Adults only all inclusive is the easiest holiday to switch off on: one price, no queue at the kids' pool and somebody else deciding what is for dinner. The catch is that "all inclusive" means very different things at different hotels, and the gap between a basic package and a premium one is far bigger than the gap in the headline price. This guide covers what to check, where to go and how to get the best value.
Best destinations from the UK
Canary Islands
Warm all year, so ideal for winter sun. Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura have a strong adults only choice.
Balearics
Majorca and Ibiza cover both ends — quiet coves and boutique hotels, or lively beach clubs.
Greek Islands
Crete, Rhodes and Kos combine adults only resorts with genuinely good local dining.
Turkey
Usually the strongest pound-for-pound value, with large adults only resorts on the Turkish Riviera.
Cyprus
Long season from April to November, with Paphos and Protaras popular for couples.
Caribbean
Antigua, Barbados, St Lucia and Jamaica have the widest premium adults only choice, including Sandals resorts.
Mexico
The Riviera Maya offers large, high-spec adults only resorts, often at better prices than the Caribbean islands.
Cape Verde
Year-round sun with a shorter long-haul flight and reliably warm winters.
Flight times are approximate from London airports.
Four very different styles
Quiet and restful
Smaller resorts, adult pools, no entertainment programme. Look for boutique properties and coastal locations away from resort strips.
Lively and social
Big pool bars, live music, swim-up rooms and organised activities. Best in larger resorts and main resort towns.
Premium all inclusive
Branded spirits, à la carte dining included, room service and spa credit. Worth the step up if you eat and drink well.
Couples-only
A step beyond adults only — resorts that only accept couples, common in the Caribbean.
Six things worth checking
- ✓Confirm the minimum age and whether it applies all year.
- ✓Check whether à la carte restaurants need booking or carry a supplement.
- ✓Ask what the drinks package actually covers — local or branded spirits.
- ✓Check the resort's location: a strip location is lively, a headland is quiet.
- ✓Confirm flights, transfers, luggage and resort fees are in the total price.
- ✓Check the ATOL protection on your package before you pay.
Adults only all inclusive FAQs
What does adults only all inclusive include?
Typically your room, all meals, snacks and drinks (usually local-brand spirits, beer, wine and soft drinks), plus non-motorised watersports and resort entertainment. Premium all inclusive adds branded spirits, à la carte restaurants without a supplement, minibar and sometimes spa credit or excursions. Always check whether flights, transfers and resort fees are included in the price you are quoted.
What age counts as adults only?
Most adults only resorts set a minimum age of 16 or 18, but it varies by hotel and occasionally by season. Some family resorts also run separate adults only wings or pool areas, which can be a good compromise.
Where is best for an adults only all inclusive holiday?
For short flights, the Canary Islands, Balearics, mainland Spain, Greece, Cyprus and Turkey run adults only all inclusive year round or across the summer. For long haul, the Caribbean and Mexico have the deepest choice, with Cape Verde and the Indian Ocean as strong alternatives.
Is adults only all inclusive good value?
It usually is if you drink, eat out and use the pool bar. Because your spending is capped, it is easier to budget than a room-only stay. The value drops if you plan to explore and eat away from the resort most days — half board or bed and breakfast can then work out cheaper.
When is the best time to book?
Adults only rooms are a small part of a hotel's inventory, so they sell out earlier than family rooms. For peak summer and school holidays, booking well in advance gives the widest choice; for shoulder months, late deals can be excellent.
Find your adults only escape
Browse our adults only collection, see what our advisors are booking right now, or tell us your dates and we will price it.