7 Award-Winning Resorts for An Epic Honeymoon

Imagine a resort with “the ultimate in luxury and sophistication. Extraordinary physical attributes, meticulous personalized service, extensive amenities and impeccable standards of excellence.” Sound good?? These are the requirements for AAA’s 5 Diamond award, only given to a few worthy hotels and resorts in the world. If you want the ultimate honeymoon, destination wedding, or vacation- you’ve come to the right place! Here are 7 all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico that won AAA’s top recommendation. (If you want a 5 diamond resort AND a 5 diamond restaurant, check out #5)

1)     Jumby Bay- Antigua “Accessible only by boat, Jumby Bay Island, originally called Long Island, took its name from the Antiguan word “Jumbie” meaning playful spirit. It is an ancient coral reef, a rocky outpost, situated a few miles off the North East coast of Antigua… Today, Jumby Bay, with its rich wildlife, lush and abundant landscape and its pristine beaches, presents itself as a peerless and secluded hideaway for the sophisticated and discerning traveler. Rosewood Jumby Bay is a rarefied, perfect world of quiet and relaxed luxury, the quintessential “private island dream” come true, with its natural richness, enchanting beaches, and its most private of settings. ” – Jumby Bay

 

2)     Jade Mountain- St. Lucia

“Architect owner Nick Troubetzkoy has expanded upon his philosophy of building in harmony with Caribbean nature… The bold architectural design – individual bridges leading to exceptional infinity pool sanctuaries and rugged stoned-faced columns reaching towards the sky – makes Jade Mountain St.Lucia one of the Caribbean’s most mesmerizing resort experiences. Expect grand sweeping spaces where bedroom, living area and an extravagant private infinity pool glide into one another…With the fourth wall entirely absent, Jade Mountain’s sanctuaries are stage-like settings from which to embrace the full glory of St Lucia’s Pitons World Heritage Site, and of course, the eternal Caribbean Sea.”- Jade Mountain

3)     Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit- Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

“Discover the most luxurious all-inclusive resort in the Puerto Vallarta area; a retreat of lavish beauty and comfort that is sure to exceed your expectations… with exceptional gourmet dining, world-class hospitality, and luxurious accommodations in a spectacular setting on Mexico’s golden coast… Feast your eyes on beauty in every direction from the moment you arrive; from our tranquil lobby with its soaring ceilings, bubbling fountains and ocean breeze to our gently flowing architecture, Mexican contemporary design and lush tropical landscaping. We welcome you to our peaceful refuge, where your spirit will be refreshed by Five Diamond service and the best accommodations and gourmet dining.”- Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

 

4)     Le Blanc Spa Resort- Cancun, Mexico “With the lapping Caribbean waves and the warm tropical breeze beckoning you to relax, unwind and let go. You’re lucky, because our adults only all-inclusive resort overflows with some of the most enticing activities in Cancun… Minimalistic decor and a marvelous ocean view are the backdrop for an array of culinary delights from around the world… From the moment you step into your luxurious suite at Le Blanc Spa Resort, you know you’re in a world-class property… When not enjoying the spa, guests will be able to lounge by one of the 3 outdoor pools, including 2 infinity pools and an outdoor Jacuzzi.”- Le Blanc Spa Resort

 

5)     Grand Velas Riviera Maya- Playa del Carmen, Mexico** “Set on over 80 acres of protected mangroves, jungle and natural freshwater wells locally known as cenotes, Grand Velas enjoys over 1,000 feet of pristine white sand beach that we carefully preserve. Diverse luxury accommodation options include uniquely exotic garden suites, oceanview suites around the central infinity pool, and oceanfront suites for guests age 12 and up with private plunge pools overlooking the azure Mexican Caribbean. The only resort in the area to offer a culinary tour, our restaurants span the globe in eight venues including our internationally-acclaimed Cocina de Autor signature restaurant.” – Grand Velas Riviera Maya

**This is the only resort on the list that also has an AAA 5 diamond restaurant- Cocina de Autor

 

6)     Secrets Maroma Beach- Playa del Carmen, Mexico “Tucked away on one of the most pristine and famous beaches in all of Mexico, this AAA Five Diamond Resort is the perfect setting for adult adventure, relaxation, romance and Unlimited-Luxury®. Indulge in an expansive array of international cuisine. Choose from seven á la carte gourmet restaurants, a buffet venue, a café and more – reservations are never required. Or sneak away for a romantic meal in your suite or on the beach. From the moment you wake in your sun-soaked suite, your days and nights are filled with nearly endless opportunities. Tennis anyone? Perhaps deep-sea fishing? Or stargazing and a bonfire show beneath the warm glow of a Caribbean moon. The choices are all yours.” – Secrets Maroma Beach

