You’ve finally decided on an all-inclusive resort for your much-needed vacay, but still overwhelmed with so many choices?
There’s a ton of competition in the all-inclusive industry, with the big-name brands lining up to convince you to spend your hard-earned cash with them. One of the most popular ideas to appeal to travelers is through loyalty programs.
So, which all-inclusive powerhouse has the best customer loyalty program? Read on to find out!
AMResorts – Unlimited Vacation Club
We’re including AMResorts Learn MoreUnlimited Vacation Club due to its popularity, however it’s important to note that UVC is not a traditional loyalty program — it is actually AMResorts’ timeshare/vacation club program. Members pay a substantial upfront membership fee (plus annual dues) in exchange for guaranteed room rate discounts, VIP upgrades and perks such as discounts on resort amenities like spa treatments, and more. UVC is a long-term contractual membership, whereas World of Hyatt is a free, point-earning rewards program.
AMResorts is the parent company for a number of luxury all inclusive resort brands like Secrets, Dreams, Breathless, Zoetry, and more, offering a variety of experiences from romantic escapes to family-friendly adventures. Their resorts are primarily located in Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.
Please Note: While AMResorts is now owned by Hyatt and rebranded as “Inclusive Collection by Hyatt”, this program is separate from Hyatt’s program, “World of Hyatt” which is detailed below and does include all AMResorts properties.
Pros:
- Timeshare/vacation club program for AMResorts brands like Secrets, Dreams, and Zoetry.
- Great program for fans of AMResorts who prefer variety and flexibility as membership can be utilized across a number of brands, including both adults-only and family-friendly options, as well as a variety of budgets.
- UVC members can also earn World of Hyatt points on their stays.
Cons:
- Membership cannot be used outside of AMResorts properties.
- Limited program benefits for casual or infrequent guests.
- May not be suitable for travelers who prefer non-all-inclusive choices, as all AMResorts are all-inclusive.
Bahia Resorts – My Bahia
With all-inclusive resorts across Mexico and the Caribbean, Bahia Principe offer a clearly defined tiered points-based loyalty program — Learn MoreMy Bahia — rewarding guests with points for each night they stay. Four reward tiers from Blue to Black increasingly reward travellers for their custom. Benefits include a 5 – 10% discount, free transfers, premium Wi-Fi access, discounted premium drinks and more. At the highest Black level, guests can enjoy access to other Bahia Principe hotels, a free night and unlimited a la carte dinners. Not bad!
Pros
- One of the more generous programs, with rewards starting immediately.
- Savings of up to 10% on future bookings AND a free night.
- Earn additional reward points by booking direct.
Cons
- Not designed for the infrequent traveler, as it takes a LOT of points and a lot of nights to reach the highest level.
Barcelo Resorts – My Barcelo
The majority of Barcelo’s resorts are in Spain, with some properties in the Caribbean and Mexico.
Barcelo’s Learn MoreMy Barcelo loyalty program has three tiers, with the top tier reached in just 4 stays, making it far easier to achieve than other loyalty programs, but it’s important to note that the program requires a combination of completed stays and minimum spend over a 24-month window (Essential, Special, and Unique tiers). The top-tier (Unique) requires 4 stays + €3,000 (~$3,500USD) spend rather than purely 4 stays. All tiers offer exclusive member-only discounts based on the tier, as well as a best rate guarantee and a 10 – 20% discount on other hotel services. And the top tier also provides booking flexibility, a welcome minibar, VIP amenities and more.
Pros
- Very achievable top tier, reached in just 4 trips.
- Member discounts start at 5% on your first stay (Essential) and scale up to 10% (Special/Unique), with up to 20% off additional resort services/spa.
Cons
- A less exciting array of rewards, consisting primarily of discounts on stays, but not on experiences or special meals.
Club Med Resorts – Club Med Great Members
Founded in 1950, Club Med is a pioneer in the all-inclusive space, with 80 (and growing) resorts in gorgeous locations across the globe, offering a fun and activity-filled all-inclusive experience. Their loyalty program – called Learn MoreClub Med Great Members – has four statuses (levels): Turquoise, Silver, Gold, & Platinum. Member Status is based on total points accumulated and each level features a unique set of benefits. Points are earned in three different ways – nights stayed, dollars spent, and referrals that book a stay. Points are valid for a total of 3 years from the day your Club Med stay ends or your referral is processed.
Pros:
- Dedicated loyalty program specifically for Club Med Resorts.
- Earn points for stays and activities, unlocking exclusive rewards and discounts.
- Higher tiers offer benefits like priority booking and room upgrades.
Cons:
- Points cannot be redeemed outside of Club Med Resorts.
- Program may not be ideal for travelers who rarely stay at Club Med.
- Limited elite status benefits compared to broader hotel chain programs.
Couples Resorts – Couples Romance Rewards
Couples Resorts may be small by brand standards, with just four resorts across the Caribbean island of Jamaica, but is beloved by its guests, enjoying one of the industry’s highest repeat guest rates of any brand. Thanks to their Learn MoreCouples Romance Rewards program, guests accrue points per night stayed at any Couples resort, with rewards starting from the very first night once signed up to the program! This is a “tiered” program with benefits based on your points accrual, including special repeat guest dinners, resort credits that can be used for Spa services and much more, ‘trading places’ day passes at the company’s sister resorts on the island, free t-shirts and a free bottle of Jamaican rum.
