pamelapaige

Looking for...beaches (we live on the gulf coast) snorkling (us), scuba (him), hiking, biking, great food (local flavor a must), people/local culture (i'm the photography nut).... We are very laid back, but active... Do not want to feel rushed or crowded...But I do like a little shopping here and there...Really looking for a smaller, quiet, intimate resort vs. large inclusive's....Between us we have six (yes we are the Brady Bunch, 3 boys & 3 girls)children and definately looking for adults only lol....

Ruled out Curacao and Grand Cayman seems to expensive...Total budget is about 10 grand, (he would like for it to be lower, but...) Have not traveled to Caribbean before...is this a realistic budget (flight, hotel, wedding, etc.?)?

So advise on....Which Island and/or resort etc. would you chose....

Weadles

pamelapaige,

When do you want to go and are you going by yourselves or taking the kids?

TomCayman

Don't rule out Grand Cayman as too expensive....I happen to know a resort in Cayman that fits your description where you can get all you are looking for (including the wedding) for easily under $2500.

You can also easily get to Cayman from the gulf coast via ATL, TPA or IAH, or even get down to FLL and use Spirit (who have some crazy fare deals pop up with some frequency)

Carrybean

Any of the Virgin Islands would fit the bill as far as photography, diving & snorkeling & is doable with that budget.

kelliebellie

Will it just be the two of you or ar you inviting guests? If so how many? A lot of all-inclusive resorts throw the wedding in for free if you are bringing guests.

I also know that Mexico has lots of cheap nice places.

Congrats on your engagement!

ejcrowe

Assuming that it's just the two of you who are running away to get married (great idea, btw), i'd recommend the island of Grenada to you for all that you're looking for, and specifically at LaLuna (www.laluna.com), Spice Island Resort, or a private villa on the high end of your budget. If you want to not spend quite so much money, I'd recommend taking a look at the BelAir, La Sagesse, True Blue, or a private villa.

wantsomesun

Try this website www.coralsands.com.

Congrats and have a GREAT trip.

suze

Are you US citizens? If this trip is to actually get married, not just a honeymoon, I would start by checking legal requirements of the various islands. Some may be much easier than others (for example if you are from US, then I assume USVI and Puerto Rico since they fall officially under US law).

sebasco

How about a villa rental in St John, you can have a fabulous villa with private pool or beach. Schedule a chef to come in and make a private dinner, have massages or spa services at your villa. St John has excellent restaurants, local flavor, nice shopping area and not tacky commercial. We honeymooned at Little Dix in Virgin Gorda and thought it was the greatest till we experienced St John. It is one of the most beautiful, clean and safe islands we have visited. Your right about Grand Cayman it is tooo expensive. Check out some of these villas and if you want more info on St John I am happy to provide. St John is also central to visiting all the other Virgins, great snorkeling and scuba.
http://www.destinationstjohn.com/cara_mia.htm

http://www.vrbo.com/global/siteFrame...eturnurl=/1920

http://www.vrbo.com/76505

http://www.caribbeandays.com/stjohn/...latitude.shtml

http://www.vivacations.com/viewprope...opertyID=20468

http://vacationvistas.com/

My husbands trip is Made when he rents a boat from either of these companys and we go exploring the BVI on our own

http://oceanrunner.vi/

http://www.st-thomas.com/nautinymph/

check out this wedding review on St John, her photographer was very good
http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,64680

sebasco

PS... rates go down after April 15, also many of the villas have a price for 2 people. April 15 to the end of May is one of my favorite times down there.

brenandg

I think St John might fit the requests also, only thing it might be lacking a bit is true Caribbean culture. Like sebasco mentioned, the dining is excellent, there is off beach snorkeling, and diving. It is also easy to day trip to the British Virgin Islands. White Bay, Jost Van Dyke is one of my favorite places on the planet. We have stayed twice at Gallow's Point Resort in Cruz Bay and I recommend it unless you require alot of seclusion. It is a condo complex within walking distance to Cruz Bay. There is just enough shopping there too. I wouldn't really call it on the beach though. There is a small rocky beach with reportedly good snorkeling. With that budget, you can do a lot!