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I like all-inclusive resorts. Who cares if they are cliche, if you enjoy yourself? The real issue is how much you want to experience the place you visit. If you don't mind traveling like a tourist and not having an authentic experience in the place that you visit, but want to be able to relax and not worry about anything (which can be totally valuable in its own way), the resort is absolutely a great way to go. It's SO easy! If you're hoping to experience another culture, obviously staying in a giant compound with a bunch of other tourists and not needing to really ever leave is not the way to do it. So it depends on what you want out of your trip.
YES YES YES YES YES
while the food may not be top notch 5 star fancy shmancy, the convenience of it all is awesome. You can eat when you want, drink when you want, and you aren't stressing out over how much money's in your wallet and whatnot.
it is THE way to go for a laidback beachy vacation like that.
iv'e done all inclusive and non all inclusive. all inclusive is just WAY less stressful. Service is superb and you don't feel like you have to walk around with a dollar bill out your nose to get someone to bring you something. you guys will feel like royalty, it's really nice.
downside, really, is that the food isjn't say, Ruth Chris steakhouse quality. But mostly still good! The last resort we went to was average food. I've been to others that have stellar yummy food. Some are cheesy, sure. Go adults-only if you can. it is THE only way to go. Takes out a lot of the cheese factor. No "look it's a pirate! look it's a show!" stuff going on =]
a BIG YAY on all inclusives. You dont have to worry about your food and alcohol, its great! We stayed at the Excellence Resort in Punta Cana, Domincan Republic and it was the most amazing trip ever. They took REALLY good care of us and the place itself. We got a lot of perks for being on our honeymoon as well.
I agree with ejs, it is way less stressful. Other than money you tip and spend on souveniers, you go in knowing exactly how much you are spending and there are no hidden costs, its awesome.
Our resort had really good food too, a lot of variety since they had 8 restaurants and 11 bars :)
I haven't been to an all-inclusive, but we're going to a Sandals on our honeymoon. I have, however, done a cruise, which includes everything but alcohol. I think it comes down to how much you're going to eat/drink. Also, with all-inclusive you don't have to worry about carrying cash anywhere.
At first I worried about the cheese factor that often comes with all-inclusives. But you know what? It's your honeymoon. You won't notice and if you do, you just have to laugh :)
I would say yay for less stressful for honeymoon.
I would recommend like a cruise that goes to places like italy, spain, and other european countries...that would be amazing for a honeymoon and non-hawaii
or you can do a mexico cruise cuz that is also beachy..like cozumel (and I think swine flu is less of a threat now..and they reopened things)
I'm going to be the naysayer here, but I strongly vote against the all-inclusive vacation. We did a romantic getaway at an all-inclusive resort and the food was bad, the alcohol was watered down, and we were surrounded by young kids / families / teenagers the whole time. Not very romantic! We would have saved money and had a more unique experience had we taken the time to research local hotels and eateries. And we ended up spending money anyway, because we couldn't stand to stay at the resort for too many meals! To be fair, I think that our resort was less than a 4-star, so maybe I shouldn't have expected much. If you end up going with all-inclusive (believe me, I see the appeal!), you should think about splurging as much as possible, because otherwise, you might have a frustrating experience.
On that note, definitely stay at a higher end hotel. And adults only! Makes a difference. some places definitely cater to adults/romantic vacations, go with that.
and you can always tell them how to make your drink, which is a trick we learned, and don't be afraid to ASK for the top shelf liquor. Otherwise you get the house liquor. But the Ron Barcelo is always an option =]
Four words for you: Sunset At The Palms.
Negril, Jamaica. It's the perfect all-inclusive that doesn't feel like one. There are only about 60 rooms, mostly adults, perfect if you just want to eat, drink, sleep, read on the beach (no conga lines here). We LOVED it. :)
thanks everyone!! sounds like all-inclusive is a great option...
anyone have great food experience at an all-inclusive? sounds like mostly okay food...
I really enjoyed the food at Couples Negril. The drinks were fantastic, and the resort was STUNNING. The rooms weren't like, 5 star, but they were more rustic Jamaican charm. I loved that place and would recommend it to ANYONE. Plus, couples only, no one under 18 allowed!
