You’ve spent months, perhaps years, planning your wedding to the tee—and the stress that comes along with planning is not something to be ignored. A Zola survey found that 72 percent of couples described wedding planning as “very” and “extremely” stressful. So after all that stress and pressure—and budgeting—newlywed couples deserve to check out of the madness of coordinating logistics and check into the bliss of an idyllic beach resort.
If affordability is top of mind, but you also don’t want to compromise quality and experience, we’ve found some stunning beach resorts that are perfect for you and your partner. Whether you want to jet off to Hawaii, Mexico, or the Caribbean, you can let your wedding stress melt away at these sun-soaked paradises that are right on the water.
Below, find our selections for the top hotels in various categories of the best affordable beach honeymoon resorts.
Best Overall: Paradisus La Perla, Playa del Carmen
Why We Chose It: Known for its impeccable service and swim-up suites, this all-inclusive, adults-only resort is both romantic and fun.
Notable Amenities: Four outdoor pools – including one with a swim-up bar, a massive fitness center with classes, multiple dining options, a large spa and salon
This Riviera Maya Melia resort features a breathtaking beach, a romantic ambiance, and a long list of amenities. Plus, the all-inclusive rates make it a honeymoon haven that won’t drain your bank account.
All suites have private terraces, whirlpool tubs, high-end furnishings, and rainfall showers. If possible, try to nab one of the swim-up suites, which are part of The Reserve — an exclusive part of the resort that comes with special perks and services like priority reservations and VIP lounges. After you spend some time relaxing on the beach, you can get your adrenaline running with activities like jet-skiing, aqua aerobics, Latin dance classes, and volleyball. And as dinner time comes around, you can visit more than 19 different restaurants to get a taste of everything.
Best All-Inclusive: Barcelo Bavaro Beach, Punta Cana
Why We Chose It: Most rooms at this all-inclusive resort have beach views, and there are endless activities and dining options. Plus, you can expect some honeymoon perks.
Notable Amenities: Access to two adults-only pools, multiple dining options, large spa, and fitness center
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All-inclusive
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Adults-only side
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Pristine and quiet beach
Located on one of the Dominican Republic’s most beautiful beaches, Barcelo Bavaro Beach is an all-inclusive, adults-only retreat. It’s part of a larger resort that includes Barcelo Bavaro Palace, which accommodates families. While guests report the family side being loud and chaotic, the adults-only side is peaceful and relaxing.
Barcelo Bavaro Beach has plenty to offer at a great price, including four dining options, a large pool, tennis courts, and a beautiful strip of beach. The Palace side has a spa, golf course, and casino, plus more dining outlets and pools. The rooms are basic but clean, and the unobstructed ocean views take the spotlight.
Best for Adventure: Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort
TripAdvisor
Why We Chose It: This secluded, adults-only resort in Los Cabos has a stacked activity list—and it’s affordable, to boot.
Notable Amenities: Two signature golf courses, two outdoor pools, a fitness center with classes
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All-inclusive
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Adults-only
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All suites
Nestled in a quiet part of San Jose del Cabo, this all-suite, all-inclusive, adults-only resort will keep you busy all day long. Active couples will appreciate the dance classes, yoga and pilates sessions, volleyball, water polo, bike tours, and tequila tastings. There are also two adjacent nine-hole golf courses (one Jack Nicklaus and one Greg Norman), two outdoor pools, a beach, a massive fitness center, and a spa. The staff can also help you choose an excursion or tour like whale watching or zip-lining.
All the rooms are spacious suites, some with swim-up private plunge pools. Guests report comfortable plush beds with stylish headboards and large bathrooms with soaking tubs. If you book a Preferred Club Junior Suite Ocean View or higher accommodations category for a minimum of seven nights, you can add the honeymoon package for free. This comes with perks like free massages, a private beachfront dinner, breakfast in bed, and sparkling wine, fruit, and flowers in your room on arrival.
Best Island: Xanadu Island Resort, Ambergris Caye, Belize
Why We Chose It: Thatched palapas, hammocks, and palm trees make this island resort romantic and relaxing, while the well-equipped suites make it comfortable and convenient.
Notable Amenities: Complimentary bikes, kayaks, and paddleboards, outdoor pool and hot tub, kitchens, and verandas in all suites
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Friendly and helpful staff
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Conveniently located near town, but still feels secluded
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White sand beach and gorgeous grounds
Many guests say this island resort on Belize’s Ambergris Caye feels like a true Xanadu (a beautiful and idyllic spot). Swaying palm trees, turquoise water, and hammocks in all the right places make this family-owned mini-resort feel secluded. However, it’s conveniently located right in San Pedro, so it’s not too far from restaurants, bars, and grocery stores. All suites have fully equipped kitchens and lovely verandas to dine or relax on.
The staff is known for being extremely helpful and will assist in planning excursions like jet ski tours, diving, sailing, or fishing. But there’s plenty to do at the resort, including lounging around the picturesque pool and hot tub and using the property’s complimentary bikes, paddle boards, and kayaks. You can also rent a golf cart on site to explore the island. In the evening, walk through the jungle-like grounds to spot colorful birds, lizards, and iguanas.
Best Culture: Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, Oahu
Photo Courtesy of Outrigger Hotels & Resorts
Why We Chose It: The words “affordable” and “beachfront” are often contradictory in Hawaii. Luckily, this Waikiki hotel is both and then some, immersing guests in the beauty of Hawaiian culture.
