Magazine Online    The Authority On African-American Conventions, Incentives, & Leisure Travel
Issue: February/March 2009
Are All-Inclusives Right For Your Group?
By: Solomon J. Herbert, Jr.

The U.S. Travel Association (USTA) released its annual travel forecast indicating that an uncertain economic climate is leading American and global travelers to change their behaviors. Although leisure travel is stable, business travel is projected to decline and the United States is likely to be hit hard by a further decline in international arrivals. If you sit back and think about all the money spent on a one-week business or leisure trip, not including lodging and airfare, it is easy to see why so many Americans just can't afford to travel now. There is, however, an option for travelers with tight budgets that have a desire to DO IT ALL. This alternative is called an All-Inclusive Resort.

At an all-inclusive resort, accommodations, meals, soft drinks, gratuities, recreational activities, entertainment and most alcoholic drinks are included in the daily rate. Many also offer a selection of sports and other activities included in the price as well. "Unlike a cruise, where you find additional charges just for buying drinks, all-inclusive resorts cover everything with one price," notes Paul Pennicook, chief marketing officer of Superclubs Resorts. So if you are yearning for the perfect getaway but hesitating due to these dampening economic times, you don't have to stress because SuperClubs Breezes Super-Inclusive Resorts located throughout the Caribbean, Bahamas and Brazil make it easy, offering fully appointed accommodations and amenities, gourmet restaurants, unlimited premium brand cocktails and sunshine, all at a price that will put a smile on your face.

Those seeking an active, fun and budget-friendly vacation can choose from one of seven Breezes Resorts, as every resort offers a wide variety of land and water sports. From enjoying complimentary rounds of golf at Breezes Runaway Bay's 18-hole PGA championship course in Jamaica, to night scuba diving at the famous Car Pile dive site at Breezes CuraƧao Resort Spa & Casino, or frolicking in the calm ocean waters and three freshwater swimming pools at Breezes Bahamas. Every guest is sure to enjoy the playful side of paradise at Breezes and the all-inclusive possibilities are endless. For more information, or to view the complete list of Breezes Resorts, visit www.breezesresorts.com or call (877) Breezes.

The number one benefit of an all-inclusive resort is definitely the idea that a customer can know up front what money will be spent with out worrying about any unexpected fees being incurred throughout the stay. Since a trip like this is planned in advance, delegates with tight budgets can handle the bulk of the travel expenses upon reservation and then save up for any non-resort related off site activities that would be miniscule in comparison to what a traveler would need had they NOT stayed at an all inclusive resort.

Some all-inclusive resorts are designed for specific vacation interests. For example, certain resorts cater to adults while even more specialized properties accept couples only. Other all-inclusive resorts are geared toward families, with facilities like craft centers, game rooms and water parks to keep children of all ages entertained. Couple's Swept Away Resort is a prime example of a resort with a specific niche, geared towards couples of all ages. The refreshing tranquility that greets visitors at Couples Swept Away makes it the premier destination for any couple wishing to leave their busy lives behind and focus solely on romancing one another. As Couples Resort's most private and peaceful resort, Couples Swept Away offers an intimate hide-away, nestled in abundant tropical gardens, breathtakingly white sandy beaches and the sparkling blue Caribbean Sea. Offering everything from the Oasis Spa's signature couples "reggaessage" treatment to romantic, candle-lit dinners along the beach, Couples Swept Away and its meticulous staff leave couples feeling pampered, peaceful and closer than ever before.

Some of the highlights of the exquisitely designed Couples Swept Away rooms include Jacuzzi bathtubs with picturesque views of the Caribbean landscape, flat-screen televisions and private hammocks, perfect for enjoying the sunset over the dazzling sea. "This is a great opportunity for a group or an incentive that is comprised of couples," says Randy Russell, senior vice president of Couple's Resorts. For more information and reservations call (800) 268-7537 or visit the website at www.couples.com.

A true all-inclusive resort doesn't necessarily have packages. If it's all-inclusive then one rate covers everything. Although this is common through the industry, there are individual resorts that might cater to guests in more personalized ways and have fluctuating prices based on what a guest wants. Some resorts might be themed and a guest can pick which themed package they want throughout the duration of their stay. "It all depends on the nature of the trip and the type of experience the guest wants," states Marcia McLauglin, PR manager for Half Moon Beach Resorts. For example, at Half Moon, if a couple decides to come to the resort and the husband wants to play golf while the wife wants to attend yoga classes there is a package, also better known as an Escape, for each individual. The luxurious Half Moon resort in Jamaica introduces an extra element of ease for travelers craving a lavish vacation that includes exquisite accommodations and numerous amenities that encompass everything needed for a perfect vacation at one great price. Half Moon's Ultimate Escapes collection is a series of personalized packages designed for individuals with specific needs and or wishes while on vacation. All of the Ultimate Escape packages include accommodations, meals and beverage, on-island airport transfers and other resort amenities.

The Total Golf Experience is designed especially for the golf enthusiast. Golfers can play 54 holes on one vacation with green fees at the resort. Rates for the Total Golf Experience start at $630 per room per night. For a romantic interlude Half Moon offers the Romantic Rendezvous that includes truly indulgent amenities such as a couple's massage, exclusive private dinner for two along with other special amenities. Honeymooners, anniversary celebrants or couples planning a romantic escape can take advantage of the Romantic Rendezvous with rates starting at $530 per room per night.

Half Moon's Ultimate Yoga Escape, one of the resort's new exclusive-inclusive Ultimate Escapes offerings, gives yogis luxurious accommodations, two 60-minute yoga classes daily, a personalized massage at the new Fern Tree, the spa at Half Moon, a rafting trip down the nearby Martha Brae River, a Half Moon eco-tour and much more. Rates for the yoga-inclusive vacation start at $900 per room per night double occupancy and require a three-night minimum stay. "As with the other packages in our Ultimate Escapes collection, the Ultimate Yoga Escape is created especially for those travelers who are focused on a path to wellness, whether they are at the beginning of their journey or are more advanced," said Myrtle Dwyer, director of sales for Half Moon.


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