• I visited a resort in Belize, where I challenged my preconceptions about all-inclusive stays.
• I thought all-inclusive resorts didn't foster experiences unique to a destination. 
• Thatch Caye's bungalows, communal dining, and activities proved me wrong.

With a piña colada in hand, my friend and I crawled onto a hammock hanging above Belize's strikingly clear waters.

Two couples were nearby as we watched the vibrant orange sun sink below the horizon. It was one of those sunsets you're convinced you only see on vacation in a destination like Belize.

In less than an hour, the couples around us, along with about 20 other guests, would sit together for a communal dinner of lobster tails, rice and beans, and salad.

It was peaceful, quiet, and far from anything I envisioned when it came to staying at an all-inclusive resort.

Well, besides the piña coladas.

Before arriving at Thatch Caye Resort, I thought all-inclusive resorts were synonymous with long lines of sunburned tourists snaking to metal trays overflowing with shrimp skewers. I pictured waiting for bottom-shelf tropical cocktails, and I definitely thought the all-inclusive experience had to include chlorinated pools and a battle over the last open lounge chair.

In February 2024, those stereotypes were challenged with a stay at Thatch Caye, an all-inclusive resort off the coast of Dangriga, Belize.

I left sunburned and with a new favorite way to vacation.

All-inclusive resorts never appealed to me

For years, I've listened to friends share their all-inclusive experiences. I heard stories about hopping between restaurants with bellies full of food and spending afternoons at a swim-up bar.

To a degree, I get the appeal.

Everything you could need is in one location — food, drinks, entertainment, activities, spas, and a place to sleep. There's no stress over logistics, no need to plan how you'll fill your day, and no worries about budgeting once you've arrived.

But as I listened to story after story, the experiences felt identical. I had no clue whether my friends had traveled to Jamaica, Mexico, or the Dominican Republic. Instead, I heard about the morning trip from their rooms to the breakfast buffets and the beaches.

My friends weren't the only ones. In places like Cancún, Mexico, a hot spot for all-inclusive resorts near one of the world's seven wonders, only half the guests venture beyond the comforts of their lodgings, the Ministry of Quintana Roo Tourism reported in 2023.

As experts focused on sustainability and travel told me, staying at a property owned by a major corporation isn't the most eco-friendly way to travel. If a traveler never leaves their resort, locals don't receive benefits from tourism.

"Many large resorts are owned by foreign multinational companies — and often most of your holiday cash goes to them and leaves the destination," Justin Francis, cofounder and CEO of Responsible Travel, said. "Jobs available to locals can be limited to entry-level and seasonal. They can take a lot out of local communities — cutting access to beaches and wild spaces, generating more waste and pollution, consuming precious resources — while giving very little back."

I travel to explore natural landmarks, wander through museums, and try local cuisines, and I do my best to support the locals living in the destination I'm visiting.

While I can't blame someone seeking relaxation and booking an all-inclusive stay, I ruled them out for a long time.

Then, I came across a private island resort in Belize

At the end of last year, my friend Katie and I started planning a scuba diving trip.

We narrowed down our destination to Belize, and as I eyed different hotels, resorts, and properties across the hundreds of islands, Thatch Caye caught my eye.

Several overwater bungalows sit on a private island off the coast of Dangriga, Belize.

The pictures left me convinced it was an experience I craved, until I noticed those two words I'd always avoided: all-inclusive.

After learning more about a resort, I realized that if I could ever get behind an all-inclusive, this was the one.

A major corporation doesn't own Thatch Caye, and with a maximum of 30 guests at a time, there wouldn't be crowds. Some all-inclusive resorts welcome hundreds of guests at a time. The Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Jamaica, for instance, has 529 rooms, 16 restaurants, and 105 pools.

Instead, Thatch Caye's accommodations weren't expansive hotel rooms but thatched-roof overwater bungalows. Dinner wasn't served at a dozen different restaurants; instead, there was a communal table and a single buffet each evening.

When it came to activities, the resort fostered the experiences that lured me to the country in the first place.

While the island resort was tiny, it had enough room for its own dive shop, offering excursions to the world's second-largest barrier reef at additional costs. After a dive, we could grab the resort's complimentary paddleboards and snorkeling gear to continue our water explorations.

Plus, free drinks throughout our stay wouldn't hurt.