 

7)     Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita- Puerto Morelos, Mexico “Indulge yourself in The Art of Life® at Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya, a luxurious, secluded retreat combining Endless Privileges® with holistic wellness, tranquility, and romance. Perfectly situated along Cancun’s famed Riviera Maya, this AAA Five Diamond resort offers magnificent ocean views, graciously appointed suites, gourmet dining, Bvlgari® bath amenities and more. All of our 90 oceanfront suites are individually appointed with hand-selected art and sculpture and offer elegant Bvlgari® bath amenities, fine quality linens, large private terrace, recharge station for digital devices, an ocean front view and more.”- Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita

The difference between all ages, adults only, and couples only resorts

One of the best places to start when choosing an all-inclusive resort is to figure out what type of resort you want to go to- either adults-only, couples-only,or all-ages. These three basic categories define resorts’ target markets, which can give you an idea of their atmosphere and amenities. It’s the simplest way to start narrowing down your resort choices, whether you’ve chosen a destination or not.

Beaches® Turks & Caicos

We’ll start with All-ages resorts, which are pretty self-explanatory. These resorts have amenities for both adults and children and are usually geared towards families. There may be an adults-only bar or area, but the majority of the resort is open to everyone. Most have kid-friendly pools, activities, games, and food, and many even have baby sitting or day care available so that parents can have some time to themselves. Since children are welcome, all-ages resorts tend to be a little louder and more active- but they still make sure adults have a good time. There are some upscale resorts that allow children, but don’t necessarily cater towards them- like Zoetry. This resort brand is very upscale and doesn’t provide child-focused amenities- so there usually aren’t many children there. Make sure to pay attention to the descriptions and amenities to see if the resort suits your needs. Examples of all-ages resorts that are family-friendly are Beaches, Dreams, and Riu Resorts.

Breathless Punta Cana

Adults-only resorts do not allow children. The minimum age allowed differs by resort, but is usually either 18+ or 21+. If you’re between the ages of 18 and 21, ask your travel agent to make sure you meet the minimum check in age. Adults-only resorts can have different atmospheres- some are more active and lively, while others are more tranquil and romantic. Either way, they offer an upscale and sophisticated vacation where you won’t have children running around and splashing you in the pool. Whether you’re single or attached, just find the resort that fits what you want. If you want something more active with a nightclub, try the Hard Rock Riviera Maya’s Heaven section, which is adults-only, or Breathless Resort in Punta Cana. If you want a more tranquil and romantic atmosphere, look at Secrets Maroma Beach or Royal Hideaway Playacar.

Couples Negril

Couples-only resorts are the best option for honeymoons and elopements, as only adult couples are allowed. The minimum age varies by resort, usually either 18+ or 21+. Again, if you’re between the ages of 18 and 21, ask about the resort’s minimum check in age. These resorts focus on creating a romantic and luxurious experience for two people in love, and no singles are allowed. Couples who are dating, engaged, or married are welcome- but they’re not going to check your relationship status before you come. If you really want to experience one of these resorts with a friend, you usually can, but you may feel out of place among all the other couples in love. Keep in mind that these are not “lifestyle” resorts with “anything goes” policies (like the famous Hedonism). These are just resorts that offer couples a relaxing and refined retreat from reality. Some do offer topless or nude sunbathing areas, but clothing is required at the rest of the resort. The activity levels of these resorts vary, so check out descriptions and reviews to see if it’s what you want. Some have a more relaxed “get lost in each other” type of feel, while others encourage socializing with activities, lively bars, and nightclubs. We recommend Sandals and Couples Resorts for your couples-only all-inclusive vacation.

Knowing the basic resort types helps narrow down your options, making it easier to find the best choice for you. Our website has special pages for adults-only and couples-only resorts, which makes finding the perfect honeymoon resort easy. You can also include the category when researching online, like “couples-only all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica” or just tell your travel agent. Either way, you’re one decision closer to the vacation or honeymoon of your dreams!

