All inclusive: when it works out cheaper
All inclusive works out when at least two meals a day will be taken at the establishment and there is no plan to explore the island, while anyone intending to travel around ends up paying twice for the same meals.
gelisted editorial team · Updated 15 August 2026
The short version
- A set lunch away from the hotel costs 12 € to 18 €.
- The premium over half board runs 15 € to 35 € per person per day.
- The break even sits at about two meals a day at the hotel.
- Excluded extras must be stated in the board description.
The arithmetic is not decided by the package price but by the type of trip. With small children and a pool it works well; with a hire car and a wish to explore, it does not.
The board bases
Room only covers the accommodation. Bed and breakfast adds the first meal. Half board covers breakfast and dinner, leaving midday free. Full board covers all three meals. And all inclusive adds drinks and consumptions within the hours and areas set by the establishment, along with snacks between meals and, in some cases, an activity programme.
| Board basis | Over room only | Meals covered |
|---|---|---|
| Bed and breakfast | 8 to 18 € | 1 |
| Half board | 20 to 40 € | 2 |
| Full board | 35 to 60 € | 3 |
| All inclusive | 50 to 90 € | 3 plus consumptions |
| Set lunch outside | 12 to 18 € | 1 |
| Dinner from a carte outside | 25 to 45 € | 1 |
| Light meal at a beach bar | 10 to 20 € | 1 |
When it works
With children, because meals are resolved without negotiation and the wide hours suit their rhythm. On restful trips based at the hotel with heavy use of the pool and a nearby beach. For groups wanting a fixed budget. And in high season, when eating out means queues and high prices on the front line. In those cases the 50 € to 90 € daily premium is recovered.
When it does not
When a car is hired to tour the island, because at midday you will be at a cove in the north or a village in the sierra rather than at the buffet. When the point of the trip is food, since local cooking is found outside. And on short stays of 3 or 4 nights, where the time goes on seeing things. In those cases half board or breakfast only buys more freedom for less money.
A couple eating out on 5 of 7 days pays twice for those 10 meals: some 300 € to 450 € already covered by the package.
What to check before booking
The exact hours of each service, since an all inclusive closing the kitchen at 21:00 shapes the day. The areas where it applies, as some parts of the establishment fall outside. Which consumptions are excluded and at what price. Whether there are themed restaurants requiring booking and a supplement. And what happens on arrival and departure days, which many packages count only partially.
Frequently asked
+When does all inclusive work?
With children, on restful hotel based trips, and where at least two meals a day are taken there.
+How much extra does it cost?
Between 50 € and 90 € per person per day over room only.
+And if I want to tour the island?
It does not work. You will be away at midday and pay twice for those meals.
+What is usually excluded?
Certain consumptions, themed restaurants with a supplement and specific areas of the establishment.
+What about arrival and departure days?
Many packages count them only partially, so it is worth checking before booking.
Sources
- 1Govern de les Illes Balears, Govern de les Illes Balears (August 2026)
- 2Instituto Nacional de Estadística, INE (August 2026)