European All Inclusive Resorts- Cocktails and Restaurants

[Lardychops]

We went to Riu Palace Mexico last year which was spectacular. Stocked mini bar and optics in the rooms, room service, five restaurants with no restrictions on how often you used them and proper cocktails in the proper glasses made in the proper way (not a separate menu for AI guests with odd watery squash like flavours and the decent ones needing paying for )
I just went to book a Riu Palace hotel again in Europe for a week with my sisters as one is unwell. I can see that it’s no comparison at all! It seems the level of luxury and facilities food drink etc is only if you go long haul?
Does anyone have any suggestions in Europe of places they have been that sound similar ?

• beautiful location, beachfront, near a small town, lovely views
• Proper cocktails as part of the AI not a separate paid for menu for decent ones.
• Restaurants on site as well as a buffet that you can use as much as you want are not just the one visit per stay

Thanks in advance x

Sal is Cape Verde but busier island than Boa Vista. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still quiet but there’s a town centre with bars / restaurants and shops, and excursions are your typical dune buggies / snorkelling / diving etc.

Daios cove is a brilliant shout below. Not as spendy as Ikos, but still a step above your standard AI offering.

Oh!!! Stella island might also be worth a look. We still talk about the amazing food there - it can be a bit instagrammy and I was worried everyone would be young and pouty (we are middle aged and lazy!) but there was lots of normal people too. It’s called the Maldives of Europe and you can get over water bungalow type accommodation there.

Try Liberty Lykia in Turkey- the food in the buffet is amazing. You get two free a la carte visits per stay, but it’s not much to visit the others. The Turkish restaurant is like €10 euros each and honestly one of the best meals I’ve ever had!

I second the idea of a cruise - you should be able to get a decent quality one for less than the trip to Mexico - the food is usually of decent to high quality, with a large choice of both included restaurants/buffets, and some at extra cost (but no need to visit these if you don't want to). Some cruise lines include drinks, or you can buy a package, and drinks are usually of good/high standard, with branded drinks.

I love the look of some of these - esp Stella island !

Regarding the suggestions of Cruising- going next year with parents already. Also going 2 weeks to Caribbean which looks easily as good as Mexico.

I was Just looking for a week in Europe of a super high AI standard and I think Stella island looks fab!! We Will then hire a Car and get out and about as-well as enjoy what looks like an excellent AI package when at the hotel.

Thanks all !