All Inclusive
 

So I'm getting married in June of 2004 and we're looking for a place to go on our honeymoon. We're basically looking for an all-inclusive type place so that we won't have anything to worry about while we're there and we can just relax. Usually I wouldn't entertain an all inclusive place because I love adventure and getting off the beatin track and all that. But in this case I think it's the perfect thing.

We're in Canada and are looking at places like Mexico or the Caribbean. I'm also considering Belize after reading the Belize thread in this forum.

Anyone have any experience with all inclusive places or know of any good deals out there? Any help would be appreciated.

I'm not interested in All Inclusive places myself, but since those are heavily touted, you should check your local tour operator for the ones that you can afford. Usually IMHO the all inclusives are the most expensive route because they have to account for everyone's tastes and margin of profit.

Hedonism II, Club Med, Sandals are the most well known ones.

good luck!

If you want something high end inclusive, try a Silver Sea cruise. Everything's included and it's five star for sure. It's expensive but you are pampered all the way.If you want to stay on land and you are going to Mexico don't go anything below a five star resort. A five star down there is like a four star here. Spend the extra couple hundred bucks it's well worth it. My g/f has six travel agencies here in Calgary so I've been and seen alot. Hope this helps. And if you want to book with her Pm me and I'll send you her web addy.

I love the all-inclusive concept - and have been to about a half-dozen in Mexico and the Caribbean. If you like to eat and drink, and not have to worry about paying everytime you do so, it is well worth it.

Some places I have stayed at (or sent clients to) that were exceptional are:
1. Secrets Excellence - Punta Cana - excellent 6 star property, without the 6 star price tag
2. Sandals St. Lucia - a bit pricey, but great for honeymooners
3. Ladera, St. Lucia - not technically an all-incl prop, but they do offer a meal plan. Truly one of the most remarkable resorts in the world. The resort is set on a mountain, and all rooms only have 3 walls - the 4th wall is non-existent and faces the sea and the mountains! Go here for more info:
http://www.ladera.com/index.asp
4. Royal Hideaway Playacar, Riviera Maya, Mexico

If you like you can PM me for more info.

Thanks for all the info.

Awhile back I was looking at that Ladera site for St. Lucia. Looks like an amazing place, I'd love to check it out but the fiencee was a little sceptical about the missing wall in regards to insects and what-have-you. Also, I think we'd rather be close to the ocean and some diving. St. Lucia is an amazing place, I've sailed around there before and it was awsome, but I think it may be a bit too pricey and hard to get to at the time we're looking. (mid-June)

Does anyone have any info about how the weather is in these places in Mid-June? Is it too hot? Lately we've been hearing a lot about Belize and the great diving there. Any experience with resorts down there?

Thanks.

If you want to do outdor activities try Club Med (Even though I do not like it anymore.)

The Palace Resorts in Mexico are outstanding. We stayed at the Moon Palace this past September. The beach wasn't the greatest but everything else was spectacular. Amazing food (several first class restaurants), the best pool I've ever seen at a resort (and I've stayed at a lot of them over the years), excellent staff, and plenty to do in the evening for entertainment. When you stay in one of their resorts you get to go visit any of the others during the day and use their facilities. Xpu Ha Palace has an outstanding lagoon for snorkeling and a nice nature preserve as well. Aventura Spa Palace has a spa that your wife will love. My fiancee went to the spa while I went cave diving.

The Moon Palace is just outside of Cancun while Aventura Spa and Xpu Ha are about an hour's drive south in the Mayan Riviera. About mid way between the two is a ferry that will take you over to Cozumel for a few $.

http://www.palaceresorts.com/

Bahia Principe Tulum

On the 'Mexican Riviera'. South of Playa Del Carmen. Its pretty secluded, about 30 minutes to town, but safe. Very reasonable rates, largest buffet on the coast, plus 2 dine-in restaraunts.

I found that half the fun was planning the trip...much to learn..

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I'm a bit of a cheapskate on little things, so an all-inclusive is wonderfully freeing for me. Rather than saying "I'll just get a juice, I don't really need a mixed drink", it is "Mudslide? Sure!"

We stayed at the Grand Lido Negril a few years ago, and it was absolutely wonderful. And, it had a great nude beach, where I met Lorna Morgan (but before I knew she was a nude model).

It is your honeymoon. You should be doing the minimum possible (aside from sex), and everything should be as easy as possible. Go with the all inclusive.

If you're an Automobile Club member (AAA in the States, I think it's CAA in Canada), check at your local office for some incredible last-minute deals. Often for Cruises but I saw some all-inclusive deals at my local branch. You'd need to be rather flexible as they often leave within the week. But you'll save some serious money. The adventure is that you won't know where you're going!

My best friend got married at a Sandals in the Bahamas... what a blast that was. :)

I hear hedonism is great, too. Now that's a trip for a honeymoon. :)