Between the picture-perfect accommodations and excursions, I was willing to challenge thoughts on all-inclusive resorts.

We booked two nights at Thatch Caye. After fees and taxes, a night in a premier overwater bungalow at Thatch Caye costs about $950 for two people. As far as all-inclusive resorts go, this was on the higher end. An affordable stay can cost as little as $110 a night. Meanwhile, expensive all-inclusive resorts can charge $3,000-plus for a single night's stay. Business Insider received a media rate for the stay at Thatch Caye.

Not every all-inclusive is built the same

A boat picked us up near the Dangriga Airport, where we sped across the ocean for 25 minutes before reaching the resort.

The palm-frond roofs came into view, and before we could reach the resort, one of the island's dogs greeted us with friendly barks. We stepped off the boat and into an entire resort cast in golden hour.

As the island's staff welcomed us to Thatch Caye, one worker passed out cool towels soaked in eucalyptus. Another handed us watermelon juice and cherry-soaked rum.

What I saw was far from what I visualized when I heard the word resort. The island was filled with nature — not towering buildings, loud music, or buffet lines.

Instead, there was one main lounge, an overwater pavilion for relaxing, and a beach. We were told to meet at the outdoor dinner table at 7 p.m.

Sure, Thatch Caye missed some elements of many all-inclusive resorts. There weren't multiple dining options to choose from, food wasn't served 24/7, and there wasn't a gym or on-site waterpark to explore.

But I did discover why people pick all-inclusive resorts. We booked scuba diving in advance, so the logistics of our trip were set by the time we reached the island. Neither of us needed to think twice about our budget before ordering a piña colada or mojito. I'll confess that I happily devoured three lobster tails during the first night's buffet.

With a small island feel, I connected with guests and the staff. Plus, the excursions immersed me in Belize's cherished underwater landscapes.

For me, it was the ideal balance of adventure and relaxation. As I left the island, I thought back to what many sustainability travel experts said, and I felt a little better about picking Thatch Caye.

Thatch Caye reduces food waste by offering set meal times instead of a never-ending buffet. The resort composts what guests don't consume. Additionally, the island uses solar power and catches rainwater for its showers and sinks.

I left Thatch Caye with a new understanding of what an all-inclusive can entail. And while I still plan to steer clear of many of the major all-inclusive resorts, I'll no longer shudder when I see those two little words.

• I visited Atelier Playa Mujeres on a girls' trip to celebrate turning 40 with my best friends.
• My half of a four-night stay in a junior suite with ocean views came to about $337 a night.
• The stay included tasty food, access to great pools, and other perks. It was an excellent value.

At the end of January, my best friends and I headed to Mexico for a girls' trip to celebrate turning 40.

We all flew from the United States into Cancún and headed about 50 minutes north to Atelier Playa Mujeres, which drew us in with its adults-only, all-inclusive experience and spa.

I split a junior suite ocean-view double room with one other person for four nights and spent $1,349 for my half, or about $337 a night.

Here's what my trip was like.

The lobby set the tone for our trip with floor-to-ceiling windows, rich greenery, and a central bar.

Upon arriving at Atelier Playa Mujeres, I entered a circular driveway, where I was greeted with a cool towel and luggage service.

At reception, I was given my room key — a braided bracelet, which I appreciated as I often lose key cards. I was also handed a glass of bubbly, the first of many adult beverages to come.

The lobby looked incredible and was filled with light (from its floor-to-ceiling windows) and people milling about its large bar.

The resort initially felt massive but was easy to navigate, thanks to great signage.

While heading to my room, I passed El Cafecito, a coffee shop offering drinks, pastries, and ice cream.

I also passed Bar de la Calle, which would become our go-to for pre-dinner cocktails. There were lots of signs around the property which made it tough to get lost.

My room was easy to find.

The resort has nearly 600 suites but never felt overcrowded during our stay. I easily found my room, 2518, down a long hallway of suites.

My junior suite was spacious, with sleek wooden decor.

The two queen beds were super comfortable, and our room also had a small couch and table. I loved the sleek wood decor and simple accents.

Our complimentary minibar included snacks like M&Ms and Kit-Kats, drinks, and two bottles of wine.

The bathroom looked elegant, too.

Our bathroom featured a double sink, a free-standing tub, a walk-in rain shower, and Molton Brown toiletries.

Plus, our suite had stunning views of the ocean and lush greenery surrounding us.

