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Honeymoon in August - Where to go with 5-7K budget leaving from NY

Honeymoon in August - Where to go with 5-7K budget leaving from NY

Old Feb 4th, 2012, 04:34 AM
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Honeymoon in August - Where to go with 5-7K budget leaving from NY

Hello!

I have been doing a lot of my own research but I feel I'm driving around in circles so I wanted to request some help from some people who have actually been to the Caribbean! I hope this isn't too much of a repeat topic and thanks in advance for any advice .

Information: We are leaving from New York (Metro) around ~August 7th, staying for around 10 days (I would be willing to do less than 10 days if we find a resort that would be worth it for less days), and like to golf, play tennis, eat, and hang out and swim on the beach. We gamble lightly and drink lightly, but don't mind either if it hits on the other three. We are most importantly looking for a nice romantic trip that leaves us with some activities.

I have looked at Hawaii (ruled out, too far for us), Barbados, Aruba, Anguilla, Antigua, and St. Lucia. I have actually read up on most of the islands, but I tried to focus on ones that have a lesser chance of getting hit by hurricanes during August.

Tops on my list right now:
Aruba: http://www.bucuti.com/
Barbados: https://gc.synxis.com/rez.aspx?Chain=13166&Hotel=53675
Anguilla: http://www.meadsbaybeachvillas.com/villas

Most of my research has been tripadvisor but I think people here may have a great idea that I'm completely missing. Thanks all, I hope I have enough information to pinpoint our interests.
Ckorth is offline  
Old Feb 4th, 2012, 05:39 AM
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I have not stayed on a weekly basis in Barbados. Only for a day on cruise port stops, and not at all in Anguilla. I have been to Aruba several times and it does seem to have all of your requirements. I love Aruba. there are casinos and great restaurants. They are out of the hurricane belt but you might have rain anywhere that time of year. The Bucuti has always has great reviews as well. I don't think you can go wrong with Aruba. Be advised there are dunkin doughtnuts coffe, starbucks and some american products there. some people do not equate that with a true "caribbean feel" but it is what I personally like. It is also a very safe island and the people are lovely in every way. Very friendly. Congrats to you as well!! We leave from Newark NJ about a 4 hour flight.
diann24 is offline  
Old Feb 4th, 2012, 11:31 AM
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ABC Islands South out of the Storm Belt for me.
Hyatt Regency Aruba Marriott Curacao for me
booking.com for honest recent reviews
Cabo low rain Capella Pedregral
is HM worthy with punge pools
Cooler on the Mexican Pacific also La Casa Que Canta.
weather2travel.com climate guides good info insuremytrip.com

Happy Hunting!
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Old Feb 5th, 2012, 06:24 AM
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We have been to Aruba and I agree with diann24. We are planning for Barbados this August. The one thing I've noticed is that food and drink can tend to get expensive. Lots of research into specific restaurants is a must. We tend to do the AI thing in Mexico and it's a real steal compared to those Islands.

There are specific areas in Barbados. One area the beaches are good for swimming, but the other is not. Make sure you choose a resort with that in mind. I'm finding most of the affordable places to stay are condo units. We chose the South Gap in the Christ Church area. Swimmable beaches and walking distance to St. Lawrence Gap where all the restaurants and bars are located. I would not recommend that hotel for a honeymoon though.

We have also been to St. Lucia and I don't think it will meet the criteria you stated your are looking for. Everything is spread out and lots of winding roads. The beaches are dark sand and the ocean a sapphire blue. Don't get me wrong, it a terrfic, lovey Island, but a bit more rustic than the others.

Haven't been to Antigua yet, but many people like Galley Bay.
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Old Feb 5th, 2012, 08:51 AM
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I'd go with Aruba, we love it, we're going there for our third time in March, our two other trips there were both in September. Always a lot to do if you want and lots of places to relax if you don't want to do much. We go AI, but usually have dinner elsewhere most nights due to the great and plentiful choices of restaurants, you should check out the Flying Fishbone. We also rent a jeep and hang out a lot on the other side of the island, a whole different 'world'. There are also great places to snorkel around the island if you are into that, if not you might want to give that a try, on which ever island you choose. Aruba is a very fun, safe and 'happy' island!
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Old Feb 7th, 2012, 03:46 AM
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I also think Aruba is a very nice island. Bucuti, I haven't been to but have read about and it seems nice. I have seen the Hyatt and Radisson, both are very nice. We stay at the Marriott usually because we usually go on points. All of those are the high end hotels on the island.
Food is great with lots of choices. Lots of watersports in front of the Marriott, Hyatt and Radisson.
To me, Aruba is a great lounging vacation. The water is greenish blue, the sand is white, the food is good, watersports if you want them, gambling if you want, etc.. The island itself is like a desert. It is very sunny and hot and you will definitely need lots of sunscreen!

For a beautiful island, Bermuda is really pretty and close to NY. August is their high season but also hurricane season. I would just check it out on line if you get a chance. To me, Bermuda is one of the prettiest, good food and nice island to travel around.
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