All-inclusive vacations can take the stress out of a family trip — and who wants stress on a vacation? With everything taken care of for you, the only thing you have to worry about is getting there. But long gone are the days when all-inclusive automatically meant cheap food and bad entertainment. Here are the 10 most searched family all-inclusive vacations on Yahoo. They’re all exceptional destinations,that also happen to include a little extra for the price.
10. Dunton Hot Springs, Colo.: Take a Dip at a Mining Camp
Between Telluride and Durango, nestled at 8,600 feet in the mountains of Colorado, is a former mining camp that’s been turned into a luxury resort. Though it once was a rough homestead, where trappers, loggers, and miners would hole up in the log cabins, Dunton Hot Springs is now all about high-end comfort amid 200 acres of uninterrupted nature. The 13 cabins aren’t so much cabins as small houses that sleep anywhere from two to 10 people — some with their own private hot springs. You can also visit the historic saloon (which has Butch Cassidy’s signature carved into the bar), take a yoga class, or soak in the bathhouse. Meals, drinks, mountain bikes, access to all of the property, and laundry are included in your stay. But it doesn’t come cheap. Cabins rent out for $900 to $1,900/night.
9. Whiteface Lodge, N.Y.: Make Your Own Miracle at the Lake
Lake Placid isn’t just famous for the Miracle on Ice. As part of the massive Adirondack Park, it’s also a popular spot for hiking, skiing, mountain biking, or just lounging around the lake. And Whiteface Lodge makes the ideal homebase for all those activities. Along with 94 luxury suites and rooms, the lodge also has a 5,800-foot spa, a movie theater, a skating rink, multiple swimming pools (and hot tubs), and a beach club on the lake. With all that, though, the feel is still old-world Adirondacks. Rooms range from $300 to $900/night, and breakfast is included.
8. Mayan Dude Ranch, Texas: Cowboys for a Week
If you’re looking for down-home fun on a farm or if your kids are just really into horses, then the Mayan Dude Ranch is the place for a laid-back family trip. About an hour outside of San Antonio, in Texas hill country, the dude ranch is like camp for adults and families. Each day starts with a trail ride out to a cowboy breakfast spot. In the afternoon, you can swim in the pool, hike the trails, partake in the sharpshooter contest, or enjoy your second horse ride of the day. Evenings are filled with massive dinners — typically centered around a theme and lots of BBQ — and nighttime entertainment, either line-dancing, country music, or old-fashioned hayrides. The kids will love getting to be a cowboy for a few days and you’ll love that it doesn’t have to break the bank. Food, drinks, trail rides, and activities are included. Prices are typically around $165/night for adults, $80-$100 for kids.
7. Sugar Bay Resort and Spa, St. Thomas: For the Whole Family
Formerly a Wyndham Hotels location, the Sugar Bay Bay Resort and Spa was taken over by Dreams at the end of last year and is now formally the Dreams Sugar Bay St. Thomas. While renovations were still taking place in December and January, the property — Dreams’ only on St. Thomas — is now fully operational and a popular spot for family vacations. The all-inclusive package covers unlimited access to the four restaurants, a buffet, and cafe, as well as unlimited drinks from the multiple bars, including the swim-up bar. (Who said this was just a trip for the kids?) The young ones will enjoy the kids’ club or teens’ club, and daily activities. You can lounge by the pool or at the white sand beach. You can even rent kayaks, paddleboards, or snorkels. Rooms or suites range from $450 to $1,200/night.
6. Grand Park Royal Caribbean, Mexico: A Different Side of Cancun
Sure, Cancun is known for spring breakers. But just outside of the downtown area, on a long isthmus with clear water on either side, the Grand Park Royal Cancun Caribe offers a luxury all-inclusive resort that everyone in the family will enjoy. The 311-room resort right on the water has a fitness center, spa, yoga studio, and two pools. An all-inclusive package takes care of all your meals, drinks, in-room minibar, snacks, and daily activities. Excursions, childcare, and spa treatments are extra. Packages are from $190 to $850/night.
5. Ski Portillo, Chile: Summer Skiing in the Andes
Opened in 1949, Ski Portillo was the first ski resort in South America. Today, the resort offers idyllic skiing and family-oriented accommodations perfectly situated in the Andes Mountains on the border of Chile. The resort has 1,200 skiable acres and five chairlifts, and it’s become a popular destination for North American skiers during their summer (while it’s winter season in Chile). And when you’re not skiing, you can soak in the outdoor hot tubs and pools that overlook the nearby lake. The hotel also has a movie theater, a gym for volleyball, soccer, or basketball, and a fitness center and yoga room. Prices range from $250 to $1,250/night, depending on accommodations.
4. Marble Mountain Guest Ranch, Calif.: Riding and Rafting
Situated right on the Klamath River in northern California,the Marble Mountain Guest Ranch is a family dude ranch in the heart of Klamath National Forest. Days at the ranch are jam-packed with horseback riding on trails, rafting the river, fly fishing for steelhead, or practicing your shooting skills. Because it’s family-run and family-oriented, all the activities are designed to accommodate the “young buckeroos,” as the ranch calls its kids, with safety as a top priority. Babysitting can also be arranged for infants. All activities are run by the ranch, not outsourced, and all food is cooked on site — with a pre-dinner complimentary drink for the adults. Rates range from $240 to $360/night.
3. Club Med Sandpiper Bay, Fla.: Never a Dull Moment
You’re an active family. You like to do things, play sports, try new experiences. Then Club Med Sandpiper Bay, the company’s only premium sports resort in the U.S., is the spot for you. If the 20 tennis courts or on-site golf course aren’t enough, then take a lesson from one of the world-renowned coaches in tennis, golf, beach volleyball, or triathlon. On the eastern Florida coast, the resort sits right on the St. Lucie River, with a private river beach. Plus, the kids aren’t the only ones who’ll enjoy the water park and trapeze lessons. Food and drinks are includes, ranging from $190 to $300/night.
2. Travaasa Hana, Hawaii: A Vacation Worth Taking
It’s not necessarily easy to get to, but once you’re there, it’s definitely worth it. On the eastern edge of Maui, in the town of Hana, the Travaasa Hana is exactly what you picture a lush Hawaiian resort to be. This isn’t the Hawaii of wide sandy beaches, though. This is more secluded waterfalls, breathtaking rocky ocean views, and hikes you’ll never forget. Voted the #1 Resort in Hawaii by Conde Nast Traveler, Travaasa Hana offers a number of experiences. Opt for “adventure” and try canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, or cliffside horseback riding. Check out the spa too, or try your hand at some local Hawaiian traditions. The all-inclusive package, called the Total Travaasa, includes all your meals, non-alcoholic drinks, and a $125 spa credit each day. Rates range from $500 to $1,200/night.
1. Skytop Lodge, Pa.: History in the Poconos
Since 1928, Skytop Lodge has been catering to vacation-goers in the Poconos Mountains. The impressive and historic main lodge still greets guests as they drive up to the manor house. Stay in the lodge, the inn, or one of the cottages. All offer out-the-door access to 5,500 acres of mountainside. Hike the 30 miles of trail, hit the golf course, or take the kids to the Adventure Center, which has zip lining, paintball, and rock climbing. Two pools and a lake on the property means plenty of time in the water. Be as busy or relaxed as you want to be. The all-inclusive rate includes meals and drinks and some activities, and ranges from $130 to $500/night.
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