When you ask someone who loves all-inclusive resorts what “all-inclusive” really represents for their hard-earned vacation dollars, the most common answer is probably the food!
This could mean the abundant offerings at 3x daily buffets, unlimited snacks at other times, or the hugest, most impressive deal: a la carte restaurants that hopefully offer the world’s best dining experiences.
But sometimes, all-inclusive vacationers make honest mistakes, whether it’s booking the wrong resort or not fully understanding the real truth about all-inclusive resorts. We’re here to help!
Check out our seven all-inclusive dining mistakes everyone makes (and how to avoid them).
We’ve been there and learned, and your next all-inclusive vacation will be all the better—and tastier—when you follow these easy rules and avoid making these mistakes during your stay.
Happy all-inclusive dining!
Mistake — Don’t Do Your Homework
While I’ve never really thought that dreaming about an all-inclusive vacation was “homework,” that’s probably the best word for it.
Doing your all-inclusive vacation homework means ensuring it’s the best resort for you and being prepared for the “need-to-knows,” like a dress code.
It can be shocking if you don’t do your homework on what foods are available at your chosen all-inclusive resort. Some “casual resorts” only offer a main buffet (we ate there; it wasn’t a great option) and a few a la carte dining choices that weren’t open daily.
Here’s what I mean by homework (this is super fun… although I wouldn’t recommend checking this out when you’re hungry!). For example, click on Sandals Dining and then do a quick search on the page to find “filter restaurants.”
You can then select whatever type of food you love or want to try, and resorts will be filtered according to your selections. If you have any questions, you can click on the chat box to text with a live representative!
Mistake — Don’t Know Your Digestive System
Many vacationers want to “try something new,” which can make their all-inclusive experience more memorable.
But it’s extremely wise to know in advance if you suffer from food sensitivities or an intolerance to seasonings. If you don’t, it could affect you in a way that feels suspiciously like food poisoning when, in fact, it’s your digestive system acting up.
Again, this is a bit of homework, but it’s still the best homework I’ve ever done!
Check out all-inclusive resort blogs (the best ones offer this feature) and look for information on foods and even recipes for the dishes they serve
I love this “easy Caribbean recipes” blog that lists specific menu items. You can then find specific step-by-step recipes for those menu items and ingredient lists online to understand better how they taste in advance and if you might experience any issues.
If you have dietary restrictions, that shouldn’t stop you from booking an all-inclusive vacation! According to Sandals FAQs, people with food allergies can meet personally with a chef at the resort to ensure the “appropriate meals” are available.
You can speak to your travel agent or provide your name, arrival date, booking number, and resort name/location to a Sandals representative to arrange this meeting (please allow at least one month’s notice in advance for kosher or halal meal prep).
Mistake — Don’t Leave the Resort
I used to think leaving an all-inclusive resort to enjoy a meal was a huge waste of money. It even led me to write the article, All-inclusive Resort vs DIY Vacation—What’s the Best Deal in 2024?
But leaving the resort, especially at the right time of day in the safest areas, is often the best way to explore local culture, meet fantastic people, and eat great food.
If you’re looking for a top-notch all-inclusive resort that now includes “dine out” meals at vetted, authentic restaurants run by locals, check out this Sandals blog and what they talk about under the subheading, “We’re also taking guests out to eat, literally.” This sounds cool!
Sandals Royal Curaçao is a newer resort with a fantastic concept: three food trucks located by the stunning beach that serve delicious food, such as Spanish tapas and Asian Fusion. When you book select suites, you can also enjoy a $250 dining credit at local restaurants.
Mistake — Don’t Make Reservations
Some of the world’s best all-inclusive resorts offer “dine anywhere, anytime” flexibility, while other resorts ensure that many of their dining options don’t require a reservation.
But when a reservation is required, do yourself a favor and book it immediately when you get to the resort. That might not sound sexy, but it’s a lot better than missing out on a fantastic meal (click on this amazing dinner menu to see what I mean!).
Mistake — Don’t Upgrade to a Room Service Option
As a travel writing freelancer, I’m constantly reading resort reviews because I like to see how my personal experience jives with other travelers who may have different needs and opinions.
Based on these reviews, I always recommend that travelers investigate the option of in-room dining at an all-inclusive resort. It can be a lifesaver when you’re tired or just want to stay in your suite and enjoy your family or each other.
If you’re on a tighter budget, you might be surprised at the resort specials that are constantly advertised, which can allow you to book an upgrade for a significant discount that includes in-room dining from restaurants across the resort.
Mistake — Don’t Combine Dining with Outdoor Relaxation
Sometimes, I enjoy a “resort evening attire” restaurant experience with fine dining and plenty of chic people-watching! But other times, I’d just love to chow down on great food while digging my toes into a sandy beach.
Here’s a tip: check out a great all-inclusive resort on a budget, then splurge a bit on a private cabana for the day or a romantic candlelit dinner on the beach. My favorite is a day-long cabana rental that provides food and drink service delivered right to you—sheer relaxation!
Mistake — Don’t Try Other Items on the Menu
I am all for sustainability, and I’m being more selective about my all-inclusive vacations in paradise because I’d like to focus on the future, which is protecting these island nations for the people who call them home.
That’s why it was exciting to learn about new sustainability efforts at all-inclusive resorts that include better farming methods and incorporating more local produce and sustainably caught seafood into menus.
Often, the best way to enjoy your all-inclusive dining experience is by trying different (yummy!!) restaurants or requesting two appetizers or entrees off a menu.
It’s possible to savor different dishes (in smaller portions, so there’s no food waste) instead of limiting yourself to one thing!