All-Inclusive Resort vs Cruise

Cruises are a very popular vacation for Americans- and why not? Getting on a boat to see several different places seems pretty cool, and the introductory fares are cheap. All-inclusive resorts are another great vacation option- who wouldn’t want to spend a few days in tropical paradise choosing between the beach and the pool? But how do you choose between a cruise and an all-inclusive resort?

( I’m going to be focusing on the popular cruise lines and resorts. You can find a resort or cruise to fit any personality, interest, or budget- but for my generalizations, we will be talking about the big guys. So if you want to take a sailing cruise on a 500-foot clipper that holds 227 guests- this article isn’t for you, and it’s going to be completely different than one of Carnival’s mega-ships which holds over 4000.)

Think about what you truly want from this vacation. Do you want to rest and relax? Would you rather explore? Are you interested in meeting new people or would you rather keep to yourself? Do you want adventure, excitement, and to try new things? Do you want to avoid large crowds and waiting in line? Do you want to avoid seasickness?

 If you’re interested in a relaxing, stress-free, chill-on-the-beach type of vacation, a cruise is not for you. A cruise vacation starts and ends by waiting in line, and you will only get to spend a few hours at a beach at a time. Loudspeaker announcements for activities, auctions, and shows go on throughout the day, and the staff are constantly working up excitement and participation from guests. Getting to a beach involves waiting in line to disembark the boat, getting from the dock to the beach (which could take a few minutes to a few hours and involve paying for a taxi or bus ride), and then making sure to get back to the boat before it leaves. Want a drink while you’re relaxing on the beach? On a cruise, alcohol isn’t included, and you’d have to buy it yourself from a vendor on the beach anyways. At an all-inclusive resort, the beach, pool and everything else are all available to enjoy on your own schedule. Alcohol is included- so enjoying a margarita on the beach is expected! You’ll get a flier for daily activities and locations, which you can either participate in or easily avoid. You make your own schedule, and you’re free to relax and de-stress however you want.

Are you looking forward to exploring new places, meeting new people, and trying new things? You can do this at either an all-inclusive resort or on a cruise. With a cruise, you’ll see new places, islands, and ports. It’s a great way to explore several different places while only having to unpack your bags once. A lot of cruisers even decide to take future “land vacations” back to some of the countries so they have more time to see and experience everything. At every port the cruise line offers a list of excursions and activities that you can pay for, like swimming with dolphins, taking an ATV tour, parasailing, etc. Many people just hire a taxi to explore on their own, go shopping or eat at a local restaurant. Cruises are usually more crowded than resorts because people are usually hanging out in the same areas- so you’re guaranteed to meet tons of people. Since there’s not much to do on a boat, they also have lots of activities and shows- so you’re bound to try and see something new. At an all-inclusive resort, you’ll have to pay for an excursion or a taxi ride to see something other than the resort- but you have more time to do it. You make your own schedule, and can take as many excursions as you want, whenever you want, without worrying about your hotel sailing off without you. While resorts are usually less-crowded than cruise ships, it’s still easy to meet people, especially at the swim-up pool bar. Resorts don’t have as many organized activities as the cruises, but you can snorkel, kayak, paddle-board, sail, and more throughout the day, whenever you want. Scuba is usually available for a fee as well, with classes for first-timers too.

Do you want to see multiple destinations while only unpacking once? Unless you own and live in an airplane, only a cruise can offer this. You get to look at the ocean reaching towards the horizon in every direction. You get to see a tiny sliver of land in the distance become bigger and more detailed as you approach, while imagining what the destination holds in store for you. You get all the chaos, adventure, and energy that comes with staying on a floating skyscraper, while enjoying the serene beauty of the ocean and its islands. If you want a place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the ship, book a room with a balcony. It will become your escape when you want a quiet or romantic moment- and it’s worth it for the ocean views.

Next, we get to value. Cruises have great introductory rates- but once you’re stuck on the boat, their goal is for you to spend money. Your cruise fare includes your room, basic meals, snacks, activities, and sometimes room service- but around every corner lurks something to drain your wallet. Soda, alcohol, bottled water and specialty coffees cost extra- restaurant prices extra. $1.50 sodas, $8+ glasses of wines, $10 cocktails, etc. They do offer “unlimited” soda and alcoholic beverage packages, but there is usually a limit, you can’t share, and you can only get 1 drink at a time. For an alcohol package, every other adult in your cabin has to participate as well- and you must purchase it for every day of your trip! So, for $50 extra per person per day, you can get up to 15 alcoholic beverages per 24-hour period (Carnival Cruises). For two people on a 6 night cruise, this total comes to $690 (Carnival requires 15% gratuity on top of the cost). If you’re not careful, these costs add up fast- and you might have an unpleasantly large bill at the end of your trip. Meanwhile, at an all-inclusive, you can have all the alcohol you want, all day, no limit- and it’s already paid for. It’s very easy to avoid extra costs, because only a few things cost extra- like the spa, excursions, manager’s wines (on a separate list, clearly labeled), motorized watersports, and souvenir photos. I compared the total costs for 2 people taking a 6-night cruise vacation and a 6-night all-inclusive resort vacation, for July 13^th-19^th 2014, and I was surprised.

