Perfect Caribbean Honeymoon Search

Old Jun 27th, 2014, 08:23 PM
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Perfect Caribbean Honeymoon Search

Greetings!

My fiance and I have begun our honeymoon search for June, 2015. We have gone in so many circles that we are more confused than when we began, so we are searching for advice from seasoned travelers! Here is what we are looking for ideally:

-We live in San Francisco, CA, so we have decided on the Caribbean as we don't want the flight to cost a majority of our budget, and we don't want to be traveling too long.

-We are looking for a beach front resort, and would prefer if the resort had beachfront cottages or bungalows (which I know is hard to find). We are less intrigued by large oversized resorts with crowds and lots of families. Looking more for a more secluded and couples-friendly, romantic beach setting.

-All-inclusive resorts are ok with us, actually. But we would love if there was the option to walk to a little town with a few other bars or restaurants, or even better we would love if we could meander down the beach and find a few beachside restaurants. While we will spend a lot of time together lounging at our hotel and on the beach, we do get restless and want to explore a bit.

-Good snorkeling from the beach is a must! We are hoping for calm clear waters where we can swim or snorkel. My fiance's favorite hobby!

-We are looking at a budget of about $3,000-$3,500 each including flight with a minimum 10 night stay.

Thank you so much in advance for any of your great advice! We are so excited to hear from you and continue our search. Thank you for being a part of our honeymoon planning!

Cheers!!!
kpomilia is offline  
Old Jun 27th, 2014, 11:59 PM
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I'd probably go to Hawaii.
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Old Jun 28th, 2014, 03:31 AM
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You are going to have some difficulty fulfilling your wish list in the Caribbean.

It's a long flight to the Caribbean from the west coast - most likely you'll have to make one or two stops to change planes on route to one of the larger islands and that by definition is going translate into high air fares. You might even have to overnight somewhere. Forget about going to any of the smaller islands as those destinations will only add to your travel costs and travel time. You could easily be looking at airfares in the $1000 to $1300 per person range That's not going to leave you very much for accommodations and food.

Look at resorts in the Dominican Republic - the island is easy to reach from most east coast and mid-west cities (which will shorten your travel time from SFO) and there are often good airfares which will help with your budget. The island is one of the most budget friendly in the Caribbean and has quite a lot of moderately priced All Inclusive Resorts that should be in your price range. Look in the Punta Cana area.

Like Odin says, from SFO you might be better off going to Hawaii or the west coast resort areas in Mexico. You'll get more for your travel dollar.
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Old Jun 28th, 2014, 03:49 AM
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DR has average snorkeling.

How about Roatan Honduras? You'll probably find smaller resorts, maybe even bungalows (not on the beach but sitting back) Grewt snorkeling. Same with Belize.

Might find something Akumal or Playa Del Carmen in Mexico too.

Caribbean is much more than your budget for your wants (bungalows on the beach) you can find some villas on the beach, but they'll take up most of your budget. 2 places set up like that are Sandals Exumas and Half Moon in Jamaica, both way over your budget. (and not close to towns, need cars to get to them)

You will find most places other than Mexico (this is in general) that are on the beach are not close to towns, and vise versa

Coming from West Coast, sounds lime you're thinking Hawaii or Cooks or Fiji or Bora Bora, but without the price tag? Caribbean us actually a costlier destination than Hawaii in general. (Mexican coast is not though)

How about Bali?
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Old Jun 29th, 2014, 08:13 AM
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Thank you for your insights. I will continue researching. We felt that a $7,000 total budget would be somewhat feasible. I researched flights to the Caribbean and found them around $600 - much cheaper than the $1,500+ Fiji flights. Perhaps all our wishes won't be met. A private feeling on a beach with wonderful snorkeling is our top priority. It sounds like a town within walking distance is hard to find - what about via taxi or ferry? Thank you for all your suggestions!!!
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Old Jul 2nd, 2014, 09:20 AM
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Look at my thread about The Buccaneer Resort on St Croix. It has everything you want, including oceanfront rooms and townhomes.

But it will be a long haul from SF to the Carib. $600 round trip would be a steal, if you can get that fare. This June, a friend flew RT LA to St Croix, for about $700. But she did it with some long layovers and overnight flights, to get that rate, somewhat at the last minute.

Southwest Airlines just opened up some Carib destinations. They are probably running specials if you check their destinations.
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Old Jul 2nd, 2014, 09:54 AM
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June is a good time to go. Check out resorts on Virgin Gorda.
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Old Jul 4th, 2014, 06:30 AM
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Google bungalos/huts for the Mexican Rivera in Mexico. I know for a fact they have some secluded places like this. I have looked before for someone although I have never been. The water in Mexico is gorgeous. They also have adults only places.
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