We spent most of our time at the main pool.

We spent most days lounging on Bali beds by the 14,000-square-foot main pool with swim-up bars and restaurants.

The Bali beds, which felt like cozy cabanas, were the perfect spot to hang. Our poolside servers were exceptional and always kept the drinks and food coming.

Just off the pool area, the beach had more lounge chairs and thatched umbrellas. The property also has a relaxation pool with its own restaurant, Limón y Sal, and a more laid-back atmosphere.

Dining options were plentiful, with 13 restaurants on the property.

The property had many restaurants for us to try. We booked dinners through the resort's app, enjoying Japanese at Takeshi, Mediterranean at Cala Di Luna, steak at Los Abrazos, and Italian at Cilento.

Cala Di Luna was a group favorite, but overall, the food quality exceeded my expectations for an all-inclusive resort.

At night, we got drinks and enjoyed some entertainment on the property.

Evening entertainment included shows and access to a nightly club.

Many of the shows felt cruise-ship-esque — one even consisted of a contortionist twisting to music — and the silent disco was a highlight of our trip.

The gym area was impressive, too.

The gym featured state-of-the-art equipment, from Technogym devices to weights.

During our stay, there was also someone offering quick massages in a chair outside the gym — a nice reward for getting our workouts in on vacation.

Across from the gym is Alba, a café serving juices and smoothies to order. We had some of the best salads there for lunch.

The three-level spa was the largest I've seen.

The property's NUUP spa is about 38,750 square feet and has three floors. I've never seen a spa so large.

Our group of six booked 80-minute massages there for $250 each, and the staff was able to accommodate us all at once. The experience began with a hydrotherapy circuit: steam room with a body scrub, cold shower, sauna, and jacuzzi.

After our massages, we relaxed in a hydrotherapy pool with targeted water massages for different body areas.

In my opinion, you won't easily find a luxury experience for this cost elsewhere.

Finding such a great all-inclusive resort that cost me under $400 a night was a win.

Although I split the cost of my room with one other person to get this lower rate, I still think Atelier Playa Mujeres is an excellent value.

The service was excellent, the facilities beautiful, and the food impressive. Plus, the child-free atmosphere made for the perfect girls' trip.

• My family, my brother's family, and some cousins booked a weeklong trip at an all-inclusive resort.
• Traveling in a group had a lot of advantages, including giving the kids some independence.
• That said, traveling with multiple families can take more work and has some challenges.

This past Thanksgiving, my family traveled with my brother's family, which included his wife and two children, and our adult cousins to Beaches Negril in Jamaica.

The 20-acre all-inclusive resort is located on the western coastline of the island on Seven-Mile Beach and had everything we needed on-site — accommodations, multiple restaurants and cafés, pools, and activities for adults and kids.

Since our three families live in different parts of the US, we each made our own travel arrangements and arrived on the same day at different times.

Although traveling as a big group can be tricky, we'd absolutely do it again — especially if the destination is an all-inclusive resort.

We quickly discovered that multi-family traveling has its perks

The resort felt like a manageable size, and everyone in our group stayed busy — including the kids, who got a taste of independence on the property.

Since there were three tweens on our trip, our families felt safe permitting them to do some activities together without adult supervision.

They enjoyed the freedom to go to the on-site ice cream shop and the café, play miniature golf and shuffleboard, and participate in resort-organized beach volleyball and dance parties on their own.

We also found that when an adult in our group wanted to do an activity, they would sometimes bring all the children with them. This allowed different groups to bond and for parents to take turns relaxing.

For example, my husband and I took our daughter, niece, and nephew snorkeling while their parents enjoyed some beach time.

Later in the trip, my daughter had a blast with her cousins, aunt, and uncle on the lazy river and water slides while my husband and I went paddle boarding.

It was also fun to divide into smaller groups based on who was most interested in which restaurants.

One night, a few of us went out for sushi while one group went to the Caribbean seafood spot, and another enjoyed made-to-order Neapolitan pizzas.

As part of a big group, we also got to share and try more dishes when we dined together without wasting food. At the property's family-style Peruvian restaurant, we ordered nearly the entire menu.

One of my favorite family memories of the trip is still passing around the various plates, tasting many different dishes, and talking about our favorites throughout the dinner.

