A resort is a place for holidaying or vacationing. A resort can commonly refer to two specific but similar places: towns in which tourism or vacationing is a major part of the local activity but are usually not run by a single company (for example Aspen, Colorado) and vacation centres, usually run by a single company, which attempt to provide for all or most of a vacationer's wants while staying there (for example Walt Disney World Resort). At a minimum, most inclusive resorts include lodging and scenic views; many also include unlimited food, drink and entertainment as well.

The term resort is sometimes used interchangeably with the term hotel. Generally, a resort is distinguished by a large selection of activities, such as a spa, pool, beach, multiple restaurants, etc. A hotel is usually the central feature of a resort.

The most famous resort of the ancient world was Baiae, Italy, which was popular over 2,000 years ago.

One type of resort is an all-inclusive resort.

Pros and cons of all-inclusive resorts

A frequent critque of all-inclusive resorts is that they do not help the local economy or that they damage the local environment. People who hold this view usually cite the fact that most resorts are located in relatively remote areas away from major local population centres, making it hard for the people staying there to see any local sights or patronize local business. They also say that most resorts are owned and run by large multinational corporations, such as Sandals or Hedonism Resorts thus diverting money away from local companies.

Proponents of all-inclusive resorts point to the fact that these resorts usually bring large numbers of visitors to the country, who must travel through local airports and towns to arrive at the resort. They also state that the resorts provide jobs in areas that are economically impovrished and away from the major centres.

See also

• Seaside resort
• Ski resort
• Tourism
• English seaside resorts
• The Breakers