The Truth About All-Inclusive Honeymoons

Yolanda Crous, BRIDES

The myths and realities of all-inclusive honeymoon packages.

Myth:You'll stay at the resort the whole time.
Reality: One of the beauties of this kind of honeymoon is that you have access to everything you need without setting foot off-property. That said, most resorts have concierge desks to help you plan excursions, such as horseback rides and rain-forest hikes. Many provide free shuttles to shopping areas. For an extra fee, your hotel can hire a private guide to take you around the isle.

Myth:It's all about the buffets.
Reality: Yes, if you're checking in to one of the big chains, you'll find at least one buffet-style restaurant. But you don't have to get in line at every meal: Most all-inclusives offer a bounty of culinary offerings that range from room service to beachside grills to Japanese teppanyaki bars to more formal restaurants that serve Continental cuisine. Exactly how many dining options will you find? So many that at most places you could pick a different spot at every meal and avoid the warming trays altogether.

Myth:Everyone wears plastic wristbands.
Reality: It depends. Some resorts snap the orange bands on you, and expect to see them when you belly up to the beach bar (assurance that you're not a crasher); others will ask you to don a more sophisticated shell bracelet. Many require no wrist wear at all.

Myth:You have to play cheesy pool games.
Reality: It's your honeymoon-you don't have to do anything you don't want to do. Talk to a travel agent who specializes in all-inclusive vacations to get a feel for the atmosphere of a few resorts. Some will be all about blasting sound systems and wild poolside games, while others put the bingo players in one pool and offer a no-bingo sanctuary just around the corner.

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