:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-alila-ventana-big-sur-ALLINNOTBEACH1224-4c9b2c4b2acf4734aa468766c581ece3.jpg?w=1500&resize=1500,1000&ssl=1)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/TAL-alila-ventana-big-sur-ALLINNOTBEACH1224-4c9b2c4b2acf4734aa468766c581ece3.jpg)
If you think all-inclusive resorts are just for sunbathing and sandy toes, think again. Some of the world’s most extraordinary all-inclusive escapes are blissfully beach-free. You can trade oceanfront cabanas for majestic mountains, rolling vineyards, and even the stark, bare beauty of the desert. These are hotels where luxury is woven into every detail, from epicurean meals to curated activities — all without a crashing wave in sight.
Whether you’re sipping wine at the chic Tierra Atacama in Chile, wrangling your inner cowboy at Montana’s Triple Creek Ranch, or tracking wildlife on safari from the Waterside Lodge Royal Malewane in South Africa, these retreats redefine what an all-inclusive property can be. We’ve curated the following selections based on reviews, our editors’ experience, and resorts that have earned coveted spots on our World’s Best Awards list. No sandcastles are required — just five-star experiences, impeccable service, and a chance to reconnect with nature.
Pack a sense of adventure and prepare to be enchanted by the 10 best all-inclusive resorts that aren’t located on the beach.
Why I’m the Expert
With more than 15 years of experience as a travel writer, Meagan Drillinger has a well-stamped passport and a sharp eye for uncovering the world’s most unique retreats. Her expertise spans from safaris to mountain hideaways, and she’s well-versed in the best all-inclusive escapes that go far beyond the coastline.
Courtesy of Tierra Atacama
Also available to book at Expedia.com
Tucked amid the otherworldly expanse of Chile’s Atacama Desert, Tierra Atacama showcases a desert-chic design and jaw-dropping views of the Andes. Spend your days here exploring geysers, salt flats, and alien-like landscapes before melting into the Uma Spa, where treatments draw from the local environment for inspiration and involve volcanic stones and desert botanicals. At night, the skies light up with some of the best stargazing opportunities on Earth.
The Details:
- Location: San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
- Distance from Airport: About 63 miles from El Loa Airport (CJC)
- Adults-only or Family-friendly: Family-friendly
- Restaurant Reservations Required: No
- Wi-Fi: Included
- Starting Rates: From $1,170
Courtesy of Mount Gahinga Lodge
Mount Gahinga Lodge delivers a front-row seat to Uganda’s misty mountain magic. Located on the edge of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, this eco-chic hideaway blends rustic elegance with adventure activities such as tracking endangered mountain gorillas or hiking dormant volcanoes. Post-trek, unwind by the crackling fireplace, or indulge in a spa treatment infused with local ingredients at Gushimisha Spa & Sauna.
The Details:
- Location: Bwanjebe, Uganda
- Distance from Airport: 10 miles from Kisoro Airport
- Gratuities Included: Yes
- Adults-only or Family-friendly: Family-friendly — however, only children aged 15 years or older are allowed on gorilla treks.
- Restaurant Reservations Required: No
- Wi-Fi: Included in common areas
- Starting Rates: From $1,030
Courtesy of Triple Creek Ranch
-
This adults-only haven offers luxurious cabins, delectable gastronomy, and outdoor experiences in the Montana Rockies.
Triple Creek Ranch is where the rugged Montana landscape fuses with cowboy luxury. Hidden amid the Bitterroot Mountains, this adults-only retreat delivers a log cabin-chic aesthetic with roaring fireplaces, plush beds, and hot tubs perfect for stargazing. Spend your days here partaking in classic Montanan outdoor activities such as horseback riding, fly-fishing, or savoring world-class wines, while evenings bring chef-curated meals made from locally sourced ingredients.
The Details:
- Location: Darby, Montana
- Distance from Airport: 80 miles from Missoula Montana Airport (MSO)
- Gratuities Included: Yes
- Adults-only or Family-friendly: Adults-only
- Restaurant Reservations Required: No
- Wi-Fi: Included
- Starting Rates: From $1,550
Courtesy of Quisisana Resort
Also available to book at Expedia.com
Overlooking the shores of Maine’s Kezar Lake, Quisisana Resort proves you don’t need a saltwater coastline for a top-notch all-inclusive experience. Start your day with a paddle across the lake or a hike through the pines. In the evenings, make time to tuck into gourmet meals in the dining room and catch lively on-site performances ranging from classical music to theater. Then, at the end of the day, retire to your cozy cottage underneath the stars.
The Details:
- Location: Center Lovell, Maine
- Distance from Airport: 54 miles from Portland International Jetport (PWM)
- Gratuities Included: Yes
- Adults-only or Family-friendly: Family-friendly
- Restaurant Reservations Required: No
- Wi-Fi: Included
- Starting Rates: From $700
Mark Williams / Waterside
-
It comes at a premium price point, but it’s worth it for the luxe inclusions, exclusivity, and service.
Waterside Lodge at Royal Malewane trades sandy beaches for the untamed beauty of South Africa’s Thornybush Game Reserve. This posh safari lodge pairs 12 opulent suites with plunge pools and outdoor showers, all designed to immerse you in the wild without sacrificing an ounce of comfort. Daily game drives bring you face-to-face with lions, leopards, and elephants, while the spa offers a tranquil escape post-safari.
The Details:
- Location: Thornybush Game Reserve, South Africa
- Distance from Airport: 16 miles from Hoedspruit Airport (HDS)
- Gratuities Included: Yes
- Adults-only or Family-friendly: Family-friendly
- Restaurant Reservations Required: No
- Wi-Fi: Included
- Starting Rates: From $6,000
Courtesy of Miraval Austin
-
This wellness-focused retreat offers diverse spa treatments, mindfulness classes, and health-conscious dining.
