When you got to an all-inclusive resort, you expect the food to be iffy, right? Absolutely NOT, but I get that comment and question all the time from clients. If you and your friends went on a super low budget spring break trip in college, then that might be your perception of all-inclusive resorts. This can be a tough memory to shake, but I invite you to have an open mind.
With ALL of the information available on the internet, how do you know what to trust? The resort websites all say they have the best food, and the photos are amazing. As you read reviews, people rave about the food that other people would find inedible. There is no way to know what that person normally eats. If they live on a diet of hot wings and french fries, then they're likely not to enjoy fine dining. On the other hand, if a person craves multi-course dining experiences but the only option is a buffet, then they won't be happy.
The only way to really know is to go and see and taste for yourself. Of course, you can't take that risk on your hard earned vacation. This is one major reason I travel as often as possible, and when I go to destinations with all-inclusive resorts, I try to experience multiple resorts in each trip. As a food and beverage enthusiast, I LOVE trying many different things when traveling. I've been known to have a "progressive dinner" just so I can experience multiple restaurants in the same evening.
There are a few resorts where the food has been consistently excellent, and those are the resorts I will both recommend highly and return to often. Others are "good enough" or are inconsistent in their quality, so depending on a client's needs or budget, I might recommend them, while also setting expectations. If you check out some of my other blog posts, you'll know my favorites thus far. In Cancun and Los Cabos, I love Le Blanc Spa Resorts. In Playa del Carmen (Cancun area), Palmaïa: The House of Aîa is exquisite, especially for vegetarians or people with dietary restrictions (gluten free, etc). I also have recommendations for St. Lucia, Antigua, Jamaica, and more. For any all-inclusive trip, just contact me. We can discuss your priorities and find the best fit for you!