On 8 October, JW Marriott announced the opening of its first all-inclusive resort, and Park Hyatt is set to open its own first all-inclusive in November.
The two openings
JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa sits above Playa El Jobo in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. It has 415 rooms, 15 restaurants and bars, 17 pools and a 16,000 sq ft wellness complex, plus the Griffin Club, a private resort within the resort with its own pool and beach area. Rates start from $900 per person per night.
Park Hyatt Riviera Maya, between Cancún and Puerto Morelos in Mexico, will have 148 rooms and suites facing the Caribbean, some with private pools, seven restaurants and a resort ambassador assigned to each guest before arrival.
Why the format is changing
The old all-inclusive was built around volume and buffets. The new version borrows from the private villa: fewer surprises on the bill, more space, tasting menus instead of queues, and a club level that feels like a separate hotel. For families and groups travelling together, a single price that covers the children's club, the spa circuit and dinner for eight removes a lot of friction.
There are trade-offs. Even the best all-inclusives encourage guests to stay on site, so they suit a beach week better than a trip built around a destination's restaurants.
Our view
For clients who want a genuinely restful week, especially with children or a multi-generational group, the new luxury all-inclusives are worth considering. We look at club-level access, suite categories and transfers before we recommend one.
Frequently asked questions
Is a luxury all-inclusive good value?
It can be, especially for families and groups, as dining, drinks and activities are covered. Club-level and suite categories usually matter more than the headline rate.
Can Instacoins Concierge book these resorts?
Yes. We can request suites, arrange private transfers and handle special requests, with payment in fiat or crypto.