6 nights on a Carnival Cruise going to Jamaica, The Cayman Islands, and Cozumel breaks down:

Balcony room	$1,807.94
Alcohol package + 15% gratuity	$690
1 specialty dinner + gratuity	$69
Required tips ($12 pp/pd)	$144
Gas from Atlanta to Miami (686 miles, 25 MPG, $3.60/gallon)	$197.48
Parking at cruise dock	$50
Total	$2,958.42

6 nights at Grand Lido Resort in Negril, Jamaica break down:

Deluxe Junior Suite Oceanview	$1,654
Flights from ATl to Montego Bay, Jamaica	$980.47
Parking at airport	$50
Total	$2,684.47

(Disclaimer, I did price the cruise stateroom with a balcony, because is worth it and more comparable to a resort room. Plus, being an introvert, it would be one of the few places I could have some relaxation and quiet time. So, if you don’t care if your room is a small, potentially window-less box, you can save money by going with a cheaper, smaller room.)

Grand Lido Resort Negril

I didn’t expect the all-inclusive resort vacation to come out cheaper than a cruise. The Grand Lido is a 4-star adults-only resort, while Carnival Cruise Lines only gets 3.5 stars from www.Cruiseline.com. Carnival is pretty well known as an entry-level cruise line- but is more expensive than an all-inclusive vacation! If you don’t drink alcohol- you can definitely save a few hundred by choosing a cruise instead of a resort. If you have a family- check for deals, because the prices are almost the same. For the same cruise above, but with 2 adults and 2 children sharing the stateroom, the price of the room alone- no alcohol, specialty dining, or even getting to the boat- is $3,215.88. That doesn’t count your required gratuities either, which total $288. Add $690 on top of that for the alcohol packages for the 2 adults, and your vacation costs over $4000. 6 nights at the all-inclusive Riu Negril for a family of 4, including airfare from Atlanta, totals $3,466.21! Drinks, tips, taxes, everything included- no surprise extra costs, no having to set a budget every day and no worrying about your final bill. If you’re on a budget, like most families- wouldn’t you rather know your total cost in advance?

If it seems that I’m a little bit biased- I am. I really love all-inclusive resorts and how stress-free they are. I love knowing that I don’t have to spend another dime to enjoy myself when I’m on vacation! I’ve heard too many horror stories from first-time cruisers who have bills for $500+ at the end. You shouldn’t have to think about your budget or money when relaxing on vacation. If you’re knowledgeable and plan ahead, you can definitely avoid a big bill at the end of a cruise—but wouldn’t you rather go to an all-inclusive resort and not have to worry about it at all? In the end, choosing the right vacation is up to you. There are thousands of people that swear by cruises, and just as many that dislike them- and the same goes for resorts. But, I beg, don’t just assume that a cruise is the most affordable option. Do a little research to find the vacation that fits what you want- you deserve it!

If you have experience with either all-inclusive resorts or cruises- share your thoughts in the comments! Your input may help someone find their perfect vacation.

Best All-Inclusive Resorts For Delayed Honeymoons

While we firmly believe every newlywed couple deserves a honeymoon, we understand that it’s not always possible to take one right away. For one reason or another, many couples have to put off their honeymoon, which can disqualify them from receiving free honeymoon extras and packages from the resorts. Most all-inclusive resorts have an eligibility window after your wedding when you can get the free honeymoon packages- anywhere from a month to a year. We thought we’d help you out by putting those timelines in one place for you, so you don’t have to scour the web to find out which resort will give you honeymoon freebies. Just find a resort that fits your timeline, and then go to our website to find out what their complimentary honeymoon package provides!

