honeymooner14

I will be going on my honeymoon in June 2014 and we are not sure where to go. We are mostly leaning towards the Caribbean or the Bahamas and were looking at Sandals resorts, but we are very open. However, neither of us have been out there and there are several islands to choose from. I'm looking for advice on which island you think might fit what we are looking for and where you've had good experiences. We definitely want an all-inclusive resort, nice beaches (preferably private, so we won't be bothered), and somewhere where we can adventure out of the resort to go on excursions and see the more of the community possibly to go shopping, site seeing or hiking safely. Any suggestions?

blamona

I assume your budget is around the sandals prices? Sandals are very popular and for me one of the best AIs around, although expensive.

All islands have nice beaches, but no island has private beaches so you're not bothered. (do you mean by vendors or beach all to yourself?). All beaches are public to the shoreline. Even in uninhabited reached only by boat you'll get a boat sooner or later stopping by.

While for me it's not my favorite island, sound like sandals Antigua might fit the bill. Hilly enough to go hiking, town for some light shopping, able to explore. There are vendors on beaches, but not as intense as other islands. Dark wood beach is isolated enough that vendors aren't too bad there. There will be people on all the beaches there though.

Here's the contradiction: you want AI, you'll get people. Islands that have AIs are because they can offer better rates when you bring in the masses. Nothing wrong with that, but you won't get private and AI together.

You also won't get private and shopping together either.

KVR

St. John doesn't have any AI resorts.

Having been to 2 Sandals; Nassau and St. Lucia, I feel they are overly expensive and highly over rated for what they offer.

The best AI resorts are in the Riveria Maya area of Mexico. They are more lux, with better inclusions and you'll get the most out of your money there. There are AI's of all sizes and prices ranges. Though AI typically brings the masses, there are a few selected AI resorts that are smaller. You will find all the off property excursions that you are looking for in that area.

If you like the look of the Sandals resort, without the sticker shock, look at the Jewel Dunn's River resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. It used to be a Sandals resort. We found them to a much better resort than the 2 Sandals we've been to and it's a smaller AI complex than most. Shopping in Ocho Rios is a nightmare and you need a guide, driver or resort tour to go off the resort.

Here's a link that will help you with your research, I know nothing about the site itself except it has really good info, photos and 360 tours.

http://www.honeymoonsinc.com/top_ten...oneymoons.aspx

honeymooner14

Thanks for the replies. We don't want to go to Mexico because we have both been there before and want to try something new for our honeymoon. As far as private, people don't bother us; we just don't want to be hassled by vendors while we are trying to relax at the beach.

As far as Jamaica, I've read a lot about not leaving the resorts without a guide. I'd like to go somewhere where we can explore on our own, so we were leaning away from that.

I'll definitely look into St. John's and Antigua.

KVR

You might look at Aruba. Vendors and timeshares people are not allowed on the beach. Tons of restaurants and bars, great shopping. Great public transportation. One of the considered safest islands. No issues walking off a resort there. There are a few AI resorts, but it's really not necessary and part of the experience is to try as many restaurants and bars that you can.

diann24

I would also suggest Aruba to you. I would not do an A/I there as there are way to many great restaurants. the people in Aruba are lovely, warm and friendly. As KVR said no vendors there which is one big plus for Aruba. I do not like being bothered every second with that when trying to relax. There is always a great breeze in Aruba as well.

If you want an A/I you could try Sandals in Antigua. My neighbors were married there with family. I am sure they would treat you nicely knowing you are a honeymoon couple. I am not sure about the rest of the island. It is on a beautiful stretch of beach called Dickensons Bay. I was on the beach----it is really nice.