What a la carte dining outside the package costs
You want to eat beyond the package on some nights and need a way to budget for it.
Eating a la carte outside the package is easy to enjoy and hard to budget for, because prices on an island, extras and charges are all unknown until you ask. The best approach is to get the resort’s menu, price one realistic meal for your group, and multiply. Do it before you book, so you can decide whether a bigger package or a smaller one suits you.
Our guide on full board on islands shows what a package usually covers, and the island trip cost calculator lets you add the extra meals to your own total.
Why does a la carte cost more than you expect?
A menu price is only the starting number. Several things move the final bill, and each one is easy to miss on a quick read.
- Service charge and tax, if added on top of the menu price.
- Drinks, which are often priced separately and add up quickly.
- Children’s portions, which may be full price or a separate child menu.
- Sharing, which can lower the cost per person if portions are large.
- Delivery to your room, if the resort charges for it.
The implication: do not multiply the menu price by your group size and stop. Ask about each add-on.
How do you price one meal for your group?
Use the resort’s own menu. If it has not sent one, ask. Then follow these steps:
- Choose a realistic meal for each person, not the lowest-priced dish.
- Add drinks, with water and a hot drink at least.
- Add a share of a side or dessert, if your group would order one.
- Check whether service charge and tax are added, and include them.
- Add children’s meals at the child price, if there is one.
- Total it and divide by the number of people to see your per-person figure.
Then multiply by the number of meals you expect to eat outside the package. This is a rough sum, but a useful one. If you want to see how a package price lines up, read what a resort price includes, line by line.
Is eating outside the package worth it?
Compare the extra meal you would buy a la carte with the package meal you would skip. If the package meal is already paid, eating elsewhere means paying twice for the same slot.
| Situation | What to think about |
|---|---|
| One special dinner | Often reasonable, if the menu suits you |
| Every dinner | Compare with a package that includes dinner |
| Outing days | Ask whether a packed lunch is included first |
| Children | Check child portions and prices |
| Dietary needs | The a la carte menu may give more choice |
Read half board versus full board if you are deciding how many meals to bundle. For days spent out on the water, picnic lunch for island hopping helps.
What if there is nowhere else to eat?
On some islands the resort restaurant is the only option. Ask what else is nearby, how far, and whether it is open during your stay. If nothing is available, an a la carte meal may be your only way to eat outside the package.
Our page on shop, mini-mart and cash machine availability on islands covers what to check about nearby shops.
Questions to put in writing
- Can you send the current menu and prices for lunch and dinner?
- Are service charge and tax added to the menu price?
- Is there a children’s menu, and how is it priced?
- Are drinks charged separately, and what are the prices?
- Is there a charge for room delivery?
- Is there anywhere else to eat nearby, and is it open in my season?
- Can I add a meal to my package if I decide later?
A better fit if…
A smaller package with a few a la carte meals may be a better fit if you want the freedom to choose. It suits those happy to price each dinner and see what the menu offers.
A full package may be a better fit if you want a predictable total, are travelling with children, or have little else nearby to eat.
Whichever you choose, do the sum with the resort’s real prices.
Common questions
Can I see the a la carte menu and prices before I book?
You can ask the resort to send its current menu and price list. Treat it as a guide, as prices can change. Ask whether the menu is the same at lunch and dinner, and whether it differs for in-room dining.
Are service charge and tax added to the menu price?
Often something is added, but the rate and the rule depend on the resort. Ask whether the printed price is the final price, or whether service charge and tax are added on top. Get the answer in writing.
Is eating a la carte cheaper than buying the package?
It depends on how many meals you would eat outside and what you order. For a few special dinners it may suit you. For every meal it may cost more than the package. Do the sum with the real menu and your own group.
Can I eat at a place outside the resort?
On some islands there are village eateries or beach stalls, on others there is nothing within walking distance. Ask the resort what is nearby, how far, and whether it is open in the season of your stay.