All Inclusive

We just did a trip to Dreams in Tulum where we got engaged; I think they are owned by the same company as Secrets. We loved our trip, but the drinks were too sweet and sugary for my taste. I have heard that food and drinks at all inclusives in general aren't always top notch since they're already included in the price. FH also had to order 2 dinners at each meal because the portions are small, but aside from that, we had a wonderful time. The staff was so friendly and attentive, and it's beautiful there.

We did get restless being down there a week and seeing the same thing every day, so we rented a car and did our own thing a few times and the food and drinks off resort were way better, and we didn't mind paying for it since the beach hotels in Tulum were about the same cost as the all inclusive.

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That sounds like fun! Where is Tulum? I'm also going to look into Dreams since this is the first I've heard of them as well. Thanks Saki!

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This is the only one we've been to so I honestly don't have anything to compare it to, but we had a great time! Tulum is in Mexico. South of Playa Del Carmen, you fly into Cancun. It's a trek to get out there but worth it to get away from the crowds. Dreams Tulum is secluded, there aren't any resorts bordering it like the rest of the ones in the area - Akumal, Playa Del Carmen, Cancun etc, and worth it to upgrade to oceanfront or ocean view or whatever.

Cool beans

Thank you so much - I'll FT with FH and we will take a look at it.

I've been to a few all-inclusives in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. I've stayed at Iberostar, Hard Rock, Secrets, Royalton, and Excellence. Excellence is where we went for our honeymoon, and we were blown away. They were the best I've been to. Sandals is also supposed to be amazing as well, but is the priciest of the bunch.

As far as sugary drinks: you can order anything you want (I would order mojitos with no sugar because I didn't like them too sweet) and you can order top shelf liquor as well. If you say "vodka cranberry," you will get well vodka. If you say "Absolut and cranberry," you will get Absolut (at least when you are watching them make the drink at the bar).

Bookit and CheapCarribean usually have good descriptions of each resort, as well as ratings. Trip Advisor gives you individual reviews. Check out a few different ones and see what you like. For us, since we've had some experience, we know we prefer adults only, no need to make reservations for every dinner restaurant, and no wrist bands. So far, Secrets and Excellence are the only ones that meet those 3 criteria (although I believe Sandals does as well). Pick what's most important for you and research the resorts. You can also speak with a travel agent. They get commissions from bookings through the properties, not through the client, so working with one is at no cost to you (and handy for things like your flight being cancelled as you are on your way to the airport for your honeymoon at 6am on a Tuesday so they can get you on a same-day flight).

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Hey Hannah,

You rock!

Thank you for alllll that info - it will be put to good use and then some. I truly appreciate it.

We just booked our honeymoon to Sandals Negril in Jamaica. I've done one all inclusive resort before, and I know you're paying for it, but it's so nice to not ever have to think about money or paying for things. Another big selling point to this specific resort is that it's just down the beach from a Beaches resort (same company) that's more family friendly and has a water park. Since they're owned by the same company, you can use both facilities, so I expect to have at least a few days that consist of a nice breakfast near our room, walking over to the waterpark/lazy river area for a few hours, and then returning to the adults only resort for dinner and the premium alcohol haha.

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That's awesome Sara! I was looking at all the AM resorts but it was a long day for me and my eyes were crossing so I'll have to do it again lol