All-inclusive resorts are hotter than ever, and since the world’s largest hotel company has made a high-profile entry into the space, the segment is becoming increasingly interesting.
The All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy portfolio currently includes 25 properties across destinations including Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Mexico; the Dominican Republic; Jamaica and Saint Lucia.
That includes the debut of the new Delta by Marriott Riviera Nayarit, an All-Inclusive Resort, expected in August, the company’s first Delta in the region and the world’s first-ever Delta All-Inclusive property.
And this portfolio is as diverse as it is vast: travelers can find everything from the luxe, adults-only boutique all-inclusive The House in Barbados to the Royalton Antigua , home to some of the most sought-after overwater bungalows in the wider Caribbean.
“We are excited to see our All-Inclusive expansion from Mexico and the Caribbean into Central America as well as South America,” Alex Fiz, Area Vice President and Managing Director Caribbean and All-Inclusive at Marriott International, told Caribbean Journal. “The eight Marriott brands that will be expanded to all-inclusive will give the consumer what they are looking for – our service culture, trusted brand experience and a tailored option for every type of traveler – from adult only to family.”
And that diversity goes beyond resort sizes and destinations.
Marriott has launched a broad foray into all-inclusive, with a focus on four categories: adults-only, family vacations; romance, weddings and honeymoons; and solo adventures, with resorts geared to every kind of traveler.
For adults, that means options to escape to “romantic adventures in exotic destinations,” with a focus on wellness, fashion and music; for family vacations, the emphasis is on adventures for all ages — kids and teens’ clubs, “cutting-edge family accommodations including shared living spaces” and fun dining concepts.
Marriott is also making a big push into weddings, romance and honeymoons, from beach weddings to recreation-filled honeymoons.
And, in a welcome development, Marriott is also acknowledging solo travelers — a category sometimes underrepresented in the broader all-inclusive space.
“We want to offer guests a wide array of options and empower every traveler to explore their kind of dream vacation at distinctive international resorts,” says Fiz. “From authentic local dining experiences to thoughtful programming for all ages, and cultural excursions, curate your memories in your own style.”
Marriott International’s entry into the all-inclusive segment kicked into high gear at the end of 2019 with the company’s acquisition of the sought-after Elegant Hotels portfolio, which includes six all-inclusive resorts on the western and southern coasts of Barbados.
That expanded earlier this year, with the announcement that a collection of Blue Diamond signature branded resorts would be joining the Marriott portfolio.
It’s a significant step for Marriott, and a nod to the growing importance of the all-inclusive category for travelers, particularly in the Caribbean.
Marriott also has more all-inclusive properties on the way, with plans to open new all-inclusive resorts in destinations like Curacao and Jamaica. (You can find out more here).
In other words, the world’s largest hotel company is officially all in on all-inclusive. And that means all-inclusive has a whole new meaning.
For more, visit Marriott All-Inclusive.