Far from the Crowds and Your Wallet

No one likes to be nickled and dimed, especially on vacation--and therein lies the appeal of all-inclusive vacations. Knowing just what you'll spend during your trip is a real positive. A real negative? Sharing that trip with the masses.

Hideaways-style all-inclusives aren't the kind of "the-gang's-all-here" mega-resort you know from those television ads. Many smaller, more private getaways (like a boutique resort or a working ranch) are all-inclusive to varying degrees—so leaving your wallet behind no longer means you have to sacrifice peace and privacy.

Here are just a few gems we recommend that offer convenient all-inclusive experiences, along with a high degree of personal service. We've broken them into categories to help you determine which is best for you.

PRIVATE ISLAND RESORTS

If you've reached your idyllic private island retreat by boat, you're something of a captive audience when it comes to drinking and dining. Unless you charter a boat to a neighboring island restaurant, you'll likely be taking all your meals at your chosen resort--which is why most private islands offer an all-inclusive plan of three meals a day, perhaps wine and/or spirits with meals, and non-motorized water sports.

Palm Island Resort , St. Vincent & The Grenadines: Yes, it takes some effort to get here. But once you've arrived, prepare for total relaxation, with no phones or TVs to disturb you. Rates even include treats like a one-hour captained Palm Breeze Hobie Sail, Wednesday night Beach BBQ, and weekly cooking lessons with the chef.

Guana Island , BVI: Settle in and enjoy; rates at this idyllic 850-acre private island resort include most everything you'd expect, as well as an evening cocktail hour with hors d'oeuvres, beach barbecues with live Caribbean music, Wi-Fi access, use of fishing equipment, and limited wash-and-fold laundry service.

The Meridian Club , Turks & Caicos: Take a 15-minute boat ride or arrive at unspoiled Pine Cay by private plane, and you'll discover just 12 beachfront suites and the privately situated Sand Dollar Cottage. No cars, no phones, no TVs, just you and the dazzling white-sand beach. Rates include daily snorkeling trips, weekly paddle-boarding classes led by Chef Shane, and transfers by taxi and boat.

BOUTIQUE

Small and exclusive, this resort figures into the high end of the all-inclusive spectrum, offering comprehensive meal plans, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and a size-appropriate selection of activities and non-motorized water sports. The beauty here is that you get the all-inclusive experience in an upscale boutique setting, without the crowds.

Galley Bay Resort & Spa , Antigua: Privacy is a given at this elegant island retreat on 40 tropical acres, where rates also include afternoon tea, evening hors d'oeuvres and cocktail parties, friendly snorkeling instruction, and impromptu lessons in sailing and windsurfing.

Sivory Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: This small beachfront escape with only 55 suites is far removed from the behemoth all-inclusive resorts the DR is known for, in a tranquil setting perfect for romance and relaxation. As a result, chances are good you'll be eating most meals at their two restaurants.

BLISSFULLY REMOTE

It may take you awhile to get to these gorgeous hideaways, but the adventure involved and time invested is well worth it. After all, the remoteness of these resorts is probably what drew you to them in the first place. Each offers some sort of all-inclusive meal plan, because you'll probably be staying put once you've settled in.

The Resort at Paws Up , Montana: Part of a 37,000-acre working ranch with amazing activities like scenic wagon rides, fly-fishing, and even a day trip to a ghost town. Special all-inclusive packages bundle all the fun into one price tag. The "Family Glamping Package" gives you a taste of glamorous camping with 5 nights in an uber-luxe tent suite, all daily meals, airport transfers, all taxes and gratuities, and all kinds of memory-makers, including root beer floats prepared by your very own Camp Butler.

Hacienda del Cerezo , Santa Fe, New Mexico: The restaurants and shopping of Santa Fe are only a 20-minute drive away, but the peace and serenity of this hilltop hacienda will entice you to stay right where you are. That's why rates include gourmet dining with wines, plus complimentary tennis and horseback riding astride the estate's own Arabian mares.

Lapa Rios Eco-Lodge , Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica: Take a flight from San Jose to the small airstrip at Puerto Jiminez, and then a 45-minute transfer by resort car to Lapa Rios, located on a private 1,000-acre nature reserve. Worth it? You bet! And that's why rates include not only meals and non-alcoholic beverages, but also intriguing naturalist-led rainforest hikes and birding tours.

Belmond Safaris , Botswana: Obviously, once you're out in the African bush, you're unlikely to encounter any other restaurants. Not to worry, you'll be well-fed at Savute Elephant Lodge, Khwai River Lodge, and Eagle Island Lodge. Rates are fully inclusive of meals, inter-camp transportation, and all safari activities.

ALL-INCLUSIVE CRUISING

A number of premium and luxury cruise lines have come up with fares that really do include most everything, so you won't suffer from sticker shock at the end of your otherwise-wonderful vacation. The following lines easily set the standard for all-inclusive cruising.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises : Clearly at the top of the all-inclusive luxury market, Regent's fares include round-trip airfare, one-night pre-cruise hotel stay, all alcoholic spirits and wine, dining in specialty restaurants, 24-hour room service, on-board gratuities, Pilates and yoga classes, and free unlimited shore excursions.

Silversea Cruises : With another high standard in all-inclusive cruising, Silversea fares include all wines and spirits, non-alcoholic beverages, 24-hour room service, on-board gratuities, shore-side events on select voyages, guided shore excursions when traveling aboard Silver Explorer and Silver Galapagos, and transportation to town in most ports.