When looking at different hotel and holiday packages it is essential that you compare apples with apples. Not every holiday package is the same and while it’s easy to instantly see if a quote covers a different destination or resort, the devil is often in the finer details. Some hotel packages may just include breakfast, whereas others include all your meals and more still may include all drinks, even snacks, and a complimentary minibar.
So just how do you know what’s included in your quote? Here’s a quick guide to understanding the different hotel packages:
Half board hotels
Half board meal packages include both your breakfast and dinner. Dinner at most hotels in Mauritius and the Maldives can be enjoyed at the hotel’s main buffet restaurant or you can choose to eat at a finer dining a la carte style restaurant which is either included in the half board meal plan or offers a set credit value that can be applied to items on the menu. Resorts that have specialty restaurants, such as You & Me by Cocoon in the Maldives where you will find an underwater restaurant, don’t include meals at these unique venues in their meal plan packages.
Full board holidays
A full board holiday is a great affordable way to book your holiday as you can rest easy knowing all your meals are covered in your package price and you’ll just need to pay for your drinks. Full board packages include breakfast, lunch, and dinner and meals are again often limited to certain restaurants where a credit will apply, or you can dine at the resort’s buffet which normally changes its theme with each day. Several full board packages will include still or sparkling water with meals.
All inclusive island holidays
Drinks in island destinations like the Maldives and Mauritius can be very expensive due to import and liquor taxes so having everything included in your package is a much more relaxing experience as you won’t be digging into your wallet or converting every time you want to order a cocktail. As a standard, all inclusive plans include all meals as well as house beverages such as local beers, house wines, a selection of cocktails, water and coffee or tea.
Some hotels only offer all inclusive packages to their guests and these establishments often include extra treats as part of their offering. For instance at Heritage Awali in Mauritius you’ll also get afternoon tea, cakes and ice cream, a complimentary mini bar, fresh coconuts, a free 45 minute back massage and free green fees. At C Mauritius, another all inclusive hotel on the island you’ll get afternoon tea, a stocked mini bar and access to the resort’s all day deli for Prosecco, picnics, and snacks.
Premium all inclusive hotels
If you want to enjoy the finer things in life on your holiday, then you can look at a premium all-inclusive hotel option that offers drinks and added extras you wouldn’t find at a typical hotel. For instance, at the five-star Heritage Le Telfair in Mauritius you’ll get afternoon tea, beach and poolside service, imported drinks, champagne by the glass, a complimentary mini bar stocked once a day, picnic hampers, and complimentary green fees and golf carts, in addition to all meals and drinks.
A resort like Siyam World in the Maldives offers their exclusive WOW all inclusive package to all guests which includes afternoon tea, a 24/7 adults only sports bar, unlimited champagne, premium spirits, whiskeys, rums, gins and vodkas from well-known artisan distilleries, 100 labels of wines and 100 cocktails from around the world, a mini bar replenished once a day, one excursion per stay, and access to Siyam Water World – the biggest floating water park in the Maldives.
Added extras
Regardless of which package you choose you will still have access to the resort’s inclusive watersports and land facilities such as the gym or tennis courts. In addition, many hotels offer bonus added extras for those staying in certain room categories or for a specific length of stay.
For instance, when you stay in a suite or villa at the Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort, you’ll get access to the resort’s Plantation Club where you can enjoy breakfast with sparkling wine, sip on all day non-alcoholic beverages, or indulge in afternoon tea or canapes and cocktail hour.
Guests who choose to stay in the adults only Nirvana wing at Le Méridien Ile Maurice will have access to their own reception, pool bar, infinity pool and intimate beach overlooking the lagoon. They will also be treated to a complimentary welcome bottle of wine and fruit platter on arrival, tea, coffee and soft drinks at the pool, daily sunset cocktail and canapes at the Nirvana bar, and exclusive breakfast at the Paparazzi Restaurant.
Ready to book your island holiday? Give us a call on 011 233 2300 or email us on info@theholidayfactory.co.za now.