Finding Sober Holidays: All-Inclusive Without Alcohol

While all-inclusive resorts are often associated with unlimited alcohol, there are options for those who want to enjoy their vacation without alcohol being a central part of the experience. It can be challenging to find an all-inclusive resort that doesn't include alcohol in their packages, but they do exist. Some resorts offer non-alcoholic all-inclusive packages, while others provide the option to choose between alcoholic and non-alcoholic packages. These resorts focus on providing beautiful natural surroundings, exciting activities, wellness programs, and a variety of non-alcoholic drinking and dining options. Additionally, some resorts have policies that promote responsible drinking by limiting drink quantities or implementing specific hours for alcohol service. Whether you're looking for relaxation or adventure, there are all-inclusive resorts that cater to your preferences and ensure you have a memorable alcohol-free experience.

All-inclusive resorts without alcohol

While it may be challenging to find all-inclusive resorts that do not include alcohol, there are some options available, particularly for those seeking sober vacations. Here are some suggestions and recommendations for all-inclusive resorts without alcohol:

Viceroy Riviera Maya, Mexico

The Viceroy Riviera Maya in Mexico is highly recommended for sober individuals as they offer a wide range of luxurious accommodations and amenities, including impressive non-alcoholic drink options. You can expect refreshing coconut water, flavorful aguas frescas made with tropical fruits, healthy smoothies, and sophisticated mocktails like the Zero Proof Chelada and Pink Palmer. The resort is located on a secluded beach in the heart of the Riviera Maya, providing a perfect getaway for relaxation and adventure.

El Dorado Seaside Suites, Riviera Maya, Mexico

El Dorado Seaside Suites in Riviera Maya, Mexico, is another excellent choice for those seeking an alcohol-free all-inclusive experience. They offer a variety of suites and villas with stunning ocean views, private outdoor areas, and access to the renowned El Dorado Spa. You can enjoy a peaceful and luxurious stay while participating in a wide range of activities without the presence of alcohol.

Mahekal Beach Resort, Playa Del Carmen

Mahekal Beach Resort in Playa Del Carmen offers two options for all-inclusive packages, one of which does not include alcohol. This boutique resort provides a unique and relaxing experience, allowing you to enjoy the best of what the region has to offer without focusing on alcoholic beverages.

The Akyra, Thailand

The Akyra in Thailand offers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic all-inclusive packages, giving guests the flexibility to choose. Both packages include unlimited drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), three meals a day, and recreational activities. This option is ideal for those who want the freedom to decide based on their preferences while enjoying the beautiful beaches of Thailand.

Rio Stava Resort, Italian Dolomites

The Rio Stava Resort, nestled in the Italian Dolomites, offers a "soft all-inclusive" package that typically includes everything but alcohol. This package features two buffet meals and a formal dinner with local dishes, along with access to wellness amenities like Turkish baths and saunas. It's a great choice for those seeking a European experience without a focus on alcohol.

Sober-Friendly Options

Some resorts, while not entirely alcohol-free, are known for their sober-friendly options and accommodations. For example, Sandals resorts, particularly their location in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, have been praised for their zero-proof cocktails, mocktails, fresh juices, and non-alcoholic in-room options. Additionally, resorts like Le Blanc in Mexico have been noted for their efforts, although there is room for improvement in providing non-alcoholic beverage options.

When considering all-inclusive resorts without alcohol, it is important to prioritize resorts known for their food and non-alcoholic offerings. While it may be challenging to find entirely alcohol-free resorts, many destinations provide excellent alternatives and experiences that cater to sober individuals.

Resorts with non-alcoholic packages

While it is not always easy to find exclusively alcohol-free all-inclusive resorts, there are some resorts that offer non-alcoholic packages. These resorts provide incredible experiences that extend beyond unlimited drinking.

Aleenta Phuket Resort, Thailand

Alcohol or no alcohol is the first decision visitors can make at the Aleenta Phuket Resort. Guests can then choose between beachfront villas or lofts that overlook the Thai coast.

The Akyra, Thailand

The Akyra offers alcoholic and non-alcoholic all-inclusive packages. Both packages include unlimited drinks, three meals a day, and recreational activities. The difference in price depends on what guests plan to drink.

Schwarzenstein

Alcohol is not included in the price at Schwarzenstein. Guests can enjoy Turkish baths and saunas, and the resort is just a 15-minute walk from natural parks and castles.

San Ignacio Resort, Belize

The San Ignacio Resort in Belize provides meals and tours to some of the country's biggest attractions as part of its all-inclusive package. The package includes zip-lining, cave tubing, tours, and a visit to the conservatory. However, all beverages are excluded.

Mahekal Beach Resort, Playa Del Carmen

The Mahekal Beach Resort offers two options for all-inclusive packages, with the lowest package excluding alcohol.

El Dorado, Riviera Maya

El Dorado is an adults-only resort located on the beaches of Riviera Maya. It caters to guests who prefer an alcohol-free vacation experience. Tropical non-alcoholic beverages are available at the swim-up bar, and the resort offers multiple dining options, including Italian and Asian restaurants.

