Are Cabo All-Inclusive Resorts Worth It For Non Drinkers? My On The Ground Experience

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When you picture a Cabo all-inclusive, what’s the first image that comes to mind? For most, it’s the iconic swim-up bar, rows of blended margaritas, and the non-stop flow of ice-cold cervezas. The entire vacation model seems to be built around the promise of “all-you-can-drink.”

This leads to the most common question I get from sober travelers or those who simply don’t drink much: “If you take the free-flowing alcohol out of the equation, is an all-inclusive still worth the money?”

As someone who hasn’t had an alcoholic drink in 15 years, I can tell you from firsthand, on-the-ground experience: Yes, absolutely. But it’s worth it only if you understand that “indulgence” comes in many forms. The value proposition has changed, and for many non-drinkers, it’s arguably better than ever.

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The New World of “Upscale” Non-Alcoholic Drinks

The old days of being a non-drinker at an all-inclusive were pretty grim. You were stuck with fountain soda or water, while your friends enjoyed vibrant, elaborate cocktails. That era is over. Resorts have finally realized that the non-drinking population is growing, and they are now competing to offer sophisticated, “zero-proof” beverage programs.

This is where you find a huge part of your new value. I’m not talking about a simple juice; I’m talking about a full menu of handcrafted, premium-ingredient drinks that often command the same $15-$20 price tag as their alcoholic counterparts.

On a typical resort day, I indulge in:

• Specialty Coffees: A “free” iced vanilla latte (or two) in the morning from the resort’s high-end cafe.
• Fresh Smoothies: A fresh-pressed green juice or a mango-pineapple smoothie from the health bar.
• Artisanal Mocktails: By the pool, I’m ordering from a dedicated mocktail menu—think spicy jalapeño-pineapple “fauxtinis” or gorgeous “virgin daiquiris” and piña coladas that are just as elaborate as the real thing.
• Local Favorites: I can indulge in my personal favorite, the mangonada—a sweet and spicy mango slushy with chamoy that is pure bliss on a hot day.

When you add up the cost of 2-3 specialty coffees, a health smoothie, and 3-4 handcrafted mocktails throughout the day, you have easily matched the monetary value of an average drinker’s bar tab.

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Let’s Be Honest: The Freedom to Indulge in Food

The second, most obvious value is the food. Let’s be real—we all tend to eat more and indulge more on vacation. The all-inclusive model removes all the friction and “price-checking” from that indulgence.

When I’m at a resort, I never have to think twice. I order the wings and the guacamole as an appetizer. I get the steak for my main course, And dessert? I’m absolutely getting an extra helping of the apple pie and the churros. All capped off with a double espresso.

This freedom to explore the menu without wincing at a bill is a core part of the relaxation. You’re not just paying for food; you’re paying to remove every single financial decision point from your meals.

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Who It Might Not Be Worth It For

That said, an all-inclusive isn’t a perfect fit for every non-drinker. After all, your room rate is still subsidizing the drinkers around you. You have to be honest about your own vacation style. It’s probably not worth it for you if:

1. You are a food minimalist. If you are perfectly happy drinking only bottled water all day and have a very light appetite, you will likely not get your money’s worth.
2. You have a very restrictive diet. If severe allergies or a strict diet will prevent you from making use of the expansive buffets and multiple specialty restaurants, you’re paying for options you can’t use.
3. You are a culinary purist. If your primary goal is to explore the local culture by eating at authentic, off-the-beaten-path taquerias and street carts for every single meal, you’re better off booking a “European Plan” hotel and spending your money in town.

But for the rest of us? The modern all-inclusive is a paradise. The alcoholic beverages are just one small part of the picture. The real value is in the specialty coffees, the endless mocktails, the extra desserts, and the sheer, glorious freedom to say “yes” to everything.