All-Inclusive Honeymoon
Dec 24th, 2009, 06:16 AM
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All-Inclusive Honeymoon
We are getting married August 14, 2010 and are thinking about an all-inclusive honeymoon in the Caribbean. The problem is: where do we go? We've vacationed on Grand Bahama Island and stopped in Nassau, St. Maarten and St. Thomas on cruises, so we'd like to try another island.
Any suggestions as to which islands, hotels, and/or where to find the best all-inclusive deals?
(The places I tagged are not our only interests. I'd tag them all if I could!)
Thanks!
Any suggestions as to which islands, hotels, and/or where to find the best all-inclusive deals?
(The places I tagged are not our only interests. I'd tag them all if I could!)
Thanks!
Dec 24th, 2009, 08:30 AM
#2
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It's almost impossible to make suggestions without knowing more about your interests and your budget. What did you like about the places you visited in the past and what did you not like? Do you want nightlife, shopping, seclusion, fine dining, watersports, excursions off the resort? Lush, mountainous islands or flat coral islands with dazzling beaches? Large resort with lots of action, or something smaller with more personalized service?
Until we know more, we'd just be recommending blindly, I'm afraid.
Until we know more, we'd just be recommending blindly, I'm afraid.
Dec 24th, 2009, 01:28 PM
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I agree. Also, not all Caribbean Islands have AI resorts, and many just have a few to choose from. Mexico, Dominican Republic and Jamaica have the most AI resorts. Additionally, that time frame is prime hurricane season, so wherever you choose, you'll need to purchase hurricane insurance.
Dec 27th, 2009, 01:31 PM
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Jen,the southern-most Caribbean islands are least likely to be affected by hurricanes: Aruba, Barbados, Curacao, the Grenadines...
I love Barbados, but the food is so good there, that I would never do an AI. The Marriott in Curacao is a great hotel and does offer an AI plan. Additionally, my favorite place is Palm Island in the Grenadines. A private island that is an AI. I don't know what kind of budget you have, but I highly recommend either place.
I love Barbados, but the food is so good there, that I would never do an AI. The Marriott in Curacao is a great hotel and does offer an AI plan. Additionally, my favorite place is Palm Island in the Grenadines. A private island that is an AI. I don't know what kind of budget you have, but I highly recommend either place.
Dec 27th, 2009, 01:44 PM
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I agree with Knowing. Aruba is a great destination and no need to go AI since there are literally tons of resturants in all prices ranges choose from. As for Curacao, Barbardos and the Grenadines, those choices are rather pricey so it depends on what your budget is. We've been to Curacao, but could not afford an AI hotel there. We chose the Lions Dive and was lucky enough to receive a free upgrade to a 2 bedroom apartment. We were able to go to the local grocey store to keep food costs down. We have Barbados with a day trips to Grenada and the Grenadines on our list as we could never afford to do each Island seperatly. Hoping to go in a couple more years.
Jan 18th, 2010, 12:57 PM
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Thank you all for your tips. I realize now that I was very vague but that's mainly because we don't know what we want. Just a relaxing trip after a year of chaos. 
He prefers laying around, I like to sightsee, so we're hoping for a place with beautiful beaches but also good day trips (swimming with dolphins, parasailing, hiking, etc). Because of this, we also want to go somewhere where we'll feel safe leaving the resort. Mexico is out. Are there other places we should avoid?
A night life is not important to us. In fact, we're not interested in hanging out with hundreds of college students. We'd like a quiet, relaxing week together. And though we'd like to taste the local foods, I am a very very picky eater so I need access to basic meals (pasta, vegetarian foods, etc).
In terms of AI, we wanted this so that we would have few worries on our trip. We don't want to stress that a meal is too expensive after we just spent thousands of dollars on our wedding. Or that a beer will cost $10 because they're shipped from the states. With that said, we don't have a specific budget as we're planning to register for our honeymoon.
