Top 7 All-Inclusive Resorts in the Southern U.S.

The Swag Hotel

The Swag, nestled in Waynesville, North Carolina, has been recognized as the top resort in the South by T+L readers in the 2023 World's Best Awards. This accolade reflects its unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction. By booking one of the 18 rustic-chic rooms, suites, or cabins, you’ll enjoy inclusive meals and non-alcoholic drinks throughout your stay. The resort also offers complimentary yoga sessions and various free activities, such as guided hikes, badminton, fishing, and cozy evenings making s’mores by the bonfire. Plus, the views at The Swag are simply unparalleled—perfect for those seeking stunning autumn colors and breathtaking sunrises.

Key Details:

• Inclusions: Accommodations, meals, non-alcoholic beverages, and select activities
• Location: Waynesville, North Carolina
• Distance from Airport: 45 miles from Asheville Regional Airport
• Nearby Attractions: Located on the edge of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and a short drive from The Biltmore in Asheville
• Rates: Starting at $875 per night for two adults

Miraval Austin

Health-centric retreats typically fall under the all-inclusive umbrella, as these resorts aim for guests to focus solely on their wellness journeys without the distraction of settling bills after meals. When you book at Miraval Austin, the Texas Hill Country location in the destination resort and spa portfolio, your payment includes all meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages, along with a wide array of daily wellness classes. The resort emphasizes that it’s a “gratuity-free property,” so there's no need to tip instructors, servers, or therapists. Ultimately, the only thing to keep track of is your busy itinerary, filled with remarkable offerings.

Key Details:

• Inclusions: Meals, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, and most classes are included
• Location: Austin, Texas
• Distance from Airport: 28 miles from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
• Nearby Attractions: Situated overlooking Lake Travis
• Rates: Starting at $924 per night per person, including a $175 nightly resort credit applicable toward spa services, fee-based activities, and private sessions with Miraval specialists

The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island

Little St. Simons Island, accessible only by boat, is a private barrier island featuring 11,000 acres of stunning Georgia wilderness, including seven miles of pristine beaches. The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island, a top-ranked property in the 2023 World’s Best Awards, is the island’s sole resort, accommodating a maximum of 32 overnight guests. Visitors can choose to rent individual rooms, an entire cottage, or even the whole island. Regardless of the choice, the rates encompass three meals a day, non-alcoholic beverages, guided excursions, boat transfers to and from the island, and access to the resort’s recreational gear, including bikes, kayaks, fishing equipment, and binoculars.

Key Details:

• Inclusions: Meals, non-alcoholic beverages, guided excursions, boat transfers, and access to recreational equipment are all included
• Location: Little St. Simons Island, Georgia
• Distance from Airport: 75 miles from Jacksonville International Airport
• Nearby Attractions: Discover the nearby Golden Isles, including Sea Island, St. Simons Island, and Jekyll Island
• Rates: Starting at $675 per night for two adults

Blackberry Farm

The renowned Blackberry Farm is among the most opulent all-inclusive resorts in the United States, not just in the South. Nestled in Walland, Tennessee, this Relais & Châteaux property, celebrated as one of the best resorts in the South in the 2021 World’s Best Awards, is famous for its tranquil, secluded setting and its ability to create a magical getaway in the Great Smoky Mountains. The 68 guest accommodations, including rooms, suites, and cottages, all come with daily meals from the on-site dining options. However, please note that meals ordered outside standard hours (10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m.) or through room service will incur additional charges.

Key Details:

• Inclusions: Daily meals are provided
• Location: Situated in Walland, Tennessee
• Distance from Airport: Approximately 18 miles from Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport
• Nearby Attractions: Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains
• Rates: Starting at $1,045 per night (with a three-night minimum) for double occupancy

Blackberry Mountain

Blackberry Mountain’s 23 cottages, 14 treehouses, and six cabins and multi-bedroom homes welcomed guests in 2019 and quickly became some of the most sought-after accommodations in the Southeast. Recognized in T+L’s It List in 2020 and among the best resorts in the South in the 2023 World’s Best Awards, Blackberry Mountain follows a similar all-inclusive model as its sister property, Blackberry Farm, with a few variations. Nightly rates include breakfast, dinner, pantry snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, and morning wellness classes, while lunch incurs an additional fee.

