For most people visiting Aruba for the first time, one of the main decisions to make is whether to choose an all inclusive option or not. This is particularly important if you don’t already know which resort you want to stay at as it could well sway your decision.

There are great all inclusive only resorts in Aruba such as Riu, Tamarijn and Divi Resorts, other hotels like Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa, Marriott Aruba Resort & Stellaris Casino, Westin and Divi Dutch Village also have an AI option. Many of these hotels aren’t limited to buffet meals day and night in their main restaurant; the Tamarijn and Divi Resorts for example, have a number of a la carte restaurants within the hotel complex serving the likes of Italian and Asian cuisine.

It does however, have to be said, that the array of excellent restaurants on the island would rival most other islands in the Caribbean. If you enjoy eating somewhere different each night then you will have a plethora of restaurants to choose from, to suit all tastes and budgets. Even if these aren’t within close proximity to your chosen resort it is both cheap and safe to travel around at night; there are many taxis and buses running regularly.

If you are looking for something in between then you could consider a breakfast only package, resorts such as Manchebo Beach, Bucuti and Radisson all offer this.

Still confused? Then we have summed up the pros and cons below to help you decide:

Pros of All Inclusive

• Budgeting – Great if you are on a budget as you will know before you go, pretty much, what your holiday is going to cost you.
• Hassle free – you can eat and drink what you want, when you want, in some instances 24 hours a day.
• Big drinkers – for those of you who have a large appetite for alcohol then this option is ideal as drinks can be expensive and really bump up the cost of your holiday. Drinks, alcoholic and non alcoholic are unlimited and available all day, usually from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. The RIU and Occidental have alcohol on tap 24 hours a day with limited alcohol supplied in your room. RIU has a 24 hour Sports Bar.
• No Shopping, Cooking or Washing Up – Let’s face it, who wants to do any of these when on holiday!
• Trying Different Dishes – with no limit to what you can eat and how much it’s going to cost, why not try everything.
• Cocktails – Usually available in abundance on AI packages, also no need bring a cooler to keep drinks chilled on the beach.
• Family Friendly – Can be more cost effective if you have children.

Cons of All Inclusive

• Limited To Resort Dining Options – Unless you choose to eat out from time to time, can be annoying to shell out money twice.
• Not Experiencing The Real Aruba – Easy not to venture out and explore what the island has to offer.
• Not Big Eater Or Drinker – Then AI can prove expensive, drinks at restaurants, hotels, and bars range between $5.00 – $10.00 a piece.
• Restrictive – If you don’t like the food/drinks then you have to make the most of it or dine out for the duration of your holiday.
• Quality Of Food & Drinks – Research this before you go to avoid disappointment, some resorts don’t offer gourmet dining or internationally branded drinks.

Considerations Before Booking An All Inclusive Vacation

• Does the resort have good reviews of the food/drink they serve?
• Do they serve internationally branded drinks?
• Is there a surcharge for any of the al a carte dining options?
• Is 24 hour room service available
• Are there any limitations such as a la carte dining twice a week or anything you would be irritated by?
• Is there an in-room mini bar?

Overall, make sure you know your budget and do your research, booking a vacation is all about managing your expectations. For example, the perfect AI resort for the less seasoned traveller may be fantastic whereas the more discerning traveller may find it lacking.

Wimdu