Not a Beach Lover? Try an Urban All Inclusive

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So you want to book an all inclusive vacation, but you really don’t want to spend all day on the beach? Try an all inclusive where the amenities and the cocktail list are more important than the coast.

Sun, sea and sand?

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Pixabay

The beach. That expanse of soft sand and azure blue ocean that is, for most of us, vacation nirvana. But what about those that HATE the beach? Are you a bit of a prickly pear when it comes to sun, sea and sand?  Do you prefer to fake it, rather than bake it? If you really can’t stand the sand, can you still enjoy an all inclusive vacation?  The answer is a resounding YES. Tear yourself away from those ocean views, and let’s look within.

Vacation – your way

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That longed-for 2 weeks away is a special time for you. You’ve worked hard and saved enough to treat yourself to some time off, and time spent doing the things you love. For some, the winning combination of sun, sea and sand is quite enough. But for the trendsetting hipster crowd, shopping also features high on the list. Great shopping, culture, city views, cocktails on the roof, and nightlife all make a vacation memorable. We have chosen some pretty stylish and hip all inclusive places to stay. Cool and contemporary make these all inclusive resorts worth considering, they might sway you to move away from the sand, and create new waves!

Oh! Oasis Urban Hotel Cancun

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Oh! Oasis

Slick and stylish, Oh! Oasis Urban is just for adults – and it’s a winner with the guests on all levels. Art exhibitions, live music, fashion shows, and top entertainment to name just a few of the activities available. An inviting and sociable poolside ambience may have you reluctant to leave your surroundings, but remember that this hotel is within a mile of Ceviche Square and La Sagrada Familia Parish. Benito Juarez Municipal Building and Las Palapas Park are also within just 15 minutes. Back at the hotel, enjoy the Gastrobar meals and sushi in The White Terrace, or pop into the Pop Art bar for drinks, Andy Warhol style.

Live Aqua Boutique resort, Playa del Carmen

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Don’t be put off by the watery name of the resort, or the beachy-sounding location. The Live Aqua Boutique Hotel is also a perfect base for townies. Located on La Quinta Avenida in the heart of Playa del Carmen, the emphasis is on minimalism and style. You’ll be staying on a three mile long pedestrian strip, full of shopping opportunities, and local culture. Should you wish to turn away from the soft sand and blue waters, then you’ll still have a full-on time, simply ask the concierge to guide you on your quest to explore cenotes, archaeological Mayan sites, Tulum and Cozumel Island, all just minutes away.

Live Aqua Boutique Resort’s Playa del Carmen minimalistic architectural design becomes the canvas for Mexico’s finest. Exquisite restaurants, stylish guestrooms, a rooftop infinity pool, contemporary art and authentic elements meet harmoniously to create an exclusive getaway for adults.

(NEW!) Reef 28, Playa del Carmen

Reef 28 rooftop pool
Reef 28
Reef 28 is a new adults-only 28-room boutique luxury all-inclusive located just a short stroll from Playa’s hip and bustling Fifth Avenue. Every suite offers high-speed Wi-Fi, a coffee machine, USB charging stations, 24 hour room service, chic decor and a rainfall shower, among other upscale amenities. For those who like to spend the day lounging on the beach, all guests have complimentary access to Mamitas Beach Club, just a quick stroll away. And while the dining options might seem limited compared to larger resorts (two restaurants, one buffet) the food is delicious, authentic, and freshly made using locally-sourced ingredients, plus its location is a short walking distance to dozens of nearby cafes and restaurants for those who like to explore. You’ll also find three bars, including one located at the fabulous rooftop pool (with a stunning ocean view!), and a full-service Spa just steps from Mamitas Beach Club.

Luxury Bahia Principe Sian Ka’an

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What if your traveling companion and you like different things? Urging you to unlock the secrets of the Mayan culture, a stay at the Luxury Bahia Principe Sian Ka’an should please most guests, for a whole host of reasons. Your partner may like the pull of the sands, which are a short golf-cart-shuttle ride away from the resort’s jungle locale, but you can take time out at the Spa with their special Agave treatment, or indulge in a round or two playing golf, with the greens designed by Robert Trent Jones II, the number one name in golf course architecture around the world. Perhaps you like to play your cards right at the casino?  The contemporary design, coupled with luxurious amenities should suit you both, and the four restaurants and five bars, and relaxing-yet-uberhip pool scene will help you to relax, unwind, and enjoy a vacation that has the best of both worlds for discerning and stylish adults.

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort

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Clayoquot

But, perhaps that’s all a little bit too tame for you. Are you looking for something a little wilder? Then go really wild, with a vacation to the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, where the idea of summer camp has really grown up with authentic luxury and bespoke adventure. A luxury tented safari awaits in the heart of the wild, on the edge of the world.  Eco warriors will love a restorative, Eco-friendly and sustainable all-inclusive stay here. With unprecedented access to the UNESCO-designated Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve, this fabulous experience is open to all, seasonally. Enjoy respectful and intimate attention from the expert staff, as you discover the qualities of the resort, from the luxurious tented accommodation, through to the full program of activities and adventure. There are gastro-adventures too, with sustainably grown and foraged fresh ingredients, and seasonal dishes, all prepared by highly skilled chefs. Á la carte adventure too, and all of this just under an hour away from Vancouver, by floatplane. This is truly five star luxury, unzipped.

Have you had a brilliant, beach-free, best all inclusive break? Then tell us, drop us a comment today!

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About Carol Byrne 30 Articles
Originally from Dublin, Carol has also lived in London and Wales before settling in Spain with her husband and family in 2006, and is published regularly on travel and more from her mountain-top home in the picturesque foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Driven by a passion for travel, history, other cultures, and sustainable living, she enjoys life with her family in a traditional and tiny village. She also blogs about her traditional village life, sparked by a passion for the diverse culture and history of Spain.

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