Pros
- Opportunity to explore the other Couples Resorts on your vacation.
- VIP pre-arrival check-in and can pre-select your mini-bar items.
- Rewards start with first stay.
Cons
- Not as generous as others – no free nights.
Hilton Hotels – Hilton Honors
Hilton is another recognisable hotel brand that is dabbling in the all-inclusive market, with resorts in Mexico, the Caribbean and Curacao. Hilton’s loyalty program is called Learn MoreHilton Honors and allows guests to earn points on the company’s all-inclusive resorts and more than 7,000 traditional hotels whenever they stay. Benefits for all members included a discounted rate, digital check in, the ability to choose your room, a digital room key and complimentary Wi-Fi. As regular visitors move up through the tiers – from Member to Silver, Gold, and Diamond – the benefits improve further. Climbing from entry-level to top-tier unlocks progressive perks like room upgrades, lounge access, premium Wi-Fi and more. Points can also be redeemed with Hilton partners, including Lyft, Amazon, Alamo, Enterprise and several major airlines.
Pros
- The top tier is easier to reach than many competitors.
- Points can be used at a wide range of Hilton locations worldwide, both all-inclusive and non-all-inclusive.
- Points can be spent on a range of products and services partnered with Hilton, Amazon being notable.
- More opportunities to earn and redeem as Hilton continues to expand their all-inclusive resort portfolio (such as Zemi Miches, Hilton Tulum, Hilton Rose Hall, among others).
Cons
- Diamond rewards aren’t particularly exclusive – no luxury experiences or dining etc.
Hyatt Resorts – World of Hyatt
Hyatt offers all-inclusive stays in destinations including Mexico, the Caribbean, Spain, Greece and Costa Rica.
Pros
- Flexible rewards starting with free nights at just 3,500 points.
- Save with a string of connected brands and partners, not just Hyatt.
Cons
- Good benefits at the lower tiers but these don’t scale – the rewards for the higher tiers aren’t as generous as competitors.
Marriott Resorts – Marriott Bonvoy
One of the world’s most recognizable hotel brands, now offering all-inclusive vacations across the Caribbean, Mexico, Costa Rica and Brazil. Marriott also advertises their loyalty program as the “best in the world”…that’s entirely subjective, of course, but it’s certainly among the top!
The Elite Membership tiers are decided based on nights stayed, ranging from 10 nights for Silver up to 100 nights and $23,000 spend for Ambassador Elite tier. You also accrue points which can be spent on a wide array of hotel stays, flight and car rentals, shopping, experiences and more, giving great flexibility. Benefits of climbing up the tier ladder include the opportunity to earn bonus points, late checkouts, welcome gifts, room upgrades, lounge access and more. A downside compared to other brands is that the tiers are based on stays in a calendar year. And although travellers aren’t instantly kicked out of their tier, it does seem that benefits are more easily forfeit at Marriott than at other brands. It’s a more generous system, but only for EXTREMELY loyal customers!
Pros
- The widest array of opportunities to spend accrued points – not just on more vacations.
- Some useful benefits such as free in-room Wi-Fi just for signing up.
- Can be earned and used at any All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy portfolio (including Royalton properties via Blue Diamond, Sanctuary, and Westin All-Inclusive resorts) as well as any other Marriott property.
Cons
- Not a long shelf-life on points so you can lose your tier comparatively quickly compared to other brands.
RIU Resorts – RIU Class
Offering all-inclusive vacations across the world, RIU operate in the Caribbean, Mexico, Spain & Portugal, Cape Verde, Morocco, Tanzania, the Maldives and elsewhere. The Learn MoreRIU Class loyalty program is another points-based system, allowing members to accrue points that they can spend on future stays, upgrades or experiences. Other benefits of being a member of RIU Class include a 10% discount when booking direct, airport lounge access, free massages, and complimentary airport transfers. Plus, travellers can enjoy free room upgrades as well as early and late checkout at RIU Plaza all-inclusive hotels.
Pros
- Discounted rates and special offers for members.
- Complimentary airport transfers for a hassle-free vacation.
- Did we mention free massages?
Cons
- A noticeable jump between tiers requires consistent stays to maintain top status.
- Points are earned per night based on hotel category…check before you book!
Sandals Resorts – Sandals Select Rewards
Sandals Resorts is the big-daddy in Jamaica, Barbados, Saint Lucia, Curacao, Grenada, Antigua and the Bahamas. Learn MoreSandals Select Rewards is the company’s point-based loyalty program, with guests receiving an immediate 5,000 point bonus on sign up. Points can be put towards the cost of a vacation, and there are plenty of additional benefits too. From just 1 stay, members are rewarded with exclusive events and discounts on experiences. After 70 nights stayed, a free 7-night stay is awarded and the tiered reward level goes all the way up to Ambassador Level, reached on 400 nights stayed.
Pros
- Immediate rewards for new members.
- Monetary incentives in the form of cheaper vacations and/or upgrades.
- Can earn free stays.
Cons
- A lot of vacations are needed to reach the highest levels.
We’ll add to this list as we come across great loyalty programs that can be used on all-inclusive stays at the resorts you know and love.
