Steele2017

My fiancé and I have begun a preliminary search on where we would like to take our honeymoon next November 20-December 2. We know we would like to go to the Caribbean, but as for which island we are open to suggestions. We've seen all the lush resorts and they look great... but we are seeking a very secluded, romantic bungalow/villa on the sand. Somewhere without many people. Neither of us have ever been to the Caribbean before, so we feel very lost. AI sounds great, but we are open to other options. Anyone care to share their secret spot?

What we are looking for:
An affordable flight from CLT
Very easy beach access and private sunbathing
Around $1000/wk or less
Safe area, but private
A hot tub would be an extra treat!


I really appreciate any help!

Jimmie

Hi,
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but that is going to be very hard to pull off with a budget of $1000/week. And getting to more private, secluded islands often means high airfare (like $1000 per ticket and up). Do you have flexibility in your budget? What is your total budget, including airfare?

RoamsAround

Jimmie's right $1,000/week isn't going to get you a secluded private villa/bungalow anywhere in the Caribbean, let alone 'on the sand".

Quite frankly, $1,000/week for 2 people is a very low budget for Caribbean accommodations. For that money in the November 20 - December 2 time period (which includes the Thanksgiving Holiday, traditionally an expensive time) you are looking at bare bones motel (think along the lines of Holiday Inn Express, Red Roof Inn, etc.) or a room in a guest house and it definitely won't be in a beachfront property.

Also, regarding airfare, what do you deem to be "affordable". You have to give a dollar range since we have no idea what you can afford.

Your best bet to find something in your price range is to look at destinations like Cancun, Cozumel, Dominican Republic, Belize and Jamaica as they are among the most budget friendly (both in terms of airfare and accommodations) destinations in the Caribbean. You should also resign yourselves to the fact that if you want to keep within that $1,000/week budget and still be "on the sand" you won't be staying in a stand alone private villa or bungalow. Instead, you'll be in a typical budget hotel/motel.

Steele2017

I would say our total budget would be somewhere around $5000-6000. I assumed our flight tickets would be around $1000. We are somewhat flexible on the budget, you only get one honeymoon right? Obviously the cheaper the better, we just want to find a good deal.

Jimmie

I think Roams would agree that Virgin Gorda (BVI) is one of those "secret spots"-- though it isn't that much of a secret anymore. Guavaberry Spring Bay has unique "tree house" bungalows very close to one of the prettiest beaches on an island of stunning beaches. Not super luxurious, but a fantastic location. They also rent villas nearby, and their low season goes right up to December 15th, which makes it close to your budget.
http://www.guavaberryspringbay.com/

Mango Bay is also beachfront on VG but a little more expensive.
http://mangobayresort.com/

J

RoamsAround

OK, you've up your overall budget considerably.

R/T airfare of $1,000 (for two) will probably get to most of the major islands that can be reached directly from the CLT but it is possible you'll have to pay a bit more by next November. And, certainly more if you want to fly to some of the smaller islands (like Virgin Gorda as suggested by Jimmie - more on that later).

If you can stay close to your $1,000 "airfare" budget you'll have $4,000 to $5000 for accommodations, food and activities which is still low for what amounts to a 2 week trip but it's far more realistic than your original $1,000/week figure and should be doable if you keep your expectations in check.

Jimmie's suggestion of Guavaberry Spring Bay on Virgin Gorda is a good one but flying there R/T for 2 from CLT is going to run you around $1,500 to $1,700 depending on whether you go via San Juan, Puerto Rico or St. Thomas. You might be able to get there for less if you fly into St. Thomas then take a ferry over to VG. You won't be "on the sand" but their 1 BR cottages are within a short walk of a great beach. It's worth checking out.

If you are comfortable with the higher airfare and you feel you simply must be "on the sand" Jimmie's other suggestion of Mango Bay Resort (also on Virgin Gorda) will meet your desires but you'll be paying more for your accommodations (but still within your budget).

suze

<we just want to find a good deal>

Would you consider the Caribbean coast of Mexico instead of onen of the islands?

blamona

Private sunbathing (forgive me, sounds like you want to celebrate your honeymoon with no one around) doesn't exist any more

Caribbean as a destination has exploded, and no beach, even secluded, isolated, uninhabited, is completely private any more, unless you rent your own private island.

If you're wanting naked sunbathing (am I wrong what you're implying?) then you should go where it's accepted, as many islands are modest and frown upon it.

Some places such as Jamaica and St Martin accept it, but both are busy and for the most part not private

Cayó Espanto Belize you get you're own little island, chances no one will come by, but your budget needs to be much bigger

There are a few private islands in other destinations, all are expensive. Overall Caribbean is expensive anyway

And even if you go off to an uninhabited beach, with Caribbean getting so popular, chances are sooner or later someone is coming by, so not really secluded!

Steele2017

Thank you everyone for the information! We had not really thought of Mexico. But it's definitely something I'll look into! As for the private sunbathing, our main goal is to simply have a relaxing time without a lot of tourism. Many of the local beaches I have been to have always been very crowded, so we just want to get away from it all and relax.

RoamsAround

<<...Many of the local beaches I have been to have always been very crowded, so we just want to get away from it all and relax...>>

The more "remote" islands will have fewer people and that equates to having the uncrowded beaches you crave. Your problem is getting to those remote islands on your airfare budget is probably not going to happen.

You might want to look into resorts on some of the Bahamas Out-Islands - there you'll find islands with miles of beaches with hardly anyone on them. The trade off is the weather can be cool in late November/early December (average daytime temperatures in the high 70's F and occasional forays into the high 60's.

If interested and you are willing to take a gamble on temperatures in the Out-Islands look at resorts on Eleuthera, the Exumas, Long Island or Cat Island. Fly fro CLT to Nassau then take island hopper flights to the island of your choice or fly into MIA or FLL than take island hopper to the island you wish to visit. R/T Airfare will probably be under $1,200 PP (you'll have to price out options).

Remember too, that a portion of your planned honeymoon will span the Thanksgiving Holiday and that means you'll find more of your fellow no matter where you go. Fortunately, many of them will leave the weekend after Thanksgiving so you'll encounter fewer tourists toward the latter portion of your honeymoon.

One last hint, if you avoid staying in large hotels and mega-resorts you won't "feel" crowded.

suze

Definitely look into Mexico! Either the Caribbean or the Pacific side. It's a huge country, tons of coastline, still many less touristed towns (and extremely touristed but fun) destinations available. And lower prices than any of the islands, better value. Great weather that time of year you mention.