I hope this gives you a bit more information to make suggestions. I truly appreciate all of the responses so far and anymore to come! THANK YOU!
He prefers laying around, I like to sightsee, so we're hoping for a place with beautiful beaches but also good day trips (swimming with dolphins, parasailing, hiking, etc). Because of this, we also want to go somewhere where we'll feel safe leaving the resort. Mexico is out. Are there other places we should avoid?
A night life is not important to us. In fact, we're not interested in hanging out with hundreds of college students. We'd like a quiet, relaxing week together. And though we'd like to taste the local foods, I am a very very picky eater so I need access to basic meals (pasta, vegetarian foods, etc).
In terms of AI, we wanted this so that we would have few worries on our trip. We don't want to stress that a meal is too expensive after we just spent thousands of dollars on our wedding. Or that a beer will cost $10 because they're shipped from the states. With that said, we don't have a specific budget as we're planning to register for our honeymoon.
I hope this gives you a bit more information to make suggestions. I truly appreciate all of the responses so far and anymore to come! THANK YOU!
Jan 18th, 2010, 01:20 PM
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"we also want to go somewhere where we'll feel safe leaving the resort. Mexico is out."
Can you elborate on this statement? Mexico is one of the safest destinations to go to. We been to Mexico 9 times and will continue to return. No issues leaving the resorts. You'll also find the best AI resorts there. The Riviera Maya area has tons of AI resorts to choose from. Any on Maroma Beach are sitting on a fabulous section of beach. There are so many activites to do off the resort as well as Mayan Ruins and Eco parks.
Though your not that interested in nightlife, 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen has tons of resturants, bars and shopping. It's several blocks of pedestrain walkway.
Cozumel would be more laid back. There is a center square with resturants, bars and shopping. No problems walking around either of those areas even at night.
I would suggest that you do more research on the area before you cross it off your list. You'll be missing out on a great destination.
We've been to 14 AI resorts. 9 of those in Mexico. If you're interested check out our pictures and see if something interests you.
http://community.webshots.com/user/kvrlvn
Can you elborate on this statement? Mexico is one of the safest destinations to go to. We been to Mexico 9 times and will continue to return. No issues leaving the resorts. You'll also find the best AI resorts there. The Riviera Maya area has tons of AI resorts to choose from. Any on Maroma Beach are sitting on a fabulous section of beach. There are so many activites to do off the resort as well as Mayan Ruins and Eco parks.
Though your not that interested in nightlife, 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen has tons of resturants, bars and shopping. It's several blocks of pedestrain walkway.
Cozumel would be more laid back. There is a center square with resturants, bars and shopping. No problems walking around either of those areas even at night.
I would suggest that you do more research on the area before you cross it off your list. You'll be missing out on a great destination.
We've been to 14 AI resorts. 9 of those in Mexico. If you're interested check out our pictures and see if something interests you.
http://community.webshots.com/user/kvrlvn
Jan 19th, 2010, 02:08 PM
#9
I agree with KVR...Mexico's Riviera Maya has MANY wonderful all inclusvie resort and we always feel safe even leaving the resorts.
I would think for a honeymoon you would want adults only. Look into the Secrets resorts and Excellence resorts. Also the Iberostar Paraiso Grand and the Royal Playa del Carmen.
If you want really laid back with very little night life the Catalonia Royal Tulum is a wonderful smaller adults only AI resort on a fantastic stretch of beach.
I would think for a honeymoon you would want adults only. Look into the Secrets resorts and Excellence resorts. Also the Iberostar Paraiso Grand and the Royal Playa del Carmen.
If you want really laid back with very little night life the Catalonia Royal Tulum is a wonderful smaller adults only AI resort on a fantastic stretch of beach.
Feb 3rd, 2010, 01:10 PM
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I'm with JenR. I'm getting married June 12, 2010 and am looking for possibly an AI place to honeymoon. Also like JenR I am a picky eater and need access to American food, which doesn't seem to be a problem based on previous responses.
