My wife made a passing comment the other day that she would love to go to an all inclusive beach trip where you don't have to do or think about anything if you don't want to.

We (especially she) have never been "beach people". We are much more mountain/outdoors people, generally.

I'd like to give it a try on a long weekend maybe, but we don't have a big budget.

I have exactly zero experience with tropical/beach destinations, so any recommendations are appreciated.

TIA

There are several people here that can help you and give you a great deal. I recommend JMac03 simply cause she is the only one I have worked with.

IMO - Quick trip and budget eliminate several places. I assume you both have a passport?

We are going to Cancun - Hotel Sun Palace over labor day weekend and found it surprisingly affordable for a decent place. Have not been to Cancun in 30-years so who knows what the market really is.

I would also suggest a Mexico destination. Our preferences are puerto Vallarta and Cabo. Cancun, riviera maya, Tulum probably just as good we just haven't been there. You can do an Expedia search and check all inclusive as a prerequisite and sort by price with flights included to get a good idea of which hotels would fit your budget. Cabo is great beach but probably not getting in the beach. Puerto Vallarta is a great food/authentic scene with decent beaches

All inclusive on a budget is usually a poor combination. Unlimited booze at discount prices doesn't usually draw the best crowd. Not saying it can't be great, just saying to do your homework, or let one of the travel folks on here help you. She probably won't enjoy spending a long weekend with drunk 20 year olds eating Golden Corral quality food.

Milwaukees Best Light said:

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All inclusive on a budget is usually a poor combination. Unlimited booze at discount prices doesn't usually draw the best crowd. Not saying it can't be great, just saying to do your homework, or let one of the travel folks on here help you. She probably won't enjoy spending a long weekend with drunk 20 year olds eating Golden Corral quality food.

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yea, that seems like a "Montezuma" rich environment

Fair enough. That makes sense.

Just didn't want anyone to think I'm Mr. Moneybags over here wanting to spend $10k on a weekend trip

Treat yourself to the Atelier in Playa Mujeres and you'll be wanting to go back 2-3 times a year. Another AI resort nearby that just opened is SLS Playa Mujeres and is getting good reviews. There are many AI resorts that are nice and less expensive in the Cancun, Riviera Maya, Playa Mujeres areas. If you want more of a party resort, Breathless Riviera Maya is very fun, especially for a long weekend trip.

Where you live & what month for trip?

I would love to assist. Thanks for the shoutout Hoyt.

I'm currently on a cruise but can help next week if you like. Email is in my profile.

Cozumel is going to give you the most budget friendly AI options. I've stayed at the below 2. They are budget friendly but good stays.

https://www.barcelo.com/en-us/occidental-cozumel/

https://www.elcid.com/cozumel/el-cid-la-ceiba-beach-hotel/

We spent a week at Secrets Maroma Beach last year. I highly recommend it.

Beautiful resort. Beautiful beach. Great pools. Food was good and service was excellent.

It's the perfect "lazy getaway." Easy to get around the resort and no need to think or plan.

Not sure how the price compares to other places but I think it was fair for the value we received.

RIU is a pretty decent choice, especially if you've never done an all inclusive. I'd probably stick to Riviera Maya, Cabo, or Costa Rica depending on where you're flying from. At a quick glance, Mexico can be booked for 4 nights for $900/person including flights from Houston in mid July. For a long weekend I'd look for a direct flight.

I got married at RIU Palace Riviera Maya back in 2017 and our whole group had a great time. I'm sure there are much better spots for more money, but these resorts have been consistently solid and a good time from my experience.