The Best All-Inclusive Loyalty Programs [for 2024]

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.

In a Nutshell: Loyalty Programs typically involve accruing points with a brand – either through stays or spending on branded credit cards – that can be redeemed on a later trip, giving you a cheaper vacation or additional amenities. In return you continue spending money at this brand in order to earn more points, and the cycle continues. But there are additional benefits too — think room upgrades, airport transfers or free nights!

So, which all-inclusive powerhouse has the best customer loyalty program? Read on to find out!

Sandals

Sandals Resorts is the big-daddy in Jamaica, Barbados, Saint Lucia, Curacao, Grenada, Antigua and the Bahamas. Check PricesSandals 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.

Couples

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 Check PricesCouples 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! Benefits include 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.

Related:
Couples Resorts – Romance Reward – The Nitty Gritty details

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.

RIU

Offering all-inclusive vacations across the world, RIU operate in the Caribbean, Mexico, Spain & Portugal, Cape Verde, Morocco, Tanzania, the Maldives and elsewhere. The Check PricesRIU 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.

Related:
RIU is Officially the First Zero Food Waste Hotel Chain

Pros

Discounted rates and special offers for members.
Complimentary airport transfers for a hassle-free vacation.
Did we mention free massages?

Cons

Big jump from RIU Class Classic to the second tier, Gold – requires 30 nights within two years.

Bahia

With all-inclusive resorts across Mexico and the Caribbean, Bahia Principe offer a clearly defined tiered points-based loyalty program — Check PricesMy 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

10,000 points needed to reach Black, with an average of just 135 points per night awarded – that’s a lot of vacations!

Barcelo

Barcelo mainly own resorts in Spain, with some properties in the Caribbean and Mexico. Barcelo’s Check PricesMy 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. All tiers offer an exclusive member-only discount of up to 20% off depending 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.
Savings of up to 20% on vacation bookings.

Cons

A less exciting array of rewards, and no discounts on experiences or special meals.

Marriott

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!

Check PricesMariott Bonvoy membership is more complicated than other brands, but there are some rewards just for joining – free in-room Wi-Fi and special rates, for example.

Related:
[Interview] Marriott Bonvoy VP Sales – Antoinette van den Berg

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 Marriott location, not just their all-inclusive resorts.