All-inclusive honeymoon recommendations – No Mexico!

• nowthisistaken
• 3 years ago

Hello bees,

I’ve been trying to research hotels for our honeymoon and I’m getting overwhelmed. I’ve searched through some old posts on here but thought asking for some specifics might be more helpful. I struggle with anxiety and after looking at a bunch of hotels online I just have to walk away frustrated that I’m not finding something, rather than let myself become very anxious over this. My Fiance is working for the next few weeks and does not have access to a computer or time to actually sit and research this, so I’d like to find some ideas to look in to and show him once he is back for a few weeks, til he goes out again for work.

Details:

Time and Length: Early November probably 5-6 days (would love longer but not sure we could do it)

Location: Thinking Carribean, somewhere warm, by the beach. We have already been to Mexico together and would like to go somewhere else. I have been to DR and Jamaica but would be open to go again for our honeymoon. We also don’t want to waste a whole day flying.

Must haves: Small hotel (around 150 rooms or less, inclusive preference, **cabanas  by the beach – had this at Azul Beach in Mexico and it was PERFECT, you just reserve the cabana the day before and you have it for the day, very helpful in protection from the sun and not getting burned)

We would be interested in doing a few excursions, and we have 0 interest in scuba diving.

Budget: I think we’re looking at $4-6K for everything combined. We’re in NY (for considering flights).

Basically like Azul Beach  Rivera Maya by Karisma Hotels – There were under 150 rooms, 5 restaurants, poolside bars, other bars, cabanas by the beach and some regular lounge chairs. We loved it! I see that the hotel chain has a property in Jamaica but the reviews are so-so.

I went to a travel agency today and they gave me some books to look over. I found some I thought would be okay, but after researching them further they have poor reviews, and don’t meet basic requirements. One book was just Sandals resorts and to be honest they looked too old, too touristy, and seem like there is TOO much going on.

Please help! Any recommendations of where you have stayed, will be staying, or know of are much appreciated!!!

• nowthisistaken
• 3 years ago

Joyful2019 :  Ooo Manchebo looks great! So the cabanas were up off of the beach, but right by?  Going to include this on the list to show my Fiance. Thank you!!!

• nowthisistaken
• 3 years ago

soontobemrswaller :  I’ve been looking there, that’s actually how we booked our trip to Mexico at Azul Beach. It’s been overwhelming to look at unfortunately.

• nowthisistaken
• 3 years ago

naijabee :  Thanks! Right now I’m looking for specific places, first.

• nowthisistaken
• 3 years ago

bump because I know there are more people on here who can provide recommendations!

• nowthisistaken
• 3 years ago

Anything….?

• nowthisistaken
• 3 years ago

bridetobeonjune3 :  Thanks! Did you stay in a honeymoon suite? On their site, it says it comes with all this: 

• 1 bottle of rum.
• 1 20 minute Massage (per person per week).
• 1 20 minute Romantic massage (per couple, per week).
• 1 Breakfast in the room (per couple, per week).
• 1 Romantic dinner in the Punta Cana Princess restaurant (per couple, per week).
• 1 Gourmet Dinner at La Cava or Pescador restaurant (per couple, per week).
• Private Merengue and Spanish lessons.
• 1 beach bag

If you had a honeymoon suite, did you get this as well? Can you tell me a little more about the massages and dinners? Did they try to get you to buy more with anything?

I see that for all-inclusive it doesn’t include dinners at certain places – “La Cava” and “El Pescador” Gourmet Restaurants (Caribe Princess Hotel) 

How were the restaurants? Which did you love/not love?

Were you able to have the front desk reserve a cabana on the beach for you, or did you have to just get there and claim it as soon as possible?

Thank you!

• nowthisistaken
• 3 years ago

bridetobeonjune3 :  Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions! I understand about the tipper performers but while we’re there (or rather the last time we went on an all-inclusive trip) we never brought cash around because it was all-inclusive. I guess if we do go, whatever night we plan the dinner we’d make sure we have something.

Is the Soana Island a day trip? And if you go to sister resorts, is that included, or extra cost?

Thanks!