Bachelor and bachelorette parties have always been a rite of passage. But now, in the age of social media, they’re almost as much a main event almost as the wedding itself.
More than just one wild night out, they’ve a tendency now to be long weekend getaways. The groups are larger, shared by close friends and family that may not even be in the bridal party; alternatively, they’re smaller and more intimate with grander budgets.
Either way, they’re a procession of photo-ready moments, epic experiences, and bonding that beats any single evening to bring the gang together … especially when the bachelor party or bachelorette party is being held at an all-inclusive resort that provides the vibes, the drinks, the eats, and the practical aspect of all-inclusive that makes it possible to connect in a truly carefree way. Add to that these hotels’ experience and amenities designed for small groups like ALGV’s GroupEase® programs plus benefits such as Exclusive Perks, and there’s no chance they won’t be celebrating in a memorable way.
Here are this year’s top picks for properties that know how to make a bachelor/ette trip the most anticipated event of wedding season.
Breathless Resorts & Spas®
To no one’s surprise, this lively, social brand has become top of mind for group celebrations. In fact, they’ve become such experts in curating awesome bachelor/ette getaways that they even have a Before ‘I Do’ Bash package (also available at Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts) that includes a welcome bottle of sparkling wine set up in the room at arrival, a festive door banner for the “nearlywed’s” door, a reserved table for one group dinner, a professional group photo shoot, and three special experiences for as little as $155 extra per person per stay! Plus, it’s available when you book at least two rooms for stays as short as three nights each.
One of the most highly recommended Breathless® resorts for this option is Breathless Cancun Soul Resort & Spa®, where there’s a nightclub, themed parties, silent discoes, karaoke nights, and easy access to downtown Cancun. The high-energy rooftop pool parties at the xcelerate Tower is unforgettable, as is the rooftop hibachi restaurant, Silk City.
A source from inside tells us that the Live Big room category is ideal for bachelorette and bachelor groups, located in the xcelerate Tower. These spacious suites offer additional space for getting ready, larger private balconies, and select rooms even feature in-room cocktail bars.
Bonding Activities: With the Before ‘I Do’ Bash package, groups can choose two activity inclusions and one food/beverage perk. For the former, the choices begin with hourlong paddleboard reservations for the group; a mani or pedi day with hydrotherapy access; personalized meditation; tarot card reading; and a yoga class. For the latter, choose from a picnic on the beach or outdoor grilling experience with a customizable spirit cart; late-night bonfire with a cooler of beverages; or a private spirit, beer, or food tasting … and that’s in addition to the special in-venue semi-private dinner!
Royalton CHIC
The style’s right in the name – Royalton CHIC Cancun, Royalton CHIC Punta Cana, and Royalton CHIC Antigua are tre chic, as they say in French. Adults-only and designed to promote an enthralling, posh celebratory atmosphere, this brand encourages bachelors and bachelorettes to “Party Your Way” with unforgettable events that range from fashion showcases to thrilling acrobatics, captivating dance performances, and a lively pool scene. Even better, it takes a minimum booking of only two rooms to unlock a whole new level of celebratory fun for $135 per person per stay.
With the bachelor/ette package, members of the group will receive a reserved area on the beach or the pool with a bottle of sparkling wine on one day, a group dinner at an à la carte restaurant one night, and a sunset tequila or rum tasting and an hour of hydrotherapy at The Royal Spa on a day of their choosing. Plus, they’ll receive in-room welcome amenities and a discount on pool cabanas, premium bottles, and private events.
Bonding Activities: A spa day is just the thing for recovery; they recommend hot stone massages, bamboo therapy, and after-sun or collagen-boosting facials. Be sure to check the activities schedule for the evening entertainment to take advantage of the lively line-up and keep an eye out for the notorious CHIC Angels. Follow them to the most happening moments on the properties.
All-Inclusive Hard Rock Hotels
What brand says party like a rockstar more than the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotels? With three mega-sized properties across Mexico (Cancun, Riviera Maya, Los Cabos) and one in the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana), there’s a resort convenient to every gateway. And while the theme and amenities – amazing pools with great soundtracks, lively nightlife, a plethora of dining options, fantastic gyms and spas – remain consistent, each property has its own highlights that can help with decision-making.
