Last Updated : Jan 19, 2026  |   Author : Tanya Prasad   |   View Count : 2205   |   Read Time : 10 min

Inside the Most Iconic Luxury All Inclusive Resorts of the World

Destinations in themselves, these are places where every detail has been crafted to create moments you'll treasure forever. Imagine staying in a villa surrounded by Mars-like landscapes or sleeping in regal tents only meters away from the jungle. This daydream is what awaits you at the world's most incredible stays. These aren't your average five-star hotels. From the dramatic deserts of Utah to the wild savannas of Tanzania, let's explore the world’s best ten luxury all inclusive resorts that truly redefine what it means to travel in style.

What makes these luxury all inclusive resorts different from regular five-star hotels?

These aren't just places to sleep but destinations bound to transform you. From Amangiri's Mars-like desert landscapes in Utah to Singita Sasakwa's front-row seats to the Serengeti migration, each resort offers something truly extraordinary. Architectural brilliance, natural wonders, and experiences you simply can't find anywhere else– whether that's swimming with mantas, tracking wild tigers, or floating over Monument Valley at sunrise

1. Amangiri, Utah, USA

With architecture and landscapes that look similar to Mars, Amangiri is a spectacular place to experience one of America's most breathtaking wilderness areas.  Just the silence and starry nights are alone worth the whole trip.
 

What Makes It Special:

• You get to stay in one of their only 34 suites (or the exclusive Mesa Home), each designed to frame the dramatic desert views like living artwork.
• Their unique spa surrounds a grand natural rock formation where you can actually in the floatation pavilion as you gaze up at canyon walls.
• Each of their suites come with a private terrace where you can enjoy watching the desert landscapes change colors at the golden hour. 
• Farm-to-table dining here means ingredients sourced from nearby Navajo farms, bringing authentic local flavors to every meal.

Tours & Activities:
The otherworldly slot canyons can be explored with guided hikes as well as hot air balloon rides over Monument Valley at sunrise. Private tours of Antelope Canyon or Lake Pearl can be arranged as well.

Plan Your Visit:
You'll find Amangiri in the heart of Utah's Canyon Point. The best seasons to visit are certainly spring (March to May) and fall (September to October); avoid visiting during the extreme summer months such as June. A stay at this luxury all inclusive resort here would cost you around $4,000-$7,000 per night, with the Mesa Home going for significantly more.

TL;DR: A 34-suite desert sanctuary in Canyon Point, Amangiri offers unique experiences like spa treatments around natural rock formations.

2. Soneva Jani, Maldives

This luxury resort, you live over water at its extraordinary villas that come with retractable rules for you to stargaze. A fun element here is a private water slide that plunges right into the lagoon. Soneva Jani encourages a barefoot luxury philosophy to help guests reconnect with nature while enjoying a world class stay at the same time.
 

What Makes It Special:

• The property has 51 over water and island villas, some even going up to 5 bedrooms. Each of them feels like your own private island.
• A button press reveals the Milky Way and all its glory as your bedroom roof slides open. This is perhaps the coolest feature of the property.
• The overwater slides built right into some of the villas are a kid’s favourite, making this stay a great option for families.
• A three story over water complex called the gathering features a wine cellar, library, and luxurious spaces.

Tours & Activities: 
The lagoons surrounding the resort is no less than an underwater paradise, where you can snorkel with Monteray and sea turtles, right off your deck. The sunset dolphin cruises here are pure magic, and you can even have a little picnic on the Sandbank, where they drop you off at a tiny island in the middle of the ocean with gourmet food. You can explore water, sports, and the authentic island life that Maldives is famous for.

Plan Your Visit: 
The Maldives shine brightest during the dry season from November through April, when you'll get endless blue skies and calm, crystal-clear waters. But here's a tip: May and October are fantastic shoulder months with lower prices and fewer crowds. Nightly rates start from around $2,000 - $4,000+ USD for basic rooms and go much higher for larger villas.

3. Ananda in the Himalayas, India

Located in the birthplace of Ayurveda and yoga itself, the Ananda resort is perched high in the Himalayan foothills. The resort occupies a restored former king’s Palace that overlooks the beautiful Ganges valley. More than just a spa resort, it invites a transformation journey where you leave, feeling like a completely renewed version of yourself.
 

