Now that all-inclusives are going head-to-head with luxury properties, some unlikely suspects are falling for them. Luceil Carroll, who lives on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue and spends her summers on Cape Cod, is devoted to Couples Swept Away in Negril. "It makes it easier when you don't have to think about adding up a bill and tipping all over the place," she says. Becky Veith, a Caribbean specialist with Pennsylvania-based Travel Experts, recently had a client who hosted 35 members of his extended family at a Jamaican all-inclusive. "All-inclusives are great because there's something for everyone. It's like a cruise—without getting seasick," Veith says.

There's no better measure of consumer acceptance than high occupancy, and according to Berman, "all-inclusives are beating the market average by a lot." Indeed, 7 of this year's Top 25 Caribbean resorts are all-inclusives (see "Readers' Choice Awards"). Not surprisingly, even traditional luxury resorts are catching on: Hotels such as Jamaica's Ritz-Carlton at Rose Hall are now bundling packages that include the cost of the room, three meals, and selected beverages in one daily rate.

Despite the sweeping improvements that the industry is making, experts say it will be some time before travelers can equate the all-inclusive category with luxury. "The luxury end of the business is still small," Berman says, "but there is certainly a much greater variety of product suited for all wallet sizes." For example, at The Point, in New York's Adirondacks, all-inclusive rates start at $1,250 a night per couple and include a formal communal evening meal. So, as more all-inclusives upgrade their images, more travelers will likely find one to meet their budget, style, and predilection—be it naked sunbathing and toga parties or black-tie dinners followed by a game of bridge.

Seven Scenarios
There's an all-inclusive to suit everyone—almost

You're a grandparent taking your clan on a sunny vacation:   Book it! All-inclusives allow every generation within a family to do their own thing during the day and then gather for an evening meal and some quality togetherness—without worrying about morning expenses.

You're a foodie:   Choose carefully. Few all-inclusives focus on the quality of their cuisine. If food matters, look for a property that's landed a proven chef (Sergei Arola at the Royal Hideaway Playacar, for example) or opt to stay at one of the independent—and exorbitantly expensive—ultraluxury properties (like The Point).

You're a hard-drinking couch potato:   Party on! All-inclusive resorts have multiple bars that open early and close late, and no one has to worry about driving anywhere. All the big players now offer premium liquor (think Grey Goose) and even thrown champagne into the deal.