For instance, Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya has a whole adults-only section and the Heaven Nightclub in which to dance the nights away. Hard Rock Hotel Cancun is right in the middle of the Hotel Zone and boasts an amphitheater, plus easy access to downtown attractions. The Los Cabos location is the only one custom-built for the brand concept with modern extras like pickleball and the Moonlight Lounge with a bowling alley. And in Punta Cana, the ORO Nightclub, expansive casino, and a whopping 23 bars and lounges offer plenty of spots to let loose.
Across all of them, though, small groups can be eligible for VIP treatment, which may include free room upgrades, complimentary bottle of wine for the guest of honor, half off certain spa services or golf, an included Bali bed reservation, and even a tour, such as snorkeling or horseback riding! Just make sure to ask for details.
Bonding Activities: “See the Show” nightly with included live evening performances, organize beach volleyball, attend the pool parties, and recover with a spa day at the Rock Spa® at any of the locations. Drink in the VIP vibes at the multitude of bars and dine around with international cuisine, and make use of the guitar lending program for some private jam sessions in your oversized rooms.
Haven Riviera Cancun
Elegant, adults-only relaxation is the tone of any group getaway at this sophisticated resort midway between Cancun and the Riviera Maya. Here, flexible group booking perks include special rates, added amenities, and this summer, the 9th room free – perfect for couples doing a co-bach getaway.
Book a row of swim-out suites to wade right up to your friends’ rooms, or group four together in the Serenity Club queen-bedded suites. Upgrade to Serenity Club for exclusive bonuses, including the Serenity Lounge for a semi-private third space in which to gather. A private cabana rental is a great outdoor option for exactly that, too, and making group dining reservations lets everyone enjoy fine dining to relaxed beachside bites together.
Bonding Activities: Take advantage of the concierge service to craft custom itineraries tailored to your group’s vibe, preferences, and celebration style, and let them organize experiences such as private mixology or tequila tasting classes, private spa day, group pictures with a professional photographer, classes such as macrame or temazcal ceremonies, or a golf outing. Don’t miss events like beach bonfire gatherings, live shows, and DJ sets under the stars, and sign up for classes like morning or sunrise paddleboard yoga.
Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya, by Karisma
As they say, “there’s always something brewing up” at the Margaritaville Resorts by Karisma, and seasonal events make sure that no matter when the bachelor/ette party is, there are plenty of themes to get on board with, even beyond the everyday “License to Chill” lifestyle that inspires these properties. Music is a recurring one, and the upcoming Tropical Oktoberfest provides great incentive to plan that getaway for the fall. Stein-holding contests, yodeling competitions, live music, and plenty of beer make it a ready-made multi-vibe mash-up.
Groups should know about the Island Reserve Benefits Program for ten or more rooms, where special activities such as group cornhole competition, a margarita mixology class, always-stocked beer cooler, Margarita Blender Bike Experience competition, brewery tour, semi-private dinner with wine pairing, floating taco or margarita tray experience in the pool, cooking class, and a wine tasting.
New You Chill, Your Way packages offer benefits like complimentary upgrades, spa discounts, group coordinator services, customizable travel dates for extensions, and even one free room for every eight paid during key seasons! But bookings of as few as five rooms instantly score a group dinner experience and a brewery tour.
Bonding Activities: Add-ons let guests customize their package experiences for groups smaller than ten rooms. Starting at just $21 per person, experiences include a s’mores party at the firepit; a private brewery tour and tasting at Landshark, where you can also craft your own signature beer; wine or premium tequila tastings; mixology lessons; and more. Gourmets will like the private chef’s table or cooking class options, but for those who want to celebrate publicly, parties can order an avocado boat, “floating celebration” with Don Julio Reposado or Moet bottle service, or floating margarita bar at the pool. Private in-room margarita parties are also available.
Want to know more about freebies and value-adds ALG Vacations® offers to travel advisor customers? Read about our Exclusive Perks program and get the details for specific properties from our Exclusive Perks landing page.
