The popularity of holidays at all-inclusive hotels has risen sharply. With the post-referendum slump in the value of the pound, the promise that pretty much everything – not just accommodation, but meals, drinks, activities – is included in the pre-paid rate is a tempting reassurance. You can minimise your day-to-day spending, and insulate yourself against any worsening of the exchange rate because you will have already paid upfront for all your key holiday expenses. It's also relaxing being able to order another cocktail, or an ice-cream for the children, without having to worry about the extra cost. So if you do decide to go down the all-inclusive route, what do you need to consider to end up in a good and suitable hotel? After all, on an all-inclusive break you are probably going to spend most of your holiday there, so it's especially important to make the right choice. You don’t want to end up having to pay extra to eat somewhere else, because you are disappointed with the offering at your chosen hotel.

Before booking, double check the size and character of the hotel or resort. Some are adults only (Sandals properties, for example; sandals.co.uk); others are dominated by families. Many offer live entertainment every night, which may be tacky or fun, depending on your point of view. The cheaper ones are often large scale, and can feel a little impersonal - guests might have to wear an identifying wristband, for example. But there are plenty of small-scale all-inclusives offering gourmet meals and excellent service – indeed, on some Caribbean islands the best luxury hotels operate on this basis and an increasing number of traditional hotels are offering the option of staying on an all-inclusive plan for food and drink. Some all-inclusives are a good distance the nearest town or resort, with a taxi ride the only realistic way to get too and from the hotel. You may find this isolation relaxing – but it adds to the separation from local life that comes with staying in this kind of hotel.

However, in some destinations an all-inclusive, rather than a pay-as-you-go deal can make a lot of sense. For example, in the Maldives hotels occupy their own mini islands, leaving you no option but to eat and drink on property the whole time. At cheaper all-inclusives, the rate often only covers meals in the main buffet dining room, which, after a week or so, could become distinctly monotonous. list of best wines in franceThere may be an additional à la carte restaurant, but you may have to pay extra to eat in it, or be restricted in the number of times you can visit them. best wine for tasting menuBy contrast, high-end all-inclusives may allow you to eat in any of a variety of restaurants at no extra cost (even if you order the steak or lobster).good wine during pregnancy

When it comes to drinks, at the cheaper end, those included are often local brands, while in better quality hotels, some international brands are often available too. Ask also about about wines: do you have to pay for anything except the local plonk? And what about minibars? Some all-inclusives include free soft drinks, beer and snacks, and, in fancier hotels, spirits too.best kind of ice wine Again, what's included varies considerably – so if you've set your heart on a specific activity check before you book. glass of wine dreamAny decent all-inclusive should offer unlimited use of non-motorised watersports equipment, such as kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and snorkels. buy wine in paris on sundayAs a rule, you pay extra for motorised watersports, spa treatments and any excursions – though there are notable exceptions. best red wine remover

Club Med (clubmed.co.uk) is good for sporty holidays, with group tuition covered in its all-inclusives rates. Use of children's clubs is almost always covered by all-inclusive terms, except for babies and toddlers, for whom you usually (but again not always) have to pay extra due to the higher staff-to-child ratios required. where to buy wine cheapBabysitting will also come with an additional cost.best wine tours south france Detractors of all-inclusives say they provide minimal benefit to their surrounding communities, as guests are likely to remain in their hotels rather than visit local establishments, and money taken by the hotels (often big international chains) doesn't filter through to the local economy. It makes good sense to book all-inclusive hotels as part of a package: the overall cost of the holiday may well end up cheaper, and you get financial protection.

