Is an All‑Inclusive Resort Worth It in 2025? Real Costs, Pros, Cons & Kiwi Tips

Some all-inclusive deals save you hundreds. Others bake in more than you’ll ever use. The trick isn’t finding the cheapest package-it’s knowing if it fits how you actually holiday. If you want price certainty, minimal planning, and you’ll use the inclusions, it can be brilliant. If you love exploring cafés, renting a car, and grazing all day, it can be a money pit.

TL;DR

• If your realistic daily spend on food, drinks, and resort activities is close to the package premium (or higher), all‑inclusive usually pays off.
• Families, big drinkers, and “stay‑put” beach holidays benefit most; foodies and explorers usually don’t.
• Check fine print: premium alcohol, à la carte surcharges, kids’ age cut‑offs, water sports, and transfer fees often aren’t fully included.
• In the Pacific (Fiji, Rarotonga), meal plans can be great value; in Bali, DIY often wins; in Mexico/Caribbean, full packages can be strong value.
• Run the numbers: compare “room‑only + your habits” vs “package price” before you book.

“All‑inclusive packages give price certainty, which many families value during periods of cost‑of‑living pressure.” - ABTA Holiday Habits Report 2024

Who should go all‑inclusive (and who shouldn’t)

I live in Auckland, so most of my trips start with a long flight. When I finally land in Fiji, Rarotonga, or Mexico, I’m happiest when I can drop my bag and not think about every snack and drink adding up. That said, I’ve also had trips where paying for a package meant we ate dinner at the buffet because we felt we “should”, even when we wanted to try a hole‑in‑the‑wall down the road.

Here’s a simple way to see where you fit.

• Great fit: You plan to stay mostly on‑site, you’ll actually use the inclusions (breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks), and you like the idea of a fixed price. Families with hungry teens and couples who enjoy cocktails by the pool often win here.
• Maybe: You’ll split time between the resort and nearby restaurants. A half‑board (breakfast + dinner) or drinks package may beat full all‑inclusive.
• Probably not: You love exploring local food spots, or you’re on a tight itinerary with excursions most days. You’ll pay twice-once for the package and again for the meals you eat off‑site.

Think about trip style too:

• Relax-and-reset beach week (Fiji Mamanucas, Raro lagoon): All‑inclusive or meal plans shine. You’re staying put, beaching, snorkelling, eating… repeat.
• Eat-everything city break (Bangkok, Barcelona): Skip it. The city is the feast.
• Action-heavy adventure (Queenstown ski, Phuket day tours): A la carte is safer. You’ll miss inclusions when you’re out all day.

Also be real about drinks. If your group enjoys a steady flow of cocktails, beer, mocktails, and barista coffee, packages that include alcohol often swing the maths in your favour. If you mostly drink water and the odd wine with dinner, they don’t.

How to work out if it actually saves you money

Here’s a quick, practical way to decide. No spreadsheets needed-just honest estimates.

1. Get two prices for the same dates and room type.
   • Room‑only (or bed & breakfast) price.
   • All‑inclusive (or meal plan) price.
2. Estimate your daily spend without a package.
   • Breakfast + lunch + dinner per person in that destination.
   • Drinks (alcoholic and non‑alcoholic) per day.
   • Activities you’d pay for anyway (snorkel trips, non‑motorised water sports, kids club, bikes).
3. Compare the “premium.”
   • Premium = (All‑inclusive price − Room‑only price) ÷ number of nights ÷ number of people.
   • If your realistic daily F&B + activities spend is close to or above the premium, the package is worth it.
4. Adjust for fine print.
   • Are premium spirits extra? Is à la carte limited? Are transfers included?
   • Knock off value for anything you won’t use (e.g., you don’t drink alcohol).

Example (Kiwi couple, 5 nights in Fiji):

• Room‑only: NZD 2,300 total
• All‑inclusive: NZD 3,600 total
• Premium per person per day = (3,600 − 2,300) ÷ 5 ÷ 2 = NZD 130
• Your likely daily spend without package: breakfast $30 + lunch $35 + dinner $80 + drinks $50 = $195 p.p.
• $195 > $130 → You’ll likely save and gain price certainty.

Example (Kiwi family of 4 in Bali, kids 7 and 10):

• Room‑only: NZD 1,600 (7 nights)
• All‑inclusive: NZD 3,400
• Premium per person per day = (3,400 − 1,600) ÷ 7 ÷ 4 ≈ NZD 64
• Daily spend without package: Breakfast $12 + lunch $18 + dinner $25 + drinks $10 = $65 p.p. (Bali outside resorts is cheap)
• $65 ≈ $64 → It’s a wash, and you’ll miss local food. DIY probably wins.

Prices float with season and resort tier, but the method holds. Be sure to read what “all‑inclusive” means at that property. Some “all‑inclusive” packages are actually full‑board (meals only) with a beverage package on top. Others exclude à la carte dinner or cap cocktails per day.

Sources for ranges: ABTA 2024 Holiday Habits, UNWTO 2024 trend notes on packaged travel, and price sampling across major OTAs and resort direct sites in mid‑2025. Use these as ballpark only-your dates and resort tier matter.

One more thing: taxes and service. Bali often adds 21% tax/service, some Caribbean and US properties tack on a “resort fee,” and not all islands include transfers in the package. Those extras can swing your maths by $20-$60 per person per day.

Picking the right package: inclusions, traps, and money‑savvy tweaks

“All‑inclusive” isn’t standardised. Read line by line. Then ask questions by email or chat and save the replies.

