Apart from canceled flights, lost luggage and the stresses that come with travel today, there’s nothing more painful than paying a resort fee that doesn’t seem to have any benefits… Wi-fi, parking and purified water feel more like basic necessities these days, so some luxury properties are taking things to the next level. The below hotels and resorts offer on-property programs and experiences for guests, completely free of charge, putting that ever-dreaded resort fee to good use.
Alila Napa Valley (Resort fee: $55 + tax per night)
A unique blend of traditional and modern, infused with the rustic charm of the Napa lifestyle,Alila Napa Valley is an adults-only retreat, tucked in the heart of Northern California’s wine country and set amid Beringer Vineyards and the region’s many historic wineries. Featuring 68 rooms and suites, many of which overlook the vineyards with oversized balconies and private, cozy firepits, Alila Napa Valley invites guests to unwind in luxurious seclusion and serenity. As part of the resort fee, guests are given a welcome ½ bottle of wine, TREK bicycles to explore downtown St. Helena, electric vehicle charging stations, and more.
Also complimentary, guests can engage in on-site Alila Journeys, inspired by the beauty and bounty of the valley, including Balance and Botanicals to learn about the holistic benefits of property-grown herbs and craft their own special cocktail; Brushes & Sip, the aptly named sip-and-paint class featuring artful wines from the region; Scents of the Valley, an interactive scent workshop which starts in the on-site chef’s garden; and Sound Bath Healing through guided crystal bowl sound bath meditation for deep relaxation and balance.
Andaz Maui (Resort fee: $48 + tax per night)
The 15-acre beachfront Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort features 3 cascading infinity pools, one lagoon pool, a full-service spa with a private adults-only pool, and two highly acclaimed restaurants, Ka’ana Kitchen and Morimoto Maui by Chef Masaharu Morimoto. As part of their resort fee, guests are welcomed with a full-sized snack package with Maui Brewing Company root beer and guava juice, Maui Style chips, local macadamia nuts and cookies, popcorn and more. Guests are given free-of-charge access to snorkel equipment, ukelele and hula lessons, coconut husking, photo sessions against the Maui sunset, stand-up paddleboard lessons and GoPro rentals. Also part of the resort’s complimentary programming are the newest activities launched this year:
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara (Resort fee: $50 + tax per night)
Set against a backdrop of golden beaches and lush mountains, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara embodies the charm, beauty, and energy of the Mediterranean in the heart of Santa Barbara. The iconic Central California resort spans 78 acres and features 358 guest rooms and suites, two natural beaches, lush gardens, and a collection of amenities including: a 42,000 square-foot spa and wellness center; three salt-water infinity pools; six culinary venues including the signature Angel Oak, housing the resort’s 12,000-bottle wine collection; robust activities program for guests of all ages; and 70,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space. The resort’s fee includes daily aerobics and yoga classes for 2 people, electric bike rentals, an Ambassadors of the Environment guided eco-hike and daily one-hour access to private, professional grade clay tennis courts and equipment.