Miraval Austin Resort & Spa proves that wellness doesn’t require waves — it thrives in the rolling knolls of the Texas Hill Country. This all-inclusive sanctuary is a playground for the mind, body, and soul, offering everything from equine therapy to aerial yoga to hikes through the rocky landscape. The Life in Balance Spa is a standout, as are the nourishing, chef-crafted meals.
The Details:
- Location: Austin, Texas
- Distance from Airport: 27 miles from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
- Gratuities Included: Yes
- Adults-only or Family-friendly: Adults-only
- Restaurant Reservations Required: No
- Wi-Fi: Included
- Starting Rates: From $1,742
Courtesy of Six Senses Vana
Also available to book at Expedia.com
Six Senses Vana takes wellness to lofty heights in the foothills of the Himalayas. This holistic retreat blends Ayurvedic wisdom with cutting-edge therapies and with everything from Tibetan healing rituals to immersive yoga programs on the menu. The serene spa takes center stage, not to be outdone by gourmet, plant-forward cuisine and bespoke wellness journeys.
The Details:
- Location: Dehradun, India
- Distance from Airport: About 20 miles from Jolly Grant Airport (DED)
- Gratuities Included: Yes
- Adults-only or Family-friendly: Family-friendly
- Restaurant Reservations Required: No
- Wi-Fi: Included
- Starting Rates: From $1,000
Courtesy of Blackberry Farm
-
This resort shines for its exceptional farm-to-table dining, cozy accommodations, and scenic views of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Blackberry Farm is an all-inclusive retreat for foodies and nature lovers, featuring farm-to-table dining and a host of outdoor activities. From fly-fishing and hiking to wine tastings and cooking classes led by culinary masters (not to mention the decadent spa), the amenities at Blackberry Farm keep guests returning to the mountains of Tennessee.
The Details:
- Location: Walland, Tennessee
- Distance from Airport: 18 miles from McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
- Gratuities Included: Yes
- Adults-Only or Family-Friendly: Family-friendly
- Restaurant Reservations Required: Yes, for certain meals
- Wi-Fi: Included
- Starting Rates: From $1,145
Courtesy of Vista Verde
Also available to book at Expedia.com
-
This Colorado adventure resort features horseback riding, hiking, and gourmet meals in a rustic setting.
Vista Verde Guest Ranch brings travelers up close to the rugged beauty of the Colorado Rockies. This all-inclusive retreat has a mix of outdoor thrills — horseback riding, fly-fishing, and snowshoeing — paired with indulgent comforts like gourmet dining and cozy log cabin accommodations. The spa is a true respite for unwinding after a day on the trails, and the jaw-dropping views of the Centennial State’s wild, unspoiled beauty seal the deal.
The Details:
- Location: Steamboat Springs, Colorado
- Distance from Airport: 46 miles from Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN)
- Gratuities Included: Yes
- Adults-Only or Family-Friendly: Family-friendly
- Restaurant Reservations Required: No
- Wi-Fi: Included
- Starting Rates: From $1,600
Courtesy of Alila Ventana Big Sur
Also available to book at Expedia.com
Perched high above California’s rugged coastline, Alila Ventana Big Sur sets the scene for an adults-only retreat with towering redwoods and Pacific views. Days here are a dreamy mix of forest bathing, stargazing, and savoring farm-to-table cuisine. The all-inclusive experience is elevated with thoughtful touches, from guided nature walks to the Japanese hot baths.
The Details:
- Location: Big Sur, California
- Distance from Airport: 36 miles from Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)
- Gratuities Included: Yes
- Adults-Only or Family-Friendly: Adults-only
- Restaurant Reservations Required: No
- Wi-Fi: Included
- Starting Rates: From $1,800
Know Before You Go
Consider the season and location.
Unlike most beach resorts, hotels in non-coastal areas often have distinct seasons that affect availability and pricing. For instance, mountain retreats may be more expensive in winter, while desert lodges are much more pleasant to visit in cooler months. Research the best time to plan a trip to your specific destination to avoid extreme weather and secure the best deals.
Pack for the activities.
Non-beach resorts often offer unique experiences like hiking, horseback riding, or wildlife safaris. Pack appropriately (think sturdy shoes, activewear, and layers) and ensure you’re ready for whatever adventure awaits. Don’t forget items like a reusable water bottle and sunscreen, since some activities at the more rugged properties can take you off-grid.
Understand the gratuity policy.
Many all-inclusive resorts include gratuities, but not all do. Double-check whether tipping is built into the package or expected in addition to the cost of a stay. Even if gratuities are included, small tips for above-and-beyond service can go a long way for staff members.
How We Chose These Hotels
The term “all-inclusive resort” almost always conjures up images of beachfront escapes. But believe it or not, you can find all-inclusive resorts in all sorts of landscapes, from deserts and mountains to the African plains and beyond. Our list came down to searching for the world’s highest-rated and expertly vetted resorts and finding which properties offered exceptional activities, design, amenities, and cuisine. Meagan Drillinger is a seasoned traveler, staying at some of the planet’s best all-inclusive resorts during her 15-year career. She used her personal experiences, considered hotels chosen by readers in Travel + Leisure‘s World’s Best Awards survey, and took recommendations from other T+L writers and editors. These hotels adhere to our T+L Hotel Values.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-alila-ventana-big-sur-ALLINNOTBEACH1224-4c9b2c4b2acf4734aa468766c581ece3.jpg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1&description=10+All-inclusive+Resorts+That+Aren%E2%80%99t+on+the+Beach){kind=link}