What Makes It Special:

• With only 79 rooms and suites, this boutique property has views of lush valleys which you can enjoy along with the palace’s regal architecture.
• Their spa is over 24,000 ft.² offering a legendary range of treatments from traditional Ayurveda to Vedanta philosophy for holistic healing.
• Your wellness program here is designed specifically for your health goals and concerns by in-house experts.
• Indulge in daily yoga and meditation sessions at traditional pavilions across the resort with inspiring views of the spiritual Himalayas.

Tours & Activities: 
Just a short drive away from the resort lies, Rishikesh, famous across the world for being the birthplace of yoga. You can explore this spiritual town for its temples and adventure activities, such as trekking and river rafting. A must watch here is the mesmerising Ganga Aarti, which is held by the river banks around sunset every day.

Plan Your Visit: 
Situated in Uttarakhand, a state in the incredible subcontinent of India, you can visit pretty much any time from September through June. April to June is usually overlooked as it’s warmer, but the landscapes are quite lush and it’s ideal if you look forward to a more intimate retreat without the crowds. For a healing vacation here, you’ll have to shed about $900-$1500+ USD per night.

4. Taj Green Cove, Kovalam, India

Built into a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea, this resort captures the essence of Kerala's coastal beauty. The architecture is traditional laterite Stone, which combines with contemporary luxury for the modern feel. You’re also just steps away from one of India’s most gorgeous beaches.
 

What Makes It Special:

• Each of its 59 rooms and suites comes with a private balcony where you can enjoy watching fishing birds on the waves as well as the sunset. 
• The Taj’s iconic Jiva Spa here is a pioneer in authentic Ayurvedic treatments that have been perfect in Kerala, the birthplace of Ayurveda, over millennia.
• The resort offers three distinct dining venues, serving everything from Continental favourites to traditional Kerala seafood dishes.
• Relax and rejuvenate with sunrise and sunset Yoga sessions at dedicated pavilions to start or end your day with the beautiful sound of waves.

Tours & Activities: 
Kerala is known for its unrivalled, natural beauty, which includes the serene backwaters, pristine beaches and the misty green hill station of Munnar. Enjoy a traditional house board cruise at Alleppey. Trivandrum, only a 30 minute drive away from the resort is a historic city with a variety of temples and museums to explore. Spend an evening watching a mesmerizing Kathakali dance performance with its elaborate costumes and dramatic storytelling.

Plan Your Visit: 
Like most of India, Kovalam can be enjoyed best from October through March. Its shoulder season, which is in monsoon, is lovely to experience and comes with the benefit of lesser crowds. A stay here costs you about $165 - $185 USD per night, but varying depending on the season.

Reserve Your Transformative Wellness Retreat

5. The Brando, French Polynesia

Marlon Brando's private island dream became reality as an eco-luxury resort that proves sustainability and indulgence can coexist beautifully. Powered entirely by renewable energy, The Brando is as committed to protecting its paradise as it is to pampering its guests.
 

What Makes It Special:

• The 35 villas each have private pools and direct beach access, giving you your own slice of pristine Polynesian coastline.
• This place runs on 100% renewable energy, so your experience is actually sustainable.
• The Brando’s two gourmet restaurants serve incredible French-Polynesian fusion cuisine.
• There's an actual marine research station on the island, and guests can join scientists to learn about reef conservation.

Tours & Activities: 
The lagoon teems with tropical fish, reef sharks, and rays that glide right past you while snorkeling. Join the marine biologists for reef tours that teach you about coral ecosystems, or take guided nature walks to spot nesting seabirds in their natural habitat. 

Plan Your Visit:
French Polynesia stays warm and welcoming all year long. The dry season from May through October is ideal with lower humidity and comfortable temperatures. November through April brings the occasional tropical shower, but also warmer water & lesser crowds. Rates start from around $3,200 - $3,300+ USD per night for a One Bedroom Villa

6. The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, India

Named the best resort in the world multiple times by Business Insider & more, the Oberoi Udaivilas floats on the banks of Lake Pichola. Its architecture exudes royalty, featuring hand-painted frescoes, manicured lawns and ornate courtyards. Staying here is no less than a grand palatial experience fit for a king.
 

