The Pros and Cons (in my opinion)
Planning your honeymoon is so exciting but can also be super overwhelming. All-inclusive resorts are luring for many couples because they're convenient and "easier" in some ways. Plus, it's what a lot of us are familiar with if you're traveling from the US. I've found that a lot of people don't realize that all-inclusive resorts aren't available in all countries. I personally think there's a time and place for an all-inclusive resort. Let me break down the pros and cons below.
Let's start with the positives of staying at an all-inclusive:
They can be less stressful to plan (if you're planning it on your own). Everything like your meals, drinks, and activities are taken care of. You often don't even have to leave the resort to have an enjoyable time. Perfect for any beach goers who just want to enjoy their time on the beach with a cocktail in hand.
The overall cost can be more predictable because you're paying for everything up front. You don't have to worry about setting aside money for restaurants and such.
Many of these resorts are catered towards romantic travel, especially adults only resorts. They already have built in extras like couples' spa treatments, private beach dinners, and personal hot tubs right on your patio. Not to mention if you go with an adults only option, you don't have to worry about kids running around and ruining your special moment.
Now the negatives:
Because everything is provided on site, many couples don't venture out to explore the local culture, cuisine, or attractions. If you're wanting to learn more about the local culture, staying at an all-inclusive might feel a bit isolating. This goes along with the food selection as well. While the food is included, it's often much less authentic and can be buffet heavy. Most resorts require reservations for the non-buffet options, and those can fill up quickly. Each resort has different procedures when it comes to this, so you need to make sure you're aware if these need to be booked before you even leave for the trip.
Destinations that cater to all-inclusive resorts can be limited. The most are populated within the Caribbean and Mexico. More countries are building all-inclusives, but the options can be limited and often don't provide the level of service you might receive at other local resorts.
If you're not an avid beach goer, you might find the activity options limited. You'll have to purchase off site excursions to explore some real adventure.