The coronavirus pandemic is still impacting travel, and destinations around the world have different COVID-19 restrictions in place. Always check and adhere to local government policies as you're planning any future trips.
I've been to two all-inclusive resorts and they are not my cup of tea.
TL;DR: My ears perked up at the mention of this new BeachBound vacation package, which includes flights, luxurious resorts, fancy spa services, all transportation, a romantic beachside dinner, and *drumroll please* off-site excursions.
Now the total cost for this four-night experience package is $4,650 for two people, so roughly $2,325 per person. Pricy upfront? Yes. But let me break down the price (and show off my wildlife photography, lol) below.
In the name of scientific research, I tested it myself and flew from JFK to Liberia, Costa Rica. And step one of this vacation package: Flights were included.
I was booked at the four-star Dreams Las Mareas, an upscale all-inclusive resort known for spacious rooms and generous balconies (equipped with hot tubs). There are also capuchin monkeys running amok.
Please enjoy a not aesthetic photo of this indeed-very-aesthetic deep tub, positioned on my balcony to overlook lush greenery.
Now back to the resort itself: There were multiple pools, cabanas, swim-up bars, access to El Jobo beach, restaurants, a cafe, *and* theme night parties, so I never felt bored. Not once! And I am a permanently bored person. It's my villain origin story.
Also, I'd like to dedicate a special moment of appreciation to this cabana. There are several scattered throughout the resort but let's all admire this beachfront one together:
A luxurious facial and tension relief massage were organized on my behalf, the latter of which was — in a word — wow. Goodbye to the permanent knot in my right shoulder. I am born anew.
And now let's talk about the non-resort activities.
Excursion one = beach hopping. We boarded a catamaran at Playa Potrero and then proceeded to drink many margaritas, eat a delicious fresh lunch, swim, snorkel, paddle-board, and watch the below sunset.
The second excursion was a ~sunset n' senses~ trip to Buena Vista. We traipsed through a jungle canopy and wobbled on hanging bridges...
We also rode a rickety tractor, soaked in hot springs, visited a cultural center (local snacks, delicious coffee, and raw sugar cubes were consumed), plus had snacks and coconut drinks while overlooking a sprawling sunset.
One more sunset picture and I promise I'll be done.
Oh, and an Uber app for all of the above = not necessary. All transportation (of the boat, bus, and tractor variety) was arranged with Amstar. This includes airport pick-up and drop-off.
The package also includes a private dinner on the beach for ~romance~. I had a work conflict* and couldn't make mine so please enjoy this poolside spread instead.
With the exception of gratuity, here's how much I spent on the ground: $0. Not a dime.
Prior to the pandemic, I had been trying to plan a trip to Costa Rica with my fiancé and gasped at the accumulating costs. Flights from JFK were exorbitant, nice resorts were hundreds (and some thousands!!!) of dollars a night, planning excursions was stressful because the region is so spread out, said excursions were expensive (we're talking at least $150 per piece, closer to $200 if I'm being completely transparent), even organizing transportation to/from the airport was pricy and complicated.
Yes, this trip was comped, but I definitely think it's worth the money and would have gladly booked this on my own. The cost feels reasonable when I contemplate everything that's included.
Do *you* feel cooped up during all-inclusive vacations and would prefer something like the above? Let us know in the comments below.
BuzzFeed was provided this trip free of charge; however, we were under no obligation to give a positive review.