I stayed at an all-inclusive resort, and this is what I learned

My birthday/Valentine’s day gift was a trip to an all-inclusive resort in Cancun, Mexico. Of course, I was super excited because I had never been to an all-inclusive anything. However, it’s the day before, and I am getting my bags packed and looking at activities to do at the resort.

I forgot to mention the name of the resort is the El Dorado Royale. It also has two more resorts: El Dorado Casitas Royale and Generations. Generations Resort is family-oriented, while the other two resorts are Adult -Only. I stayed at the El Dorado Royale portion.

Nonetheless, my husband and I boarded the flight to go to Cancun. After about a 3-hour flight, we finally made it to Cancun. The thought of lying on the beach and eating endless meals had me super excited.

I remember watching a Tiktok Video about how hectic the Customs section at the airport would be. Well, Tiktok was correct; the lines were long. But, lucky for us, we found a short line and were in and out in no time. Once we got our luggage, we made it outside to find our transportation service. After about 20 minutes of walking around, we finally found them.

We got settled in the van, finally arriving at El Dorado Royale! Now, what did I learn in those four days?

1. EVERYTHING is not included. 

The majority of the restaurant at the resort was free. However, for some of them, you had to pay. Luckily, the receptionist informed us which restaurant you would have to pay for. Good News though, only two restaurants require money, so we easily avoided them. Also, some of the activities at the resort were not free. For example, we had to pay for dinner on the beach and the spa. However, it was still a fantastic experience. Here are some examples of some meals we had while at the resort.

2. Avoid the Time Share Workers

Do not engage with them unless you want to invest in a timeshare. We were told that we would be part of a 30-minute presentation and afterward got some discounts at the resort. Of course, that sounds good. However, we did not know it was a timeshare presentation. I am usually good at avoiding them, but they got us. Of course, we got our discount, but It was not a 30-minute presentation. It was 4 hours long. FOUR HOURS. We missed an activity planned that day because of the lengthy presentation. We got our discount on the spa but was it truly worth the time? Not at all.

3. Be Aware of Dress codes before arriving at the resort

Some restaurants require a dress code. Even some of the included restaurants. One of the breakfast restaurants we went to had a dress code of no tank tops or muscle shirts. We did not know that, and my husband had to switch out shirts. I know specific locations have a dress code, but it is not enforced, but at a resort, it is.

4. Alcoholic beverages are usually complimentary but do not abuse them.

They passed out beer at the reservation desk when we first walked into the resort. After getting our room key, the receptionist pointed us to the nearest bar. Afterward, while we were in the pool, a server asked what we would like to drink. The point is alcohol is very accessible. It might sound exciting, but it is easy to get intoxicated. The last thing you want is to be drunk, especially in another country. If you plan to drink, be cautious.

5. Have fun

Enjoy all the free activities and events that they have at the resort. Enjoy as much of the
food as your stomach will allow. Relax on the beach and swim in the pools. Take advantage of what the resort has to offer. You are there to enjoy yourself and relax, so make the most of it. Last but not least, take loads of photos. You are paying for it, so get the most out of it. Also, don’t forget to tip the workers!

An All-Inclusive resort should be on everyone’s bucket list. It is a great experience. If you want to travel solo, I would recommend an all-inclusive. We met a few people who were there by themselves and still had the time of their life. I forgot to mention that please wear sunscreen no matter how cool it is outside. I learned that the hard way, haha.

Have you been to an all-inclusive resort? Tell me about it!