Still, visiting an all-inclusive resort with multiple families takes work

Most of the resort's restaurants can accommodate walk-ups, but a few require reservations for dinner. A larger group can definitely make this more challenging and require extra flexibility with restaurant choices and dining times.

Also, here (and at many similar resorts), you can't make dining reservations before your stay. I suggest trying to do so upon arrival so you have the most options.

If you're in a larger group, you'll also want to consider transportation needs if you venture off of resort property, especially if you prefer to travel together.

We were able to book a passenger van for our trips off-site, which was ideal.

Overall, we'd do it all again

We all had such a great time that we wanted to take advantage of the resort's incentive to book a future trip before departing.

However, we were quickly reminded that it takes a lot of time to agree on which destination to go to next and, most challenging of all, find dates that accommodate everyone's schedules.

• I didn't think I'd like all-inclusive resorts, but my first stay helped change my mind a bit.
• The resort I stayed in had better food options and nicer rooms and amenities than I expected.
• I liked not needing a wallet and exploring the property — and I'd try another all-inclusive stay.

For years, I viewed the term "all-inclusive" as a travel red flag, signifying an overpriced experience that would be sacrificing quality for gluttony.

When I'd think of all-inclusive resorts, I'd picture a generic space filled with plentiful (but just OK) amenities for the masses and travelers binge-eating at bland buffets or slamming back enough cocktails to get their money's worth.

To be fair, these were my assumptions mostly built on stereotypes. I'd never been to an all-inclusive because I didn't think they were my style.

When I travel, I lean toward staying at chains with a trusted legacy, like a Four Seasons or W Hotel, or a local boutique hotel.

The idea of spending my entire trip confined to one all-inclusive property also worried me because of how much I like exploring an area's local scene for food and fun.

However, after my unintentional first stay at an all-inclusive resort, I left impressed, gaining a new respect for the concept. I hate that I loved it.

My first all-inclusive resort was far from what I expected

I trust my travel companions to choose where we stay, but I hadn't expected one of them to book us rooms at an all-inclusive resort for two nights out of the four we'd be spending in the Riviera Nayarit on Mexico's west coast.

As we arrived at the Delta Hotels Riviera Nayarit, my bags were loaded onto the back of a golf cart, and I was escorted through the premises, which looked like the merger of a water park and a safari.

It felt quite nice with its manicured grounds and five swimming pools — including a lazy river and an infinity pool.

I hesitated when I checked in and received a black wristband I couldn't remove that signaled to the staff I belonged on the property, which is only open to hotel guests. It reminded me of an ankle monitor.

However, my feeling of destination house arrest faded the moment I entered my room. I couldn't deny it: I could be happy here.

Its spa-like bathroom with a rain shower, comfortable bed, multiple vanity mirrors, and stunning balcony views made me want to congratulate my friend on a booking job well done.

I checked out the gym next and found it was better than the gym at the W nearby, where we stayed after, and on par with the one at the Four Seasons in Mexico City.

As I saw more of the property, I passed a spa, multiple restaurants, and different pool types. Overall, I found the rooms and amenities felt higher quality and more diversified than I'd expected.

Although once a buffet naysayer, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the food

I was skeptical about the food, assuming it would all be buffet-style and sacrifice quantity over quality.

In my opinion, it's rare for a buffet to truly offer a wonderful culinary experience. In many cases, diners might leave a buffet uncomfortably full, only convincing themselves it was good because they got their money's worth.

But much to my surprise, my favorite meal at the property was at a daily buffet, where I tried a bit of everything: chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, pan dulce, fruit, and even Americanized lunch staples such as chicken fajitas. I even had a second helping.

I was also pleased to find that most of the restaurants on the property operated like regular food establishments with menus and servers.

On my first day, I had a particularly attentive server who noticed right away that I wasn't fully enjoying my lunch and offered to bring me a different dish. That level of service impressed me.

Although I had expected gimmicky buffets and subpar-quality food, the dining experience at the resort didn't let me down. None of the dishes I ate were bad, even if a lot of them weren't particularly memorable.

Overall, it felt nice to run around liberated from tabs

Although I was worried about trading my free will for prepaid perimeters, I found myself enjoying the all-inclusive stay.

As I watched guests bar hopping, pool hopping, and flagging down golf carts to take them from one spot to the next (even though everything was walkable), I started to understand the appeal I'd doubted.

The resort wasn't just designed to be a place to stay — it was meant to be a grand experience all on its own.

