Hey guys, Soooo ... I'm gonna be getting married Nov 22 this year. Since the wedding is in Florida, and I only have a short time in the US, I was thinking that maybe I can goto the Caribbean for the honeymoon ... and what better place to get feedback about different options I can go for a MAX of 4 days, 5 nights kinda deal and dont want to goto a place like Atlantis ... too touristy (I'm sure most all of the Caribbean places are bound to be, but some more than others) I was looking at Sandals in Antigua, etc but then you dont get to really feel the island, ur on a resort. Any recommendations? Or if not the Caribbean, where else can I go? I don't want to do the whole Vegas thing, plus it's a waste of time flying out west. Would like something somewhat secluded, serene, with lots of activities, and lots of shopping Thanks in advance!
Look into the Bitter End Yacht Club on Virgin Gorda. It is a resort of sorts, but you can also go on excursions like fishing or diving. LINK They have nightly rates and have some sort of Honeymoon package available.
For the best beach I've been to so far, go to the Barcelo de Maya resort in Mexico. It's just south of Playa del Carmen (which is about 50 miles south of Cancun). We got a really good deal the last time we went there, but it cost us $1800 for the 2 of us for airfare, transfer to the resort, and 5 nights and six days of all-inclusive fun. I've been down in Mexico about 6 times now and it was the best resort by far. The north half of the resort is almost brand new, and the buildings and grounds and everything is gorgeous. We also spent a lot of time snorkelling just off of the beach - there's an area that is about 1/4 of a mile long that is surrounded by a coral reef where you can see turtles, tons of fish, and even some rays. You can check out more info at www.unofficial-barcelo-maya.com .
99 outta 100 times, I would give you a variety of locations in the islands where you and your fiance could "get a feel for the islands", hang with some divemaster buddies of mine, drink local Rhum with the islanders, eat rooster and goat cooked in an oil barrel, sea kayak into caverns filled with all sorts of sea life, etc etc. But if its your honeymoon, I'm going to overwhelmingly recommend Sandals. My wife and I tend to vacation as far away from the norm as possible, but this tends to add a little risk to the mix. Occassionally we have had some "misadventures" that were not planned....lucky for me, my wife is the queen of making lemonade outta lemons so we've even turned some real disasters into fun times... HOWEVER, this is your honeymoon, and you want it to be perfect. The staff at Sandals will not screw you over. The rooms are amazing, the employees make sure you are having a great time, the food is exemplary, and the grounds are free of thieves, liars, murderers etc. You can screw on your balcony overlooking the ocean while sipping champagne at 7am and no one is gonna judge bc everyone there is doing the same thing. (And since its not Hedonism, no one will ask to join in) If you have the time and the money, however...screw Sandals and go to El Nido in the Philippines. Best resort I have ever been to: www.elnidoresorts.com
Gutter Snipe, mateo ... thanks so much for the help. Mateo ... with Sandals, you are still able to explore the island, go shopping and stuff right? And which Sandals? Thanks!
If I was going to go back to anywhere in the Caribbean, the only place I would go is to Grand Cayman. It is still under British rule I believe so it is clean everywhere. It isn't touristy on one street and then third world on the next which was my big complaint with most of our other destinations. The place is just absolutely amazing.
Yes, Sandals has "excursions" where they will take you around the island or you can rent a car or whatever. We did Dunns River Falls in Jamaica. My brother did Antigua.
wow. We went to St.Thomas for our honeymoon 5 years ago. We stayed at Bolongo Bay hotel. It defiently wasn't 5 star or anything, but I don't feel comfortable in really fancy places. It was more like a low-key local hang out, and from what I could tell it had a nicer beach than the fancy places. If we went back I would stay in the BVI (St.John was cooler the St.Thomas) but I'm not sure where. Grand Cayman looks great.
Yeah we took that pic and have a bunch of others. It is just an amazing place. None too cheap though but I'd rather spend the extra money.
