What do a private island in Tahiti, a game reserve in Kenya, and an elegant country estate in the mountains of Vermont have in common? They are all home to luxurious all-inclusive resorts.
Most of these resorts include accommodation, meals, beverages, and activities. Many are high-end and low-impact eco-resorts, with sustainability and conservation at their core. Others cosset guests in luxury villas on some of the most beautiful islands in the world, from over-the-water bungalows on one of Fiji’s best islands to eco-chic nature resorts in Indonesia. A couple are among the most expensive resorts in the world, while others offer excellent value — with everything, even activities, included.
Whether these resorts lie in the Caribbean or Kenya, they all offer personal service, pampering touches, and all-inclusive rates, so you can leave your worries — and your wallet — at home.
Find the perfect high-end hideaway with our list of the best luxury all-inclusive resorts in the world.
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Nihi Sumba Island, Indonesia
Eco-conscious and extraordinarily beautiful, the former surfing retreat of Nihi Sumba Island scores top billing on lists of the world’s best beach resorts. It presides over a wild and pristine palm-fringed slice of coast on the remote island of Sumba in Indonesia, about a one-hour flight from Bali.
It’s a fitting location considering the resort’s philosophy is “The Edge of Wildness.” The resort nestles within a nature reserve, and more than 2.5 kilometers of white-sand beach beckons beneath the cliffs below, with fantastic surfing, fishing, and snorkeling. You won’t find TVs here, just cool ocean breezes, island adventures, warm and friendly staff, and glorious sea views.
The 33 air-conditioned villas perfectly capture the essence of this tropical hideaway, with soaring thatched ceilings that peek out among the palms and sweeping ocean views. Configurations range from one to five bedrooms, and they come with features like large living rooms, private plunge pools, outdoor showers, and impeccable butler service. Families can reserve a delightfully quirky three-story treehouse.
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The Brando, Tahiti
If you’re dreaming of a Tahitian tropical paradise with an eco-sensitive, low-impact approach, The Brando is for you. Set on a pristine private island embracing a three-mile lagoon, this carbon-neutral resort is the ultimate in laid-back luxury.
The resort was established by screen legend Marlon Brando to preserve the island’s beauty and biodiversity and serve as a model of sustainability —solar power, seawater air-conditioning systems, and other renewable energy technologies power the entire island.
Not surprisingly, nature lovers will be in heaven here. Flourishing coral reefs shimmer in the lagoon, birds flock to the shores, whales swim by on their annual migrations, and sea turtles nest on the bone-white beaches.
Set back from the beach, the thatched villas peek out unobtrusively from clusters of pandanus and palms. Modern furnishings and fixtures mix effortlessly with recycled and local building materials like thatch, stone, and wood.
Villas include private plunge pools, outdoor bathtubs, and media rooms with TV and Wi-Fi. Two-bedroom villas add kitchens and dining areas, and the spacious three-bedroom villa is perfect for large family gatherings. All the villas come with bicycles, so you can explore the island with pedal power.
Fusing French, Polynesian, and East-meets-West styles, the food is divine and incorporates fresh produce from the island’s organic gardens. Local seafood features prominently, and the fluffy, flaky breakfast croissants are a guest favorite. Vegan options are also offered.
As you would expect, activities revolve around the water, and the resort provides all the equipment you need to paddleboard, snorkel, dive, and kayak in the crystal-clear waters. If you’d like to learn more about the island’s ecology and conservation, you can visit the eco-station and chat with the researchers.
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LUX South Ari Atoll, Maldives
Planning a dreamy tropical island honeymoon? Look no further than Lux South Ari Atoll in the Maldives. Imagine the perfect, pristine island escape, with silky-soft white-sand beaches and translucent turquoise water. Picture thatched bungalows perched over the shimmering sea, with private plunge pools — you’ll find all this and more at LUX.
Perfectly positioned over the beach and sea, all 193 villas feature “beach house chic” decor, with sun-bleached woods and crisp white linens, and all offer the modern luxuries you might expect of a 5-star resort.
Families are also welcome here. The kids’ club will keep your little ones entertained throughout the day, and the eight restaurants will satisfy even the fussiest of eaters.
When it comes to things to do, the options are endless. Diving with whale sharks or sea turtles? No problem. Luxe South Ari Atoll presides over a marine protected area, with more than 50 fish-rich dive sites and superb snorkeling. Pop-up movies on the beach? Floating breakfast in your private plunge pool? Spa treatments? Tennis? You can sign up for all this and more.
Stylish and serene, LUX South Ari Atoll is the perfect escape for couples seeking romance — or anyone who just wants to relax at a private island paradise.
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Jumby Bay Island – an Oetker Collection Hotel, Antigua
On a palm-studded private island in Antigua rimmed by dazzling beaches, Jumby Bay is tropical elegance at its best. One of the top luxury all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, Jumby Bay offers all the expected luxuries and modern conveniences of a 5-star resort but in a peaceful pocket of paradise. The entire island is car-free, but you can explore it on a bike and soak up the relaxed pace of life.
Jumby Bay is known for its doting staff, who provide impeccable service with a warm smile. World-class cuisine infused with tropical flavors stars at the fine-dining restaurant, but you can also dine by the pool and beach.
Despite the remote feel of the setting, you can still stay connected to the outside world. The 40 air-conditioned luxury guest rooms and villas come with all the modern conveniences, including large flat-screen TVs, Bose sound systems, Nespresso coffee makers, and Wi-Fi. But they also have timeless romantic features that couples love, including four-poster beds dressed in Italian linens, wraparound terraces, and private outdoor gardens with rain showers.
Red-roofed villas and houses add extra luxuries, like private chefs, personal butlers, and swimming pools. No wonder this is one of the best luxury resorts in the world.
When you’re not basking under rustling palms on the beach, you can work out at the gym, swim in the infinity pool, play tennis or golf, or succumb to a pampering session at the spa.
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Royal Malewane, South Africa
One of the top safari lodges in South Africa, Royal Malewane is for travelers who want to follow in the footsteps of the world’s most discerning and wealthy wildlife lovers. The lodge lies in Thornybush Game Reserve bordering spectacular Kruger National Park, which offers some of the best wildlife-viewing on the planet.
Old-world colonial elegance sets the tone here, and animals take center stage — especially the relatively large number of resident lions.
Eight impeccably decorated, air-conditioned suites recall the grand old days of Hemingway. Oriental rugs, antiques, thatched roofs, and four-poster beds draped in mosquito netting are typical features. Outdoor showers and plunge pools on expansive decks merge with the wilderness, where elephants and other wildlife are part of the views.
Two-bedroom Royal Suites are perfect for families, and for even more exclusivity, groups can reserve Africa House, a six-bedroom villa with a private chef.
Daily activities revolve around the morning and evening game drives, when expert trackers and guides deliver you to National Geographic-worthy wildlife action. You can also relax at the award-winning bush spa and tone at the gym in your spare time.
Children of all ages are welcome in the Royal Suites and Africa House, but they must be older than 10 to stay in the luxury suites.