1 month:
Sandals
Beaches
Couples
Majestic
El Dorado
Azul
Generations

2 months:
Palladium
Barcelo Grand Faro

3 months/90 days:
Secrets
Dreams
Excellence
Zoetry
Riu‘s Jamaica locations
Sunscape
Rendezvous

4 months:
Barcelo Resorts (except Grand Faro)

6 months:
Grand Lido
Memories Grand Bahamas
Oasis
Grand Oasis
Bahia Principe
Viva Wyndham

1 year:
Coyaba Beach Grenada
Paradisus
Hard Rock
Palace

Keep in mind that the resorts may also require a certain number of nights or room category booked. This just gives you a starting place to make sure you don’t waste your time only to find out you’ve been married for one month too long!

If you’ve been married for more than a year, or just want to celebrate your anniversary at an all-inclusive resort, there are complimentary romance packages for you too! Like the honeymoon packages, they also have eligibility windows- but they tend to be narrower. Just make sure to look up the requirements for room level and number of nights, and you’re good to get your free anniversary package!

Stay must include anniversary date:
Secrets
Dreams
Zoetry
Palace
Windjammer Landing
Sunscape

Must stay within 5 days before or after anniversary date:
Oasis
Grand Oasis

Must stay within 7 days before or after:
Excellence

Must stay 30 days before or after:
El Dorado
Azul
Generations

 

This list is accurate as of April 2014. We hope this helps make your honeymoon or anniversary planning a little easier!

 

All-Inclusive Resorts with 1 Wedding per Day- Caribbean and Mexico

On your big day, it’s understandable that you wouldn’t want your thunder stolen by someone else’s equally big day! Many resorts hold multiple weddings per day, some even at the same time- earning the nickname “wedding factories”. On my honeymoon, I saw 3 brides walking around a resort for wedding photos, at the same time and in plain view of each other! While they didn’t seem to mind, I can understand why someone would want to avoid this situation. For the bride who asks “Which resorts only hold one wedding per day?“- we list our recommendations:

Iberostar Resorts– Dominican Republic, Mexico, Jamaica
Paradisus Resorts– Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Mexico
Zoetry Resorts– Dominican Republic, Mexico (Riviera Maya and Cabo San Lucas)
Royal Hideaway Playacar– Mexico
Live Aqua Resort– Mexico
Fiesta Americana– Mexico
Coyaba Beach Resort– Jamaica
Calabash Cove– St. Lucia
Anse Chastanet– St. Lucia
Jade Moutain– St. Lucia
Galley Bay– Antigua
Hermitage Bay– Antigua (This resort only allows one wedding per week!)

This list is not exhaustive, just major brands and a few smaller resorts that we’re familiar with and support. There are a few more small, boutique-style resorts that you can find online, like Pelican Bay in the Bahamas or Moon Dance Cliffs in Jamaica. (Tip: to get more accurate results, make sure to put “one wedding per day” in quotes for your search).

If you don’t mind that there’s a small chance of another couple getting married the same day, then we have more options for you. In doing our research, we found a few resorts that don’t have a “one wedding per day” policy, but still usually only host one ceremony each day. The wedding coordinators indicated that on a few occasions, there may be 2 ceremonies on the same day, but it’s rare.

Velas Resorts (including Grand Velas)– Mexico (Their wedding sales manager, Karla, responded to my email in less than 15 minutes!!)
The Reef Resort– Grand Cayman ( If two weddings occur the same day, they must be at least 4 hours apart)
Palm Island Resort– Grenadines
Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort– St. Lucia

Many resorts have policies where they’ll have multiple weddings per day, but at different times and locations. This is a very smart practice, and if you don’t mind- go for it! You’ll still get tons of attention and will feel like the only wedding of the day.  Here are two we learned about in our research:

Sandos Cancun in Mexico holds 2 weddings per day, 1 morning and 1 afternoon. For a fee of $1500, you can be the only wedding of the day.
Occidental Resorts holds 2 weddings per day, at different times and venues. Locations in Aruba, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, and Mexico.

The majority of the big resort brands that we don’t have listed here will have multiple weddings per day, up to one wedding per hour- but make sure to check with the wedding coordinator to confirm, since every resort is different. Even with one wedding per hour, the resort will still make sure your big day is special and goes perfectly. We hope this helps! Check out our destination wedding planning page  and Caribbean Weddings Website to get more information about getting married at an all-inclusive resort.

