 |
PAGES: 1 2
When money is no object, what's the allure of an all- inclusive? "It's the ease of the experience," says John Steinle, president of Sanctuare, a Stamford, Connecticut-based company that represents 15 privately-owned small resorts and hotels around the world. "Not having to wait for a bill or to sign for every little thing is in itself a luxurious experience," says Steinle.
"People at the higher income levels work harder today than they ever have in history and so being able to go somewhere and have it be an easier experience is important," says NYU's Lalia Rach. "They know they're paying but [at an all-inclusive], it's a simpler, easier and more enjoyable experience. That's what draws us to an all-inclusive in the first place."
See our slideshow of 10 exclusive all-inclusive resorts.
The bottom line is that the rich are as interested as regular folk in getting their money's worth of service and pampering even when they are paying what to most travelers would seem a fortune.
"Perception of value is one of the reasons behind this evolution," explains Peter C. Yesawich, chairman and CEO of Ypartnership, which tracks travel trends. "It's about the worth of the experience relative to the price paid."
What constitutes worth and value to the very rich?
To some, it's as simple as not feeling like they are being nickeled-and-dimed at every turn. "When I'm paying thousands a night to stay in a resort, I don't want to be charged $10 for bottled water or a midnight snack," says a Chicago-based hedge fund manager who's vacationed at several ultra-luxe all inclusives with his family.
To others, it's the pleasure of menus with no prices and fine wine that flows freely. To this end, a majority of high-end all-inclusives now offer grape and grain libations in their all inclusive rate. Earlier this year, Voyages Signature, a group of six all-inclusive luxury properties in Australia, entered the free libations fold. "This change was basically to ensure that our guests will want for nothing—and feel fully catered to in every possible way when staying at our luxury properties," explains Bree Corbett, public relations manager.
So how much can one expect to pay for this over the top pampering? Luxury all-inclusive tariffs are all over the place. So we've come up with a tasting menu of top resorts around the world in all price ranges. All but two include premium wine and liquor.
All quoted rates include meals, snacks, and drinks, including premium liquor and wine by the glass, as well as the activities mentioned. Unless otherwise stated, resort fees, taxes and gratuities are not included.
See our slideshow of 10 exclusive all-inclusive resorts.
PAGES: 1 2
