All-Inclusive Resorts, Vaya Style

When you hear “all-inclusive,” you might immediately think of a massive resort on the edge of a Mexican or Caribbean beach, unlimited piña coladas, and a lot of sitting around in the sun. But Vaya’s idea of an all-inclusive resort involves hiking among the peaks and glaciers of Patagonia, seeking out the elusive wildlife in the Peruvian Amazon rainforest, and marveling at snowcapped volcanoes from the highest desert in the world.

The all-inclusive resort is no longer just a one-size-fits-all experience: you can choose immersive, active experiences in every landscape imaginable, and there’s an option for every kind of traveler – from families with kids, to multi-generational groups with varying interests, to those looking for a romantic but one-of-a-kind honeymoon. (If you just want to sit in a beautiful lounge or Jacuzzi sipping a Pisco sour while marveling at the landscapes, well, that’s pretty fantastic too.)

Torres del Paine National Park

Most of our travelers who visit the most famous national park in the south of Chile stay in all-inclusive lodges right inside or just outside of the park, and there are a variety of styles to choose from. Tierra Patagonia is a 5 star luxury resort with spectacular architecture, where every room in the hotel has a panoramic view of the Paine Massif. Patagonia Camp offers slightly more budget-conscious travelers or those looking for a more unique experience the opportunity to stay in individual yurts, all with private bathrooms and cozy, well-appointed furnishings, complete with a little skylight to watch the stars from the comfort of your bed. Your days at an all-inclusive lodge in Patagonia can be spent hiking, horseback riding along the steppe, kayaking, or biking.

The Amazon Rainforest

During a stay at a lodge like the remote Tambopata Research Center, in the south of Peru, you’ll hike and canoe through the lush rainforest searching for wildlife, like monkeys, toucans, and even jaguars. A large focus is on the rainforest itself, its flora, local communities, and medicinal plants. These lodges are more rustic, typically with open air dining areas and one open wall in the rooms, allowing you to fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle.

Mendoza

The most famous wine region of Argentina, surrounded by the Andes mountains, is a must-visit for many travelers. The all-inclusive program at the Relais & Chateaux Cavas Wine Lodge offers tasting tours through the various wine valleys, as well as more active options like horseback riding and biking. You’ll stay in individual casitas with your own rooftop patio, with a fireplace, lounge chairs, and sweeping views of the vineyards below.

The Atacama Desert

The highest and driest desert in the world, Atacama sits in the north of Chile. It is a spectacular region, and hotels like Alto Atacama and Tierra Atacama include excursions to the region’s stunning canyons and valleys, the highest altitude field of geysers in the world, salt flats, and lagoons complete with flamingos and a backdrop of snowcapped volcanoes. It’s also one of the best places in the world for stargazing, and no trip to the desert is complete without a visit to an observatory.

Galapagos Safari Camp

Although many travelers choose to experience the Galapagos Islands on a cruise, another unique way to visit is with a stay at Galapagos Safari Camp. Here, you and your private guide will explore nearby islands on day trips as well as snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking on the main island of Santa Cruz. Safari Camp brought the luxury tent camp model of African safaris to the Galapagos, and its location in the highlands of Santa Cruz allows visitors to feel they’re really immersed in the environment. At the end of the day, you can relax in the infinity pool while enjoying the sweeping views of the island.