Get more vacation value for your vacation budget
There’s more to an all inclusive vacation than pools, amenities and suites! But let’s not kid ourselves… those are pretty awesome and a huge part of what makes a vacation epic. That said, paradise is what you make it and we’ve put together a list of resorts in some of our favourite sun-soaked destinations that we know will get you MORE out of your getaway. Let’s not forget, value is more than just what you can save, so keep reading to find out how you can squeeze every bit of vacation fun out of paradise!
Underwater beauty that ignites your imagination
If your idea of a perfect getaway means plenty of time snorkelling and scuba diving, then let us introduce you to your fantasy island! Roatán, Honduras has everything you could want out of a diving destination with stunning beaches, a laidback vibe and some of the best snorkelling and diving conditions in the tropics. Now imagine all that, but at Fantasy Island Beach Resort, Dive and Marina, set on its own private 21-acres and features unique amenities like a mini-zoo with exotic animals, three pristine (and secluded) beaches and its crown jewel, an on-site PADI-certified dive centre. Why is this such a big deal? Because the waters off the coast are home to a wide variety of colourful marine life. The water’s warm, so dive right in!
POV: You’re on your dream family getaway
Families that vacay together have a blast together and that couldn’t be more true at Memories Varadero Beach Resort in, uhh, Varadero! This unassuming resort is perfect for kids and parents alike, with plenty to keep the whole fam entertained from breakfast to dinner! As one of our Smile Resorts™, parents will love that kids 12 and under can stay, play and eat FREE, not to mention the action-packed Kids Club with everything from cooking classes to Lego building, carnivals, pyjama parties – the list goes on! And now we’re jealous. There’s also a corkscrew water slide, 24-hour Wi-Fi resort wide (in Cuba!), four pools including a kids pool and how can we forget, the world-famous Varadero Beach just steps away.
Pacific Mexico has a few secrets to share
While Cancun and Riviera Maya get a lot of shine – and for good reason, don’t get us wrong – don’t count out Riviera Nayarit! The perfect blend of beach destination and eco-haven, you can experience the best of both worlds at Decameron Isla Coral, Riviera Nayarit overlooking a golden-sand beach and its namesake, Isla Coral. Perfect for families, couples and groups, you can stretch your vacation budget further than you thought with complete access to the facilities and amenities at neighbouring Decameron resorts and enjoy complimentary shuttle service to both! If you book your stay between the months of December and March, you’ll probably be lucky enough to see humpback whales swimming through the bay. You can’t put a price on that.
Have it your way in paradise
For the budget you have, there’s no limit to what you can experience when you head to Cuba’s Sunshine Coast aka Cayo Largo! Welcoming everyone under the Caribbean sun, Starfish Cayo Largo is the new place to be for relaxing all inclusive getaways with a stunning white-sand beach, spacious accommodations and activities for all ages – but wait, there’s more! You can easily explore the best of Cayo Largo, with a convenient tourist train bringing you to beautiful beaches, the Cayo Largo Activity Center and the Sea Turtle Rescue Center, or rent an ATV and explore on your own. That’s not all – Cayo Largo is famous for its incredible diving in a protected marine reserve with 30 dive sites and over 200 shipwrecks to discover.
Three’s better than one
El Cid Marina Beach’s architecture brings a taste of the Mediterranean to Mazatlán’s golden shores with all the amenities you look for in an all inclusive resort, like a zero-entry pool reminiscent of a natural grotto, spa services and delectable dining. But that’s just the beginning. Triple your fun in the sun with access to the amenities and facilities at nearby El Cid resorts with shuttle service included, plus the El Cid Golf and Country Club for those vacation golfers. The resort also offers water taxi service to a nearby beach for a more secluded stay in the sun. Parents, we got you… kids seven and younger stay, play and eat FREE while kids and teens from eight to 17 still gotta pay but at special rates.
Explore at your own pace
OK, we love Cancun because it’s more than just a stunning beach destination – it’s a bustling city with something new around every corner. Smart Cancun by Oasis is in the heart of downtown Cancun and with its European meal plan offering, you have the flexibility to explore the best of the city just steps from your front door. Sample a range of delicious restaurants serving up more than just tacos, grab an ice-cold margarita at one of the stylish bars, shop ‘til you drop and don’t forget to check out the lively nightlife scene. Of course you can still take a break by the resort’s pool or kick your feet up at the nearby beach club. “Why Mexico,” you ask? “Why not,” we say.
