Calling something 'all-inclusive' or 'family-friendly' doesn't tell you much — it's like saying a car has wheels. What matters is whether the kids' club runs past 3pm, if 'luxury' means a fancy lobby or an upgrade to your experience, and whether adults-only guarantees peace or just means no under-18s at the swim-up bar next to the family pool.
If you're staring at On the Beach's holiday options wondering which type fits your needs (and budget), you're not alone. The labels overlap, the marketing's vague, and you want to know what you're getting for your money. Already confident they're legitimate? Good. Now let's figure out which holiday type actually suits you.
We'll cut through the waffle and match you to the right beach holiday type — with honest talk about what each one delivers, what it costs, and how to save. Plus, we'll show you how to use Groupon's On the Beach discount codes to make any holiday type more affordable.
In this guide:
How to Choose Your Holiday Type
Holiday "types" aren't as clear-cut as they sound. A luxury hotel might have a family section. An all-inclusive resort could be adults-only. The key isn't picking a label — it's matching features to your non-negotiables.
Three questions to ask: What's your budget? Who's coming? And what would absolutely ruin this holiday for you?
| Your Priority | Best Holiday Type | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping costs predictable | All-Inclusive Family | Meals, drinks, kids' entertainment already paid for |
| Guaranteed child-free zone | Adults-Only | No kids' clubs, no family pools, no Baby Shark on repeat |
| Proper pampering | Luxury | Swim-up rooms, fine dining, spa facilities that aren't an afterthought |
Family Holidays That Won't Cost You Your Sanity
What "Family-Friendly" Means
When On the Beach labels something family-friendly, they're not just talking about a cot in the corner. Expect kids' clubs that run until evening (so you can have dinner without negotiating bedtime at 6pm), hotels with multiple pools (toddler splash zones separate from waterslides), family rooms that fit more than 2 adults + 1 child without someone sleeping on a rollaway, and waterparks plus entertainment — some included, some extra cost.
If you're travelling with kids who need constant stimulation, look for hotels with waterparks — they're basically childcare you don't have to feel guilty about.
Why All-Inclusive Makes Sense for Families
The real value of all-inclusive when you've got kids isn't "free food" — it's predictable costs when three children are ordering ice cream every hour and asking for snacks the second you sit down.
With an all-inclusive family package, you're paying upfront for meals, drinks, and snacks (usually buffet-style with kids' menus), kids' entertainment (mini discos, games, activities beyond "go play in the pool"), and no surprise bills — you know exactly what you're spending before you leave home.
Smart tip: All-inclusive doesn't always mean 24-hour service. If you've got early risers who'll be starving by 5pm, check if late-night snacks are included — or you'll be paying hotel prices for emergency toast.
All-Inclusive & Luxury: What You Get for Your Money
Not all all-inclusive packages deliver the same experience. A £500pp deal in Turkey is very different from a £2,000pp package in the Maldives. Same goes for "luxury" — the star rating doesn't tell you if you're getting swim-up rooms or just a fancier lobby.
Budget All-Inclusive (Under £500pp)
At this price point, expect buffet meals with decent variety (but not Michelin-star presentation), local spirits and house wine (drinkable, not premium brands), basic entertainment (pool games, evening shows, maybe a kids' disco), and limited hours (meals at set times, bars that close at midnight).
What typically costs extra: Premium alcohol, à la carte restaurants, watersports, mini-bar, and room service.
When it's brilliant: Families who want predictable costs, groups who'll be out exploring most days, or anyone who values convenience over gourmet dining.
Premium All-Inclusive (£500-£1000pp)
This is where things improve noticeably. You get à la carte dining options (reservations-only restaurants with menus, not just buffets), branded drinks (recognisable spirits, better wine, cocktails that don't taste like syrup), better entertainment (live music, themed nights, beyond bingo by the pool), and possibly 24-hour service (late-night snacks, bars that stay open, room service included).
The value calculation: If you'd normally spend £30-40 per person on dinner and drinks each night, a premium all-inclusive pays for itself in 5-6 days.
Luxury Features That Matter
On the Beach's luxury category means 4 or 5-star hotels — but the star rating doesn't tell you what matters.
Swim-up rooms mean walking from your patio into the pool without fighting for sunbeds. Fine dining means proper restaurants with menus, not buffets. Spa facilities mean treatments and hammams, not just a gym with a sauna. Adult-only sections mean separate pools with no kids' entertainment bleeding into your space. Room service means restaurant-quality food, not sad sandwiches.