Notable Amenities: Oceanfront outdoor pool, fitness center, multiple dining, music venues, spa
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Welcoming and helpful staff
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Located on the beach, unlike most other Waikiki hotels
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All rooms have private balconies
Hawaii is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations—and also the most expensive. Luckily, the oceanfront Outrigger Resort in Oahu allows couples to honeymoon in Hawaii affordably, without sacrificing amenities or service. While the rooms aren’t the most modern, they feature ocean or city views and private balconies. Guests can also enjoy the stunning beach, sparkling pool, and spacious sundeck.
Outrigger has multiple dining venues, and many offer live music and nightly shows. On Sundays, the popular Duke’s Restaurant hosts local musicians all day, including Grammy-nominated Henry Kapono. Hula Grill has live music and hula shows on Sunday nights, and Blue Note Hawaii features world-class talent playing everything from jazz to rock to traditional Hawaiian music.
To honor Waikiki’s celebrated surf culture, the hotel has a rotating Surfer in Residence program, where guests can chat with a pro surfer and then surf together during the famous break. Guests can also participate in ukulele lessons, lei-making, and hula lessons.
Best for Relaxation: Avila Beach Hotel, Curaçao
Avila Beach Hotel, Curaçao
Why We Chose It: Two private beaches, an infinity pool, a spacious spa, and cozy seating make this resort the ideal relaxation spot. Plus, guests can get massages in their rooms or in spectacular outdoor locations.
Notable Amenities: Two private beaches, an outdoor infinity pool, a full-service spa, two restaurants, and two bars
Located on the fringes of Willemstad, Curaçao’s oldest operational hotel dates back to 1780. But don’t worry—it’s been fully modernized. Today, the lovely beachfront oasis features freshly renovated guest rooms in its Blues Wing, many with ocean views and private balconies. There’s also a breezy al-fresco restaurant called The Pen, two magnificent white-sand beaches, and a sparkling infinity pool. The full-service Cloud Nine Spa has a long list of treatments that can be enjoyed either in the spa, in your room, or outdoors.
Newlyweds can also take advantage of various romance packages that include extras like chilled Champagne and chocolate-covered fruit. If you feel like leaving the resort, rent the house 1926 Rolls Royce to explore the nearby Pietermaai District.
Best Boutique: El Pez a Colibiri Boutique Hotel, Tulum
Courtesy of TripAdvisor
Why We Chose It: A rustic yet elegant boutique hotel on Tulum’s beachfront, this boutique hotel has thoughtful details and perks.
Notable Amenities: Free parking, outdoor pool, spa
This stylish boutique is quintessential Tulum, with thatched roofs, bright and airy rooms with Mayan details, balconies or terraces with hammocks, and a dazzling beachfront location. While the beach is not private, guests will be treated to gorgeous views and complimentary loungers. Be sure to book directly on the resort’s website for perks like a welcome cocktail and a bottle of mezcal on arrival. A coffee carafe is brought to your room every morning, and a tasty breakfast is included in the cost.
There’s plenty to enjoy on the property, like the plush spa, large pool, and well-reviewed restaurant. Concierges will also help you book classic Tulum experiences like jungle and Mayan archaeology tours, Mayan Temazcal ceremonies, and Yucatan sound healing.
Best Spa: JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa
Why We Chose It: Luxury awaits at the spa, glittering outdoor pool and beach, and recently-renovated rooms of this easily-accessible resort.
Notable Amenities: Nine bars and restaurants, large spa with lots of amenities, three outdoor pools — one adults only
This sprawling, luxury oceanfront resort is just a hop, skip, and a jump from major cities along the eastern seaboard and the southern U.S. It boasts 447 spacious rooms, and most have a view of the ocean. As far as dining options, guests can choose from nine bars and restaurants at the resort.
When it’s time to unwind, couples can retreat to the 35,000-square-foot spa for restorative, Mayan-inspired signature treatments. This includes the Mayan Treasure Hydrating Vichy treatment and Ichtaca Massage, which start with a Mayan ritual designed to help guests connect with nature and the cosmos. That’s followed by a body-cleansing herbal scrub and a relaxing full-body massage. To top it all off, the spa also boasts an indoor lap pool, two whirlpools, a steam room, and a fitness center.
Best Honeymoon Extras: Azul Beach Resort Negril by Karisma
Why We Chose It: This Negril all-inclusive resort treats honeymooners like royalty, offering extra perks and upgrades to anyone married in the last 30 days.
Notable Amenities: Large spa and fitness center, 13 bars and restaurants, activities like hat making and wine tastings
If you’re looking for special treatment on your honeymoon, this is the place. The all-inclusive Azul Beach Resort sits on the gorgeous Seven Mile Beach, and it features multiple pools and restaurants. Visitors can participate in activities like kayaking, rum tastings, and yoga on the beach. The resort also comes with perks like complimentary bubbly, breakfast in bed, discounted spa treatments, private beachfront dinners, and possible room upgrades.
The rooms are clean and comfortable, and there’s even an option for a swim-up room. Dining options range from Thai to Italian to the Caribbean at six restaurants and seven bars, including some that are swim-up. The resort also has a bit of a party vibe, with DJs and other entertainment often popping up.
Methodology
We evaluated around three dozen different resorts in Hawaii, Mexico, and the Caribbean before settling on the best. To be included in the list, all resorts were required to be located directly on the beach. In addition to reading numerous customer reviews, we considered elements like the resort’s reputation, its romance factor, how long it has been in business, and notable amenities (e.g., WiFi, pools, and spas). We also reviewed the property’s dining options and experiences that are included in the rate.