Most of all, I loved walking around without my wallet. The ease of switching from one restaurant to the next at a moment's notice without needing to request any checks made me feel as if I owned the place.

In that way, being at an all-inclusive resort felt similar to being on a cruise. Plus, we didn't have to leave the grounds if we didn't want to. The adventurist in me hated the fact I thought that was a good thing.

I appreciated the convenience but also that we were able to leave the property and seek out some adventure by having private drivers take us to nearby volcanoes and waterfalls.

Lastly, although I'd thought that "all-inclusive" referred only to a type of midrange hotel, I learned that even high-end hotels offer the service. The W — one of my favorite hotel chains — even offers all-inclusive dining and drinking packages at its location nearby.

In the end, I didn't leave with the feeling that I must return to this exact resort, but I'd be willing to consider an all-inclusive option the next time it appears on the table.

• I spent five days at the Hilton Cancún Mar Caribe all-inclusive resort.
• I had low expectations since it's a family-friendly spot, and I prefer adults-only trips.
• However, from the great food to the beautiful spa, there are so many reasons I want to go back.

When I booked a stay at the Hilton Cancún Mar Caribe, I expected a cookie-cutter all-inclusive experience. After all, it's a resort by a global chain.

Plus, as someone who prefers adults-only vacations, I wasn't overly excited that the hotel was family-friendly.

However, after five days on its pristine white-sand beach with my friend and her daughter, I returned home thoroughly impressed.

Here's why I can't wait to go back.

I upgraded to Hilton Enclave, and it was worth the splurge.

The Hilton Enclave rooms, which start at about $570 a night, offer a premium all-inclusive experience.

It comes with a beachfront room, private check-in and concierge, and exclusive amenities — like an upgraded mini-bar and access to the Enclave Lounge stocked with top-shelf liquor and gourmet snacks.

There were also reserved areas for Hilton Enclave around the resort, which made finding a chair at the beach or pool a breeze.

Every room faces the Caribbean Sea.

I've stayed at dozens of all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and experienced various room types — including one that overlooked a parking lot and loading bay.

I love that every room at the Hilton Cancún Mar Caribe faces the ocean.

I stayed in one of the 61 Enclave suites directly on the beach and loved falling asleep to the sound of waves crashing below.

My ultramodern room came with a soaking tub.

The resort was recently renovated, and the sea-inspired rooms felt super nice, with chic midcentury-modern furniture, cute wallpaper, and pops of turquoise.

My room also had a spa-like bathroom with a full-sized soaking tub, perfect for relaxing at the end of a long day in the sun.

The rooftop infinity pools were stunning — and had great views.

Hilton Enclave guests have access to Chala, a private rooftop bar with gorgeous infinity pools.

It was the perfect place to relax with a book and catch the sunset.

There was delicious fresh ceviche and tasty cocktails.

In addition to jaw-dropping views, the rooftop bar served all-you-can-eat, freshly made ceviche from different regions in Mexico.

I also discovered my new favorite poolside drink: a cocoberry mojito. It's a twist on the traditional mojito with coconut rum, mint, and muddled berries.

The pool area offers something for everyone.

The resort has three large pools, each with a different vibe.

There's a kid-friendly pool with a waterslide, an adults-only pool with a swim-up bar, and a sprawling but serene quiet pool that hosts regular floating yoga classes.

There were also smaller, adults-only infinity pools overlooking the ocean. These were the perfect spots to relax without the kids.

The kids' club is one of the best I've ever seen.

My friend's daughter loved hanging out in the kids' club, which offered daily activities plus a large selection of games, toys, and even princess costumes.

For older kids, there's a teen club with foosball tables, bean-bag chairs, and a complete gaming set-up.

I've seen my fair share of kids' clubs during my travels, and this one stood out.

We could get endless treats at the 24-hour coffee shop.

Azulinda, the property's 24-hour coffee shop, serves all-you-can-eat churros and gelato — plus other Mexican pastries, great espresso drinks, and excellent cold-brew coffee.

Azulinda also has made-to-order crepes — something I've never seen at another all-inclusive. My go-to afternoon snack was a ham-and-cheese crepe.

The food options went beyond what I've come to expect from an all-inclusive resort.

Although there was no shortage of typical all-inclusive eats — like burgers, hot dogs, and nachos — I was pleasantly surprised by the diversity of food available around the resort.

