Gen Z is increasingly drawn to all-inclusive resorts for a stress-free and immersive vacation experience. Modern all-inclusive resorts cater to a variety of interests and offer personalized experiences that go beyond traditional buffets and swim-up bars. The ultimate appeal of an all-inclusive holiday is that everything is paid in advance, giving you the peace of mind and true relaxation you deserve.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – As soon as I landed in Punta Cana, my personal driver from Excellence El Carmen took me to the airport. After an hour, I was given a glass of sparkling wine in one hand and a cold towel in the other. It was clear from the start that this was more than just a vacation. It was an invitation to relax.
It’s this level of stress-free luxury that is drawing Gen Z travelers to all-inclusive resorts in droves. Melanie Fish, vice president of global communications for Expedia Group, the parent company of Hotels.com, told USA TODAY that 2025 is the beginning of a new all-inclusive era, driven in large part by Gen Z. This younger generation of travelers is no longer satisfied with just relaxing at a poolside buffet. They crave immersive, high-end experiences with all the comforts of home and without the hassle of budgeting for their vacation.
“There’s no math done,” Fish pointed out with a laugh. “This is a vacation without math.”
At the adults-only resort Excellence El Carmen, we quickly realized that Fish’s comments were true. During my stay, I never once thought about money. Everything is included, from 10 restaurants to poolside service and 24-hour room service. Mr. Fish explained that this stress-free appeal is what makes all-inclusive resorts so appealing, especially to Gen Z travelers who increasingly seek convenience and value, but that This can be said to anyone.
According to a Hotels.com survey, 42% of Gen Z respondents said their preferred hotel type is an all-inclusive resort. Here’s what I thought after staying at a 5-star all-inclusive resort.
All-inclusive resorts offer more than just a vacation
The concept of an all-inclusive resort has evolved far beyond its traditional image. Gone are the days when the word “all-inclusive” conjured up visions of endless margaritas in buffet lines and by swim-up bars. While the food at Excellence El Carmen’s restaurant was aromatic, flavorful, and carefully prepared, the buffet and room service options were bland.
Today, all-inclusive resorts are designed to meet the needs of a broader and more diverse range of travelers.
“All-inclusives are increasingly catering to niche markets, such as luxury seekers, vegetarians, and wellness enthusiasts,” Fish said. Hotels like Excellence El Carmen and its sister properties (the adults-only Excellence Punta Cana and the family-friendly Finest Punta Cana) now offer personalized experiences for guests with a variety of interests. Whether you’re looking for gourmet dining, fitness classes, or even a wholesome bath, there’s an all-inclusive resort for every traveler.
Fish says the top three reasons why Gen Z is embracing this all-inclusive era are minimal stress (41%), ease of booking (39%), and the inherent luxury of all-inclusive resorts. (38%) emphasized this feeling. For many young travelers, this means they no longer have to spend hours searching for the perfect restaurant, hotel, or activity. Just book your stay and let the resort take care of the rest.
My stay at Excellence was a two-story rooftop terrace suite with a plunge pool. It’s part of what the resort calls the Excellence Club, which includes premium alcohol in the room, access to additional areas, and a bonus restaurant open for breakfast and dinner. Five Excellence Resorts and two Finest Resorts offer the option to upgrade to The Excellence Club, while Playa Mujeres’ couples-only Beloved is all one level.
During my stay, my wallet was left in the room until checkout. We planned our schedule to take in the resort to its fullest, but whether we wanted to mingle with other guests or relax with cocktails on the beach, both options were always available.
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We spoke to Esperanza Alcántara, Chief Concierge at Excellence El Carmen, about what guests typically look for during their stay, and found that many guests are looking for something special, especially if it’s a honeymoon or celebration like an anniversary. He said he would make a request.
“From the moment they arrive, they want to know what activities are available and which restaurants they can make reservations for,” Alcantara told USA TODAY. “Once we’re settled in, it’s time to spend some time on the beach, relax, and prepare for a fancy dinner.”
Excellence El Carmen offers accessible rooms with more space and auxiliary bars in the bathroom. However, please ask our staff about the required height and specifications during the booking process so that adjustments can be made in advance. For example, for wheelchair users, accessible rooms allow seamless movement from the room to the balcony. However, the bathroom counter may be a little higher than expected for people sitting on chairs.
Our staff creates the experience
However, it’s important to note that while all meals, drinks, and lodging are covered at all-inclusive resorts, tipping your staff is still essential.
In many places like the Dominican Republic, resort employees often work for less than the U.S. minimum wage and rely on tips for a livable income. This is one reason why all-inclusive resorts are not as popular in the United States. So even if your stay feels like a vacation without math, don’t forget to show your appreciation by tipping your hard-working staff.
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One of the highlights of your stay is the weekly Dominican Night at the resort’s Kitchen Table Buffet Restaurant. Every Tuesday, the resort showcases the best of Dominican culture, including traditional food, music, and festivities.
The warmth and kindness of the staff at Excellence El Carmen was palpable during my visit. We’ve found that speaking Spanish with our employees creates even deeper connections. Everyone on the staff, whether I called myself a journalist or not, told me they were really happy to be there. This sentiment was echoed by Alcantara, who shared her perspective on what makes the resort unique.
“It’s service,” Alcantara said. “Every time we welcome new employees, we tell them that the key to our success is how we treat each other and our guests. When our staff is happy, our guests feel it.”
Taste the culture at the resort
Alcantara told me that this event is popular among repeat customers. “They try to book their stay so that they arrive on a Tuesday and need another Tuesday before leaving, so they don’t miss out,” she says.
Moments like this remind travelers that they’re not just at a resort, even though it can feel mundane, this is the Dominican Republic. “You can get a burger anywhere, but here we want you to taste, feel and experience the culture of our country,” Alcantara said.
What’s next for all-inclusive travel?
Looking to the future, it appears that the all-inclusive model will be revitalized. In fact, they’re becoming more versatile than ever. From wellness-focused resorts to eco-friendly getaways that give back to the environment, travelers have a growing range of options. As more resorts cater to specific tastes and interests, an industry is emerging to meet the demands of travelers seeking both luxury and value.
At the end of the day, the appeal of an all-inclusive vacation comes down to one thing: peace of mind.
As Fish pointed out, “It’s easier to enter a state of ultimate relaxation knowing that all the costs have already been paid.” Whether you’re lounging on the beach or indulging in a gourmet meal. Feel free to enjoy a Dominican-themed evening.
And for many travelers, that’s the real luxury.
The reporter for this article received access to the resort from Excellence El Carmen. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.
Josh Rivera is USA TODAY’s travel editor.
