10 of the best all-inclusive beach hotels in Europe

In need of a holiday that actually feels like a holiday? Going all-inclusive is the obvious answer – and understandably so. Offering everything from swim-up rooms to on-site waterparks, there’s a lot to love about a ready-made getaway that promises instant relaxation and indulgent downtime.

Choosing where to stay is easier said than done when Europe’s line-up of all-inclusive resorts is as bountiful as a buffet. Some, however, have mastered the art of standing out.

Whether you’re after adults-only tranquillity or 24/7 entertainment, we round up ten of the best all-inclusive beach hotels in Europe for every type of traveller.

1. Bahia Principe Fantasia, Tenerife

Best for families

Fly into Tenerife’s South Airport and you can be sipping sangria poolside at Bahia Principe Fantasia in less than 15 minutes – a blessing if you’ve got tots in tow.

Packed to the brim with five pools, a sports ground, kids’ club, theatre and even a castle, half the fun of a family holiday here is deciding what to get stuck into first.

When you need to refuel, all-inclusive guests can mix-and-match between buffet and à la carte dining at the hotel’s restaurants. Dedicated children’s menus will take care of any fussy eaters.

If you’ve had your fill of karaoke and circus shows, you can tee off at one of the Golf de Sur’s stunning greens or hit the beach at Playa de San Blas.

2. Constantinou Bros Asimina Suites Hotel, Cyprus

Best for couples

Perched on Paphos’s coast overlooking a private sandy beach, every inch of the adults-only Constantinou Bros Asimina Suites Hotel was designed for an indulgent grown-up stay.

It’s the kind of place where couples’ massages at the Elixir Spa and champagne lunches on the seafront terrace dictate the pace of your day.

The all-suite rooms cater to every luxury whim, from plush king size beds and fluffy slippers to rain showers and espresso machines. Opt for an Executive Suite and you can add a private pool with jacuzzi jets and use of a private cabana to the list. We guarantee your future self will thank you.

3. Ikos Dassia, Corfu

Best for effortless relaxation

Corfu’s stunning shores have long been luring the all-inclusive crowds – Ikos Dassia adds to the appeal ten fold.

This sprawling 10-hectare (25 acres) complex is studded with Insta-worthy pools, manicured gardens and over 400 Mediterranean-style rooms, yet despite its magnitude, the resort's overarching feel is blissful over busy.

Ikos’s concept of ‘unconditional luxury’ shines through in the à la carte menus designed by Michelin-star chefs, personalised spa treatments and private yacht rentals.

When you’re not lounging on the silky white sand of the resort's 600m-long beach, take an al fresco pilates class or taste your way through the hotel's 300-strong wine collection.

4. Rixos Premium Belek – The Land Of Legends Access, Turkey

Best for entertainment

Go all in at Rixos Premium Belek – The Land Of Legends Access and the hotel’s ‘All-Inclusive, All-Exclusive’ concept will treat you to a world of experiences.

From gourmet dining and spa treatments to fitness classes and DJ shows, this whopper of a resort on Belek’s beachfront pulls out all the entertainment stops – and that’s before you’ve even made use of the complimentary access and transfers to the iconic Land of Legends Theme Park.

All ages are factored into the fun here. Little ones can whizz down water slides at the Rixy Kids Club; teens can get stuck into sports tournaments; and adults can stretch their legs on the golf course.

At the end of the day, chic and cosy rooms, ranging from deluxe doubles to private villas, promise a peaceful night’s sleep.

5. Stella Island Resort and Spa, Crete

Best for all-out luxury

One look at Stella Island Resort and Spa’s lush lagoon pools fringed by bungalow-style rooms and you’ll quickly understand why it’s described as a floating paradise.

Offering a ‘spoil me’ all-inclusive experience that includes the likes of signature cocktails, daily sports activities and themed garden parties, luxury seekers will feel right at home in this beachfront haven.

Foodies will be in their element, too. Five à la carte restaurants will whet your appetite with everything from Mexican fusion to classic Cretan dishes.

Of course, all-day pampering is part of the parcel. A frangipani body wrap at the wellness spa will take your zen levels to new heights.

6. Hillside Beach Club, Turkey

Best for wellness seekers

Nestled in a private cove among Fethiye’s pine-clad hills, the location of Hillside Beach Club alone is like a breath of fresh air.

The hotel’s ethos of ‘feeling good’ is evident in every part of your stay, from the tranquil rooms that harmoniously compliment the natural surroundings to the restorative morning yoga classes.

Where you choose to nurture your inner peace is up to you. Unwind to the sound of birdsong on Silent Beach, soak up some Vitamin D on a floating pontoon or enjoy a soothing dip in a traditional Turkish bath at the Sanda Nature Spa.

When you get hungry, the wellness buffet is a feast for all the senses.

7. Sol Nessebar Bay, Bulgaria

Best for budget travellers

Sol Nessebar Bay does what four-star resorts do best: provide all the premium facilities and luxe comforts you’d expect from a first-class hotel without a hefty bill accompanying it.

Overlooking the Black Sea and just a stone’s throw from a sweeping golden beach, this all-inclusive mecca has got classic seaside stays down to a tee. Spend your mornings getting splash happy at the on-site waterpark before tucking into delicious Bulgarian dishes at the buffet restaurant.

Afternoons are for unwinding in the Rose Relax Center. Between the whirlpool bathtub, sauna and thermal therapy treatments, this three-storey wellness spa has all your relaxation needs covered.

Save your evenings for sipping sundowners at Embarcadero Beach Bar.

8. Ikos Andalusia, Costa del Sol

Best for foodies

A Mediterranean oasis of palm-lined pools and sleek suites that spill down to the sea’s edge, Ikos Andalusia has all the style you’d expect from a five-star all-inclusive hotel in the Costa del Sol.

The hotel’s spectacular dining options bring the substance. Nine world-class restaurants will take you on a culinary journey from Provence classics crafted by Michelin-star chef, Stéphanie Le Quellec, to all things Asian fusion. Guests can also get a taste for authentic Andalusian cuisine at local restaurants as part of the hotel’s Dine Out programme.

Any over-indulgent meals are best worked off with a stroll around the 8.5 hectares (21 acres) of landscaped gardens or testing your backhand on the state-of-the-art tennis courts.

9. Maxx Royal Belek Golf Resort, Turkey

Best for golfers

You don’t have to be a golf fanatic to enjoy a stay at the Maxx Royal Belek Golf Resort – the resort’s exquisite design and prime beachfront position are tempting enough. However, with one of Turkey’s best championship courses at your disposal, getting out on the green is a highlight of any stay here.

Follow in the footsteps of golfing legends such as Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods on the 18-hole Montgomerie Maxx Royal course, set across 104 hectares (257 acres) of pine forest and sandy ridges.

When you’re not practising your swing, the hotel's impeccable hospitality services offer round-the-clock VIP treatment. Think a 24/7 cocktail lounge, personalised wellness programmes and even helicopter transfers.