Travaasa Hana Resort, Maui

The Travaasa Hana Resort in Maui greets guests with a loaf of banana bread. Only "organic fair-trade coffee" and water are included in the package. The package also covers $175 worth of spa treatments or private classes.

Viceroy Riviera Maya

The Viceroy Riviera Maya offers a breakfast-only meal plan or an all-inclusive plan with unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. The resort boasts a wide range of culinary experiences, with dishes prepared by award-winning chefs using traditional Mexican ingredients with an international twist.

Unico

Unico offers an extensive pillow menu and an impressive room service menu. Guests can request any of the signature cocktails to be made without alcohol, and the bartenders will be happy to craft non-alcoholic drinks.

Royal Davui Island Resort

The Royal Davui Island Resort is an adults-only resort that does not include alcoholic beverages in its all-inclusive plan.

Hotel Rio Stava

Hotel Rio Stava offers a soft all-inclusive package that includes two buffet meals and a formal dinner. Wellness is a key part of this resort, which features Turkish baths and saunas.

Jeeva Beloam Beach Camp

The Jeeva Beloam Beach Camp is an isolated resort that does not offer Wi-Fi or television, encouraging guests to disconnect. Beverages are covered except for alcohol and soda.

Pacifica Resort, Ixtapa

The Pacifica Resort in Ixtapa charges different rates for children and adults, allowing guests to opt out of alcohol for their own reasons. The resort offers endless swimming with access to indoor and outdoor pools and a private beachfront.

Alcohol-free all-inclusive experiences

All-inclusive resorts are typically associated with unlimited food, drinks, and entertainment, but what if you're looking for an alcohol-free experience? While it may be a challenge to find exclusively alcohol-free resorts, there are still plenty of options for those seeking a sober vacation. Here are some ideas and suggestions for creating your own alcohol-free all-inclusive experience:

Choose Resorts with Alcohol-free Options

Some resorts offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic all-inclusive packages, allowing you to choose an option that suits your preferences. For example, the Akyra in Thailand offers unlimited drinks, meals, and recreational activities, with a small price difference based on your drink choice. Similarly, the Aleenta Phuket Resort in Thailand lets you decide between alcohol or non-alcoholic packages before selecting your accommodation type.

Focus on Wellness

Wellness-focused resorts often de-emphasize alcohol and instead offer a variety of sober activities and amenities. Zoetry, with its focus on wellness, is recommended by some travelers looking for non-alcoholic options. Viceroy Riviera Maya in Mexico is another excellent choice, known for its luxurious accommodations, culinary experiences, and impressive selection of non-alcoholic beverages. Their bungalows offer private plunge pools, pillow menus, and outdoor showers, creating a relaxing and indulgent atmosphere.

Explore Sober Vacation Packages

Specialized travel agencies like Sober Vacations International cater specifically to sober travelers. They organize "Sober Villages," where resorts are taken over by 500-600 fellow sober travelers, and all bars are cleared of alcohol, replaced with juice, soda, coffee, tea, and energy drinks. These vacations also feature daily schedules packed with AA meetings, recovery yoga, workshops, and fun activities like trivia and scavenger hunts.

Consider Destinations with Food-inclusive Plans

Destinations like Fiji and Tahiti often have resorts that offer food-inclusive plans as an add-on to your booking, covering all your meals and some soft drinks without including alcohol. This gives you the flexibility to enjoy the convenience of an all-inclusive plan while avoiding alcohol.

Opt for Resorts with Excellent Mocktails

Even if a resort includes alcohol in its all-inclusive package, you can still enjoy non-alcoholic options. Resorts like El Dorado Seaside Suites in Mexico and Arte and Unico are known for their commitment to crafting delicious mocktails and ensuring every guest's needs are met. Hotel bartenders are often happy to create non-alcoholic versions of their cocktails, so you can still indulge in flavorful drinks by the pool or in the resort's gardens.

In conclusion, while finding an exclusively alcohol-free all-inclusive resort may be rare, there are plenty of ways to create your own sober all-inclusive experience. Whether it's choosing resorts with alcohol-free options, focusing on wellness, exploring sober vacation packages, opting for food-inclusive plans, or enjoying resorts with excellent mocktails, you can design a vacation that aligns with your preferences and ensures a memorable and relaxing experience.

Resorts with separate alcoholic and non-alcoholic packages

While it is not common to find resorts that offer separate alcoholic and non-alcoholic packages, there are a few options available.

The Akyra, Thailand

The Akyra in Thailand offers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic all-inclusive packages, with a small difference in price depending on the guest's preference. Both packages include unlimited drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), three meals a day, and recreational activities.

Aleenta Phuket Resort, Thailand

The Aleenta Phuket Resort in Thailand allows guests to choose between alcoholic and non-alcoholic packages. The resort offers beachfront villas and lofts with views of the Thai coast.

