When a luxury hotel is more than a place to sleep
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I’ll never forget my first trip to South Africa, standing under the outdoor shower on my private balcony at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, the sea shimmering in the distance and nothing but quiet all around me. It was one of those rare moments where everything felt perfectly in place, and I realized: this wasn’t just a hotel stay. This was an integral part of my trip.
When travelers ask me about the best all inclusive luxury hotels around the world, I think of places like that. Not just a room to rest your head, but a setting so immersive, intentional, and unforgettable that you build the entire itinerary around it. Whether you're after a 5-star family-friendly escape, a romantic wine estate, or a remote eco-lodge where the food is as memorable as the views—these are the kinds of places where you stay put because you simply don’t want to leave.
Image from São Lourenço do Barrocal
What Makes a Hotel the Destination?
Some of the most rewarding trips I’ve ever planned centered not on the destination itself, but on the hotel. Because when a hotel captures the spirit of a place so beautifully, it doesn’t just support your trip. It becomes your trip.
Here’s what sets those places apart:
Culinary experiences that reflect place. Think estate-grown wine, hyper-local ingredients, seasonal menus, and food so good you’re planning dinner before lunch is over.
Cultural immersion and meaningful connection. Whether it’s hotel staff who feel like family or curated activities rooted in local tradition, the experience goes far beyond hospitality.
On-site experiences. From sunrise hikes to diving excursions with marine biologists, the best hotels offer you the chance to stay curious without ever leaving the grounds.
Breathtaking surroundings. Private nature reserves, remote beaches, and vineyard-covered hillsides—these properties don’t just blend into their environment, they elevate it.
These aren’t just hotel stays. They’re immersive, sensory, one-of-a-kind experiences—and they often become the most memorable part of the trip.
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk
5-Star Hotels Where the Hotel Is the Destination
If you’re looking for resort hotels in Europe, 5-star family resorts, or remote luxury with unforgettable experiences, these hotels are worth planning your entire itinerary around.
Some questions to consider when thinking about planning a “hotel as the destination” trip are:
Is this trip about rest and reconnection, or do I want built-in access to adventure and activities?
Am I traveling with kids, and if so, does the hotel offer meaningful experiences for them and space for me to relax?
Is food important to me—do I want meals that are truly special, locally inspired, and reflective of where I am?
Am I drawn to a specific kind of landscape or setting (beach, vineyard, mountains, private reserve)?
Will this trip feel more complete if I can connect with the culture, nature, and people without ever leaving the property?
As you consider these things, here are some of my favorite resorts and hotels for families, single travelers, couples, and friends looking for a hotel-centric trip.
São Lourenço do Barrocal – Portugal
Tucked into the heart of Portugal’s Alentejo region, São Lourenço do Barrocal is a family-owned estate that redefines resort hotels in Europe. Set on 780 acres of vineyards, olive groves, and meadows, this former farming village has been transformed into a peaceful rural retreat that embraces tradition without sacrificing comfort.
Image from São Lourenço do Barrocal
This serene resort is great for couples, families with older kids, and groups of friends looking for a variety of activities.
You can explore archaeological sites on the property, take part in olive oil and wine tastings, or join workshops in local crafts. There’s horseback riding, mountain biking, hot-air ballooning, and even a farm-to-table cooking class—all without leaving the estate.
The rooms and cottages are intentionally designed with natural materials and private terraces that invite you to slow down and soak in the stillness of the countryside. Meals are made with ingredients sourced from the estate’s organic garden and local producers, offering a true taste of Alentejo.
Important logistics to consider: The property is a two-hour drive from Lisbon, making it an easy add-on to a Portugal itinerary. I recommend at least three nights to unwind and experience everything the estate has to offer.
Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort – Fiji
For families seeking an all-inclusive 5-star resort in the South Pacific, Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Fiji delivers something truly rare: effortless luxury paired with deep oceanic adventure. They have an incredible children' s program, with one-to-one nannies that provide expert care.
