A Traveling Insider’s Guide to All-Inclusive Honeymoons
This entry is from our Expert Guest series where wedding and honeymoon professionals share their best tips on creating memories that last a lifetime. We want to thank our friends at Hilton and the author Lisa Grabelle for sharing this great content.
Learn why all-inclusive honeymoons are a great option for sticking to your budget and taking the trip of your dreams.
Dreaming of a well-deserved escape to a slice of paradise like Jamaica or Mexico after the stress of wedding planning? All-inclusive resorts tick all the boxes for a perfect honeymoon: unlimited food, bottomless drinks, engaging activities and nonstop entertainment, all within an awe-inspiring setting and with no extra costs.
This guide will help you create new travel memories as you look for an all-inclusive destination that best matches your every honeymoon dream, including:
- Saying “yes:” You just said “I do” to the love of your life, now say “I do” to all the extras that come with an all-inclusive. One of the biggest benefits of an all-inclusive honeymoon is knowing that every extra ice cream is already in your travel budget.
- Seeing the world: It’s an unforgettable way to see a spectacular global destination.
- Relaxing and reconnecting: Spend quality time with your partner.
Why Should You Choose an All-Inclusive Honeymoon?
There truly is something for anyone. Take your pick from all-inclusive resorts across the globe that cater to everything you’re dreaming of for your honeymoon. All-inclusives remove the guesswork from budgeting for your vacation. For one flat price, you’ll find all the elements needed for a dreamy getaway are included. You can choose from basic amenities to all the frills included, with everything in between.
What’s excluded? Read the fine print. At resorts, you often find items like premium liquor, Wi-Fi, resort fees, minibars and the like are sometimes excluded. If your resort plan includes luxury and pampering with a spa treatment or outdoor activities like golf, motorized water sports, excursions or water parks, then see if the resort has special pricing. These options might impact your choices.
Adults-only all-inclusive resorts are a great option for couples focusing on mingling and romance. The atmosphere at these grown-up playgrounds ranges from zen relaxation at the spa to more party-centric experiences.
Why Pick an All-Inclusive?
Comfort has never been so convenient. When meals, entertainment, pools, watersports and more are included in your stay, you’ll be on vacation from any worries.
When Should You Travel To an All-Inclusive resort?
The all-inclusive high season spans from late November through April, peaking during winter holidays and spring break. The low season is from summer to early autumn, so you can plan to avoid crowds. For your vacation, beware of weather patterns including rainy seasons, cooler weather and possible hurricanes.
What Is There To Do At An All-Inclusive resort?
It’s a cinch to stay active all day (and night). You can also choose to do nothing: relax in a beachfront cabana or recharge at the spa. Our best hints? If you’re a beach bum on your honeymoon and are planning to sunbathe, find out if the beach is pristine and expansive or narrow and rocky. If riding the waves is a priority, find out if the water is safe for a swim and calm enough for water sports. If you prefer the pool, be sure to read reviews since the pool scene often sets the resort’s tone.
Where to Stay?
Looking for a priceless souvenir? Book at a resort offering classes in areas such as cooking, mixology, surfing and tennis. Travel home with a newfound interest in stand-up paddle boarding or the ability to “wow” your friends mixing up a delicious Paloma.
Seeking tranquility and balance? Head to a property with a top-rated spa. Restore your well-being with holistic treatments drawing on the region’s wellness traditions. Get pampered with a romantic couples massage. Create memories with your gal pals while sipping cocktails and getting pedicures.
As night falls, celebrate by your rules. Toast new friends with top-shelf drinks at a martini bar, spark (or rekindle) a romance over dinner, laugh it up watching a comedian, dance the night away at a disco or try your luck at the casino. Enjoy a wide variety of all-ages shows, dance parties, and movie nights.
Here are some of our favorite honeymoon resorts:
Cancun
Escape to a beachfront Cancun paradise on a secluded stretch of Mayan coastline in Mexico.
Puerto Vallarta
Watch for whales or dolphins in the Bay of Banderas between December and March, or spend time brushing up on your Spanish with on-site lessons in Mexico..
Jamaica
Perfect your swing at Cinnamon Hill Golf Course, or float in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Egypt
In Egypt, this resort puts you directly on Abu Dabbab Beach, and its diving center allows you to explore a famous coral reef.
What Is There to Eat and Drink at an All-Inclusive resort?
The best all-inclusive resorts serve up delicious dining experiences and treats all hours of the day and night — and it’s unlimited and included. Looking for a midday burger and fries? No problem with 24-hour room service. Loving your poolside mojito and want another? Absolutely.
Hilton hint: “Be sure to inquire which dinner restaurants require reservations ahead of time so you don’t miss out on some of the more upscale dining options.” -Taylor Lynn, Hilton Team Member, Global Brand Marketing
When researching, review the number and types of dining options, including à la carte restaurants, snack bars, buffets and fine dining.
Foodies will drool over innovative menus boasting farm-to-table ingredients and local flavors, reflecting the region’s distinctive culinary traditions. The festive-themed buffets are a hit with guests of all ages and you can look forward to expanding your palate at restaurants specializing in globally inspired dishes.
And, maybe most importantly, cheers! You’ll find nonstop socializing at a slew of engaging on-site bars.
What Else Do I Need to Know About an All-Inclusive Resort?
From Mexico to Turkey to the Caribbean, staying at an all-inclusive is a comfortable way to explore exotic bucket-list destinations. Pick the one that suits you. Consider differences in culture, natural scenery, spa experiences, amenities and overall resort vibe.
Ready for an upgrade? Do you dream of watching the sunrise over the shoreline from your balcony? You’ll pay more for perks like ocean views and terraces. Balconies provide a quiet place to unwind while sharing a glass of wine.
Make your All-Inclusive resort memory
You can pick the perfect resort for your budget and desires. Feel the tension melt away as you anticipate the exciting experiences waiting for you in a stunning destination.
Start your all-inclusive honeymoon registry today.
Author Lisa Grabelle has been traveling all her life…and loving it! She lives in New Jersey.