I loved the wood-fired pizza and creamy risotto at La Luce, an elegant Italian eatery. The pad thai at the Asian-fusion restaurant Noriku was also delicious.

The bars felt stylish and upscale.

I didn't expect to find amazing cocktails at a family-friendly, all-inclusive resort. However, the beverages were inventive, and the bars felt surprisingly chic.

I'm still thinking of the passion-fruit margarita I had at the lobby bar, which was made with fresh juice and garnished with a preserved orange slice.

I also found excellent mojitos at the Instagrammable beach bar.

There were so many cute, aesthetically-pleasing corners of this resort, and the beach bar in the Hilton Enclave area was no exception.

The bar makes an excellent mojito with fresh lime juice and mint. I loved hanging out on its swings and enjoying the ocean view with a drink in my hand.

The spa is one of the nicest areas of the resort.

I'm so glad I went to the spa during my stay because it was one of the highlights of my trip.

After receiving an incredibly relaxing massage, I enjoyed the hydrotherapy circuit, which included a series of pools in a lush tropical garden.

Hilton Cancún Mar Caribe lives up to its name.

Mar Caribe, or the Caribbean Sea, is truly the star of this resort.

I loved so many things about my stay, but the beach was my favorite part. The water was impossibly turquoise and always the perfect temperature.

Paired with gorgeous weather and endless mojitos, I spent most of my days alternating between my lounge chair and swimming in the waves.

Everything about the resort impressed me, but this alone makes me want to visit Hilton Cancún Mar Caribe again.

• My family's stay at a Mexico resort fell short despite a previous positive experience.
• The resort's lack of a booking system led to long waits for our large group of eight people.
• Mexico's tourism industry is growing, with a shift toward luxury-focused properties.

In August, I traveled from the UK to Mexico for a two-week vacation with my extended family of eight.

We stayed at The Fives Beach Hotel and Residences, an all-inclusive resort in Playa del Carmen that has five pools, 11 restaurants, and a spa.

We previously vacationed at the same resort in 2016 and loved it so much that we decided to stay there again on this trip for my uncle's 60th birthday.

But this time around, the hotel didn't meet all of our expectations and I would now think twice about booking an all-inclusive resort.

Our group of eight collectively paid at least £19,494, or around $25,434, for our two-week package vacation, which included flights from the UK.

Next time, I'd rather spend my money on an Airbnb or a different hotel that can better accommodate large groups.

We got upgraded on the second day

Half of my extended family lives in England, while my parents, my partner, and I live in Scotland.

We each booked the trip separately since we were traveling from different locations and had slightly different budgets.

My partner and I paid £4,394, or around $5,732, for our portion of the trip through TUI, a travel group that specializes in package vacations.

The price included our round-trip flights from Glasgow to Cancún, airport transfers, and our standard room at The Fives Beach Hotel and Residences with all food and drinks included.

Our standard room was supposed to have a king-sized bed, a bathroom, and a shower. But when we arrived, we noticed two single beds with a dresser between them.

We told reception about the issue, and to their credit, we were upgraded to a suite the following day for no extra cost.

Our suite had a king-sized bed, an open-plan living room and kitchen with two flatscreen TVs, and a balcony that overlooked the pool below.

This is the same type of suite that my parents booked, which cost an additional £500, or around $652.

We were delighted with the free upgrade; the resort more than made up for the mix-up.

A disaster dining experience

The resort's restaurants were vast, ranging from Mexican to Italian and Mediterranean food.

During our stay in 2016, there was a booking system for guests to reserve dinner each night. We never had an issue getting a reservation, despite the fact that there were nine of us.

When eight of us returned in August, we found out that the booking system had been scrapped, and guests were now required to show up without a booking.

We were probably impacted more than other guests because we were a large group. Sometimes, we had to wait in long lines, or we were asked to come back later. On one occasion, we had to wait for two hours to get a table for dinner.

We didn't have to wait as long for lunch, but this was because we were often asked to dine separately at two tables of four.

The only meal that presented no obstacles was the breakfast buffet, which was held in a giant restaurant with plenty of tables and staff.

We had paid a lot of money for this trip to celebrate my uncle's birthday. But this situation made my family and I feel like we were an inconvenience or an annoyance to the staff, who seemed to struggle to accommodate us.