What Makes It Special:

• Its 87 rooms and suites open up to gorgeous views of the lake and the city, many even featuring semi-private pools.
• Enjoy a romantic gourmet dinner at their special lakeside pavilion, complete with live traditional music & exceptional service.
• Take a stroll through the resort’s massive courtyards, complete with fountains & ornate architecture all around. 
• Traditional cultural performances including folk music and dance happen right on the property, bringing Rajasthani heritage to life.

Tours & Activities: 
Considered one of the world’s most romantic & ethereal cities, Udaipur itself is nicknamed the “City of Lakes”. Also known for its royal legacy, the City Palace complex is a must-visit, followed by the hilltop Monsoon Palace & the former noblemen’s mansion– Bagore ki Haveli. Jag Mandir island palace makes for a lovely boat excursion.

Plan Your Visit: 
Located in Udaipur in North India’s Rajasthan, you can enjoy this stay from October through March. However, Udaipur is exceptionally gorgeous during monsoon when you can watch the rain replenish the lakes & the lush greenery come to life in the Aravalli range that surrounds the city. Depending on the room category & time of visit, your stay at the Udaivilas can cost you anything between $400 to over $3,000 USD per night.

Plan Your Rajasthan Tour

7. Singita Sasakwa Lodge, Tanzania

Sitting atop a hill, the Singita Sasakwa Lodge overlooks the endless Serengeti plains. The best way to describe this place is imperial elegance reimagined for travelers in the 21st century. This is where you can claim front-row seats to the Great Migration & watch some of the most spectacular wildlife on Earth.
 

What Makes It Special:

• There are only nine cottage-style suites and one private villa– an exclusivity like nowhere else.
• The lodge features an award-winning wine cellar that holds over 7,000 bottles. After all, a successful safari deserves to be celebrated properly.
• Another exclusive feature– guests can arrive via the private airstrip, eliminating hours of bumpy driving through the jungle landscapes.
• The resort offers expert guides who lead game drives and walking safaris, sharing knowledge that turns animal sightings into unforgettable stories.

Tours & Activities: 
Game viewing here is extraordinary year-round, with regular sightings of lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos (the Big Five). Another great experience here are the Hot air balloon safaris at dawn, offering a completely different perspective of the place. The diverse wildlife coexists with the traditional culture of the Maasai villages. Bush picnics in remote locations make lunch an adventure in itself.

Plan Your Visit: 
Located in Tanzania, Singita Sasakwa delivers incredible wildlife encounters throughout the year. The dry season from June through October is peak time when animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. Nightly rates range from approximately $2,500 to over $8,000 per person, with full cottages or houses costing much more

8. Jade Mountain, St. Lucia

A true Caribbean dream, this resort is located in a paradise-like setting. Each sanctuary here lacks the fourth wall, keeping you closer to nature than ever. Jade Mountain resort is entirely open to the view of the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea. It's bold, romantic, and utterly unforgettable.
 

What Makes It Special:

• Each of the 29 sanctuaries has its own private infinity pool, and that missing fourth wall means you're bathing with a view of the Pitons rising dramatically from the sea.
• The Jade Mountain Club restaurant serves farm-to-table cuisine that showcases St. Lucia's incredible local ingredients.
• Your dedicated major domo takes care of everything, from arranging private dinners to organizing island adventures.
• This is one of the very few adults-only luxury all inclusive resorts, creating a peaceful, romantic atmosphere perfect for couples.

Tours & Activities: 
St. Lucia is an adventure playground. Hike the iconic Piton mountains if you're feeling ambitious, or explore the world's only drive-in volcano at Sulphur Springs. The marine reserves offer pristine snorkeling, and zip-lining through the rainforest canopy gets your adrenaline pumping. Don't miss touring a cocoa plantation to understand why St. Lucian chocolate is so special, and the natural sulfur springs are wonderfully therapeutic.