Grandparents and Destination Weddings: The Story of A Bride and Her Grandmother

Many couples are hesitant to consider a destination wedding due to making relatives travel, especially if you have elderly loved ones. Just let us know what special needs your guests have and we will help you find the perfect resort! Below are reviews from a newlywed Bride and her grandmother, who just got back from a destination wedding at Iberostar Rose Hall Beach in Jamaica. At first, her grandmother wasn’t too keen on a destination wedding and having to travel, but she ended up loving the trip and having unique memories of her granddaughter’s big day! We start with the bride’s review, then her grandmother’s.

” I already sent a glowing report to Trip Advisor about the resort and I am happy to tell you that everything went off without a hitch!  Megan did a fantastic job organizing our trips and I especially appreciated her efforts to accommodate a last-minute additional guest- even  managing to get him a private room.  Megan was efficient and very personable on the phone.

      As for the folks at Iberostar itself, the staff were wonderful.  They anticipated our needs, were friendly and fun.  The resort was very clean, the food at all the restaurants we visited (and the buffet as well) was terrific and I was pleased to see so many local foods used in the buffet.  I was also very happy to note that the Iberostar chain takes sustainability seriously and does not use throwaway plates or cups- even on the beach.  (Puerto Rico could learn a few things from Jamaica!)

      My family and I were completely satisfied with the vacation and wedding and we all had a very memorable time.  I will not hesitate to recommend Honeymoons Inc. and Iberostar to anyone considering a destination wedding!

Regards,

Lori P. (Bride)”

 

“I would just echo Lori’s comments. At my age, the thought of a wedding far from home was not appealing. It turned out to be a wonderful experience. I think I could go to an Iberostar in many places and be happy. This event, however, was handled extraordinarily well by all of you and it must not be that easy to do. It was a real treat to not see or hear people on cell phones and laptops – working or just chattering. The Jamaicans are sweet, cheerful and with genuine smiles – very hospitable and fun to be around. All the arrangements were superior.

Cordially,

Lorraine P. (84 year old grandmother of the bride).”

 

No matter what you choose for your wedding, someone will be unhappy- so in the end, be true to yourselves. You may end up pleasantly surprising your loved ones and changing their minds about a destination wedding!

What should I do before I contact a travel agent?

So, you’re planning an all-inclusive vacation or honeymoon and you’re considering using a travel agent… but it’s your first time and you’re not sure what to do! Is it best to do a little research before getting started, or should you jump in and call a travel agency? I asked a few of our agents, and this is the advice they gave.

1)      Have an idea of when you want to go. Having travel dates in mind helps us price your resort options accurately. Since travel package rates vary by date, we can’t give estimates- we have to re-price your package for every new date. We are more than happy to do this, but it’s easier to tweak the travel days a little and find your best price if we know the month and year you want to go! In our ideal world, you would know the exact dates you want to travel- but we understand that’s not realistic for everyone. Just be as specific as you can, whether it’s the season, month, or week you want to travel. If your dates are completely flexible, and you’re more concerned about budget- just let us know! There are times of the year that are cheaper to travel, and we are happy to advise how to get the best price!

2)      Do (a little) homework. If you’re an experienced traveler, you can probably skip this step. If you’re not very experienced, then think about what you want out of this vacation,  where you might you want to go, and price a few options on our website to get an idea of the cost. Talk to your friends to see where they’ve been, or just spend 10 minutes on Google to get an idea of where you do (or definitely don’t) want to go. Even just browsing through Pinterest can help you visualize what you want- it may even make you realize you’d rather go to a kid-friendly resort with a waterslide than an adults-only property. The more you narrow it down, the better we can advise you! Even if you just want a beautiful beach and a balcony with a Jacuzzi- that allows us to better tailor our suggestions to what you want, which makes it more likely we’ll find your perfect resort.  If budget is an issue, look at more affordable locations like Cancun and Jamaica. A decent all-inclusive resort vacation in Cancun is going to cost you at least $2000 for 4 nights (I priced the Riu Palace Las Americas for 6/13-6/17/14 and it came to $1964). We don’t want your jaw to drop when we tell you the prices- so it’s best that you have realistic expectations of the costs before we start.