A haphazard solution

During the second week of our trip, a staff member asked for feedback on our overall experience. My mom mentioned the issues we'd been having at the restaurants.

To our surprise, the staff member said the resort would make an exception for our group and allow us to reserve tables for the final week of our stay.

Our party was then given a timetable with reservations for dinner each night. We were thrilled by the turn of events.

This was definitely an improvement, but even after we were given the timetable, two of the restaurants completely forgot about our reservations when we showed up for dinner.

We tried ordering room service a couple of times, and we enjoyed it. But we couldn't keep this up every night, as the menu options were limited to mostly fast food and snacks such as pizza and nachos.

It's not unusual for all-inclusive resorts to host large groups such as wedding parties, bachelor and bachelorette groups, or families with children.

With that said, I couldn't understand why this resort would implement a system that worked against larger groups, who would evidently be paying a lot of money to be there.

Mexico ranks among the top 10 most favored tourist destinations worldwide, Miguel Turroco, the secretary of tourism, shared in a Visit Mexico report in June.

The country's tourism industry saw growth of 5.5% in the fourth quarter of last year — almost double the growth of the country's GDP — according to Turroco.

Duncan Greenfield-Turk, CEO of the travel agency Global Travel Moments, tells me that all-inclusive resorts have "maintained their popularity" in recent years, though he noticed a general shift toward luxury-focused properties "as major brands like Marriott and Hyatt expand their portfolios in Mexico."

But for groups who want something different, he recommends renting a property in Puerto Vallarta or Tulum, which he said have "plenty of space and personalized services."

Overall, my family still had a good experience, and we appreciated that the resort addressed our concerns.

I'm not saying I'll never try an all-inclusive resort again, but I won't be returning to this resort or any others without a booking system.

Next time, I'll follow Greenfield-Turk's suggestion to rent a private property that can better accommodate larger groups.

The Fives Beach Hotel and Residences did not respond to a request for comment.

• I paid $1,500 for a three-night stay at a wellness resort called Palmaïa, The House of AïA.
• My king suite with an ocean view was super comfortable and I loved the 24-hour room service.
• I left the resort feeling better than I did when I arrived, so I'd say it was worth the money.

For me, traveling is the ultimate act of self-care. So, when I came across a wellness resort called Palmaïa, The House of AïA, on Hotels.com's Perfect Somewheres list — which highlights some of the top 1% of hotels on the company's app — I booked a trip.

I'd seen some of my favorite influencers raving about their stays at the all-inclusive resort located in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, so I had high hopes for my trip to the wellness spot.

As a Hotels.com Platinum One Key member, I got a 36% discount when I booked my trip and paid about $1,500 for a three-night stay.

Here's what my experience was like.

The accommodations were more than comfortable.

During my trip, I stayed in a king suite with an ocean view.

I don't tend to sleep well while traveling, but at Palmaïa, I had no trouble getting seven to eight hours of shuteye. The king-size mattress was perfectly firm, and my room always felt cool.

The high ceilings, chic sitting area, exposed-brick wall, and enormous bathroom with plenty of counter space didn't hurt, either.

I loved the 24-hour room service and took full advantage of it.

When I arrived at the hotel around midnight, I was excited to learn the resort offered 24-hour room service.

Upon checking in, the receptionist took my order, and a piping-hot dish of black-bean enfrijoladas (a type of enchiladas served with a black-bean sauce) arrived just moments after I was escorted to my room.

Around-the-clock room service also came in handy when I was craving a snack or didn't have time to sit down for breakfast.

The resort's nomadic guide added a personalized touch to my experience.

During my stay, I was assigned a nomadic guide — a staff member who acts as a personal concierge. Each morning, my guide messaged me with updates about the day's scheduled activities and dinner reservations.

They even escorted me from my room to a class when I didn't know how to get there, replaced my room key when I lost mine, and arranged for a staff member to take me to a convenience store for medicine when I developed a sun rash.

There were tons of food options and nonalcoholic beverages to choose from.

The resort has four main restaurants, all of which I enjoyed dining at. Many of the creative takes on traditional Mexican dishes were flavorful and nutrient-rich — think waffles infused with matcha and plant-based poke bowls with marinated watermelon "tuna."

Palmaïa offered lots of vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free items. However, as someone who doesn't have any dietary restrictions, I appreciated that I had the option to add barbacoa to my tacos or real Parmesan to my salads.