Jeeva Beloam Beach Camp

The Jeeva Beloam Beach Camp is an isolated resort that offers an all-inclusive package that covers food and non-alcoholic beverages, but not alcohol or soda. The resort does not offer Wi-Fi or television, encouraging guests to disconnect and enjoy the natural surroundings.

San Ignacio Resort, Belize

The San Ignacio Resort in Belize offers an all-inclusive package that includes meals and tours of the country's attractions, such as zip-lining, cave tubing, and snorkelling. However, alcoholic beverages are not included in the package.

Mahekal Beach Resort, Playa Del Carmen

The Mahekal Beach Resort in Playa Del Carmen offers two options for all-inclusive packages, with the lowest package excluding alcohol.

Viceroy Riviera Maya

The Viceroy Riviera Maya is recommended for sober individuals as it offers a wide range of non-alcoholic options.

Royal Davui Island Resort

The Royal Davui Island Resort is an adults-only resort that offers an all-inclusive plan excluding alcoholic beverages. Guests can enjoy a range of non-motorized water sports, such as kayaking and snorkelling, as well as spa services.

In addition to these resorts, there are other options mentioned, such as the Travaasa Hana Resort in Maui, which offers "organic fair-trade coffee" and water as the only beverages included, and the Pacifica Resort in Ixtapa, which charges different rates for children and adults, potentially accommodating those who wish to opt out of alcoholic packages.

While it may not be the norm, there are resorts that cater to guests who prefer non-alcoholic packages, providing a range of options for travellers seeking an alcohol-free vacation experience.

Resorts with premium alcohol at an extra cost

While many all-inclusive resorts include alcohol in their packages, some travellers may prefer to opt for non-alcoholic options or resorts that offer premium alcohol at an additional cost. Here are some resorts that cater to these preferences:

The Akyra, Thailand

The Akyra in Thailand offers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic all-inclusive packages. Guests can choose between the two options, with a small difference in price depending on their drinking preferences. The packages include unlimited drinks, three meals a day, and recreational activities, allowing guests to enjoy the beautiful beaches and explore all that the resort has to offer.

Aleenta Phuket Resort, Thailand

The Aleenta Phuket Resort in Thailand provides guests with the initial choice of including or excluding alcohol from their package. This flexibility allows guests to customise their experience, selecting beachfront villas or lofts overlooking the stunning Thai coast. The resort offers a range of non-alcoholic drinking and dining options, ensuring that all guests have an enjoyable stay.

Hotel Rio Stava

Hotel Rio Stava offers a soft all-inclusive package that includes two buffet meals and a formal dinner with local dishes. While alcohol is not included, the resort focuses on wellness, featuring Turkish baths and saunas for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. The rates are reasonable, with a city tax of only $1.50 per person per night.

San Ignacio Resort, Belize

The San Ignacio Resort in Belize offers an all-inclusive package that includes meals and tours to the country's top attractions. While alcoholic drinks are not covered, guests can enjoy a range of non-alcoholic options, such as tea, as well as activities like reef snorkelling, kayaking, and non-motorised water sports. It's the perfect choice for those seeking adventure and cultural exploration.

Villa del Palmar, Cabo

Villa del Palmar in Cabo offers guests the flexibility to choose between all-inclusive and non-all-inclusive options. The resort features restaurants and bars where guests can order a variety of drinks and charge them to their room. This approach allows guests to manage their spending while still enjoying the amenities and beautiful surroundings that the resort has to offer.

Sandals Resorts

Sandals Resorts, including locations in Jamaica, Barbados, and Antigua, are known for their commitment to beverage excellence. They offer top-shelf spirits, including premium brands like Bombay Sapphire, Johnnie Walker, and Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum. Their mixologists craft exquisite cocktails, ensuring that guests have a luxurious and memorable experience.

Beaches Resorts

Beaches Resorts, located in the Caribbean, offer a premium drinking experience with unlimited access to up to 14 bars per resort. They serve only premium brand liquors, including Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks® wines, local beers, and their iconic Jamaican rum. Guests can indulge in chilled rum concoctions by the pool or dance the night away under the stars, making unforgettable memories.

Sun Palace Resorts

Sun Palace Resorts cater to adults seeking a luxurious all-inclusive experience. They offer top-shelf drinks and expert mixology, crafting meticulously prepared cocktails and timeless favourites with premium spirits. Each room features a daily-refreshed minibar and in-room liquor dispensers stocked with brand-name spirits, providing guests with the ultimate privacy and convenience.

Infinity Bay

Infinity Bay provides all-inclusive packages that include unlimited access to a wide range of drinks and top-shelf liquors. Their Premium All-Inclusive Package caters to liquor connoisseurs, offering brands like Grey Goose, Patron, Johnny Walker Black, and Bombay Sapphire, along with a variety of wines and beers. This package ensures that guests' dining and drinking expectations are exceeded.

These resorts offer guests the option to customise their experience, whether they prefer non-alcoholic packages or wish to indulge in premium alcohol at an additional cost. Each resort provides a unique blend of amenities, activities, and drinking options to create memorable vacation experiences.

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