3)      Consider insurance. I know, I know- you probably think it’s a scam that we make tons of money from, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! I won’t lie, we do make a few dollars, but it’s not significant- the insurance benefits you more than us. At Honeymoons, Inc., our preferred insurance allows you to literally cancel your trip for any reason, even a bad hair day, and get your money back (except the cost of the insurance, of course). The hotels’ and airlines’ cancellation policies aren’t very lenient… even if you have a medical emergency that prevents your trip, you can still lose the money you paid for your vacation- through no fault of your own! We don’t have control in these situations, which is why we encourage insurance- if something does go wrong, you get your money back. Period. No fighting or spending hours on the phone trying to convince someone to refund your money- you just get it back. The insurance we provide also gives some coverage while you’re on your trip, like if you lose your baggage or have a medical issue. With so many things that can go wrong in life (and travel), it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.

We are here to help you in any way we can- so feel free to jump in and call us without following the list above! We will still provide great service and will do our best to find you a great resort. In love, you have to know yourself before you can find your soulmate, and in travel, spending a little time to figure out what you want makes it more likely we’ll find the resort of your dreams.

3 night All-Inclusive Giveaway!

Every month we give away a 3-night trip to a different all-inclusive resort, and this month is the Occidental Grand Aruba! The winner will be announced at 4pm today via facebook!  The winner will also be emailed.

Enter here: http://goo.gl/uk19yB

Mobile users: Like our page, then go to http://goo.gl/9Z2JQa

Cheap All-inclusive Honeymoon Packages

When we are helping you plan any trip, we try to avoid the “C” word.  But lately, so many people have asked for “cheap” honeymoon packages, that it’s time we talk about it. Although we offer high quality service- we can still find you a cheap honeymoon to suit your budget. We are here to help you, and our services are free, so we try our best to give what you ask for.

Quick point: With an all-inclusive honeymoon, it will cost more upfront. You’re not just paying for your hotel- you’re paying for food, drinks, alcohol, entertainment, a pool, the beach, and activities. In the long run, this will save you money- and can actually help you stick to your budget! With a typical trip, you book your hotel and either pay for airfare or take a road trip- it’s not too bad planning for those expenses. Then once you get there, you still have to figure out meals, activities and entertainment- which can add up fast if you’re not careful (and who wants to be careful on vacation?). Cruises are very similar- you can get a really cheap deal on a cabin- but then you end up with huge bill at the end for alcohol, shore excursions, dining outside of the main restaurant, tips, and service fees! With an all-inclusive vacation, you don’t have to spend any more money while on your trip. There are no hidden fees- your taxes, fees, and tips were included in your original price. You can relax and know that regardless of how many meals and frozen drinks you have, you’re still sticking to your budget. If you’re able, you can splurge on spa treatments and island tours- but it’s not necessary to have a good time.

So, how do you start looking for your cheap all-inclusive resort honeymoon? Go to our website! Start with a honeymoon in  Jamaica – Ocho Rios, and put in your departure date and a return date of 3 nights later. We chose 3 days because this is our minimum stay requirement- we won’t book a trip less than 3 nights. Put in your departure city and hit the “Price With Air” button. Next, choose a flight. Pay attention to the flight times- if you’re staying for a short time, you’ll want to arrive early for your first day, and leave late on your last. Then, you’ll see a list of resort prices listed in order of popularity. Click on the “sort by” button and choose “price low to high”. For our dates, August 4th-7th,  leaving from Atlanta, we found the 4 star Grand Bahia Principe Jamaica for only $1555.42 total for two people with non-stop air on Delta!

Now go back to our home page and do the same thing, but change the destination to “Cancun – Riviera Maya”. We chose August 4th-7th again, from Atlanta, and found the 3 star Allegro Playacar for only $1530 total with non-stop air on Air Tran. If you have more money left, you can extend your stay or choose a higher-rated resort.

Because the resort’s pricing changes every day, prices are always subject to change until booked. Saved itineraries do not mean you will still get the quoted price- your price is not locked until you book your trip and put down a deposit. These prices were obtained at 5:30 p.m. on the 4th of March.

There you go- a cheap all-inclusive honeymoon for less than $2000. No checking your bank account while on vacation, no eating fast food on your honeymoon to stay on budget. Just you and your partner, in paradise, relaxing and getting to enjoy all the food, drinks, and activities the resort has to offer. It really is that easy to find the (cheap) honeymoon of your dreams.

Why do travel agents still exist? How are travel agents free?