I DO have a budget though and am not able to spend a lot of money as we are paying for not only the honeymoon but the wedding too. Any suggestions on adult only places that are affordable??? Thanks!
I DO have a budget though and am not able to spend a lot of money as we are paying for not only the honeymoon but the wedding too. Any suggestions on adult only places that are affordable??? Thanks!
Feb 4th, 2010, 01:44 PM
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Mexico is NOT one of the safest places to visit. You can easily get in the wrong cab and be on your way to a mugging or worse. We left our adults only , all-inclusive hotel to visit Cancun and that was a terrible idea. Food was off the wall expensive, street vendors harrassing you, and nothing outside of getting stupid drunk to do. And this was all before the horrific drug violence began. Now i know Cancun is way far away from Mexico City and ChiHuaHua state, but still, if safety is a concern, a more americanized island would be better. You can scratch off Belize & Honduras as well and of Course Haiti right now.
St. Kitts would be a great option, St. Maarten (even though you said you stopped there), Turks & Caicos, or better yet, Costa Rica. It is cheap, has Plenty of adventure and also plenty of relaxing by the beach. You can zip line, go to the rainforest, take a jeep safari, etc. Stay at an expensive place like the J.W. Marriott in Puntarenas or cheap in Tamirindo at the Chocolate hotel (not made out of chocolate) for about $40/night.
St. Maarten of course would be more expensive for flights/hotels, especially if staying in the French side but you also have the fun of the nude beach which is always more fun than a regular beach, however it can get somewhat crowded.
If you do decide on Mexico, get the transfers FROM the hotel in advance, don't venture off the resort too far unless you are going to a straw market or visiting the ruins on a tour setup by the hotel, and leave your wedding rings and nice jewelry at home. Can't trust housekeepers on any island....
St. Kitts would be a great option, St. Maarten (even though you said you stopped there), Turks & Caicos, or better yet, Costa Rica. It is cheap, has Plenty of adventure and also plenty of relaxing by the beach. You can zip line, go to the rainforest, take a jeep safari, etc. Stay at an expensive place like the J.W. Marriott in Puntarenas or cheap in Tamirindo at the Chocolate hotel (not made out of chocolate) for about $40/night.
St. Maarten of course would be more expensive for flights/hotels, especially if staying in the French side but you also have the fun of the nude beach which is always more fun than a regular beach, however it can get somewhat crowded.
If you do decide on Mexico, get the transfers FROM the hotel in advance, don't venture off the resort too far unless you are going to a straw market or visiting the ruins on a tour setup by the hotel, and leave your wedding rings and nice jewelry at home. Can't trust housekeepers on any island....
Feb 4th, 2010, 02:59 PM
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That is absolutely ridiculous. The tourist areas of the Yucatan Peninsula; Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres can not be compared to Mexico City. I agree there is no way I would venture into Mexico City or Chihuaua, and comparing that area to the tourist areas of Mexico is not a fair or acurate assessment. I suggest you do more homework.
Feb 5th, 2010, 02:26 AM
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Suggest I do my homework? I suggest you read what I actually wrote: "Now i know Cancun is way far away from Mexico City and ChiHuaHua state, but still, if safety is a concern, a more americanized island would be better.
Do you work for the mexico board of tourism because you sure defend it like you do. I was merely commenting on her choice of vacation spots. Someone who has never left the country with the exception of a cruise might be shocked to pass thru the military check point from the Airport to Playa Del Carmen or see Army rangers with machine guns patrolling the beach as you are laying on it.
the author clearly states they don't want Mexico and asked for island alternatives, which I provided. We're suppose to help fellow travelers so you should excuse yourself.
Do you work for the mexico board of tourism because you sure defend it like you do. I was merely commenting on her choice of vacation spots. Someone who has never left the country with the exception of a cruise might be shocked to pass thru the military check point from the Airport to Playa Del Carmen or see Army rangers with machine guns patrolling the beach as you are laying on it.
the author clearly states they don't want Mexico and asked for island alternatives, which I provided. We're suppose to help fellow travelers so you should excuse yourself.
