You're missing out on 'a math-free vacation' with all-inclusive resorts

PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic – As soon as I landed in Punta Cana, a private driver from Excellence El Carmen whisked me away from the airport. An hour later, I was greeted with a glass of sparkling wine in one hand and a cold towel in the other. It was clear from the start that this wasn’t just a vacation; it was an invitation to relax.

This level of stress-free luxury is precisely what’s drawing Gen Z travelers to all-inclusive resorts in droves. Melanie Fish, vice president of Global Public Relations for Expedia Group, parent company of Hotels.com, told USA TODAY, “2025 is the start of a new all-inclusive era, driven a lot by Gen Z.” This younger generation of travelers is no longer content with simply lounging by a poolside buffet. They crave immersive, high-end experiences with all the comforts of home – and without the hassle of budgeting while on vacation.

“No calculation is being done,” Fish noted with a laugh. “It’s a math-free vacation.”

At the adults-only resort Excellence El Carmen, I quickly realized that Fish’s comments ring true. Not once did I have to consider the cost of anything during my stay. From 10 dining options to poolside service to 24-hour room service, it was all included. Fish explained that this stress-free appeal is what makes all-inclusive resorts so enticing, especially for Gen Z travelers, who are increasingly seeking convenience and value – but that could be said of all travelers.

According to a Hotels.com survey, 42% of Gen Z respondents said an all-inclusive resort would be their preferred hotel type. Here's what it was like to stay at a five-star all-inclusive resort:

All-inclusive resorts can offer more than just a vacation

The all-inclusive resort concept has evolved far beyond its traditional image. Gone are the days when “all-inclusive” conjured up visions of buffet lines and endless margaritas by the swim-up bar. The food at Excellence El Carmen's restaurants was aromatic, flavorful and delicately prepared, while the buffet and room service options were their blander cousins.

Today, all-inclusive resorts are designed to meet the needs of a broader, more diverse group of travelers.

Fish noted, “We’re seeing more all-inclusives catering to niche markets – luxury seekers, vegetarians, wellness enthusiasts, and more.” Hotels like Excellence El Carmen and its sister properties (the adults-only Excellence Punta Cana and the family-geared Finest Punta Cana) are now creating personalized experiences for guests with different interests. Whether you’re looking for gourmet meals, fitness classes, or even sound baths, there’s an all-inclusive resort tailored to each traveler.

Fish highlighted that the top three reasons Gen Z is embracing this all-inclusive era are minimal stress (41%), ease of booking (39%), and the feeling that an all-inclusive resort is inherently luxurious (38%). For many young travelers, this means they no longer have to spend hours researching the perfect restaurant, hotel, or activity – they can simply book their stay and let the resort handle the rest.

My stay at Excellence was at the Two-Story Rooftop Terrace Suite with Plunge Pool, part of what the resort calls the Excellence Club, which includes top-shelf alcohol in the room, access to additional areas and a bonus restaurant open for breakfast and dinner. The five Excellence Resorts and two Finest Resorts offer the option to upgrade to The Excellence Club, while the couples-only Beloved in Playa Mujeres is all one tier.

During the entirety of my stay, my wallet remained in my room until checkout. I made a schedule to maximize the resort's offerings, but whether you want to engage with other guests or chill by the beach with a cocktail, both options were always available.

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When I spoke with Esperanza Alcántara, lead concierge at Excellence El Carmen, about what guests typically look for during their stay, she mentioned that many come with special requests, particularly for celebrations like honeymoons or anniversaries.

“From the moment they arrive, they want to know what activities are available and what restaurants they can book,” Alcántara told USA TODAY. “Once they’re settled, it’s all about beach time, relaxation, and preparing for a luxurious dinner.”

Excellence El Carmen does have accessible rooms that allow for more space and assistance bars in the bathroom. However, check with a staffer on the heights and specifications needed during the booking process so adjustments can be made in advance. For a wheelchair user, for example, accessible rooms allow for a seamless transition from room to balcony. However, bathroom counters can be a little higher than expected for someone in a chair.

The staff make the experience

It’s important to note, however, that while your food, drinks, and accommodations are all covered at an all-inclusive resort, tipping the staff remains essential.

In many locations like the Dominican Republic, resort employees often work for wages below the U.S. minimum wage and rely on tips for a livable income. This is one reason all-inclusive resorts haven’t quite caught on in the U.S. to the same extent. So, even if your stay feels like a math-free vacation, don’t forget to show your appreciation by tipping the hardworking staff.

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One highlight of the stay was the resort’s weekly Dominican Night at the Kitchen Table buffet restaurant. Every Tuesday, the resort showcases the best of Dominican culture, complete with traditional food, music and festivities.

The warmth and kindness of the staff at Excellence El Carmen were palpable during my visit. I found that speaking Spanish with the employees fostered an even deeper connection. Every staffer, whether I identified myself as a journalist or not, said they were genuinely happy to be there. This sentiment was echoed by Alcántara, who shared her perspective on what makes the resort so unique.

“It’s the service,” Alcántara said. “Every time we welcome new employees, I tell them that the key to our success is how we treat each other and our guests. When the staff is happy, our guests feel it, too.”

Savoring the culture at a resort

Alcántara told me that this event is a favorite among repeat guests. “They try to book their stay so that they arrive on a Tuesday and have another Tuesday before they leave, just so they don’t miss it,” she said.

It’s moments like these that remind travelers they’re not just in any resort – which can sometimes feel nondescript – they’re in the Dominican Republic. “You can get a burger anywhere, but here, we want you to taste, feel and experience the culture of our country,” Alcántara said.

What’s next for all-inclusive travel?

Looking ahead, the all-inclusive model seems to have been revitalized. In fact, it’s becoming more versatile than ever. From wellness-focused resorts to eco-friendly retreats that give back to the environment, the options for travelers are expanding. As more resorts cater to specific tastes and interests, the industry is rising to meet the demands of travelers seeking both luxury and value.

Ultimately, the appeal of an all-inclusive vacation boils down to one thing: peace of mind.

As Fish pointed out, “When you know everything’s already paid for, it’s easier to enter that peak relaxation state.” Whether you’re lounging on a beach, indulging in a gourmet meal, or enjoying a Dominican-themed night, you can do so without a care.

And that, for many travelers, is the real luxury.

The reporter on this story received access to the resort from Excellence El Carmen. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.

Josh Rivera is USA TODAY's travel editor.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How all-inclusives bring stress-free luxury, personalized experiences