All-Inclusive Adventures: Which Resorts Include Off-Site Tours

Beyond the Resort: All-Inclusive Vacations That Include Off-Site Adventures

The all-inclusive model is evolving. The days of being confined to the resort are fading as more brands recognize that today’s travelers want to experience the local destination. While many resorts offer a packed schedule of on-site activities, a select few are going a step further, integrating genuine off-site excursions and authentic local experiences directly into their all-inclusive packages.

If your ideal vacation includes more than just poolside lounging, these resorts are pioneering a new way to explore.

Melia’s Destination Inclusive Program

Melia Hotels & Resorts, particularly through its Paradisus brand, is a leader in this trend with its innovative Destination Inclusive program. This is a game-changer because it’s not a resort credit or an extra charge—it’s a curated set of local experiences included at no additional cost.

Examples of these experiences have included:

• Tours of local farms or wineries.
• Visiting a local cenote with a Mexican shaman for a private meditation and yoga class.
• Exploring a nearby ancient canyon for a spiritual yoga and sound healing session.
• Sunset cruises in a local lagoon.
• Cultural Workshops: Learning from local artisans or participating in a traditional Mayan ceremony.

The Destination Inclusive program at Paradisus is a powerful differentiator for travelers who want the convenience of an all-inclusive without sacrificing authentic, immersive experiences.

Sandals Resorts: Underwater Adventures Included

Sandals has long set the standard for what’s included in an all-inclusive package, and their offerings extend well beyond the beach. While most of their popular off-site tours are available for an additional fee through their partner, Island Routes, Sandals makes a notable exception for one high-value activity: scuba diving and snorkeling tours.

For certified divers, PADI-certified scuba diving is a true all-inclusive offering. All dives, equipment, and boat transfers are covered, allowing you to explore some of the Caribbean’s most renowned reefs, walls, and shipwrecks. This is a significant inclusion that most other resorts charge hundreds of dollars for, making it a major perk for underwater enthusiasts.

In addition to scuba diving, Sandals includes non-motorized and motorized water sports like waterskiing and wakeboarding at select properties, and complimentary boat transfers to private offshore islands.

The Lomas Hospitality “More Inclusive” Program

Lomas Hospitality, the parent company of brands like El Dorado Spa Resorts and Generations Riviera Maya, offers a unique approach with its “More Inclusive” program. While many of their most popular tours are sold à la carte, they have created specific packages that bundle high-value off-site excursions with your stay.

Guests can enjoy a truly immersive experience with included activities such as:

• Catamaran & Reef Snorkel Tours: A catamaran trip through the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean, including a snorkeling experience in a vibrant reef.
• Cenote Expeditions: An excursion to a magnificent cenote where you can swim and explore.
• Maroma Beach Club Access: Transportation and access to a beach club on Maroma Beach, one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
• Wave Runner: At select resorts, jet skis are included.

While you’ll need to book a specific package to get these inclusions, they provide a great way to add a layer of adventure to your all-inclusive vacation without the surprise costs.

Additional resorts including experiences into their all inclusive package:

Hotel Xcaret Mexico (Playa del Carmen, Mexico):

This resort is known for its “All-Fun Inclusive” concept, which includes unlimited access to all of Grupo Xcaret’s adventure parks and tours. This is a massive differentiator, as these parks are high-value, full-day excursions. The included parks and tours are Xcaret, Xel-Há, Xplor, Xenses, Xoximilco, Xplor Fuego, and Xenotes. Guests also get complimentary ferry and transportation to Isla Mujeres and Cozumel.

Hotel Xcaret Arte (Playa del Carmen, Mexico):

The sister property to Hotel Xcaret Mexico, this is an adults-only resort that also operates under the “All-Fun Inclusive” concept. It provides the same included access to all of the Xcaret parks and tours, with a specific focus on art, culture, and gastronomy.

Couples Sans Souci Resort (Jamaica):

The Couples brand is praised by many travelers for its generous inclusions. At most properties, a variety of off-site tours are included, such as catamaran cruises, glass-bottom boat tours, and trips to local shopping areas and popular sights. Scuba diving is also included.

Treasure Beach Art Hotel

Located in Barbados (Marriott portfolio) this resort offers complimentary water sports and a free off-site excursion designed to connect guests with local culture and creativity.

Belizean Dreams Resort

Located in Hopkins, Belize (Independent) this resort offers 1 Adventure Tour with a 4+ Night Stay, and airport transfers included in the package. The Adventure Tours include snorkeling, ziplining, Mayan ruin, and a waterfall hike.

The Verdict: A New Era of All-Inclusive

The days of being confined to a resort are over. These brands are leading the charge in a new era of all-inclusive travel, where your package is not just a key to a room and a buffet, but a gateway to a more authentic and enriching vacation. By offering included excursions, they are giving travelers what they truly want: a convenient escape that is still full of adventure.

Let us know if we missed a resort that includes off-site experiences included in the room rate (no additional cost).