PHOTO: Benazuza Restaurant, (photo courtesy of Oasis Hotels & Resorts)

There’s no question that taking an all-inclusive vacation is a great way to manage your trip budget. Food, premium coffee drinks and alcoholic beverage costs can add up quickly when you’re on the road, so unlimited access is certainly an appealing way to travel.

When it comes to food, however, many all-inclusives get a bad rap with respect to their culinary offerings. Foodie travellers can be a particularly hard sell, as they often equate the all-inclusive experience with boring buffets and bland food offerings. Even resorts that are rocking the foodie scene struggle to attract self-proclaimed “foodies,” who worry that dining at the same venues over and over might be a limiting way to enjoy their vacation.

But guests staying at Mexico’s Oasis Hotels & Resorts can indulge in extra variety while also enjoying the benefits of an all-inclusive getaway. With the Club Oasis Runaway program, guests at all seven Oasis properties in Cancun and the Riviera Maya can enjoy the services at any of Oasis’ area properties.

Want to do a little exploring? Visit Oasis’ diverse restaurants, take in the shows and entertainment, or party till dawn at any of the nightlife venues. Or use the program to maximize your chill out by soaking up the sun at a different beach location every day of your stay.

With Oasis Smart Car rental program — the seven properties share several hundred Smart cars, which guests may rent for one day or more — getting around Riviera Maya is a cinch. 

While the Club Oasis Runaway program offers plenty of variety for travellers, it is particularly appealing for foodies who crave a little variety. Bored with the Bahia Rodizio Brazilian grill at The Pyramid? Then simply head over to Grand Oasis Sens for some Arabic food and belly dancing at Schillabar. 

And culinary offerings are a key component of the guest experience at Oasis. Founder Pedro Pueyo has had a toe hold in the food industry for many years. In Spain, he worked with one of the world’s top chefs, Ferran Adria at Hacienda Benazuza de Andalusia. Guests with a quick eye will notice that Benazuza at the Grand Oasis Sens, frequently ranked one of the best restaurants in Cancun, takes its inspiration from its Spanish namesake.

READ MORE: Summer Deals on Oasis Hotels with Sunwing

Ready to get started? Planning a foodie strategy at Oasis Hotels can be overwhelming, especially for first timers. Collectively, the properties are home to more than 60 restaurants, all with distinct menus, decor and dining concepts. Need some assistance? Here are some top Oasis Hotels dining picks:

Maki Tako, Grand Oasis Cancun
Be sure to check out this poolside restaurant with a tempting blend of fusion Asian and Mexican food. Fill up on scrumptious sushi and tempura creations and see just how guacamole can work as an accent to your favorite Asian dishes.

Careyes, Grand Oasis Tulum
Once you’re finished exploring the ruins of Tulum, be sure to head over to Grand Oasis Tulum, to enjoy a gorgeous seaside setting at Careyes. Even if you’ve seen the ruins before, Careyes is worth visiting for its fresh seafood offerings. Plus, the resort’s off-the-beaten-path location means you can exhale and enjoy a totally relaxing meal.

Benazuza, Grand Oasis Sens
Okay, a fine culinary experience wouldn’t be complete without at least one molecular gastronomy experience. Here, Chef Rafael Zafra rules the kitchen. Chef Zafra earned two Michelin stars when he was just 26 years old, and he has also been awarded three AAA diamonds and was listed as one of the top 50 Star Chefs of Mexico.

The White Box, The Pyramid at Grand Oasis Cancun
For travellers who want a little haute cuisine, but in a more casual setting, The White Box is the place to go. This gastrobar, also under the direction of Chef Zafra, is frequently listed as the number one restaurant in Cancun according to TripAdvisor reviewers. Here guests can share tapas-style dishes like scallop ceviche, shrimp blackened with black tempura, and potatoes and sausage from the Yucatan’s Valladolid.

Black Hole, Grand Oasis Sens
Also a top restaurant on TripAdvisor, Black Hole is a true dining experience, with an emphasis on experience. Here, the culinary team challenges guests to truly focus on their meal, which is served in near darkness. As they are being served, guests are encouraged to identify what they are eating using only the sense of smell and taste.

To participate in Oasis Club Runaway, ask your travel agent, or check with the hotel concierge upon check in. Or visit www.oasishoteles.net. 

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