Why Is A Quiet All Inclusive Resort So Hard To Find?
I recently journeyed to Mexico for a few days of relaxation and rejuvenation. My stay began at a tranquil, adults-only resort, boasting endless pools and a coastline that stretched over a mile. My friend and I spent our days lounging by the pool, deeply immersed in light-hearted beach reads and engaging in great conversations.
The second half of our trip took us to a family-oriented resort. As a parent, I don’t generally mind family-friendly accommodations. The issue here wasn’t the children crying or doing cannonballs into the pool. The real problem was the incessant noise.
I’ve been traveling and staying at all-inclusive resorts for the past two decades. Lately, I’ve noticed a troubling trend where everything has to be excessively loud. Gone are the serene pools where you could spend an afternoon reading a book or taking a nap. These have been replaced by booming club music as early as 10:00 AM, with competing soundtracks blaring from various pool areas. I was astounded that a family-oriented resort had what felt like an all-day rave by the pool. Children who eagerly wanted to shout “Look at me!” to their parents as they dove into the water with their floaties were drowned out by the unbearable music. Despite having three pools, there was no peace and quiet to be found anywhere. Unfortunately, this seems to be an increasing trend at many resorts.
We naively assumed that evenings would be quieter, given the family-friendly nature of the resort. However, the nighttime noise was even more overwhelming. On our first night, there were two outdoor weddings, a welcome party, and live music in the lobby. Each event had its own soundtrack, turned up loud enough to try to overpower the others. Even in our room with the door shut, earplugs in, and pillows over our heads, we couldn’t escape the auditory onslaught. I can’t imagine how anyone managed to get their kids to sleep in such chaos. If it weren’t for the fact that we were attending a conference at the hotel, we would have checked out early.
While some people might enjoy loud music, numerous studies highlight the negative impact of constant, competing noise. Noise generally acts as a stressor on the body, and this effect is magnified when dealing with loud, conflicting sounds, especially music. Exposure to loud music can elevate cortisol levels, disrupt sleep, and increase anxiety, particularly in children. A 2019 study by the Institute of Health noted, “The non-auditory effects of noise exposure include perceived disturbance, annoyance, cognitive impairment, cardiovascular disorders, and sleep disturbance.”
In 2024, Elizabeth Scott, Ph.D., published an article for Very Well Mind discussing how noise pollution elevates stress levels. “Chronic stress from noise pollution can cause elevated blood pressure, impaired cognitive functioning, and more,” she wrote.
So why are so many resorts deliberately creating an atmosphere that prevents people from relaxing during their much-needed vacations? Why do hoteliers wrongly assume that all their guests, regardless of age or lifestyle, want to be bombarded with blaring club music before they’ve even finished breakfast? Why are hoteliers continuing to allow guests to use their personal bluetooth speakers, forcing guests to listen to an additional soundtrack to the one that is already on?
Celebrity George Hahn recently exasperatedly posted on Instagram, “This is a serious question for the hotel industry. Why does every resort with palm trees, a pool, a beach, and a bar, have to turn into a nightclub? It’s 1:00 in the afternoon. Seriously!? “ It’s absurd.
By forcing guests to endure such an onslaught of noise, resorts are inadvertently driving away those who seek tranquility and a peaceful retreat. It’s time for the hospitality industry to reconsider its approach and recognize that not all travelers are looking for a party atmosphere. Hoteliers need to recognize that a one-size-fits-all approach does not cater to the diverse preferences of their guests. By offering quiet zones and noise-controlled environments, resorts can create a more inclusive and relaxing experience for everyone.
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Read reviews of some of our favorite, quieter resorts here.
