Which All-Inclusive Is Better for Your Honeymoon?

Sandals vs Iberostar

All Inclusive

Planning your honeymoon is different than planning any other vacation.

This isn’t just a trip — it’s the first chapter of your marriage. You want romance, ease, incredible food, and an atmosphere that feels special from the moment you arrive.

Two names come up constantly when couples search for all-inclusive honeymoons: Sandals and Iberostar. Both offer beautiful beachfront resorts, but they deliver very different honeymoon experiences.

Let’s break down which one is better for your honeymoon style.

Why Couples Love Sandals for Honeymoons

If Sandals had a middle name, it would be honeymoon.

Sandals resorts are adults-only by design, which immediately creates a romantic, quiet, couples-focused atmosphere. You won’t hear pool games, kids splashing, or family-style entertainment — everything is curated for couples celebrating love.

What makes Sandals especially honeymoon-friendly:

• Adults-only at every resort (no need to double-check)

• Honeymoon perks included: sparkling wine, special turndown service, breakfast in bed

• Unlimited dining & premium alcohol at multiple on-site restaurants

• Included experiences many resorts charge extra for: snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking, and even scuba diving

• Luxury upgrades like private pools, soaking tubs, and butler service for couples who want to splurge

• 
  

Sandals is ideal for couples who want their honeymoon to feel effortless, indulgent, and unapologetically romantic — where everything is taken care of and you never have to leave the resort.

Best for:💍 Traditional honeymoons💍 Couples who want an adults-only guarantee💍 Romance, relaxation, and zero decision-fatigue

Sandals Honeymoon Pick: Sandals Grande Antigua

Why it’s perfect for honeymooners:

• Romantic setting on Dickenson Bay, one of Antigua’s most beautiful beaches

• Consistently ranked as one of the most romantic Sandals resorts for newlyweds

• All-inclusive amenities — from gourmet dining and premium drinks to unlimited water sports

• Antigua’s soothing tropical seas and white- sand beaches set a picture-perfect scene for honeymoon photos

Why Some Honeymooners Choose Iberostar Instead

Iberostar can be a great honeymoon option — if you choose the right property.

Unlike Sandals, Iberostar is not exclusively adults-only. Many Iberostar resorts are family-friendly, but their Iberostar Grand and JOIA by Iberostar collections are designed for adults and upscale travelers.

These properties offer a more modern, European-influenced feel with strong food programs and attentive service.

Why honeymooners choose Iberostar:

• More budget flexibility — often lower nightly rates than Sandals

• High-end adults-only options within the Grand/JOIA category

• Excellent dining quality, especially for food-focused couples

• Less “scripted romance” — feels more like a chic luxury resort

• 
  

However, honeymooners need to be intentional. Choosing the wrong Iberostar resort could mean sharing your honeymoon with spring break families or kids’ clubs — which is not the vibe most couples want.

Best for:💍 Honeymooners watching their budget💍 Couples who prefer a sleek, modern luxury feel💍 Food-forward travelers who don’t need constant activities included

Iberostar Honeymoon Pick: JOIA Bávaro by Iberostar (Punta Cana)

Why it’s ideal for honeymooners:

• Adults-only, all-inclusive luxury in Punta Cana’s iconic Bávaro Beach area

• Designed for romance with butler and concierge services, spa experiences, and beachfront pools

• Multiple gourmet dining options and elegant lounges

  Located on one of the Dominican Republic’s most celebrated beaches

Sandals vs Iberostar for Honeymoons: Quick Comparison

Honeymoon Feature	Sandals	Iberostar
Adults-only guarantee	✅ Always	⚠️ Only select resorts
Honeymoon perks	✅ Built-in	⚠️ Varies by property
Romantic atmosphere	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Value for luxury	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Watersports included	✅ Yes	❌ Often extra
Best “just married” feel	✅	⚠️ Depends

So… Which Is Better for a Honeymoon?

There’s no wrong choice — but there is a better fit depending on what you want.

Choose Sandals if: You want a classic honeymoon experience where romance is the priority, adults-only is guaranteed, and everything is included without thinking twice.

Choose Iberostar if: You want luxury at a slightly lower price point, don’t mind doing a little research, and choose an adults-only Iberostar Grand or JOIA property.

💡 Travel-advisor tip: For honeymoons, the specific resort matters more than the brand name. I always match couples to the resort that fits their honeymoon vision — not just what’s trending on Instagram.

Planning Your Honeymoon?

Honeymoon resorts book up quickly, and perks can vary depending on how and when you book. If you want help comparing specific Sandals vs Iberostar resorts, maximizing honeymoon perks, or staying within a realistic budget, I’m happy to help you narrow it down.