Plan Your Visit: 
St. Lucia enjoys warm Caribbean weather all year. December through April is the best season with perfect beach conditions. May through November is technically the rainy season, but it's a great shoulder option. The sunsets after those brief rains are absolutely spectacular. Budget-friendly options start around $100-$300/night to luxury stays from $500 to over $2,000+ per night.

TL;DR: Each of its 29 sanctuaries lack the fourth wall to create open-air living spaces with private infinity pools.

9. Nihi Sumba, Indonesia

Multiple times voted the world's best hotel, Nihi Sumba sits on a remote Indonesian island where ancient traditions are still very much alive. This luxury all inclusive resort combines world-class surfing with cultural immersion and a genuine commitment to supporting local communities.
 

What Makes It Special:

• The 33 villas showcase incredible local craftsmanship, with natural materials and design elements that honor Sumbanese traditions.
• "Spa safari" treatments happen in the most unexpected locations: jungle clearings, clifftop pavilions, and private beaches.
• Dedicated surf butlers (yes, really) help you catch the perfect wave on private breaks that many surfers would give anything to access.
• Dining venues range from beachfront tables to an actual treehouse restaurant, each offering a completely different experience.

Tours & Activities: 
Beyond the incredible surfing, you can visit traditional villages where life hasn't changed much in centuries and ancient megalithic tombs dot the landscape. Hidden waterfalls in the jungle are worth the trek. Horseback riding along deserted beaches at sunset is pure romance, while snorkeling reveals vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life.

Plan Your Visit: 
April through October is the ideal season with the best surfing conditions and the most reliable weather. Your stay here can cost you anything from $1300 to $5000 per night depending on the suite or villa you opt for.

10. SUJAN Sherbagh, Ranthambore, India

Located on the edge of the rugged Ranthambore National Park, India’s most premier tiger reserve, Sherbagh is a luxurious safari lodge. It is a collection of luxury tented camps with an architecture that speaks of royalty. As remote as it may sound, SUJAN provides all modern amenities you might expect from a 5 star luxury resort.
 

What Makes It Special:

• With just 12 luxurious tents, SUJAN offers a very personalized stay for each of its guests.
• Despite being tents, they come with vintage furniture, modern bathrooms, and everything else you can expect from a modern luxury resort.
• The location combined with the spacious private Verandas that come with each of the tents let you watch wildlife such as peacock and deer wander close,  especially in the morning.
• Expert naturalists guide every safari, transforming animal sightings into educational experiences about complex ecosystems.

Tours & Activities: 
Ranthambore National Park offers some of India's best chances to see wild tigers, especially during early morning and late afternoon game drives. The historic Ranthambore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, combines history with stunning views over the park. Nearby temples showcase regional architecture, and nature walks around the property reveal smaller wildlife like birds, butterflies, and occasionally sloth bears.

Plan Your Visit: 
SUJAN Sherbagh is not open year-round like others in the list, it only operates from October through May when Ranthambore National Park is open. The best season to stay here is November through March, which is also great for excellent tiger sightings. For a stay here, you can expect starting points from around $600-$800+ USD per night, potentially reaching over $1,000-$2,000+ for premium suites.

Book Your Ranthambore Tiger Safari

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How far ahead should I book these iconic luxury resorts? 
For the most sought-after luxury resorts on this list, you're looking at 6-12 months ahead, especially if you're traveling during peak season. Places like Amangiri, The Brando, and Singita Sasakwa sell out fast. Shoulder season gives you more flexibility, usually 3-6 months is fine. But honestly, if you have specific dates in mind for a dream trip, book as early as possible.

2. Do luxury resorts welcome families with kids or are they mainly for couples?
Many luxury resorts absolutely cater to families with dedicated kids' clubs, family suites, and activities children would love. Soneva Jani, for instance, is incredible for families. But some, like Jade Mountain, are adults-only and designed for romantic getaways. Always check the specific resort's policy before booking. 

3. What makes Ayurvedic resorts in India special for wellness travelers?
India is the birthplace of Ayurveda, making it the most authentic place to experience these millenia old wellness traditions. Resorts like Ananda and Taj Green Cove provide personalized wellness programs designed by expert practitioners in inspiring settings.