Is An All-Inclusive the Perfect Choice for Your Honeymoon?

Throwback to the Dominican Republic in 2024. I love getting dressed up for dinner after lounging around all day in the sun!

We all understand that planning a wedding can be incredibly demanding and time-consuming. Decisions must be made daily in the months and weeks leading up to the big day. By the time you start organizing your honeymoon, decision fatigue has officially set in.

I've observed that many newlyweds are eager for a total escape and relaxation once they board the flight to their honeymoon destination!

Let me help you determine if an all-inclusive honeymoon is exactly what you need as you embark on your wonderful life together.

Bali beds are common at many resorts. Whether it's on the beach or at the pool, food and drink service is available in both locations. Imagine lounging here with everything needed brought to you.

What does "all-inclusive" really mean?

First, let me clarify what an all-inclusive resort entails—all meals, all beverages (including alcohol), all entertainment, and all room service are included in your room rate.

No need to carry your wallet. No need to agonize over daily activity choices. Each day, you'll receive a schedule of activities, such as exercise, craft, and mixology classes, to name a few. All you have to do is attend. No additional charges for you.

Evenings often bring their own lineup of fun: a live DJ, silent disco, themed shows, or big sports events in the bar. There’s something for everyone.

And if all of that sounds too hectic after celebrating the biggest event of your life just a few days ago, you can arrange a private dinner on the beach or simply make dinner your event, with a wide variety of cuisines in different dining settings.

An all-inclusive resort offers the best of both worlds: fun and entertainment when you want it, romance and relaxation when you need it most.

Perhaps you wish to indulge in a couple's massage. Most resorts feature luxury spas on site that can accommodate any special treatment you choose.

What should you consider?

• Do you prefer a honeymoon filled with sightseeing and activity, or one focused on relaxation and enjoyment?

• Do you imagine returning feeling refreshed and at ease?

• Do you dream about seeing places you have never seen before?

• When you consider your big bucket list trip ideas, what qualities of those vacations show up on repeat?

Let's face it. You may have come together as one but you are coming from possibly two very different types of vacation families.

Throwback to me when I was 7 at our annual beach vacation to Ft. Lauderdale. How you travel as a child greatly influences your expectations for travel as an adult.

Think about how you vacationed growing up

• Did your family visit the same beach every summer?

• Or were you the ones exploring big cities, like Washington D.C. or NYC?

• Were your vacations full of sightseeing—or more about slowing down and soaking it all in?

These memories shape what “vacation” means to each of you. Understanding those roots helps you find balance as a couple when planning your honeymoon.

How you like to vacation as an adult?

• Do you both love the idea of lounging with a cocktail, knowing everything is handled?

• Or do you find joy in wandering through markets, trying new restaurants, and discovering hidden spots?

Your travel rhythm matters.

Throwback to when I took Campbell to D.C. to relive some memories. When I was older, my parents and I traveled to Washington, D.C. annually. I think that kind of trip opened my eyes to diversity, urban environments, the subway, and so much more. It taught me a lot about exploration. As an adult, I love both types of travel. I think there is a time for fun and relaxation at the beach as well as sightseeing in the hustle and bustle of a city. You have decide what you are willing to do on your honeymoon.

Decide what luxury means to you.

While generally, this sounds like a price-tag discussion, it's not. Think about luxury experiences and feelings. At an all-inclusive luxury means ease: no worrying about bills, reservations, or logistics.

But luxury can also mean freedom: choosing every experience, meal, and moment. Building an itinerary that takes you places new and exciting each day.

For me, luxury is defined by good service and stunning views. Seeing the ocean and palm trees from my room and the resort spaces is important to me. I can't see that in Glasgow, KY. For Robert, luxury is not worrying about each thing we eat or drink and the bill it accumulates.

Think about your priorities.

• Do you want to reconnect after the hectic wedding season?

• Do you want to have adventures?

• Do you want to feel pampered?

These are just a few things to think about. Often, at an all-inclusive, relaxation is key allowing for reconnection and pampering.

And the beauty of an all-inclusive is that you can honestly have everything. If you want those adventures, some resorts have them included in your room rates. Booking excursions while in a sunny destination is also a way of diversifying how your spend your days.

The big decision: which resort?

If you start looking, you will find hundreds of resorts to choose from, each promising romance, relaxation, and perfection. But you must find what is right for you. There are many things to consider. This is where I come in. I help couples sort through the noise, organize your priorities, and narrow down options to a carefully curated list that fits your style.

Questions to help you find your perfect match

• Are you down for a good time? Do you enjoy a party atmosphere?

• Do you consider yourself a foodie?

• What room category will you prefer? Is having an ocean view a deal-breaker?

• Are you a beach or a pool person? Do you plan to swim at the beach?

Not all beaches look the same in the Carribbean. Clear water and white sand is not everywhere. Does that matter to you?

Pools aren't the same either. Open spaces, zero entry, pool bars all make up what makes the pool environment.

The key to a truly perfect honeymoon? Finding the balance between both of your travel styles—so it feels like yours together.

Ready to start planning the honeymoon you’ve been dreaming about?

Let’s make it happen together. I’ll help you find the resort that perfectly fits your style — so you can focus on celebrating your new life together, not stressing over the details.

Want to revisit some of my Caribbean travels? Dominican Republic, 2024; Mexico, 2024