Where to go for a July 2010 Honeymoon?

September 25, 2009 10:46 AM

Where should we go for a honeymoon in early July of next year? We are leaning towards something all-inclusive. We've considered places in Mexico near Mayan ruins and such. Something with some history and touristy places to visit that we normally won't have an opportunity to see. On the other hand, we're willing to consider all other locations. Nothing is really off the table at this point. Dates will be the end of June beginning of July for 10-14 days. Neither of us are well-travelled and on a budget. We would prefer to stay in one location (so resorts are a definite interest) and have maybe $5k for the two of us. What suggestions do you have and what locations should we definitely avoid?
posted by ets960 to travel & transportation (12 comments total)

What kind of things do you want to do? Are you outdoorsy? Or do you prefer to spend your time going to restaurants and museums? Do you want someplace warm? Or do you want to go someplace where the winter is too harsh, so in the summer it's like springtime?

Right now, your question is very open-ended, and giving us some guidance on the kinds of things you like to do and the kind of location you're looking for will help us answer your question.
posted by ocherdraco at 10:58 AM on September 25

a mexico recommendation for all inclusive. Barcelo Tropical/Colonial south of Playa del Carmen. Fantastic beach. Nice resort, all inclusive with good food, service etc. Fly into Cancun. Should be easily done for that money, with plenty left over for side trips to ruins if you want. something unique to the area - cenotes. Do a little research and visit some in the area. Would be an easy vacation if you haven't been out of the country much and don't want to stress over it too much.

If you are a little more adventurous, there are lots of great places in the yucatan to stay that are not quite so resorty, yet definetly still on the touristy side of things. Akumal is great. So is puetro morelos. Both in cancun area.
posted by domino at 11:13 AM on September 25 [1 favorite]

We're mostly looking for something relaxing, warm, good food, and hanging out in a pool/beach. I usually like being busy on vacation, but this sounds like a good opportunity to just relax and see something slightly new. I envision sitting in a pool or on a beach drinking nice drinks and relaxing under a shade umbrella. I just feel like after all of the wedding planning I'll want to do nothing. On a normal trip I would be the opposite and would try to see as many things as possible. This sounds like a better opportunity to relax.
posted by ets960 at 11:55 AM on September 25

Mexico?

La Casa Que Canta. Built on a mountainside in Ixtapa/Zihua. Beach below. Bungalows. Pool. Great food. It's the perfect do-nothing-but-read-eat-swim-and-fuck place.

Expensive, but it's your honeymoon. Zihuatanejo is on the Pacific coast. It's just north of Acapulco.
posted by Zambrano at 12:08 PM on September 25

My wife and I honeymooned at an all inclusive resort near Playa del Carmen. Good pools, good beach, and easy day trips to Chichen Itza, Tulum and Xel-ha. I highly recommend the area. Playa del Carmen is far enough away from the bustle of Cancun to have a more laid back feel.

At the time (eight years ago) we did a week there, plus airfare, plus trips, for well under $3000.
posted by Pater Aletheias at 12:25 PM on September 25

With $5k, you could do a very nice honeymoon in Thailand. $2000-2500 for the tickets. You'll be able to stay at cool boutiquey type hotels for about $50/night in most of the country, and have money to spare for things like day tours. Thailand's got a great mix of touristy activities: ancient palaces, temples, stunning beaches, jungle, great food, etc. It's also definitely full of things you won't normally have a chance to see.

The other great thing about Thailand is that even though it offers a great bang for your tourist buck, and is quite different, it's also very easy to travel there. The train system is excellent, domestic flights are cheap, and there are lots of great, low-budget places to stay and eat.
posted by lunasol at 12:31 PM on September 25

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. For a specific resort, I recommend the Paradisus Punta Cana or the Paradisus Palma Real. I've talked about the Paradisus in more askmes than I care to think about, but seriously, the place manages to be both utterly luxurious/amazing and affordable at the same time. PM me if you would like the full review and/or pictures.
posted by tryniti at 1:11 PM on September 25

Carnival Cruise!

something relaxing, warm, good food, and hanging out in a pool/beach - CHECK
relax and see something slightly new - CHECK and CHECK

Seriously - it's amazingly relaxing, great value for the price, no stress. You get off at port, see what you want at your own pace, excellent food. And at the price you should be able to upgrade to a suite (it is a great feeling sitting out on your own balcony watching the waves go by!!!). We did it for our honeymoon and have a few other cruises under our belts so i highly recommend.
posted by doorsfan at 1:51 PM on September 25

All great answers.

Thailand: I definitely want to visit Thailand. Heard many wonderful things. However, I'm thinking that will be some time down the road because of the distance (would take too long to get there & get adjusted and would have to leave quickly)

@tryniti - I've seen your posts about Paradisus. Never heard about them before your posts. Going to research those more.

Last question: How's the weather in Mexico at this time? Am I going to get rained out or is it shark season or anything?
posted by ets960 at 2:00 PM on September 25

We spent an absolutely great week at the Moon Palace all inclusive resort in Cancun on a trip my wife won. We had an oceanfront room with a big hot tub at the foot of the bed, the nicest pool I've ever seen, and a generally great experience with excellent food and amenities.

However, given my choice, I'll choose a cruise ship every time. Your budget sounds like it would give you considerable choices in a seven to ten night voyage with plenty of shore excursions, alcohol, and other options thrown in as well.

If I were independently wealthy I'd never get off of a nice cruise ship.
posted by imjustsaying at 3:29 PM on September 25

Why not try a smaller, more out-of-the-way destination? To me, the big resorts feel too impersonal for your honeymoon. Maybe try any of the Coppola resorts - out of the way and very green, if that interests you. Or go further afield and stay on Bonaire. The diving is amazing there.

Having worked in the cruise industry, I wouldn't necessarily recommend Carnival right off the bat, but rather Oceania or Lindblad.
posted by minervous at 4:04 PM on September 25

How about Hawaii? There are some really good deals up this way nowadays in hotel/flights/car combos due to tourism being down. Honolulu and Maui both have history stuff to see, great beaches and good hotels. Highly recommend.

(Full disclosure: Yes, I live here and I'm always in favor of helping the local economy)
posted by dealing away at 10:48 PM on September 25