In today’s overwhelming travel landscape, the less planning one needs to do––the better. With so many things on our never-ending to-do lists, luxury “almost all-inclusive” resorts are the new way to vacation in style, without the logistical headache of pre-planning every detail of your vacation ahead of time. Generally, many people choose all inclusive resorts because they’re budget-friendly, especially for those who want to spend their vacations in one location. Booking these resorts can be less stressful since everything will be sorted out, from delicious meals to comfortable lodging and fun activities and entertainment. That is why these resorts are deemed to be the best places to spend your vacation.
Geared towards the busy yet discerning traveler, the ‘almost all-inclusive’ caters to the finer aspects of luxury travel without any of the hassles and as recently reported on by the New York Times, is “taking the guesswork out of where to eat and what to do.” All the perks, without any of the planning. All you need to do is arrive and immerse yourself into a thoughtfully curated stay that’s optimized to your personal travel interests and passions. For instance, are you a oenophile? Why not indulge in a $95 add-on wine tasting led by the female-sommelier team hailing from Per Se and The French Laundry? It’s all about the little enhancements that make a memorable vacation, a truly magical one.
From Arizona to Fiji, these three “almost all-inclusive” luxury resort destinations offer one-of-a-kind activities and world-class culinary programs for a truly unparalleled vacation experience –
For the Desert Soaking & Outdoors Enthusiast:
Arizona’s 1,100 Acre Desert Oasis: Castle Hot Springs
As if soaking in the restorative benefits of the natural geo-thermal hot springs is not enough to enhance your luxury holiday, Travel + Leisure’s #1 Resort in Arizona, Castle Hot Springs offers guests a variety of immersive activities for relaxation, wellness, and adventure, taking cues from the property’s pristine & secluded surroundings.
Arizona’s stunning natural landscape serves as the perfect setting for guests to channel their inner Indiana Jones (or Lara Croft) with exclusive access to guided horseback riding and hiking trails, as well as scenic desert e-bike and ATV razor tours which provide a front seat to the historic mining roads surrounding the property. Those looking to explore new heights can take on the Via Ferrata course (Arizona’s first!) for an unmatched mountaineering experience – allowing guests the opportunity to scale a 400-foot-tall peak that leads to breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
When it’s time to refuel, Castle Hot Springs offers Michelin-level plated dishes that celebrate the vibrancy and impressive yield of its on-site one-acre farm, with elaborate 5-course daily tasting menus that are included with each stay! For the epicurean who wants a fancier accompaniment, you can join the property’s lead sommelier and former French Laundry alum, Sarah Foote for a wine tasting class, or add-on curated wine pairings with each evening’s culinary offering for $95.
For the Nautical Enthusiast & Ocean Lover:
Fiji’s 225-Acre Private Island Paradise:VOMO Island Fiji
Live out your private island fantasy at VOMO Island Fiji, which offers travelers a private, socially-distanced escape on an expansive 225-acre island with only 34 private residences and resort villas.
The plethora of water-based adventures (including guided snorkel safaris, Hobie Cat sailing and kayaking) is only the beginning of this all-inclusive luxury experience. Guests are also treated to weekly beachfront cocktail parties, featuring a special cultural performance called ‘Meke’, followed by a Kava ceremony and traditional Fijian feast, unlimited access to the island’s private 9-hole golf course (including complimentary clubs) and tennis courts, and an array of relaxed island dining experiences featuring local ingredients and fresh seafood caught just off the property’s shores. Just in case these options don’t float your boat, guests can partake in VOMO’s one-of-a-kind sunrise picnic breakfast at the top of Mount Vomo, where you will be one of the first on the planet to welcome in a new day!
Looking to become an expert in the unknown wonders of the underwater world? As a PADI 5-star gold palm dive resort, VOMO offers unfettered front-row reef access not available to other island resorts through a PADI Open Water Certification Course.Guests can arrive at VOMO with no previous experience and leave with a full PADI scuba diving certification! For travelers looking for the ultimate luxury travel experience, without any of the planning, look no further than Maui’s legendary 5-star and 5-Diamond Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Curated by a team of local Hawaiian expert concierges, the resort's Unforgettable Experiences offer a highly customizable series of once-in-a-lifetime adventures that connect guests to the most interesting places and characters on Maui, giving guests unparalleled exclusive access. All you have to do is present your dream experience, and allow the concierge team to bring the once-in-a-lifetime custom-tailored adventure to life.
Image credit: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
