From the Maldives to Mauritius, Ecuador to the Caribbean, we’ve rounded up four fully inclusive stays with a difference – ditching the buffet breakfast for meaningful experiences and enriching activities.
Best for Families: Soneva Unlimited at Soneva Jani, Maldives
Those staying in any Chapter Two Water or Island Reserve at Soneva Jani can truly indulge with Soneva Unlimited included within the price of the villa, you can enjoy everything the resort has to offer without restraint: dining and drinks across the resort’s varied restaurants and bars (including dinners hosted by Michelin-starred guest chefs), experiences (including water sports, diving, and Conscious Experiences), massages and spa therapies as part of Soneva Soul, Soneva’s newest wellness concept, (including sessions with visiting wellness specialists and resident yoga and Ayurveda experts).
New for summer 2022, The Den at Soneva Jani is the awe-inspiring playground for the imagination, inspired by whimsical childhood wonder. As one of the largest kid’s clubs in Asia, young Sonevians will be occupied by an array of activities. Whilst thrill-seekers can be found zip-lining above the pristine blue waters of the swimming pool through a cascading waterfall, knowledge-thirsty teens can compose tunes on the floorboards-come-piano-keys or accompany a resident Marine Biologist in a guided snorkelling excursion.
To book: Rates at Soneva Jani starts at $2,594 (approx. £2,203.86) for a one-bed villa per nights, all meals and activities included. For more information, please visit www.soneva.com.
Best for Budding Conservationists: Rainforest Conservation at Mashpi Lodge, Ecuador
A cocoon in the clouds, Mashpi Lodge is a hideaway in the Ecuadorian cloud forest and one of the most biodiverse places in the world. The 24-room glass fronted structure is a window to the natural world where you are immersed in an intimate jungle experience. Encouraging you to arrive as tourists and leave as conservationists, Mashpi Lodge’s fully inclusive rate offers daily hikes with naturalist guides through the lush forest to cascading waterfalls and wild swimming holes, while guided night walks uncover an altogether different side of the magic of the rainforest: a true nocturnal safari.
Over in the Science Laboratory, interactive sessions with Mashpi’s leading team of scientists await. Here you can learn more about the biodiversity research that has led to the discovery of ten new species for science since the eco-lodge opened its doors ten years ago. Take a stroll to the Life Centre to observe the different stages of a butterfly’s life cycle or head to the Hummingbird Garden, home to 35 species of dancing hummingbirds. For a unique perspective of the rainforest canopy, you can soar through the treetops on a 4km circuit on Mashpi’s gondola, the Dragonfly, peddle across a 200-metre gorge on the reserve’s Sky Bike, or climb the eight-storey Observation Tower for panoramic vistas over the reserve.
To book: Rates at Mashpi Lodge start from $1,408 per room per night, inclusive of shared transfers from main hotels in Quito, all meals, all guided activities and excursions within the reserve. For more information, please visit www.mashpilodge.com
Best for Honeymooners: An all-encompassing private island escape at one of the Caribbean’s best kept secrets Pine Cay
An 800-acre barefoot luxury private island in Turks & Caicos, just a 20-minute boat ride from the mainland, Pine Cay an elegant 13-room hotel and small collection of private homes, located on two miles of pristine white-sand beach – exclusive to hotel guests and homeowners for the upmost seclusion and tranquillity. Every guest at Pine Cay stays on the island inclusive rate, including all meals from daily changing seasonal menus, and a host of activities. Days at Pine Cay are spent snorkelling over the kaleidoscopic coral reef and reef balls, which double up as a nursery for turtles and schools of young fish, or taking out a hobie cat to explore the cerulean waters. On-loan paddle boards and entirely transparent kayaks are ready and waiting to be borrowed on demand, as well as bikes for you to discover more of what this enchanting island has to offer. Back on dry land, there’s birdwatching, tennis, shelling at Sand Dollar Point, swimming in the freshwater pool, under-the-stars screenings at the Sand Dollar Cinema or day trips to nearby islands.
To book: Island-Inclusive rates at Pine Cay start from $1,525 per room per night including breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, daily snorkelling trips, non-motorised water sports such as hobie cat sailing, kayaking and paddle boarding, bicycle rental and tennis, based on two sharing. For more information, please visit https://www.pinecay.com/en/
Best for Stylish Beach-Goers: A hassle-free autumn holiday at LUX* Grand Baie, Mauritius
New-generation boutique-style resort LUX* Grand Baie, Mauritius offers sophisticated beachside living for the modern, discerning traveller, with immersive dining concepts, state-of-the-art fitness, and wellness facilities as well as unique Mauritian experiences to discover the island in style. Until the end of October 2022, those seeking to stretch out summer can opt for the hotel’s all-inclusive offer in this ultimate tropical hideaway. The offer is redeemable on all accommodation, with the impeccable three-bedroom LUX* Grand Beach Pool Villa as the ideal choice for families and groups of friends. Situated on the beach front, boasting prime lagoon views, and complete with a spacious outdoor terrace perfect for alfresco dining with a chef de maison on hand to serve delicious spreads. Days can be spent lounging on the sun deck and taking dips in the villa’s private pool, making the most of full access to LUX* Me Spa facilities, as well as a myriad of water sports and land activities, providing entertainment for all.
To book: Rates for a LUX* Grand Beach Pool Villa start from approx. £1,500 per room per night on a room only basis. The LUX* Grand Baie all-inclusive offer is applicable on Best Available Rate conditions only from a stay period: until 31/10/22. For full T&C’s and more information, please visit www.luxresorts.com/en/offers/luxgrandbaie-allinclusiveoffer.
