Please Help! Overwhelmed on too many choices.

I feel like I got my doctorate in researching Honeymoon resorts, etc. I have been looking at resorts all over the Caribbean and Mexico. It’s like a full time job.

In a moment of desperation I put down $98 at Sandals Royal Caribbean for a Royal Beachfront Club Suite w/ Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub for 7 nights. With flights and fees it came in around $8K. However, I am reading about the food and the experiences and I feel like I made a bad choice. So I am on the verge of cancelling.

So I plan Right now I am looking at Hyatt Zilara in Cap Cana and Atelier in Playa Mujures. Or maybe stick with Sandals. Or maybe do 4 days at Beloved and 3 at EPM. Or Vegas. Or maybe pay the extra for Le Blanc. I don’t know. I feel like I’m losing my mind.

I just don’t want a horror story!

My original post:

Looking for short Honeymoon in October 2024

Hi there! I am looking for recommendations for a quick little get away for 3-5 nights. I feel like I search all over the Caribbean, heck the Western Hemisphere. Every night I go down a different rabbit hole of a different area of the Tropics. One night I’m looking in Punta Cana the next Costa Rica. There are just so many resorts and so many places. Help!

A little background. We orginally plan on getting married at a resort next Spring. However, we are thinking of eloping this fall, preferring maybe the second week of October. Most of the islands have residency requirements and it just doesn’t seem to be aligning all that well. So we plan on getting married locally or maybe Las Vegas and then going to a resort just for 4-5 nights. Orginally after looking at the weather that time of year in the Caribbean I figure maybe be better off in Zihuatenago or Ixpata. Kind of like the ideas of Thompson Zihuatenago or Cala De Mar. However, they are not all inclusive.

It is only going to be for a few days. We are going on a cruise in January. Plus, still plan on doing a proper Honeymoon in the Spring at the Sandals resort in Grenada in March. We both only get so many days PTO. We could just spend an extended weekend in Las Vegas but I want some more chili and not as gimmicky. And with the money we would spend in Vegas on meals, shows, gambling etc…might as well give an all inclusive

We don’t want to spend too long flying since it is only going to be an extended weekend so I think Cancún or something might be the answer because we live a few hours north of Philly(Newark is kind of the same distance but more connecting flights to Philly out of our local airport) and they have direct flights. If the weather isn’t the best I guess that is ok because it will only be a few days.

As far as what we are looking for is something a little more chill, for people who enjoy good cocktails, GOOD FOOD (doesn’t have to be Michelin Star, plus grounded realistic expectations at this price point), fun excursions, and rich culture. I’m a whitewater river guide on the weekends so we like a little bit adventure is ok but definitely doesn’t need to be an adventure resort this time. Thinking romance for her this trip; cooking classes, salsa lessons or like a sail or fishing excursion. Kind of like 40 year old Kenny Cheney or Stick Figure fans as an example.

Places like Le Casa Del La Playa, Le Blanc or Xcare Arte are a little steep since we are already budgeting for other trips. Right now the top two contenders are Beloved and Atelier. Anyone recommend one over the other, or a similar priced option?

TL/DR: Should I go with Beloved Playa Mujeres, or Sandals Royal Caribbean, or Atelier Playa Murjeres, or Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana for a week long Honeymoon in October 2024. Or do I need to spend more? Fine with a cliff resort.

PS I would loved to regain my mind on my honeymoon, do a little sports fishing and regain my sanity and not experience a horror story.