Justifying the Luxury Cost
Frame it as cost per experience, not cost per night. If you're paying £1,200 for a week instead of £600, that's £85 extra per day. But if that gets you a swim-up room you'll use daily, spa access you'll enjoy, and meals you'll remember instead of tolerate, you're paying for a noticeably better holiday.
When luxury makes sense: Anniversaries or milestone birthdays (when the holiday itself is the gift), when you need proper rest rather than just a change of scenery, when you've got limited holiday time and want to maximise every day, or when the "standard" version would stress you out.
If you're leaning toward luxury, check out luxury beach resorts and compare specific features — not just star ratings.
Worth the upgrade if...
You like trying different restaurants without worrying about the bill, you drink more than a couple of cocktails a day, you want flexibility (late breakfast, midnight snacks, no set meal times), or you're celebrating something and want to feel properly looked after.
Adults-Only: What Child-Free Guarantees
The Adults-Only Spectrum
If the phrase "Baby Shark" makes you twitch, adults-only might be calling your name. But not all adults-only resorts deliver the same vibe:
| Type | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Romantic/Couples | Quiet, spa-focused, fine dining, sunset cocktails | Anniversaries, honeymoons, reconnecting |
| Party/Social | Entertainment, nightlife, pool bars, group activities | Groups of friends, solo travellers who want to meet people |
| LGBTQ+ Friendly | Welcoming, inclusive, often party-adjacent | LGBTQ+ travellers seeking community and safety |
What You're Paying For
Adults-only holidays often cost more than family-friendly ones. The premium buys you guaranteed peace (no screaming at breakfast, no pool games interrupting your nap), better sleep (no families with toddlers in the room next door), cocktails without judgment (no side-eye from parents when you order your third piña colada at 2pm), and entertainment aimed at grown-ups (live music instead of kids' discos, wine tastings instead of face painting).
⚠️ Adults-Only Checklist: What to Confirm Before Booking
Minimum age — Some properties are 18+, others allow 16+
Proximity to family resorts — Separate property or just an adults-only section?
Entertainment style — Chill spa vibes or party atmosphere?
If guaranteed child-free is non-negotiable, see adults-only options and filter by your preferred vibe.
How to Save Money on Any Holiday Type
On the Beach's Money-Saving Features
On the Beach makes booking less stressful and cheaper with some useful features. Book with a £19pp deposit to lock in your holiday now and pay the rest later. Use fee-free monthly payment plans to spread the cost without interest charges. Check for Holiday Perks — select bookings include free airport lounge access and fast-track security. And look at last-minute deals if you've got flexibility, as last-minute packages can save you hundreds.
ATOL Protection: Your Safety Net
Every flight-inclusive package holiday at On the Beach comes with ATOL protection. If the company goes bust or your flight gets cancelled and you're stranded, you're financially protected. Your money's safe, and you'll get help getting home if you're already abroad.
This isn't boring insurance talk — it's peace of mind that your £2,000 holiday won't disappear if something goes wrong. And it's included automatically, not an optional extra you have to remember to tick.
Quick Answers
What's the difference between a family holiday and an all-inclusive family holiday?
A family holiday means the hotel has family-friendly features — kids' clubs, family rooms, maybe a waterpark. All-inclusive means meals, drinks, snacks, and usually kids' entertainment are included in the price. If you've got multiple children, all-inclusive usually saves money and stress.
Are luxury holidays luxurious or just expensive?
On the Beach's luxury category means 4 or 5-star hotels with premium features like swim-up rooms, fine dining restaurants, proper spa facilities, and higher-quality everything. Check the specific hotel features to see if the "luxury" bits match what you care about.
Do adults-only holidays guarantee no children at all?
Yes, but check the minimum age — some properties are 18+, others allow 16+. The best adults-only resorts are either completely separate properties or have distinct sections far from family areas. Look for "adults-only resort" not just "adults-only section."
What's included in an all-inclusive package?
Typically meals (buffet or à la carte), drinks (local or branded, depending on the package), snacks, and entertainment. What's usually not included: mini-bar, room service (unless specified), excursions, spa treatments, and premium restaurant reservations. Always check the specific package details before booking.
Found your perfect holiday type? Our complete booking guide walks you through the entire process from clicking 'confirm' to airport check-in. And don't forget to check Groupon's latest On the Beach discount codes before you finalise — you might save even more.