Feb 6th, 2010, 05:46 AM
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Yikes. Well, I appreciate everyone's candid responses. Mexico is out. My fiance has no interest in going there (whether because of safety or other reasons). But thank you all for the suggestions in that area.
I also considered Costa Rica but a travel agent told me that August is their rainy season, which she said is really very rainy. Is that not the case?
And yes, adult only would be nice but I'm open to all suggestions. KDV, please let me know if you've found something. It sounds like we're looking for the same type of place (affordable, fun, and relaxing).
Does anyone know if all of the AI places are large hotels? Or might I find a smaller resort, maybe even with bungalow/cottage style rooms?
I also considered Costa Rica but a travel agent told me that August is their rainy season, which she said is really very rainy. Is that not the case?
And yes, adult only would be nice but I'm open to all suggestions. KDV, please let me know if you've found something. It sounds like we're looking for the same type of place (affordable, fun, and relaxing).
Does anyone know if all of the AI places are large hotels? Or might I find a smaller resort, maybe even with bungalow/cottage style rooms?
Feb 6th, 2010, 06:41 AM
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For a quiet, beautiful, safe, smaller, and relaxing AI vacation you might want to look into the Reef Resort on the east end of Grand Cayman. They recently added an AI option. However, keep in mind that August is hurricane season in the caribbean region.
Feb 8th, 2010, 03:57 AM
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Couples Swept Away in Negril is enormously popular with honeymooners... adult only, couples only, one of the best sections of beach in Negril. Have not been myself, but it has a huge, avid following. Lots about it over on Trip Advisor's forums, you might want to take a look.
Feb 8th, 2010, 04:53 AM
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I have news for you JenR, August is the hurricane season throughout the Caribbean. The only way to limit the possibility of hitting a hurricane is to go to one of the southern Caribbean islands, as KVR and Knowing have suggested. Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao are the three best choices. Aruba is very very Americanized and very safe.
It's somewhat ironic that Hummer911 has put you off Mexico and has suggested St. Maarten, which is undergoing a slight crime wave right now. In terms of safety and the availability of good food at reasonable prices, Mexico is by far the best choice. But to avoid weather---and considering that you seem to be a relatively inexperienced traveler---I think either Aruba, Grand Cayman, or Providenciales are the best choices for you. All three are very Americanized. Grand Cayman and Provo are more expensive than Aruba and are more likely to have rain/hurricanes in August, so just keep that in mind. The chance of a hurricane hitting the exact week of your honeymoon is rather slim, so what I'd do is plan carefully and buy insurance regardless of where you go, just in case.
Just an FYI: The most popular all-inclusive destinations (Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Antigua, St. Lucia) are all within the hurricane zone, and August is the most likely month to see a major storm.
It's somewhat ironic that Hummer911 has put you off Mexico and has suggested St. Maarten, which is undergoing a slight crime wave right now. In terms of safety and the availability of good food at reasonable prices, Mexico is by far the best choice. But to avoid weather---and considering that you seem to be a relatively inexperienced traveler---I think either Aruba, Grand Cayman, or Providenciales are the best choices for you. All three are very Americanized. Grand Cayman and Provo are more expensive than Aruba and are more likely to have rain/hurricanes in August, so just keep that in mind. The chance of a hurricane hitting the exact week of your honeymoon is rather slim, so what I'd do is plan carefully and buy insurance regardless of where you go, just in case.
Just an FYI: The most popular all-inclusive destinations (Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Antigua, St. Lucia) are all within the hurricane zone, and August is the most likely month to see a major storm.
Feb 15th, 2010, 03:04 PM
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"It's somewhat ironic that Hummer911 has put you off Mexico and has suggested St. Maarten, which is undergoing a slight crime wave right now."
