One of my favorite wedding-planning tasks doesn't really feel like a "task" at all—researching honeymoon options! Just staring at the crystal-blue water and swim-up bars on my laptop screen is enough to put me in a zen-like happy place. My fiancé Corey and I haven't finalized our honeymoon destination, nor our hotel of choice (Cancun and Riviera Maya in Mexico are at the top of our lists). However, we definitely want to take the all-inclusive route after having an amazing first experience at the RIU in Cabo, San Lucas, which is where we stayed for my sister's wedding back in 2010. We loved not having to whip out our wallets during vacation. For those of you who have never been to an all-inclusive, I’ll describe the experience...
You end up paying significantly more per person upfront, but once you’re at the resort, all meals and drinks are covered (check your hotel's policy for any exclusions). Some hotels may offer amenities free of charge as well, which could include kayaking, snorkeling, and use of their gym facilities. The more extravagant indulgences (such as spa treatments and couples' massages) usually require an additional fee, but some properties offer a discount towards spa treatments if you book overnight stays or a suite.
The last thing I want to think about on my honeymoon is bills, and Corey certainly agrees with me there. I love the idea of not having to worry about paying at the end of a meal, which makes for an even more relaxing vacation. Sure, it's in good taste to leave a cash tip after meals, but that doesn't equate to more than a few bucks every now and then. Although I'm happy to treat myself to an expensive steak dinner out every once in a while, I can't envision myself ordering more than one $15 margarita at one sitting; I'm just too practical.
Although there are wonderful pros to booking an all-inclusive trip, there are also some disadvantages that couples should know about. If you're very particular when it comes to cuisine, then this may not be the best option for you. I didn't have the best meal of my life (or anything close to it) at any of the all-inclusive properties I've visited. Also since everything is available on-site, it's tempting to never even leave the resort grounds during your trip. (Corey and I are fine with this, since we only plan to stay for a week or so, but I can definitely see how some newlyweds could get a little stir-crazy.) If you were staying at a non-inclusive hotel, you might have a greater desire to actually explore the city.
In order to determine whether staying at an all-inclusive is truly more affordable than a traditional hotel, you need to decide as a couple what your priorities are for the trip. For those who plan to sightsee around town, sample the local cuisine and hit the local nightlife hard, this may not be the most economic option for you. Corey and I originally researched resorts that offered more excursions, but in the end, we'd like to save that experience for another vacation, not our first trip as husband-and-wife after the wedding. Our goal is to relax, enjoy one another's company, and bask in the sun with drinks in our hands. That’s why when it comes to choosing a honeymoon location, I know an all-inclusive is a must!
Photos Courtesy of Riu Hotels & Resorts
Tell us: Where are you going on your honeymoon? How much did you choose to spend?
— Nikki Stroud
Nikki Stroud is a real bride who is learning every step of the way when it comes to wedding planning. She and her fiancé, Corey Allan (both Ball State alums), will be married in September of 2012 in front of their friends and family in Indianapolis. Glittering ivory lights, exposed plumbing and sleek wood floors depict their romantic yet rustic venue in the Downtown area. The couple hopes to incorporate personal touches to make the celebration truly reflect their relationship.