Fiji is one of the most incredible places in the world for scuba diving, and is where I earned my scuba certification. Then, years later, my husband and I did our first scuba dive together. And it’s the place I hope to bring my daughter to start her own scuba diving certification. Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort actually offers scuba diving classes, starting at age 10!
Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort
The resort is renowned for its focus on both family and environment. Each child under five is assigned a dedicated nanny, and older children are cared for by engaging staff in the award-winning Bula Club.
Meanwhile, parents can enjoy a cocktail by the pool, a romantic beach dinner, yoga classes, or a morning dive in the Namena Marine Reserve—considered one of the top 10 soft coral diving sites in the world. With on-site marine biologists leading snorkeling excursions and reef education, it’s also an ideal destination for travelers passionate about ocean life.
Important logistics to consider: Fiji is about 11 hours from LAX with direct flights available from the West Coast. And recently, direct flights have opened up to Fiji from Dallas, Texas. Once you land, the resort is a quick domestic flight or transfer away. This destination pairs well with both active adventure and family downtime.
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve – South Africa
Located near South Africa’s southern coast, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is a boutique eco-reserve that delivers everything a luxury lodge should: views, cuisine, privacy—and something intangible that keeps travelers talking about it years later.
I’ve called this one of my top five hotel stays ever. Why? The incredible food, where I was eagerly anticipating every meal. The rare botanical walks through one of the most biodiverse floral kingdoms in the world. The kind of silence you didn’t know you were missing until you arrived.
Grootbos Private Nature Preserve
While the lodge is set up for relaxation and reflection, it’s far from sleepy. Days can be filled with horseback riding, whale watching (in season), or scenic beach picnics arranged by the staff. And the food? Unforgettable. From flavored butters that change daily to full tasting menus built around what’s grown on-site or nearby, the culinary program makes dining elsewhere feel unnecessary.
Important logistics to consider: Grootbos is a scenic 2.5-hour drive from Cape Town, making it a natural addition to a South Africa itinerary. I recommend at least three nights to truly settle in and experience the range of what’s offered. I visited this resort with a group of friends, and I would honestly recommend it to just about any group of travelers.
Booking Hotels Direct vs. Booking with a Travel Advisor
When it comes to all inclusive luxury hotels, many travelers wonder: why not just book direct?
Here’s my expert advice after 10 years of planning travel on what perks you get when you book a hotel or resort with a travel advisor versus booking it directly yourself:
The truth is, most people don’t realize what they’re missing until they work with a travel advisor. And when you’re investing in a stay at one of the best 5-star hotels in the world, having someone who knows the property—and how to personalize your time there—is priceless.
Let the Hotel Be the Highlight
The right hotel changes everything. It’s not just where you sleep; it’s the backdrop, the immersion, the story of a luxurious trip.
Whether you’re traveling to Portugal’s wine country, snorkeling in Fiji, or stargazing over South Africa’s coastline, these all inclusive luxury hotels offer something special. They slow you down. They help you connect. And they leave you dreaming of when you’ll return. (I literally started planning my return trip to South Africa while I was at Grootbos.)
Ready to turn your next hotel stay into a full-on experience? Let’s design a trip where the destination is the hotel and every detail is tailored to you.
Whitney Shindelar
Undiscovered Sunsets was a long time in the making, even if I myself didn’t realize it. During my time at the University of Northern Iowa, I studied abroad in New Zealand. Upon graduating, I bought a one-way ticket to France, lived with a French family and studied with classmates from Turkey, China, Russia, Germany, Italy, and everywhere in between. In 2010 I began teaching English as a foreign language. This job quickly took me to China, where English teachers were in high demand and within three years, I began working in a 5-star hotel, speaking Mandarin throughout most of my day. In total, I lived abroad for 7 years.
I consider Undiscovered Sunsets to be the perfect mélange of my personal experience traveling the world and my professional experience working in the hospitality industry.
I look forward to designing your next adventure!