I also loved that Palmaïa had unique nonalcoholic drinks with the option to add liquor. The restaurants offered wine and cocktails, but alcohol didn't seem to be a central part of the resort's social environment.

The activities were super unique.

All-inclusive resorts typically offer access to fun activities, but Palmaïa's daily itineraries were truly one-of-a-kind.

I participated in a few activities — including a mindfulness-focused drawing session and a primal-movement class — but my favorite experience was an outdoor cacao ceremony.

This session, inspired by Mayan tradition, involved setting intentions and drinking a ceremonial cacao beverage while listening to live music.

Getting around the grounds was a breeze.

I've been to resorts that are so sprawling it takes 15 minutes or longer to walk from my room to a restaurant. Luckily, this wasn't the case at Palmaïa — the grounds were super walkable.

Even better, Palmaïa offered complimentary bicycles for guests to use around the property. I used them when I was rushing to scheduled activities or just wanted to feel the breeze on my face.

I never had to fight for a beach or poolside chair.

Palmaïa had no shortage of places to swim or relax with a good book.

There were a few infinity, adults-only, and kid-friendly pools in front of the guest-room buildings. The long stretch of beach in front of the resort also had ample cabanas and lounge chairs.

There were even some cenotes — large natural pools — in a jungle area on the property.

The trip was a tad expensive — but I'd go back in a heartbeat.

This trip may have been a splurge, but it was well worth the $1,500. In the past, I've often found myself coming home from all-inclusive getaways feeling worse than when I arrived — maybe due to all the food, alcohol, and sedentary time on the beach.

However, between the engaging activities, the nutrient-dense meals, and the attentive staff catering to my every need, Palmaïa left me feeling refreshed, renewed, and invigorated — and (almost) ready to return to real life.

• I overplan every trip I go on, so I didn't think I'd enjoy vacationing at an all-inclusive resort.
• However, after staying at one in Aruba last year, it's become one of my favorite ways to travel.
• In my opinion, all-inclusives are great for traveling with friends and sticking to a budget.

When I go on vacation, I usually have every minute of the itinerary planned out. So, when I took my first trip to an all-inclusive resort last year, I wasn't expecting it to be for me.

After all, I couldn't imagine taking a trip to Aruba, one of my favorite places in the world, and never leaving the resort.

However, I was shocked when my stay at the Divi Aruba all-inclusive resort became one of the best vacations I'd ever been on.

The resort totally changed my perspective. Here's why I'm now a fan of all-inclusive vacations.

All-inclusive resorts are a great way to vacation with friends.

Traveling with a group can be challenging if everyone has a different vacation style.

Although some people like to wake up early, others prefer to sleep in. Likewise, some travelers feel best lounging by the pool with a book, while others want an action-packed day riding bikes or going snorkeling.

Luckily, a resort with a long list of activities ensures there's something for everyone.

For example, at the Divi Aruba, I could rest by the pool or participate in lots of activities throughout the day, including yoga, bingo, karaoke, and even salsa lessons.

It's nice that I don't have to stress about finding good food on the resort.

Like many all-inclusives, the Divi Aruba has multiple dining options on property, including table-service restaurants, quick-service spots, and buffets.

Because of this, I never had to worry about researching where to eat or stress about trying to snag reservations. Every night, I could just walk up and be seated.

That being said, I did visit the restaurants during off-peak times of the evening, which definitely helped me be able to dine wherever I wanted.

All-inclusive resorts can make budgeting easy.

In the past, I've gone on trips that have quickly and vastly exceeded my budget, as we ordered more than expected or switched up our daily plans. Worrying about what I'm spending doesn't exactly make for a relaxing vacation experience.

At all-inclusives like this one, the activities and food are wrapped into the cost of the stay. So, I can anticipate exactly how much my trip will cost me.

Plus, with meals and drinks included, I don't need to worry about feeling bad if a certain cocktail isn't for me or if my friends and I order multiple menu items to share.

I still love exploring while traveling, but it's nice to relax and focus on spending time with friends.

As a food and travel writer, it's literally my job to explore destinations and learn more about their traditions, cultures, and cuisines.

However, opting for an all-inclusive forced me to stay put and focus my time on relaxing rather than running around.

I still love exploring the towns and countries I visit, but I've since learned to really embrace a vacation where everything I need is on one property and I don't need to lift a finger.