The ironic part is that people want to attack my opinions instead of reading someone's post. She clearly said "mexico is out" before I even posted. It wasn't until the Mexican Board of Tourism decided to ask her to 'elaborate' as to why she doesn't want to go there and how safe it is. Like it's any of his business why they don't want to vacation there. Maybe they don't like leaving the airport and going thru a military check point with guys with ski masks and assault rifles waiting...maybe its the guys with guns patrolling the beach as you lay there with your special someone..."Oh look honey, a dolphin".."oh look over there, 2 mexican military officers with AR-15s..get the camera!" Maybe they don't want to get sick from drinking water...Who really cares why they said no to Mexico?
St. Maarten is crime ridden? Really..like mexico? With their 2000 murders last year...I can't tell you how scary it looks relaxing at one of the beautiful resorts on Orient Bay or boating to Pinel Island. Or eating at one of the 30 restaurants in Grand Case.
To comment on someone had something important to say, Couples Swept Away would be a good choice as well. Travel Insurance covers hurricanes and since you aren't cruising, if a minor one comes thru, it'll be gone in less than a day anyways if the insurance company doesn't refund your money. You'll know a week in advance if one is heading that way usually.
If I were you, i'd just figure out the kind of travelers you are and read reviews on trip advisor and sites like that.
The ironic part is that people want to attack my opinions instead of reading someone's post. She clearly said "mexico is out" before I even posted. It wasn't until the Mexican Board of Tourism decided to ask her to 'elaborate' as to why she doesn't want to go there and how safe it is. Like it's any of his business why they don't want to vacation there. Maybe they don't like leaving the airport and going thru a military check point with guys with ski masks and assault rifles waiting...maybe its the guys with guns patrolling the beach as you lay there with your special someone..."Oh look honey, a dolphin".."oh look over there, 2 mexican military officers with AR-15s..get the camera!" Maybe they don't want to get sick from drinking water...Who really cares why they said no to Mexico?
St. Maarten is crime ridden? Really..like mexico? With their 2000 murders last year...I can't tell you how scary it looks relaxing at one of the beautiful resorts on Orient Bay or boating to Pinel Island. Or eating at one of the 30 restaurants in Grand Case.
To comment on someone had something important to say, Couples Swept Away would be a good choice as well. Travel Insurance covers hurricanes and since you aren't cruising, if a minor one comes thru, it'll be gone in less than a day anyways if the insurance company doesn't refund your money. You'll know a week in advance if one is heading that way usually.
If I were you, i'd just figure out the kind of travelers you are and read reviews on trip advisor and sites like that.
Feb 15th, 2010, 03:24 PM
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Or listen to the people who actually know and travel to those destinations repeated times and have been members of this board and Trip Advisor for many years instead of someone who appears less knowledgable, less experienced and overly exaggerates.
I would really hate for someone who is totally clueless to discourage you from a great destination, but we understand it's your choice.
"Mexican Board of Tourism" Though I'm not associated in anyway with them, I kinda like you're reference. I think I'll keep it.
I would really hate for someone who is totally clueless to discourage you from a great destination, but we understand it's your choice.
"Mexican Board of Tourism" Though I'm not associated in anyway with them, I kinda like you're reference. I think I'll keep it.
Feb 15th, 2010, 03:46 PM
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I also think it's kinda funny for someone who thinks Mexico is full of crime to actually recommend Jamaica. Jamaica has the worst reputation for crime in the Caribbean. Worse than Mexico. It also has the worst feedback from tourists especially the cruise ship crowd. And, is also known for bothering tourists to buy drugs. If you are an inexperienced traveler, it's not recommended to just walk off a resort in Jamaica on your own. You need a taxi/tour guide. Not so in Mexico. There are also military guards with guns at the airport and patroling the beaches in Jamaica. It's for the safety of the tourists. Not to scare them.
"Mexican Board of Tourism"
"Mexican Board of Tourism"