I stayed at the Riu Caribe in Cancun... the food was okay. Not amazing, but definitely good enough (just stay out of the "Asian" restaurant unless you like mayo in ALL of your sushi ;).
We love the all-inclusive but you do need to do your research. Nothing below a 3-star. Also, check out this site:
Great review reads on this site. We always go here and read up on a resort before we book anything.
I second the recommnedation for Couples Negril. We went for five nights at the end of July and had a wonderful time. The drinks were great, the water and beach were beautiful and large. The food for lunch and dinner were a little hit and miss -- lots of choices, not a lot of stand out things. The dinner food was stand-out, we had a lot of duck, lamb, lobster, etc. Very, very good, especially the reservations restaurant.
We have friends that went to Cancun for their honeymoon, they were against all inclusives and said they wouldn't get to see the area. They ended up visiting a lot of hotels to decide where they wanted ot stay if they returned and it didn't sound like a really relaxin fun honeymoon.
Basically we decided all inclusive was the way to go because the resort came highly recommended and what the heck do we know about fending for ourselves for a week in Jamaica.
I would read TripAdvisor reviews and check out the Couples message boards if you are interested in one of their resorts. I liked the no kids factor at Couples.
We went to Cancun for our honeymoon and stayed in an all inclusive. It was great to be just married and not have to be thinking about what your paying for meals and drinks all the time. While the food isnt amazing it wasnt horrible either! And my hubby loved being able to try all different kinds of drinks without having to pay for ones you dont like. All in all we had a great time and would probably consider staying at an all inclusive again!
I love Tripadvisor! I've booked dozens of hotels and a couple of all-inclusive resorts using this website, and it has never failed me.
I used to be totally against all-inclusive resorts, but now I think they're a great option when you want a relaxing beach vacation. Especially after all the stress and excitement of a wedding, it would be nice to just crash somewhere and have everything available without having to do a lot of planning.
anybody have travel experience in Sept/Oct...where is it a good time of year weather-wise to go...thanks!
We just got back from the Bahamas - went for 5 days on Oct. 1. Weather was amazing! high 80s. Perfect for laying by the pool and beach, drink in hand. =)
For what you are describing, an all-inclusive seems like the kind of vacation you would be looking for.
I personally have never done all-inclusive travel becuase of the concerns you have stated. I would rather experience a country as a local would experience it. But that is just my travel preference. However, I think that I would be willing to go to an all inclusive for the right type of vacation - one where you just want to relax and enjoy the beach without any stress or worries!
We are planning on a self-guided trip of Western Europe for our honeymoon - it has been stressful to plan so far! So there is something to be said for all-inclusives :)
Big yay for all inclusive but definitely make sure it's adults only and higher end. I recommend staying away from Riu.
If you're looking for something laid back and beachy an all inclusive is the way to go. It's a great deal and very relaxing.
If you're looking for something adventerous and exciting it's not. The all inclusive can be a little boring and vanilla. A lof of people are looking for that after the crazyness of the wedding, but some will be bored.
I always says that all inclusives are "vacation" not "travel."
I second, or third the tripadvisor.com suggestion. Its the best way to read reviews on hotels, resorts, and attractions. People post pics from their vacation so you can see what the resort and the rooms really look like!
I love all inclusive resorts! It's just so relaxing & you don't need to carry around a lot of cash besides tips. The food is always average... but there are endless amenities that make up for it. Activities, shows, drinks, relaxing beaches... I've never had poor service. Because you're with the staff for a week or two they get to know you & will treat you well.
Oh and make sure you bring a big travel drink mug for all your delicious beach beverages! They fill them up with slushy alcoholic drinks & they stay cool in your mug. lol this way you don't have to keep running back and forth from the beach to the bar. :) haha I sound like I've got a problem...
Tripadvisor is amazing. I won't travel or stay in a hotel without checking out the reviews first!!
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hello..
we're currently thinking about where to go for our honeymoon..any suggestions for a laidback "luxorious" beachy yet affordable honeymoon...(no hawaii, we've been there)
also..what do you think about those all-inclusiive resorts, they seem like a good deal, but are they too cliche and "fake" (if you catch my drift..)
thanks!