The finest all-inclusives for a gourmet experience

For high-end a-la-carte and local dine-around 

Seven restaurants, an external dine-around programme, top chefs and Tattinger make Ikos Andalusia a winner for Classic Collection. 

Alex Callahan, product and purchasing manager for Spain, says: “Ikos Andalusia really does redefine the concept of all-inclusive holidays in all their aspects, and no more so than in food and beverages. There are very high-end dining options through multiple a-la-carte restaurants, menus by Michelin-starred chefs and a vast selection of premium drinks including Tattinger champagne, all included in the ultra all-inclusive option.”

He adds: “Guests can also dine at a selection of restaurants outside the hotel, including one of the finest in neighbouring Estepona.”

Book it: Classic Collection Holidays offers seven nights at Ikos Andalusia in a Superior Double room with garden view from £2,039pp all-inclusive, with return flights with luggage, and private transfers, based on 24 September 2022 departure. classic-collection.co.uk

For ample choice across twin resorts

A starter in one restaurant, main course at another and dessert at a third is possible at Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, thanks to reservation-free, unlimited access to its seven restaurants, which include French, Mexican and seafood choices and a grill. 

“The great thing about this hotel is that you can also freely use the facilities of its sister property next door – five-star Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana – which adds a further seven dining options, plus a further 11 bars,” explains Ashley Pilkington, Gold Medal’s Caribbean and Mexico destination manager. “So between them, guests at the two properties can choose from nearly 30 different spots for a drink or a bite to eat!”

Book it: Gold Medal offers seven nights’ all-inclusive at Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana in a Junior Suite Tropical View from £1,589, with BA flights from Gatwick, based on two sharing. goldmedal.co.uk

For wine-matched regional specialities

Many luxury lodges in Australia and New Zealand excel at quality dining within an all-inclusive tariff. Produce gracing the table at Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales has been grown in its organic kitchen garden, foraged from the wider reserve or sourced from the region’s speciality farmers. Lunches are served on a veranda with valley views and, in the evenings, guests can linger over three-course a-la-carte meals with matching wines in the homestead dining room. 

At Saffire Freycinet in Tasmania, a fellow member of the Luxury Lodges of Australia group, multi-course degustation menus matched with local wines are included and designed around what is available fresh each day.

Book it: A Two Night Escape at Wolgan Valley costs from AU$2,290pp (about £1,290pp) in February 2023. The package (available until 31 March 2023), covers all meals, with selected regional wines and beers and two daily onsite activities, such as guided horse riding, biking or wildlife spotting. oneandonlyresorts.com

For afternoon teas and nightly tasting menus 

Locally-sourced ingredients and high-end flair combine at Spice Island Beach Resort on Grenada’s famous Grand Anse beach. 

“Oliver’s Restaurant has a farm-to-table focus, serving Creole and international cuisine with a seven-course menu that changes every day ensuring guests can enjoy new flavours and authentic local specialities in a beautiful beach-front setting,” says Caribtours head of sales Rebecca Bryson. 

Besides the multi-course dinners, guest can enjoy daily breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea within their all-inclusive tariff. 

Book it: Caribtours has seven nights’ all-inclusive at Spice Island Beach Resort from £3,499pp sharing a Superior/Garden Suite based on 10 September departure. This includes flights and a current 10% saving (plus $200 resort credit), available on stays until 15 December. caribtours.co.uk