Key Details:

• Inclusions: Breakfast, dinner, snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, and morning wellness classes are all part of the package
• Location: Walland, Tennessee
• Distance from Airport: Approximately 18 miles from Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport
• Nearby Attractions: Enjoy exceptional hiking opportunities in the Great Smoky Mountains
• Rates: Starting at $1,595 per night (with a three-night minimum) for double occupancy

Lake Austin Spa Resort

While Austin, Texas is famous for its vibrant live music and booming tech industry, it also offers a more tranquil experience. Nestled in this serene atmosphere is Lake Austin Spa Resort, an adults-only retreat by the lake. With 40 rooms and suites, the resort provides an all-inclusive package that encompasses most of your stay. Enjoy three meals a day, snacks, room service, smoothies, and juices, along with an impressive array of wellness activities such as yoga, guided hikes, boat excursions, and meditation — all included in the nightly rate. After a few nights here, you’re sure to leave feeling relaxed and revitalized.

Key Information:

• Inclusions: Meals, snacks, room service, smoothies, juices, and most wellness activities are included
• Location: Austin, Texas
• Distance from Airport: 32 miles from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
• Nearby Attractions: A short drive to all of downtown Austin’s top attractions
• Rates: Starting at $620 per night for a single guest

Snowbird Mountain Lodge

Since 1941, guests have been visiting Snowbird Mountain Lodge, which is now listed on the Register of National Historic Places. This charming lodge continues to attract visitors with its all-inclusive features, providing three meals daily and access to canoes, paddleboards, kayaks, fly fishing rods, mountain bikes, and yoga mats. Accommodation choices range from 15 rooms in the historic Main Lodge to deluxe options in Wolfe Cottage and luxurious suites in the Chestnut Lodge, which include private decks and hot tubs for two. Kathy Roberson, T+L’s copy and research chief, noted in 2023, “The home-like Snowbird offers the sweeping mountain vistas we all dream of for a Smokies getaway. Packed lunches in the morning allow guests to explore hiking, boating, fishing, or scenic drives at their leisure.”

Key Information:

• Inclusions: Meals and access to outdoor equipment are included
• Location: Robbinsville, North Carolina
• Distance from Airport: 58 miles from Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport and 107 miles from Asheville Regional Airport
• Nearby Attractions: Visit Wehrloom Honey and the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center in Robbinsville
• Rates: Starting at $327 per night for two guests with a two-night minimum stay

Important Information to Consider

Clarify your travel intentions

Are you seeking an active getaway, or do you prefer lounging by the pool with a good book? Will the whole family join, or is it a romantic escape for two? The offerings at all-inclusive resorts can differ greatly, so it’s essential to book based on your interests.

Keep seasonality in mind

Weather significantly influences the experiences at many all-inclusive resorts, impacting available activities and pricing. For instance, fall is the peak season for mountain resorts like The Swag, Blackberry Farm, and Blackberry Mountain. Conversely, Texas properties tend to offer lower rates during the height of summer.

Understand What’s Included — and What’s Not

The term 'all-inclusive' can vary widely. Some resorts include all meals, activities, and tips in the nightly price, while others may add extra charges for snacks, drinks, or meals that exceed daily limits. Always check the details (and be flexible with your budget) before you commit.

Our Criteria for Selecting These Hotels

Lydia Mansel, a travel journalist based in Virginia, has traveled extensively throughout the Southern U.S. The all-inclusive hotels featured here were selected based on her experiences, insights from Dinogo editors, and other contributors. Many of these hotels have received accolades in the World’s Best Awards from T+L readers. Our recommendations also reflect our T+L Hotel Values.