Having It All: A Guide to All-Inclusive Honeymoon Resorts
By Tara Bradley
An inside guide to the world of all-inclusives.
Excellence Playa Mujeres pampers guests with shaded poolside palapas.
Think an all-inclusive resort means sub-par rooms, bland buffets and college students drinking themselves silly at the bar? Think again. Today's all-inclusives have ramped up the romance with gourmet menus, pampering treatment, diverse activities and rooms so seductive you'll be quick to hang that "Do Not Disturb" sign on your door. The trick is to find the resort brand that suits your particular honeymoon wish, whether it involves hiding away on a secluded beach, working up a sweat on a crowded dance floor or trying your hand at every water sport known to man. We've visited the top eight brands in the romance market to bring you this handy honeymoon guide. So pack your bags and get ready to pop the champagne -- after all, it's included!
Spa-going hipsters getting their bronze on.
A VIP vibe sets the tone with South Beach-style cabanas, blue-water pools and swim-up bars at these adults-only resorts. White linens blow in the breeze, which cools rooms adorned with rich mahogany and colorful fabrics. Spacious bathrooms boast double rain showerheads, making the simple act of "washing off" a sensual experience. Guests seeking more indulgence can visit the Miilé Spa to detox in the steam room or sauna; for an extra charge, calm your muscles with an oceanfront massage. Bvlgari toiletries in each room provide an extra-special touch; the green-tea scent is divine.
Waiter service at the pool and beach, all meals featuring either a la carte or buffet dining options (there's even spa cuisine), unlimited premium and nonalcoholic beverages, non-motorized water sports and activities such as yoga, Spanish lessons, cooking classes, scuba diving, golf and beach volleyball. Tips are included but can be added to at your discretion.
Dominican Republic and Mexico.
Nearly every aspect of the 450-room Excellence Playa Mujeres allows for steamy rendezvous, from four-poster king-size beds with pillow menus to big-enough-for-two balcony daybeds, in-room Jacuzzis and marble double showers. Added bonus: While the Miilé Spa features Ayurvedic treatments (based on a traditional Indian system of medicine), in-room service and alfresco treatments for additional fees, every guest has access to the spa's cool hydrotherapy circuit -- a saltwater pool with a central waterfall, cascade jets, bubble massage beds, and hot- and ice-water plunge pools. From approximately $630 per room.
Adults Only - Sometimes you want to go where the kids aren't. Here are six of the best resorts where the playgrounds are strictly for grown ups.
Love Shacks - Nothing is quite as romantic and secluded as your own private cottage or bungalow to call home on your honeymoon. Check out five of our favorites across the globe.
Over the Top - For the ultimate honeymoon, there's nothing quite like an overwater bungalow for your own private piece of paradise. Here are six unique resorts with heavenly hideaways over the sea.
Staying Inn - Experience New England the old-fashioned way with these five intimate retreats.
