- Staying in a hotel that includes dining options beyond dinner can save you a ton of money while travelling locally and internationally
- If you’re looking to stay in Great Britain, there are many great places to visit
- Of course, you might be looking to escape to the sunshine, in which case there are plenty of countries worth visiting
Looking for bars and restaurants can be one of the most time-consuming and admin-intensive parts of going on holiday. And you can waste even more time getting stuck in traffic jams, or even worse, getting lost trying to find that hidden gem you discovered on TripAdvisor. You go on holiday to relax and think about as little as possible, and full-board or all-inclusive allows you to do this.
Of course, you can save money as well. Hotels often have a selection of restaurants, some with menus that change daily. You’re never bored, you get exactly what you pay for and you experience a true break from the responsibilities and drudgery of daily life.
Viridi / ShutterstockTop Five Domestic All-Inclusive Deals
All-inclusive resorts are few and far between in the U.K., but plenty of hotels offer half- or full-board. This means your food is covered, but you might not get access to the excursions, snacks, unlimited free drinks and watersports you can expect from a beachfront resort in the sun.
Nonetheless, when breakfast and dinner are included in your hotel stay, you save time and money, and the hotels below boast epic restaurants to rival the top eateries in the country.
1. Ennerdale Country House Hotel, Lake District
Set in a stunning Grade II-listed building against the backdrop of the Cumbria countryside, Ennerdale Country House Hotel is a must-visit. Surrounded by 5 acres of immaculately manicured gardens, it’s the perfect setting to visit nearby places like Longlands Lake, Saint Bees Head Heritage Coast and Muncaster Castle Gardens and Owl Center.
With ornate ceilings, fireplaces and hallways, this hotel makes you feel like you’ve been transported to another world. Dogs are welcome, and you can opt for a stay that includes breakfast, packed lunches and dinner at the sumptuous restaurant. Rooms are unique and beautiful, with comfy beds and great facilities.¹
2. Loch Fyne Hotel and Spa, Inveraray
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Scotland from the Loch Fyne Hotel and Spa. Inverary boasts an array of tourist attractions, from art galleries and museums to woodland gardens and castles.
If you’re looking to spend as much time reclining in your hotel as possible, free from any worries or cares, you can opt for a dinner and breakfast package. Expect the finest seafood and steaks, sourced locally, and they’re some of the best in the world.
Enjoy sweeping views of the world-famous loch and get the best sleep of your life in one of the tranquil suites.²
3. Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, Belfast
You’ll find Slieve Donard Resort and Spa tucked away under the picturesque Mountains of Mourne in County Down. As soon as the building enters your view, you’ll be blown away by its majesty and splendour. The interior is just as spectacular, with high ceilings, marble floors and chandeliers. Rooms are huge, with classical Victorian-style decor and characterful furniture.
Save money by opting for the breakfast and dinner inclusive package and put those savings to good use at the spa. The location is perfectly located for visiting Murlough Beach, Kent Amusements and Dundrum Castle.³
4. Harbour Hotel and Spa, St. Ives
St. Ives is one of the most glorious locations in England, with some of the best weather in the U.K., beautiful sandy beaches and a fascinating artistic heritage. The Harbour Hotel is the ideal location for visiting landmarks such as the Tate Art Gallery, the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden and an array of opportunities for surfing and boating.
Opt for the dinner, bed and breakfast package to save money and enjoy the stunning fare from the in-house restaurant. What’s more, the bar with its grand piano, the deluxe gym and the full-service spa provide everything you need from a staycation.⁴
5. Hilton on Park Lane, London
The Hilton on Park Lane is one of the most iconic hotels in the world, and savvy travellers can make the most of its half-board package. Its three restaurants, including Michelin-recommended Galvin at Windows, offer you access to some of the best cuisine in Britain.
Visit this hotel knowing that it’s the spot where Maharishi Mahesh Yogi met the Beatles in 1967, or simply delight in the epic city views. Rooms are simple and modern yet stylish, and breakfast and dinner are exceptional by all accounts.⁵
Top Five International All-Inclusive Deals
If you want to go on the holiday of a lifetime, the type of getaway where you don’t have to lift a finger or think about a thing — head to a beach resort. You can go on excursions and see the local area, but the real beauty is the ability to do anything from one place.
Access to the beach, pool, watersports, snacks, drinks and every meal is provided in one place. Let’s face it, we all work hard, whether it’s at work or taking care of dependents, and we deserve to relax and unwind in one of these stunning all-inclusive locations.
1. Diamonds Thudufushi, Maldives
Diamonds Thudufushi delivers a true experience of paradise and sits like a diamond in the crystal clear waters of the Maldives. There are five restaurants, a minibar that gets restocked every day and complimentary activities. Whether you’re a yoga or Pilates lover, tennis fan or have an interest in marine biology, your every wish and whim is taken care of.
The Maldives is an excellent choice for a holiday because of the opportunities to swim with marine life, dive among coral reefs, enjoy mouthwatering cuisine and admire stunning architecture. ⁶
2. Ikos Dassia, Greece
Ikos Dassia is a stunning resort set in the gorgeous location of Corfu. It’s split into two buildings, charmingly named Sea and Sky. Each has its own set of restaurants, shops, bars and spas. They’re separated by an amazing sandy beach and some of the most beautifully designed pools you’ll ever see.
Your stay includes a sunset cruise, dinners from seven restaurants and even a pass to the world-renowned local museums. The food is outstanding, as you’d expect from a Greek hotel, and includes Mediterranean, Thai and Italian cuisine. With scenic beaches and amazing landscapes, there’s every reason to visit Corfu.⁷
3. Sea Breeze Beach House, Barbados
All-inclusive hotels aren’t what they used to be, and the Sea Breeze Beach House proves it. Located on the beachfront on the north coast, this resort has three pools, five bars, six restaurants and a spa. Despite its grandeur, it retains a comfortable and homely feel. Family and adults-only areas are separated, so you can tailor your holiday to your needs.
Barbados is an ideal location for someone who enjoys water sports such as diving, sailing, snorkelling and glass-bottom boat rides.⁸
4. Palladium Hotel Palmyra, Spain
You’ll find the Palladium Hotel Palmyra on the west coast of Ibiza, tucked away next to the beach in San Antonio. It’s ideal for nightlife lovers due to its close proximity to some of the island’s best nightclubs and is only 25 miles from the nearest airport.
There’s a gym, a restaurant with show cooking, a lovely bar, snacks and musical performances. Ibiza is an ideal destination because it’s only a short plane ride away, has magnificent weather, wonderfully laid back culture and stunning scenery.⁹
5. Excellence Playa Mujeres, Mexico
You’ll find the Excellence Playa Mujeres hotel half an hour from Cancun airport, safely tucked away in its own gated community. You have access to a golf course and an inland marina, in addition to seven pools that wind their way through tropical gardens.
The hotel has a luxurious spa, an array of on-site activities, and you can arrange yacht trips and deep-sea fishing excursions with the hotel. And with nine restaurants to choose from, you’re spoiled for choice at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Mexico is renowned for some of the most impressive food, culture and wildlife in the world.¹⁰