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all-inclusive resort

Over the years we’ve gotten a lot of questions about what is and what isn’t included in an all-inclusive resort. All-inclusive resorts are great options for all types of travelers including honeymoons, destination weddings, and more! So we’ve put together a great list of our most frequently asked questions and answers!

Sandals South CoastOur Top 10 All-Inclusive Resort Questions Answered

What’s Included in an All-Inclusive Resort?

When calculating your destination wedding costs and budget, first know that all-inclusive typically includes all your meals, drinks, taxes, and tips. Cocktails, beer, and glasses of house wines are included. Bottles of premium wines are usually extra. Most of your better all-inclusive resorts have a lobster night but may charge for lobster on other nights. Non-motorized water sports are usually also included. So, a kayak would be included, while using a jet ski would carry an additional fee.

How Much Cash Should I Bring With Me?

You won’t need much cash during your all-inclusive resort wedding stay. The resort will ask for a credit card upon check-in for incidentals, such as spa treatments. But otherwise, you won’t need much cash. We usually recommend about $100.00 for most Caribbean and Mexico resorts. Most destinations do accept US Currency. But if you want local currency you can either order foreign currency from your bank before you go or find a currency exchange desk at the airport upon arrival. Please note that most resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico don’t accept Discover Card.

What is the Dress Code at an All-Inclusive Resort?

It varies by resort, but most do have a dress code! You can check on the resorts’ website or call the front desk to get a better idea of their dress codes. You can find a great article about it here!

When Can I Make My Spa & Restaurant Reservations?

Most resorts will not allow you to make restaurant reservations prior to arrival. While we prefer resorts that don’t require restaurant reservations, some resorts will allow you to make all of your restaurant reservations for the week upon arrival. Some resorts will allow you to make spa reservations before you arrive. Before you book an all-inclusive resort wedding, check with your travel agent for more info.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Beach Towels?

We get this question a lot! We have yet to find a resort that doesn’t provide beach towels.

Do I Need to Bring an Electrical Converter?

This varies by destination. For most resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico, you don’t need one. But we did discover some older resorts in St Lucia that do require a converter. You will definitely need one for Tahiti! We found this great universal converter on Amazon.

How Will I Get to and From the Airport?

You wouldn’t get in a car with a stranger at home, so why would you do it in another country? When planning transportation for your all-inclusive resort wedding, we almost never recommend cabbing it. Your travel agent should be able to include transfers to and from the hotel in your package. Some transfers will stop at several other hotels on the way to your hotel, which can be a huge drag after being on a plane for the better part of the day. For a little extra, you can enjoy a non-stop transfer to and from your hotel.

Do I Need to Tip?

This is probably the question we get asked the most! While tips are included at most all-inclusive resorts, we usually recommend that you bring along some cash for tips. The people at the resort work a lot of long, hot hours. And with the exchange rates, a little US currency goes a long way in some other destinations. So we always recommend that you bring a little bit to tip the housekeeping staff, room service, bellhop, etc. 

Do I have to Reserve the Beach Beds?

This varies greatly by the resort. Some resorts do allow you to reserve a beach bed, while others do not. Some resorts charge for beach beds, but most are free.  We’ve even stayed in resorts where the beach beds were on a lottery system. So if a beach bed is important to you ask your travel agent to check with the concierge at the resort.

Are There Any Upgrades Or Specials for Honeymoon Couples?

Yes! However, most resorts are going to require some kind of proof that it really is your honeymoon, such as a marriage certificate. Most hotels will extend the honeymoon upgrades or amenities as long as you check in within 90 days of your wedding date. But again, this varies by resort. Some resorts do require that you’re registered as a honeymoon couple either at the time the reservation is made or 30 days before arrival. While some hotels can upgrade all-inclusive destination weddings to accommodate honeymoons, check with your travel agent to verify if your selected resort offers this perk.

What Are Some Good All-Inclusive Resorts?

There are so many amazing all-inclusive resorts around the world. Our travel experts at Bliss Honeymoons have scoured the world and can help you find the right all-inclusive resort for you! Check out some of our favorite all-inclusive resorts below:

Ready to plan your special trip? Schedule a free consultation with one of our travel agents today!