There’s been a lot of honeymoon talk about adults only, all-inclusive resorts that are budget friendly, but still meet all the pampering needs of a proper getaway post-wedding planning. So we wanted to share some insight so that it can help remove the stress of “internet overwhelm.”
We picked our favorite Mexico and Caribbean adults-only, all-inclusive resorts based on what we have historically seen when totaled with air, transportation and all the (complimentary) champagne you can drink!
MEXICO
The first couple are near Cancun, because that airport has the most direct flights in Mexico, making logistics a breeze. Flights take up a big part of budget, so high traffic areas can be ideal for saving on spend.
1. Unico 20.87 – Riviera Maya
This resort is the most economical in summer months, i.e. prime honeymoon season! The swim up rooms are the lowest room category… which is pretty fabulous but it’s important to note that they are eye level with heavy foot traffic at all hours of the night. So we like to recommend the Ocean Front or Ocean View for a more romantic, intimate experience, and all non-swim up rooms have a balcony with private tub. This is perfect for a couple that doesn’t need full on romance, but just wants to feel completely pampered, enjoy some excursions, and a great spa.
2. Secrets Akumal – Riviera Maya
This resort contains all of the romance of the Secrets brand within a beautifully designed new facility within the Riviera Maya area. Aside from it’s amazing property, it is also close to Tulum and ruins for those looking to get off property and explore a little bit during their time away. It is important to note that it is past Unico and typically takes around 2 hours from airport… So our best advice with this property is to not book a super early flight home!
3. Valentin Imperial – Riviera Maya
This is for a budget savvy bride and groom! This property is a great option for the newlyweds who are looking to still have a 5-star resort getaway while not breaking the bank… aka around $3k for a week! A real steal for an incredible honeymoon. Also Valentin Imperial is well located for excursions and experiencing local areas, cenotes, and ruins in the Riviera Maya area!
4. Pueblo Bonito Pacifico – Cabo
This is for someone who wants to explore all that Cabo has to offer, and doesn’t mind a non-swimmable beach. Cabo isn’t prime for swimming anyways due to it’s rocky coast, but it is dang good for exploring! The food is absolutely incredible (we recommend Flora Farms for a fabulous date night out), and relaxing with incredible views of rock formations or taking a private boat your to Lover’s Beach.
5. Secrets Vallarta Bay – Puerto Vallarta
We love the Puerto Vallarta area because it is perfect for someone who may want all of the Hawaii or St. Lucia vibes without the bougie price tag. There are mountains, great beaches, boating excursions, culture, and an awesome downtown to explore and get off property. Also, Puerto Vallarta is one of the safest cities in the world! This Secrets property lives up to it’s incredible design that the brand is known for and the service here is incredible!
CARIBBEAN
For those looking to avoid Mexico, check out:
1. Secrets Cap Cana – Punta Cana, DR
If you are wanting an adults only, all inclusive options with a gorgeous beach, this spot is for you! It is a truly incredible property that knows how to make every client feel like a VIP. They have hidden doors in each of the rooms for seamless room service delivery. This property is totally based on relaxation as it is a more quiet, intimate vibe. There are 2 Secrets in Punta Cana- but this is the newer option that will really WOW any honeymoon couple or anniversary celebration!
2. Galley Bay – Antigua
Antigua is such a great non-Mexico option fr honeymoon couples! Ringed with coral reefs, the island is known for its many sandy beaches! It is an adults only, all inclusive property that is prime for someone wanting a beach front walk out room and more authentic style experience in the Caribbean islands. It’s a smaller property than most thought so there are not a ton of dining options for a full week!
3. Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall – Montego Bay, Jamaica
Another great adults only, all inclusive option in the Caribbean. In full transparency this resort is not always super budget friendly, but you get a lot of quality for what you pay for making it a worthy splurge on a trip as important as your honeymoon. Plus Jamaica has a lot of flight options so that tends to help on the overall costs!
4. Excellence El Carmen – Punta Cana, DR
This property has true all inclusive, all suite luxury that is just perfect for a honeymoon! However, it is important to say that there are two Excellence properties in Punta Cana. Excellence El Carmen is the fresh and new property with a very “clean” feeling to it. It has a gorgeous beach and the ocean front swim ups are worth the upgrade!
5. Secrets Wild Orchid – Montego Bay, Jamaica
This resort is out on a peninsula and quite a ways from the airport, but you can expect incredible views of the crystal clear Atlantic Ocean. It is an all inclusive property with incredible amenities. Each room category has a private balcony or terrace that is fully furnished. Spend your time soaking in the sun or getting pampered at the incredible spa on property.
** Disclaimer: A lot of these will do a sales pitch upon arrival for time share. Be up front and stubborn that you have no interest (if you have no interest).
