Article by Dylan Clements‍

One of the questions I get asked surprisingly often is whether Four Seasons has any all inclusive resorts.

The answer is yes, although there is really only one true example.

That isn't because Four Seasons hasn't had the opportunity. In fact, even Four Seasons Yachts isn't all inclusive, despite many competing luxury yachts including virtually everything in the fare.

The reason is simple. Four Seasons has never tried to be an all inclusive brand. Its hotels are built around destination restaurants, outstanding bars and giving guests the freedom to dine wherever they choose, rather than encouraging everyone to eat the same meals simply because they're prepaid.

There is one exception.

Naviva isn't just Four Seasons' only true all inclusive resort, it's one of the most personalized all inclusive experiences anywhere in the world.

Another Four Seasons resort offers an optional all inclusive meal plan, while Club Lounges at a handful of properties can provide many of the same conveniences without paying for a fully all inclusive stay.

Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita

Naviva is located within the private Punta Mita peninsula on Mexico's Pacific coast, around an hour from Puerto Vallarta International Airport.

The adults-only resort has just 15 luxury tented bungalows spread across 48 acres of jungle overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is the smallest resort in the Four Seasons portfolio and feels more like a private retreat than a conventional luxury hotel.

If you're looking for a genuine all inclusive Four Seasons experience, this is it.

Calling Naviva all inclusive almost undersells it.

It's all inclusive on steroids.

At many all inclusive resorts you choose between a buffet or a restaurant menu. At Naviva, if you feel like eating something that isn't on the menu, simply ask. That could mean fresh fish grilled beside the beach, a late breakfast served in your bungalow or a private dinner built around dishes you grew up eating. The chefs are happy to prepare food around your tastes, dietary requirements or whatever you happen to be craving that day.

The same philosophy runs throughout the resort. There are no rigid schedules or fixed itineraries. Whether you want a private hike, a mezcal tasting, a beach picnic, a cooking lesson or simply an afternoon by your plunge pool, the team builds the experience around you.

Included in the nightly rate are:

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Premium wines, cocktails and spirits
• In-bungalow dining
• A spa treatment for each guest
• Daily wellness, culinary and outdoor experiences
• Dining at neighboring Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita

Approximate rates

Rates generally start at around US$4,000 per night for two guests, with peak dates often exceeding US$5,000 per night.

While that sounds expensive, it includes almost everything you'll spend during your stay.

Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort

Sensei Lanai is located in the hills of Lanai, Hawaii, and focuses on wellness rather than a traditional beach holiday.

It is not automatically all inclusive, but guests can add an All-Inclusive Meal Plan covering breakfast, lunch, dinner and beverages.

It is a good option if you expect to spend most of your time at the resort and want to know your dining costs before you arrive.

However, it is not comparable to Naviva. Private dining, minibar items and some specialty experiences are still charged separately.

Approximate rates

Room rates typically start from around US$1,000 to US$1,500 per night, before adding the optional meal plan or wellness programs.

Looking for Adventure? Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

If your idea of the perfect holiday is watching elephants from your terrace rather than lying on a beach, Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti deserves a place on your list.

I've stayed here myself, and the inclusive setup works brilliantly. Three meals a day, house wines, local beers, well spirits and a laundry credit are included, so once you arrive you can stop thinking about the bill and concentrate on why you came to the Serengeti in the first place. Game drives, park fees and transfers are usually additional unless you're booking a package that includes them.

One of my favorite memories wasn't even out on safari. It was sitting on the terrace with a cocktail, watching elephants wander down to the watering hole directly in front of the lodge. You could happily spend an entire afternoon there without leaving your seat.

It isn't an all inclusive resort in the traditional beach-resort sense, but for anyone looking for adventure, I think it is one of the best examples of how an inclusive Four Seasons experience can work.

Approximate rates

Room rates generally start at around US$1,300 to US$2,300 per night, depending on the season and room category. The rate includes three meals a day, beverages including house wines, local beers and well spirits, plus a laundry credit.

Most Four Seasons Resorts Are Not All Inclusive

Most Four Seasons hotels and resorts charge separately for meals, drinks and activities.

Personally, I think that's one of the reasons the brand works so well. Rather than encouraging guests to eat every meal because it's already been paid for, Four Seasons invests heavily in creating restaurants that people genuinely want to visit.

Four Seasons Preferred Partner Benefits

If you're staying at a Four Seasons that isn't all inclusive, there are still ways to reduce your costs.

Booking through a Four Seasons Preferred Partner travel advisor includes daily breakfast for two at most participating properties, together with benefits such as:

• Hotel or resort credit
• Priority for a room upgrade, subject to availability
• Early check-in, subject to availability
• Late check-out, subject to availability

At many resorts, breakfast alone can easily save a couple several hundred dollars over the course of a week.

Four Seasons Club Lounges Can Be Almost as Good as All Inclusive

If Naviva is outside your budget, another option that many travelers overlook is choosing a Four Seasons with a Club Lounge.

Unlike many hotel brands, Four Seasons only has Club Lounges at a small number of properties. Rather than simply offering breakfast, they're designed as a private hotel within a hotel, with dedicated concierge teams, exclusive check-in and food and drinks available throughout much of the day.

One of my favorites is the recently renovated Club Lounge at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea.

It goes far beyond a typical executive lounge. Breakfast is served each morning, followed by afternoon tea, premium cocktails, substantial evening hors d'oeuvres, desserts and after-dinner drinks. Throughout the day there are soft drinks, specialty coffees, fresh fruit, pastries, sandwiches and snacks available whenever you feel like stopping by.

One feature that always sticks in my mind is the freezer drawers stocked with a selection of premium ice creams and frozen treats. If the kids want another ice cream after the pool, they simply wander into the lounge rather than adding another charge to the room bill.

Other Four Seasons properties with excellent Club Lounges include Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, and Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi.

While a Club Lounge isn't the same as staying at an all inclusive resort, it gets surprisingly close. Combined with Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits, you may find that much of your food and drink is already covered while still enjoying the flexibility to dine elsewhere whenever you choose.

Final Thoughts

Naviva is the only real all inclusive Four Seasons resort, and even that description does not quite cover it. You can ask the chef to make what you want, eat where you want and shape the day around yourself rather than a set program.

Sensei Lanai is different. It offers an optional meal plan, but it is still a wellness resort rather than a full all inclusive experience.

At other Four Seasons properties, Preferred Partner breakfast and Club Lounge access can still take a fair amount off the daily bill.

Book Your Four Seasons Stay With Added Benefits

Planning a stay at Naviva, Sensei Lanai or another Four Seasons resort? We can book the same publicly available rates while adding valuable Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits, including daily breakfast for two, a hotel credit and priority for an upgrade, early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability.

There are no booking fees, and you pay the hotel directly.

Contact Clements Travel for rates, availability and the best room options for your stay.