Back to Maldives All Inclusive Holidays | What’s included checklist
If you do not drink alcohol, you are already asking the right question: is “All Inclusive” actually worth paying for? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. The trick is to stop judging plans by the name and start judging them by the inclusions you will actually use: dining variety, snacks, minibar soft drinks, activities, and the small daily charges that can quietly add up.
If you are comparing plans side-by-side, use: All inclusive vs full board and All inclusive vs half board.
All inclusive is not “an alcohol package”. It is a bundle. If the bundle includes the right things, it can still be good value for non-drinkers. Here are the situations where it genuinely makes sense.
If your resort includes afternoon tea, bar snacks, and light bites, the day feels smoother and you avoid constant small bills. Families feel this most, but couples can benefit too.
Water and soft drinks in your villa sound small, but they can be a daily cost on pay-as-you-go plans. If the plan includes daily refills, it can be meaningful value.
Minibar checklistThe big difference between a “good” and “average” plan is dining variety. If all inclusive gives you credits or set-menu access to specialty venues, it can feel worth paying for.
Some resorts include useful activities like non-motorised water sports, snorkel gear, or experiences as part of the plan. If you will use them, they can replace paid add-ons.
Some travelers simply want to stop thinking about charges. If your plan includes plenty of non-alcohol options and reduces day-to-day spending, the calm feeling can be worth it.
Many resorts price mocktails and specialty juices close to cocktails. If you enjoy them daily, all inclusive can still make sense, depending on inclusions.
If you will not use the drinks value, Full Board often becomes the natural starting point. Half Board can also work well if you are out most days and you might skip lunch.
Compare clearly here: AI vs Full Board.
See: AI vs Half Board.
If you do not drink, these are the inclusions that matter more than alcohol. Use this checklist when comparing offers.
| Inclusion | Why it matters for non-drinkers | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Soft drinks, juices, mocktails | These can be priced similar to cocktails, and you will order them often. | Which menus, which bars, and whether it’s all day or limited hours. |
| Snacks between meals | Stops constant small bills and keeps the day comfortable. | Afternoon tea, bar snacks, late-night options, and what is excluded. |
| Minibar water and soft drinks | Daily convenience, especially in villas. | What items, and how often it is replenished. |
| Dining credits or specialty access | Dining variety is the “real luxury” for many non-drinkers. | How many visits, set menus vs full menu, and reservation rules. |
| Activities | Useful inclusions replace paid extras. | Snorkel gear, non-motorised sports, classes, and exclusions. |
For the full all inclusive checklist (including transfers, premium items, and common exclusions): What’s included.
You do not need exact resort prices to make the right call. Use this practical test based on your habits.
This makes the plan value clear in one message.
1) Under All Inclusive, which non-alcoholic drinks are included (soft drinks, juices, mocktails, smoothies)? Which menus/bars and what hours?
2) Are snacks included between meals (afternoon tea, bar snacks, late-night options)? What is excluded?
3) Is minibar included? If yes, which items (water, soft drinks) and how often is it refilled?
4) Which restaurants are included? Are specialty restaurants included via credits or set menus, and how many visits are allowed?
5) Are any activities included (snorkel gear, non-motorised water sports)? What is charged?
6) Can you provide a Full Board quote as well, so I can compare properly?
7) Are transfers included in either quote? If not, what is the exact transfer type and cost per person?
Sometimes. It can be worth it if the plan includes useful extras you will actually use, like snacks, minibar soft drinks, dining credits, and activities. If it is mostly “Full Board + limited drinks”, Full Board is often better value.
Full Board is usually the easiest choice if you want meals covered and predictable meal spending. Half Board can work well if you plan excursions most days and you might skip lunch. Compare: AI vs Half Board.
They can. Many resorts price mocktails and specialty juices close to cocktails. That is why it is worth confirming what non-alcoholic drinks are included under All Inclusive.
Check the non-alcohol drinks list, snack coverage, minibar rules, and dining credits or specialty restaurant access. Use: What’s included checklist.
Often yes, but not always. If an All Inclusive plan includes lots of useful extras (snacks, minibar, credits, activities), it can still be good value for non-drinkers. The best way is to compare inclusions, not just price.
Drinks lists, minibar rules, snack coverage, restaurant access, and the questions to confirm.
Open the checklistBest if you want meals covered and you are unsure about the value difference.
Read the comparisonBest if you plan excursions or want a lighter meal plan strategy.
Read the comparison