Here's how to make your travel budget stretch further than ever before.
There’s never been a better time to demand more. And with select holiday packages offering oodles of bonus inclusions, there’s no need to compromise on luxury when you’re in-the-know. Indulgent spa treatments, sunset cocktails, even day trips and room upgrades are all up for grabs at no additional cost (if you know where to find them).
It’s time to get savvy: read on to discover the inclusions that’ll get the most out of your holiday budget this year.
1. Buffet breakfast
A decent buffet breakfast is one of the great joys of a holiday. As much as you can eat, right up until mid-morning, with no need to pay for lunch? Sign us up. From the fabled spread of Mulia Resort Bali (think fresh sashimi, global flavours and an entire room dedicated to desserts), to The Langham Melbourne, where you can start the day with everything from gyoza to Tasmanian smoked salmon, these days buffets go well beyond a bread basket. And when else can you get away with having three different cuisines, plus dessert, all on one plate?
Our tips: Mulia Villas Bali, The Langham Melbourne, Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa.
2. Kids stay, play & eat free
It’s no secret family holidays can get expensive. With multiple plane tickets and hotel rooms to cover, it pays to be savvy where possible to make your budget go further. Keep an eye out for offers that include free dining from the kids’ menu, complimentary kids’ club access or free accommodation for little ones. For added value and comfort for the whole family, opt for special interconnecting rooms or family suites, available at select resorts.
Our tips: Ayodya Resort Bali, Cape Panwa Hotel, Phuket, Thailand, Mulia Villas, Bali
3. Massages & spa treatments
Have you truly relaxed until you’ve had a massage to the soundtrack of the sea? Spa treatments at luxury resorts usually come with a sizeable price tag – unless they’re included in your package, that is. Some resorts are even generous enough to include them on a complimentary basis, EVERY DAY. Whether you’re a first-timer or a spa aficionado, everybody loves a little indulgence.
Our tips: Grand Mercure Bali Seminyak, Cape Panwa Hotel, Phuket, Thailand.
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4. Experiences
From waterpark passes to Fijian kava ceremonies, complimentary bicycle hire and Great Barrier Reef cruises, included experiences are a great way to immerse yourself in the destination you’re visiting. Perhaps you’ll even try something you wouldn’t otherwise have done, like scuba diving or a tank dive (there was even once a Luxury Escapes offer with a skydiving in the Maldives).
Our tips: Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, Sea World Resort Gold Coast, Tokoriki Island Resort Fiji, Green Island Resort, Queensland.
5. Club lounge access
The unsung hero of inclusions, club lounge access is commonly found in city hotels. An exclusive space reserved for priority guests (often on a high floor, with incredible skyline views), here perks such as all-day drinks, evening cocktails, afternoon tea and priority check-in and checkout are worth their weight in gold.
Our tips: Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, InterContinental Singapore, an IHG Hotel.
6. Cocktails & happy hours
Want to live the champagne lifestyle on a beer budget? Look out for packages that offer nightly sunset cocktails, special happy hour offers or even complimentary buckets of beer (because sometimes, you might actually just want a beer). Special mention also must go to those resorts that provide a complimentary minibar: your services to keeping our thirsts quenched in the sun are admirable.
Our tips: The Trans Resort Bali, SAii Koh Samui Choengmon, Thailand, NH Collection Dubai The Palm.
7. Lunches & dinners
We’ve all been there: popping breakfast, lunch and dinner on the credit card during a holiday and losing track until the final cheque arrives. All-inclusive dining, or even just a few included lunches or dinners, can make a big difference – especially if the resort has a restaurant of note, like Mulia Resort’s Table 8.
Our tips: The Trans Resort Bali, Coco Bodu Hithi, Maldives.
8. Late checkout
That stretch from morning pool time to a late flight, with nowhere to shower or change, can feel long. Or perhaps you’re enjoying a city break and want a relaxed lay-in come the morning, rather than getting up and out the door early. Something that usually comes at an additional cost, complimentary late checkout is a surprisingly beneficial perk – especially if you’ve got a few family members to round up and get out the door.
Our tips: JEN Singapore Orchardgateway by Shangri-La, Novotel Surfers Paradise, Queensland.
9. Transfers
For ultimate ease on a fly-and-flop, you can’t beat included transfers, with a car ready and waiting to whisk you to your resort on arrival. If you’re heading for a remote island stay – such as the Maldives or Whitsundays (lucky you) – you’ll get even more bang for your buck if the package includes domestic flights and speedboat transfers.
Our tips: Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll, Barceló Coconut Island, Phuket, Thailand.
10. Complimentary upgrades & hotel credit with LuxPlus+
Want to know how to unlock an additional 15% off select Limited Time LUX Exclusive offers, bonus hotel credit and complimentary room upgrades? The LuxPlus+ VIP travel club offers perks on top of perks. With considerable savings and priority access to the hottest deals, you’ll be surprised how quickly the yearly membership fee will pay for itself. Click here to find out more.
Inclusions vary per offer, please see individual packages for details.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out The World's Most Opulent Overwater Villas.
Feature image: Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali.