Some all-inclusives are exclusive to a particular tour operator, but most can be booked by multiple operators, so shop around for the best deals. For mainstream all-inclusive holidays, try: First Choice (firstchoice.co.uk), which sells only all-inclusive packages, particularly to large, keenly-priced, family-oriented properties; Thomson (thomson.co.uk) which has some excellent excusive properties; ), also one of the market leaders. ) is a good bet for more upmarket all-inclusives in Europe and further afield. For a wide selection of long-haul, all-inclusive options, consider: Hayes & Jarvis (hayesandjarvis.co.uk); and Virgin Holidays (virginholidays.co.uk).We're having technical difficulties.Celebrate culinary aficionados and wine, beer, and spirit enthusiasts five incredible all-inclusive days and evenings. Charity Wine Pairings Dinner 7:00 – 10:00 PM Tacos & Tequila hosted by Red Mesa – Restaurant – Cantina – Mercado 6:30 – 9:30 PM BEER Night St. Pete

5:30 – 9:30 PM Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 4-5 1:00 – 5:00 PM Each of our events features awesome ALL-INCLUSIVE pricing. Your glass and plate will runneth over as all your food and alcohol tastings are included – even the bottled water is free! Walk through the gates and put your wallet or purse away! 1:00 – 5:00 PM* This signature event features both Saturday and Sunday afternoon sessions. Enjoy fine wines, sample fare from the area’s best restaurants and chefs, and take in free cooking demonstrations from local chefs. One price provides access to an all-inclusive food and drink experience. VIPs enter at 12:00 PM. *Last pour is at 4:30 PM. 5:30 – 9:30 PM* Located under elegant white tents in gorgeous, waterfront North Straub Park, BEER Night St. Pete features beer and cider selections from local, regional, and national breweries as well as all-inclusive food from area establishments.VIPs enter at 4:30 PM. *Last pour is at 9:00 PM. 6:30 – 9:30 PM*

Travel through a world of regional flavors and delights as you enjoy exquisite tacos and alta cocina dishes. Sample the range of tequilas and cocktails presented by eight of the most renowned distillers of agave spirits. Brand ambassadors will share their knowledge as you savor the various expressions of their unique spirits. THE FIFTH THIRD PRIVATE BANK VIP EXPERIENCE A limited selection of VIP tickets are available. VIPs enter the festival one hour prior to the general public and have exclusive access to our VIP lounge plus the following benefits! Gain access to the event one hour prior to general admission (starting at 12:00pm for the Grand Tastings) Relax in the Fifth Third Private Bank VIP Lounge Access to air conditioned toilets Taste a selection of exclusive wines served only in the VIP tent Enjoy an impressive dessert spread provided by Publix Private Cabanas Available for BEER Night (Friday) and Grand Tastings () Enjoy a private area for your company or group of friends.

Our private cabanas come with private security, 10×10 white tent, sofas and lounges, special beer or wine selection and 12 VIP tickets (ticket value range $1,020 – $1,500 depending on the day). Private cabana ticket holders also receive access to the VIP tent and can enter the festival 1 hour before general admission. See prices and details when selecting tickets. Cabanas sold separately each day. The St. Pete Wine & Food Festival Experience Watch highlights from the 2015 event and a sneak peak at the 2016 St. Pete Wine & Food Festival Grand Tastings & BEER Night St. Pete. This Grand Tastings feature Saturday and Sunday afternoon sessions. Enjoy fine wines, sample fare from the area’s best restaurants, and enjoy cooking demonstrations from local chefs. The upscale event set along the waterfront allows you to indulge in great food, fine art, and gourmet products for one all-inclusive price. On Friday evening, BEER Night St. Pete features over 110 craft beer and cider selections, delicious bites from local restaurants, and festive music.

In gorgeous waterfront North Straub Park, BEER Night is a craft beer enthusiasts’ dream.This all-inclusive event is the perfect opportunity to experience Tampa Bay’s burgeoning craft beer scene first hand. And don’t forget Tacos & Tequila on Thursday night featuring a range of tequilas and cocktails presented by eight of the most renowned distillers of agave spirits. You’ll also travel through a world of regional flavors and delights as you enjoy exquisite tacos and alta cocina dishes from Red Mesa Restaurant, Cantina and Mercado. Local Chefs & Restaurants at SPWFF Grand Tastings Council Oak & Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa Loews Don CeSar Hotel Publix Aprons Cooking School Click here for a full restaurant lineup on Saturday and Sunday 2016 SPWFF Venue (North Straub Park) St. Petersburg Arts Alliance The St. Petersburg Arts Alliance provides leadership for the financial success, quality, diversity, and organizational stability of the arts and cultural community of St. Petersburg.