• What meals and where? Is dinner only at the buffet? How many à la carte nights? Are there time slots? Late arrivals-will you still get dinner?
• What drinks? House wine and beer only, or named brands? Is barista coffee included? Bottled water? Mocktails?
• What activities? Non‑motorised water sports, kids club hours, daily classes (yoga, cooking), evening entertainment.
• What’s not included? Premium spirits, room service, minibar restocks, motorised sports, island tours, spa, airport transfers.
• Kids’ ages and pricing. “Kids eat free” might mean under‑5s only. Get exact age bands.
• Dietary needs. Coeliac, halal, vegan-confirm cross‑contamination protocols and daily options.

Heuristics I use when comparing packages:

• If à la carte is limited to 1-2 nights per week, I value food at the low end of my estimate.
• If premium spirits are excluded, I value drinks at beer/wine prices even if I’d order cocktails.
• If the resort is remote (private island, far from town), I bump the value of a package up 10-20%-captive restaurant pricing hurts.
• If I plan 2+ full‑day excursions, I cut the value of lunch inclusions for those days to zero.

Common pitfalls to avoid:

• Package gaps: “Full board” isn’t all‑inclusive; some “AI” excludes drinks with meals. Learn the exact label the resort uses.
• Drink caps: “15 drinks per day” exists. Don’t assume unlimited.
• À la carte bottlenecks: Small restaurants at big resorts book out. Reserve before you arrive.
• Sting in the transfer: Island boats and private transfers can be $60-$150 pp each way. Ask if included.
• Two‑tier bars: Pool bar included, lobby bar not. Or no takeaway coffee. Check bar list.

Money‑savvy tweaks:

• Half‑board + drinks can be a sweet spot if you like lunch out and dinners in.
• Club lounge access (snacks, evening drinks) sometimes covers more than you think for couples.
• Free kids’ dining with paid adults can beat a full package for families where adults drink lightly.
• Local dining nights: Plan 1-2 dinners out even on AI trips for variety; accept you’re not maximising-your sanity matters.

Sustainability and local impact: Big buffets can mean big food waste. If that worries you, choose properties with clearly stated policies-composting, portion control, and local sourcing. UNWTO’s 2024 sustainability update highlights waste reduction as a key lever in resort operations. You can help by ordering à la carte when offered and avoiding “just because it’s included” plates.

And because someone will ask: yes, many all-inclusive resorts are improving their community footprint-local staff training, local produce, and tour partnerships. If that matters to you, email the resort and ask for specifics before you book.

Scenarios, examples, FAQs, and what to do next

Scenarios

• Couple, 6 nights, Rarotonga, chill trip: You’ll hang by the lagoon, kayak, and read. Half‑board or full meal plan almost always works. Book à la carte slots early and add one dinner at a local favourite for variety.
• Family of 5, Fiji, teens who inhale food: Go all‑inclusive with clear kids’ pricing. Confirm snack bars and barista coffee hours. This is where packages shine-and keep the bill predictable.
• Solo traveller, Bali, café‑hopping and day trips: Skip AI. Book room‑only or breakfast‑included, eat where you want, and spend on experiences.
• Group of friends, Cancún, pool + nightlife: Full AI likely wins. Check the premium spirits list, nightclub passes, and any drink caps. Reserve à la carte before arrival.
• Winter ski, Queenstown: AI‑style bundles rarely suit. You’ll be on the mountain or in town. Look for breakfast‑included deals and early‑bird dining specials in town instead.

Quick checklist before you book

• Get both prices: room‑only vs the package, same dates and room type.
• Estimate your real daily spend based on your travel style and the destination.
• Read inclusions line by line: meals, drinks, activities, transfers, kids’ ages.
• Search for any caps: drinks per day, à la carte nights, time windows.
• Check booking terms: cancellation windows, blackout dates, minimum stays.
• Lock in restaurant reservations after booking; add notes for dietary needs.
• Confirm taxes, service charges, and resort fees; convert to NZD.

Mini‑FAQ

• Is tipping included? In Fiji and Rarotonga, tipping isn’t expected but appreciated. In Mexico and the Caribbean, some AI properties include service, but staff still rely on tips. Ask if tips are included and carry small notes.
• Will I feel stuck eating the same food? Depends on resort size. Large properties with multiple restaurants rotate menus. Study restaurant count and menus before you choose.
• What about premium spirits and wine? Many include house pours only. If you care about brands, ask for the included list in writing.
• Can dietary needs be handled? Yes at better resorts, but processes vary. Email ahead, mention at check‑in, and speak to chefs. Look for resorts with clear protocols.
• Is it safe to leave the resort? Research your area. Most destinations have safe, well‑trodden spots for dining and markets. Hotel concierges can suggest local vendors and trusted drivers.
• What if we’re off‑site most days? Consider breakfast‑only or half‑board. You won’t use lunch inclusions if you’re away on tours.

Next steps (so you actually decide today)

1. Pick two properties you like in your destination-one known for packages, one flexible.
2. Pull both quotes (room‑only and package) for your exact dates. Screenshot everything.
3. Use the premium formula to compare against your honest daily spend.
4. Email the resort with three direct questions about inclusions you care about. Save replies.
5. Book the option with the best value‑to‑stress ratio, not just the lowest number.

Troubleshooting by persona

• Family on a budget: Prioritise kids’ pricing, snack access, and included non‑motorised water sports. Half‑board + drinks can be the sweet spot.
• Couple who love food: Pick resorts with multiple à la carte restaurants and guaranteed reservations. Plan two off‑site dinners and accept you’re not “maximising” every inclusion.
• Solo traveller: Flexibility beats inclusions. Choose walkable areas with cafés. Pay for the odd day pass if you want a one‑day resort vibe.
• Group of friends: Packages reduce bill‑splitting drama. But confirm brand lists and late‑night options so you’re not stuck with beer only after 10 pm.

If you remember one thing, make it this: match the package to your habits, not the marketing. When those line up, you’ll get that easy, seamless holiday feeling-without overpaying for things you won’t use.