No neighboring casinos, no high-capacity resort rules. The welcome of Small Hope Bay Lodge is like going to the family cottage (but with a full staff!).
We were given a cold tropical drink at the beachfront patio-bar and a full tour of the grounds upon arrival, before being left to flop onto the cool comfortable mattress or the shady hammock in front of our private beachfront cottage (that's all there is at SHBL - no sardine apartments, no "garden view" or "island view" suites, and no TVs (yay!)). We put our wallets in the safe and didn't touch them until we left 12 days later. I've always associated "all inclusive" with crowded, loud, gaudy, and over-the top. Not so for SHBL. It's just the best parts of all inclusive, plus awesome diving packages (and fishing) and the coolest, friendliest staff and guests.
At first, it's hard to recognize all the activities besides diving, but the staff is full of unique options for no-cost day trips (kayaking, sailing, bike rides, good snorkel spots, etc) and will go out of their way to make sure you have everything you need for your mini-adventure. You're not sharing the free equipment with 2000 other guests here - only 20 cottages at SHBL. Even with these activities, we spent two full days enjoying the fine art of doing nothing. Don't miss Captain Bill's Blue hole; take time out for the tour at Androsia.
A couple more ways you can have accessible super-luxury: ask for breakfast in bed, spend a 1/2 day snorkelling, swimming, tanning nude, or whatever... on your own private island with a cooler full of fruits, snacks, and refreshments - you'll get dropped off by the dive charter & picked up a few hours later. Professional massage in cabin or on quiet beachfront is on par with luxury international standards at a very good price.
Check out the "stories" section for more details of SHBL awesomeness. Bring your own toiletries (shampoo etc) - you probably prefer your own anyway.
