What to Look for When Booking an All-Inclusive Honeymoon Resort

Not all honeymoon experiences are created equal—and that concept certainly extends to all-inclusive honeymoon resorts. When planning a honeymoon, depending on the vibe you're going for, opting for an all-inclusive experience can be very appealing. After all, you've just planned an entire wedding, so not having to think through every detail of the honeymoon experience can be a huge weight off your shoulders.

But how do you know if you're booking the right all-inclusive honeymoon resort for this special trip as newlyweds? Here, an expert shares helpful tips to keep in mind when booking your dream all-inclusive honeymoon, including what that term really means, and things to consider before you take out your credit card.

What Does "All-Inclusive" Mean?

An all-inclusive hotel or resort refers to the type of experience the property is providing. All-inclusive typically means that the price you pay per night includes accommodations (so, your room rate), food and drinks, and sometimes airfare or on-site activities. However, it's really important to note that while room rate plus food/drinks is a typical inclusion for that nightly rate, not every all-inclusive is the same, which brings us to our first tip:

Always Read the Fine Print

It's very easy to fall into the trap of seeing one price on a resort's website and assuming that's all you have to pay for your nightly rates and food. But sometimes there are hidden fees that don't sit front and center on the booking page of a hotel's website. Check the fine print to have a clear understanding of what exactly is included in the rate you're paying. For example, an all-inclusive rate might include the nightly room rate, food/alcohol, and airport transfers at one resort, but at another, it may include just the room rate and food—with alcohol paid out-of-pocket.

Also: Understand expectations for tips and taxes! Many all-inclusive properties include tipping in the rate, but others do not. If you have questions, connect with a hotel staff member to iron everything out before booking—and come to the conversation prepared with your questions ahead of time.

Check for Resort Fees

A resort fee, which is a flat rate charged on top of the room rate and can also be called a facility fee, a destination fee, or an amenity fee, is very common for all-inclusive bookings and covers amenities (like access to a gym or in-roo WiFi). Typically the resort fee is charged per day, but occasionally it's just one flat fee on top of your full booking cost. It tends to hover around 25 to 35 dollars, but this varies greatly based on the location, size, and type of resort you're booking.

Read Reviews About Quality

Not all hotels are created equally, so doing your research about the property as a whole and about specifics (the rooms, the dining options, and the amenities) is very important. If one specific element of the experience is really important to you, keep in mind that sometimes all-inclusive resorts don't have the highest-quality dining experience, for example—but again, that all comes down to research (because some properties offer top-tier experiences across the board!).

"An all-inclusive resort can be a great choice for someone who wants to know exactly what they’re spending ahead of time, but you’re risking the quality of food and rooms—in some cases," says Henley Vazquez, travel expert and co-founder of Fora Travel. "If food is important to a couple, they need to look for resorts that offer quality dining. For example, Palmaïa offers a plant-based menu and incredible restaurants for those interested in a more wellness-focused honeymoon."

Consider the Size of the Property

It's definitely possible to have an intimate honeymoon experience at a small all-inclusive resort, but you may need to do some extra research to find something that fits the bill since many all-inclusive resorts (especially in popular beach destinations) are on the larger side. "Couples should be aware of the size of the all-inclusive resort," notes Vazquez. "Some couples want a larger resort and all of its opportunities, but for those seeking a more intimate experience, look for a smaller hotel that offers an all-inclusive package, like Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel in Grenada."

Think About Adults-Only Resorts

If you're happy to enjoy your honeymoon in a family-friendly atmosphere, great! But if you prefer a quieter setting without children, you'll want to consider adults-only all-inclusive resorts. An added benefit of these properties is that they tend to cater to honeymooners and those on romantic vacations, so you may find specials and activities tailored toward honeymoon experiences.