For many travelers, all-inclusive resorts provide an ideal way in which to celebrate the holidays, particularly for those who are looking for seamless vacation experiences without having to worry about combining accommodations, dining and activities.
That, say advisors, is their job. So what all-inclusive resorts should agents consider? It depends on who the clients are, and, according to advisors interviewed for this story, the best way to determine that is to properly qualify them.
The Importance of Qualifying the Client
“As a travel advisor, my recommendations depend entirely on the individual client’s wants, needs, travel style and budget,” said Mandee Migliaccio, CEO of Stepping Out Travel Services. “What is perfect for one client could be completely wrong for another. My first question is always, ‘What do you want your vacation to look and feel like?’”
The qualifying process is especially essential during the holiday season, as these bookings can be pricey and often include family and multigenerational groups with wide-ranging wish lists.
“Some families want a resort that goes all out with holiday activities, entertainment and programming for children,” Migliaccio said. “Another family may want something more upscale and relaxing where they can simply enjoy being together.
By contrast, a “multigenerational family may need a resort that works for grandparents, parents and children, while a couple may be looking for a romantic or adults-only experience,” she said.
Aligning Expectations with Holiday Budgets
Determining the budget very early in the qualifying process is essential. “That is a huge part of the conversation, particularly during the holiday season when pricing can be significantly higher,” Migliaccio said. “I want to make sure I’m recommending something that not only fits what the client wants, but also makes sense financially for them.”
Claire Schoeder, a luxury independent contractor with Elevations Travel, agreed. “If it’s a multigenerational vacation, a lot of the time the grandparents are paying,” she said.
Top Family, Multigenerational Recommendations
Paradisus Playa del Carmen
When booking all-inclusive resort vacations for multigenerational groups, Schoeder recommends Paradisus Playa del Carmen – Riviera Maya, which features Paradisus Las Esmeralda for families and Paradisus La Perla for adults. The two sections connect through a main lobby, restaurants, a gym, and a spa.
For high-end clients, Schoeder suggests Grand Velas Riviera Maya, which offers spectacular accommodations and a wide range of curated activities and programs for individual guests and the whole group to enjoy together.
For his part, VIP Vacations Groups Manager Ryan Doncsecz tends to “put a little more emphasis on making sure clients are getting a truly exceptional all-inclusive experience.”
“Holiday travel is already one of the most expensive times of the year, so if a client is going to spend more to travel during that period,” he added. “I want them to feel that the resort itself is worth the premium cost,” he said.
Like Migliaccio and Schoeder, he noted that finding the right all-inclusive property depends heavily on who is traveling and what they want from their vacations.
Hotel Xcaret Mexico (Source: Valentín Fuentes)
“For families and multigenerational groups,Hotel Xcaret, Mexicois one of my favorites,” Doncsecz said. “What sets it apart is the amount of activities and experiences in the all-inclusive rate.”
“Guests aren’t simply getting meals, drinks and a beach: they also have access to parks and activities,” he said. For example, they can take advantage of the Xplor and Xenses adventure and theme parks, which, like Hotel Xcaret, are part of Grupo Xcaret and are highly recommended by Doncsecz.
“For families with different ages and interests, this property can be a huge advantage as there is so much to do beyond the resort itself, without constantly adding excursion costs to the vacation,” he said.
Space and Amenities for Larger Groups
For larger family groups, Doncsecz recommends Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya. “One of the biggest challenges I see when booking families of five or more is finding accommodations that keep everyone together,” he said. “Hard Rock Riviera Maya not only features two-bedroom suites, but also the ability to secure guaranteed connecting accommodations when applicable, which is a huge selling point.”
“Families shouldn’t have to choose between being comfortable and being together, particularly during a holiday vacation,” he added.
Romantic Escapes for Couples
When it comes to booking all-inclusive holiday vacations for couples, Doncsecz is equally discerning and suggests properties such as Sandals Resorts’ Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Sandals Dunn’s River.
“There is an argument to be made for spending a little more on the right product during the holidays,” he said. “If they’re already paying a premium for holiday travel, I’d rather see a couple choose a resort that delivers the romantic, upscale experience they envisioned than compromise on the property and spend the entire trip wishing they had booked differently.”
“Sandals does a wonderful job of making the resort itself part of the vacation experience, rather than simply being the place where you sleep,” Doncsecz added.
The True Value of a Travel Advisor
Ultimately, in-depth research is key to matching clients with the right all-inclusive holiday vacation.
And sometimes the devil is in the details. “I take into consideration things that can sometimes be overlooked when simply searching online, including food allergies, dietary restrictions and any health or mobility limitations,” said Migliaccio. “Those details can make a significant difference in which resort I recommend. I want to know that the resort can realistically accommodate the client’s needs and that they will be comfortable and able to enjoy their vacation.”
Furthermore, advisors who simply provide clients with a list of all-inclusive resorts to choose from aren’t doing their job properly, she contended. “The value of working with a travel advisor is the expertise that goes into narrowing those choices down and matching the right resort to the right client.
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