psychmesu

We want to spend at least 7 days for $3000 or less including airfare, outings, etc. from Chicago. He wants luxurious accomodations with everything included so that we don't have to worry about where to eat, etc. He would also prefer somewhere with a nice pool as he is not an open water person. As far as actitivities he would like to be able to do a catamaran ride and possibly horseback riding. I am looking for someplace with good snorkeling (I have only snorkeled in St. John so I am looking for someplace comparable). I would also like there to be an option of activities where we end up staying but also the option of not participating in those activities if we don't choose to. If we end up at a large resort I would still like it to have space enough to that we can have romantic strolls and intimate time. Mexico, Dominican Replublic, and anyplace else where English is not the primary language is out as he feels uncomfortable if he doesn't know the language. I have read the reviews in tripadvisor and I'm still confused as to where might be the best place for us in our price range. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

meta

What you will spend, depends on the time of year you are traveling. What month will you be getting married?

psychmesu

Sorry, I forgot to include that. I'm getting married in June.

liasun71

Peter Island Resort British Virgin Islands. It is gorgeous. Went there on my Honeymoon last year. It is expensive though...however, you will not be disappointed. The accomodations are beautiful and the restaurant is a normal restaurant but it is all inclusive. However, the food consists of things like rack of lamb, chilean sea bass, filet migneon (sp?) etc so it is not your run of the mill all inclusive -ya know? We stayed there for 5 days -flew to PR and then took a small plane to tortola and then the Island has a boat that comes to pick you up. You wont be disappointed it is very honeymooney and very private. The wine list is expansive. My only regret is that we didnt stay for longer...we went from Peter Island to Ireland which was a long haul. If you have any questions let me know. Another consideration for us was the Petit St. Vincent Resort. Check out their websites...also check out frommer.com they give good suggestions for honeymoon ideas- that is how I found Peter Island. See if someone can give you Frequent Flyer miles as a wedding gift so you dont have to pay for flights- just a suggestion.

Jerseygirl04

My husband I booked a 7 day trip to the Dominican Republic by recommendation from my inlaws who visit there quite often. Your budget is a lot larger than ours but we got an excellent deal at the Marien Coral Resort (a Hilton brand resort) in Puerto Plata, DR for 8 days/7 nights on travelocity.com. It includes roundtrip airfare for 2, hotel accommodations, all meals, drinks, some alcoholic beverages, water sports, a host of other activities for 1200 total. Not per person. I have no doubt that this will be a great vacation unless the weather doesn't hold out. Mind you, the DR is a 3rd world country, but the beaches are beautiful and the tourist industry is booming. There are some great excursions there. There are some great deals for travel there. I read some great reviews about the resort online. Word of advice, when traveling in the caribbean especially little known spots like the DR, stick to American chains of Hotels and resorts just to be on the safe side. Try www.tripadvisor.com for hotel reviews. We are going in September so I will post info about our trip when we get back. Hope this helps.

Kristen1206

Look into Aruba or Turks and Caicos.

Jen68

Is that $3000 each or both of you? Makes a big difference If it's $3000 each, Barbados! Gorgeous beaches/sunsets, lovely people, incredible good, sophisticated island -my favourite of five visited.
Jen

psychmesu

That would $3000 for the both of us (not each) with everything included.

Lisager15

Palm Island Beach Resort, Coral Reef Club, Barbados or Peter Island, BVI. . .

Maureen

When we vacationed in Antigua we passed the Cocobay Resort when driving to see the Devils Bridge not too far away. The cottages at Cocobay were pastel colored and located on a hill which must provide some wonderful views. After looking at their website I read they have an infinity pool and offer all-inclusive. Website is cocobayresort.com--American Airlines has vacation packages to this property at aavacations.com. Website indicates a new sister property is opening later this year which you could check out.
Antigua has beautiful beaches. Sunday there is a barbecue atop the mountain at Shirley Heights with live music and spectacular views over the ocean.
Good luck with your plans.

Maureen

Just remembered that when we were in Tortola last December we passed the samll property of Heritage Villas on a hill which provided fantastic views. You can check out their website at heritagevillasbvi.com (heritage villas bvi). They appear to be quite reasonable. There is a restaurant for all meals. It is best to rent a jeep for at least part of your stay. You can drive to the beautiful Cane Garden Bay for the day (long curving beach where you will find restaurants, lounge rentals $10 / day and facilities).

Pumpy

For $3K, I'd suggest you look into the Mexican Carribean (Cozumel or Playa Del Carmen).

Maureen

If you refer to trip advisor one of the most popular British Virgin Islands properties is the "Lighthouse Villas" which is right at Cane Garden Bay in Apple Bay Tortola. Rates are reasonable and there are several restaurants open all day at the beach which provide entertainment at night. There is a watersports center at the beach.

ejcrowe

Ti Kaye Village on the island of St. Lucia might be a great choice for you. They offer weeklong packages with meal plans, sunset cruises, day sails, scuba, etc. included. The accommodation is a free-standing cottage, some of which have private plunge pools. St. Lucia is beautiful and exotic, and this particular resort gets rave reviews. Check out tripadvisor, www.scucamom.com, and www.scubatreks.com.

Many of the other suggestions people have made are wonderful places to stay, but unfortunately they are more expensive than your budget. I think Ti Kaye is more in keeping with your price range. Congrats and have a terrific honeymoon!

psychmesu

Thanks for all the responses. I'm looking into them. Keep the great ideas coming.

liasun71

by the way, i was thinking, Horned Dorset Primavera in Rincon PR? the flights can be really reasonable from Chi. they have 7 night packages inc. bkfst, dinner and airport transfers from 2k -4k depending on the season and june is off season in the caribbean.
also check out this frommers link
http://www.frommers.com/destinations...217020869.html

Jen68

I agree with the Mexican Riviera.. Playa del Carmen. It's gotten more expensive of late, but 3K should get you a beautiful resort. The snorkeling in Cozumel is some of the best in the world (day trip from Playa Del Carmen). Or you can stay on Cozumel. The beaches in this area are sensational, gorgeous ocean etc. I can recommend resorts if you decide on Mexico.
Jen