all inclusive resorts...should we do it or not?
 

My fiance and I are planning our honeymoon, and thinking of going to an all inclusive resort in caribbean or mexico/latin america. We would be open to staying at other resorts, but our budget is tight $5000-6000, including airfare. We are looking to stay 10-14 days.

Some specifics: We are late 20's, flying from Portland, OR, dates flexible, but approx April 28 2008 to May 10, 2008. This is our first real vacation outside of USA- I've done medical missions and he's been deployed, but we've never gone anywhere just for fun.

I want relaxation/spa treatments; he wants some local culture and fun adventures...Good service and food are important for both of us. (One of the reasons all inclusive appeal to me at least is that you can call room service and have food and drinks brought to your room.) We love history and art.

Any recommendations on All inclusive resorts? Do people feel they are generally a waste? Is the food bad? Would you recommend us going to a different resort, and just paying for all of our drinks and meals out of pocket?

Some places we were thinking of staying include: the couples resorts on jamaica Sans Souci and Swept away, as well as the Sandals resort in St. Lucia. I would rather stay in St. Lucia vs. Jamaica, but it is less expensive on Jamaica. Also looking at el dorado royale in cancun. Any help and insight you can give is much appreciated!

Hi Mindyellen,
Ironically I'm in the same boat and trying to make a similar choice, getting married, thinking of doing the AI for sake or ease and not sure where to go on a similar budget...so I'll be watching this post as well...
Back to you... I have been to Swept Away in Negril, JA and it was AMAZING! As for the gorunds and the service as well as the food, everything was great. The fact about JA is that once you step off the "compound" you are still in a thrid world country. If you want a beautiful vacation and to be pampered on all day and are willing to stay on the grounds, Swept Away is the place. In fact had I not already been there I'd be going back (but the fact I was there with someone else, kind of makes that not an option with the future wife!)
Good luck with your honeymoon and I'll be watching to see what kind of advice come in.

Happy New Year!!! We are planning our destination wedding at El Dorado Royale. I have done TONS of research on several resorts. I came across the BEST source for ideas.

http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...eferrerid=2942

This is a foroum of TONS of past and future destination brides. You will find everything you need and more here. Jut be careful because it is addicitve! I often find myself still on there at 4am!!!

GOOD LUCK!!!

To me it sounds as though the groom will get a little bored in one of these resorts. They are like isolated little worlds of their own.

I got married 3 years ago and the idea ofa resort was not in our mind, but I reckon that depends on everyone´s expectations and situation at the moment. If you are tired and in deep need for a rest, then a resort will help.

I don't know about all inclusives, but Bali comes to mind as a good mix of relaxation, spa services, local culture, and fun and adventure that fits your budget.

My answer depends on your destination.

Somewhere like the Dominican Republic maybe an all-inclusive if necessary.

But, for example, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico definitely not needed (because the city itself is extremely safe, welcoming, and chock full of great restaurants all price ranges).

You may want to take a look on the Caribbean board. This was discusse at some length just a week or so ago. You'll get more 'action' over there as well. This is a newer heading & lots of folks have not found it as yet.