Like most of the world, before I actually met a travel agent, I had no clue they still existed. In the digital age we live in, I thought they were extinct, since almost every travel resource you can think of is available online for the public. Now that I’m working at a travel agency, I completely understand why travel agents are still around! The number one reason is to provide the best service and value to the customer, and you will find hundreds of blog posts explaining why you should use a travel agent. They usually explain the same thing:

1) Travel agents save clients time. By using our experience, knowledge, and back-end resources, travel agents can plan a trip in less time than the average consumer. We also make a lot of phone calls and wait on hold for hours, all to save our clients’ time!

2) Agents save clients money. We have access to extras and discounts that the public doesn’t, due to our relationships with the resorts and tour operators.

3) Travel agents make travelling less stressful! We will make sure everything is taken care of, so you don’t have to remember the little planning details.

4) A good travel agent will fix any problems that arise, within reason. Flight changes, cancellations, resort issues, etc- we will do our best to make sure you’re satisfied.

Like everything in life, travel agents aren’t helpful for everyone or even for every trip- but in the right circumstances, travel agents serve a huge benefit to customers…yet somehow, our services are free for clients! If you’ve taken any economics class, you know “there’s no such thing as a free lunch.” So who’s paying for our clients to use our services?

That’s why I’m writing this post. To me, if someone came and said “Hey, you like sodas, right? You’re thinking of buying one, right? Well let me tell you about all the sodas and help you find the right one for you. No need to pay extra for my service, the soda company is paying me to do it!”– I would be immensely suspicious that Coca Cola is going to have this person manipulate me into buying a Coke brand soda, instead of something that fits me better. Because of this, I suspect our customers may think it’s a little weird for resorts to pay us to help them. Once you look under the surface, however, you will see that travel agency’s survival depends on doing what’s best for the customer- not the resorts.

Resorts need guests, obviously, to fill their rooms and make money. However, they also need these guests to be happy with their stay so they spread the word and keep coming back. Resorts don’t want unsatisfied or disappointed guests- which is where travel agents come in. For every personality that exists, there is a resort to suit it- and our job is to match clients with a resort they will enjoy. We get to know the clients, their desires, and expectations, so we can send them to the right place and make both them, and the resort, happy. We are matchmakers, and we are responsible for hundreds of clients falling in love with their ideal resorts!

It takes a lot of time to get to know resorts and clients, which is why it’s hard for resorts to do it themselves. When a client books with a travel agent, they have that one agent who gets to know them and helps them through the entire process. It can take a few weeks of working with a client to help them make the best decisions, and that is why we’re here. With a resort, you usually contact a call center, and they simply want to make the sale. They probably have quotas and scripts to use, and they may not have even been to any of the locations. Any problems that come up are handled by any other random call center employee- it’s rather impersonal, however nice they are. Plus, by calling a resort chain directly, they are only going to know about their own brand, and would never tell you that a competitor may be a better option. While resorts make more money by booking directly through their call centers, they know that clients are happier and get better service with a travel agent- which is why resorts are willing to pay for our services.

In order for us to be great matchmakers, we not only have to know the client, we have to know the resorts as well. That’s where the resort/travel agent relationship comes in. Resort chains educate travel agents about their brands, target markets, locations, everything that is included, and what makes them special. Resorts also have to make sure we have the resources to market their brands and show the value they provide to customers. This includes promotional items (swag), special offers, and exclusive prices that the public doesn’t have access to. Resorts have to prove to travel agents that they provide real value to customers, and then demonstrate their dedication towards keeping those customers happy. If we have a client with an issue at a resort, and that resort doesn’t help us resolve the problem- our trust in that resort is damaged.  If a travel agent can’t trust a resort to keep their customers happy, we will stop referring clients to that resort. A bad vacation reflects back on the resort and the travel agent who recommended it.  A healthy resort/travel agent relationship is a loop of agents sending the right customers to the resorts, and the resorts making sure the customers stay happy while they’re there. We’ll keep sending clients if they keep making them happy! Don’t get me wrong- resorts definitely do their best to encourage travel agents to lean towards their brand- but in the end, it’s only worth sending a client if it actually fits their desires. Having a bad review for your agency or unhappy customer just isn’t worth it. If it won’t make the customer happy, no amount of incentives is worth the damage to our reputation. 

I hope this explains why travel agents still exist, what value we provide to customers, and why the resorts are willing to pay for you to use us. In the end, resorts and travel agents have the same goal- to make you, the customer, happy. If you’re looking for a vacation, but not sure where you want to go and need some guidance, contact a travel agent. We will do our best to get to know you, your expectations, and desires, and match you to the perfect all-inclusive resort.