Food and Drinks: Your Guide to Eating and Drinking on Holiday

When you book a stay at Ocean's Reach, the food and drink options can make or break the trip. You’ll find everything from all‑inclusive buffets to self‑catering cottages, and each choice has its own quirks. Below are the most useful pointers to help you decide what fits your budget, your taste, and your schedule.

All‑Inclusive Meals: What’s Really Included?

All‑inclusive resorts promise “eat whenever you want,” but the reality can be a bit different. Most places give you access to a main buffet, a few à‑la‑carte restaurants, and a set number of drinks per day. Check the fine print: some resorts count each cocktail, while others let you sip unlimited soft drinks but cap alcohol at six drinks a day.

To avoid surprise charges, ask these three questions before you book:

• Are premium wines and spirits extra?
• Do they charge for à‑la‑carte dishes or special theme nights?
• What are the opening hours for food outlets? Some buffets close early, so plan your meals around them.

If you love variety, look for a resort that offers multiple dining venues and a flexible drink policy. If you’re okay with a few meals a day and want to save, a resort with a solid buffet and limited drink caps works fine.

Catering vs Self‑Catering: Choose the Right Food Style

Staying in a cottage or a self‑catering cabin gives you full control over meals. You can shop at local markets, cook fresh seafood, or bake a simple loaf for breakfast. The upside is freedom and often lower costs, especially for families or longer stays.

However, self‑catering means you’ll spend time planning, shopping, and cleaning. If you’re on a tight schedule or just want to relax, a catered option or an all‑inclusive package saves you hassle.

Here’s a quick decision cheat‑sheet:

• Do you enjoy cooking and want to try local produce? Go self‑catering.
• Is your group large and you need simple budgeting? All‑inclusive can be cheaper.
• Do you have dietary restrictions? Self‑catering lets you control ingredients.

For a mix of both worlds, many cottages offer a small pantry and an on‑site grill. You can grab a quick breakfast at the cottage and then head to the resort’s restaurant for dinner.

Whatever you pick, keep these practical tips in mind:

• Pack a reusable water bottle. Most resorts provide free refill stations.
• Bring a few snack packs for daytime exploring. Granola bars, fruit, and nuts are easy to carry.
• Check if the resort has a kids' menu or special diet options. It saves a lot of hassle.

At the end of the day, the best food and drink plan is the one that matches your vibe. Whether you’re sipping a cocktail by the sea, grilling fish on a cottage patio, or loading up on a buffet, the goal is to enjoy tasty meals without stress.

So, before you book your next stay at Ocean's Reach, decide if all‑inclusive, self‑catering, or a blend works best for you. Use the questions above, compare the drink limits, and think about how much time you want to spend cooking versus relaxing. With a clear plan, you’ll spend less time worrying about meals and more time soaking up Croyde’s beautiful coastline.