Most people are vacationing incorrectly. It rarely has anything to do with the destination, but rather with the mindset. Vacations should allow you to disconnect and recharge, helping reduce burnout, lower cortisol levels, and maintain overall health.
It’s hard to disconnect when your brain doesn’t fully power down. That would be impossible if you are also mentally overloading on vacation with those quiet decisions: Did I book transportation from the airport? Where should we eat tonight? What time do we have to be on our excursion?
All-inclusive resorts will solve this, but we get it. For a long time, all-inclusive resorts had a reputation for watered-down drinks, below-average food, and what felt like a lack of luxury. But there’s a new generation of properties that is changing this narrative. These resorts are addressing the tough questions in the back of your mind, giving you the opportunity to experience the true luxury of powering down and doing nothing.
This is the “I don’t want to think” vacation, and it has never felt better. Whether you are taking in the cliffside serenity of a Greek island or the warm sands in the Caribbean, all of these all-inclusive properties allow you to simply show up and exhale.
Grand Velas Los Cabos Resorts — Mexico
You can’t go wrong with any of Mexico’s Grand Velas resorts in Riviera Nayarit, Riviera Maya, or Boutique Los Cabos, which is the sister property to Grand Velas Los Cabos. That said, Grand Velas Los Cabos is a favorite among travelers. It’s no secret that all-inclusive resorts usually have a reputation for mediocre food options. That’s where Grand Velas Los Cabos stands out among its competition.
The beachfront property features AAA Five Diamond Cocina de Autor, which is a recent recipient of a MICHELIN star, currently led by two MICHELIN-star chef Sidney Schutte. This highlight keeps guests coming back, along with six other on-site restaurants worth indulging in.
Another highlight of Grand Velas Los Cabos is the spacious suites. With dramatic ocean views infusing every area of the resort, you will wake up to the breathtaking views and sounds of the ocean. It’s the perfect destination for travelers who want it all: luxury, relaxation, fantastic food, and impeccable service.
Gundari Resort – Folegandros, Greece
Prepared to be enamored from the moment you set foot onto the Gundari Resort. The luxury resort blends so effortlessly with the raw nature on the secluded island of Folegandros. The landscapes will pull you in, transporting you to simpler times.
Wrapped in 100 acres of spectacular, Gundari sits high on rugged, soaring cliffs overlooking the azure depths of the Aegean Sea. This extraordinary oasis is designed to inspire and invigorate. Gastronomy, sustainability, and wellness are at its heart. The resort is designed with elegance, serenity, and intimacy for those of you who need to unplug, rest, and reset.
Other incredible features include the private infinity pools in each suite, private outdoor space, the tranquility of the spa, and the best food on the island. Gundari will not disappoint you as it is the epitome of understated luxury.
Note that the resort’s operating season runs from May to early October.
Mii amo – Sedona, Arizona
It’s impossible to leave Mii amo the same way you entered. Mii amo reopened in early 2023 following a $40 million two-year renewal that expanded its footprint into the ultimate desert retreat. Ideal for guests looking for healing and a reset, Mii amo invites those seeking a transformative experience.
Situated within Sedona’s iconic Boynton Canyon, the reopening of this all-inclusive spa offers new 10-night Journeys alongside traditional 3-, 4-, and 7-night programs that feature unique spa services for optimal wellness. Services range from massages, facials, and meditations based on Celestial Cycles to “Energy and Spirit” programming, including Astrology readings and Past Life Regression.
The newly introduced Wellbeing Pathways Series invites guests to explore specialized wellness topics in meaningful depth. Guided by expert practitioners, the immersive programming offers guests thoughtful sessions as part of their personalized Mii amo Journey.
Jumby Bay Island, Oetker Hotels – Antigua and Barbuda
Jumby Bay is a magical place. Some even describe it as a slice of heaven on Earth. The team here is reinventing the art of the fully inclusive experience, and it begins when you arrive at Antigua’s airport.
Guests receive VIP treatment through customs and baggage claim before they board a black car to the resort’s private yacht, where they will be transported to a world away from everything. As you glide across the shimmering turquoise seas, you will be engulfed in Jumby Bay Island’s all-encompassing lifestyle in less than 10 minutes, where powder-white beaches and the perfect relaxing getaway await.
Jumby Bay spans 300 acres and features about 40 suites, 20 villas, and several private residences, making it an exclusive, tranquil destination for travelers.
Food on a private island can be tricky. Luckily, you will find that the delicious cuisine here makes venturing elsewhere challenging. Another standout for guests is the staff, who deliver some of the best service you will encounter. The staff is warm and gracious, and their attention to detail will elevate this luxurious experience.
Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa – Dubai
Located 45 minutes from Dubai is Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa. Nestled within a verdant oasis among some of Arabia’s most impressive dunes and desert landscapes, this gorgeous property resembles a luxurious Bedouin encampment, the region’s warm and welcoming nomadic Arab people.
This secluded resort offers enchanting experiences, with great hospitality, privacy, and absolute comfort. Al Maha’s luxurious accommodation includes 42 private guest villas in four categories, each offering its own private space amid quiet surroundings, with private pools and decks available.
Dining options include the signature Al Diwaan restaurant, dune dining, deck dining, or in-villa dining. Covering a wide spectrum of interests, you can select up to two different complementary activities every day as part of your stay. Activities include camel trekking, wildlife drives, or falconry, all designed to offer you memorable, first-hand experiences in an incredible, sensory landscape.
With full-board dining, intuitive service, and an atmosphere of rare tranquility, Al Maha invites you to experience the true essence of Arabian desert luxury: where time slows, and nature takes the lead.
Turtle Island – Fiji
Experience pure luxury, relaxation, and romance at one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. Turtle Island is an ultra-exclusive private island resort offering the essence of barefoot luxury and authentic Fijian hospitality.
There are only 14 bures on the property, and each one comes with a dedicated personal concierge. This all-inclusive sanctuary promises intimacy, seclusion, and heartfelt service. Guests enjoy 12 private beaches, gourmet meals made from island-grown ingredients, and enriching experiences deeply rooted in local culture. Your days will unfold with scuba diving, fishing, horseback rides at sunrise, soothing massages, and moonlit floating dinners. Every detail is thoughtfully curated, so prepare for a vacation free of crowds, clocks, and cares.
Bedarra Great Barrier Reef – Australia
Bedarra Great Barrier Reef is an all-inclusive resort perfect for people who simply don’t want to be found. This private tropical haven is Australia’s most unique resort and the ultimate in barefoot luxury. There are only 12 private villas, hidden across more than 111 acres of tropical rainforest. Accommodating a maximum of 24 guests, this resort offers solitude, privacy, and sublime views over the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
During your stay, enjoy a candlelit dinner for two on your own private beachfront deck, pack a chef-prepared gourmet hamper in your own dinghy for a romantic picnic on one of the nearby deserted islands, or disappear into a hammock with a book while being serenaded by the soundtrack of swaying palms and gentle waves.
According to staff, every villa at Bedarra offers a unique experience. Each one is slightly different from the others, so no two stays will be the same. While some villas are situated a few steps from the beach, others include infinity-edge plunge pools. Some villas feature outdoor rainforest bathrooms, while others offer expansive private sundecks and daybeds.
