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My fiance and I are getting married in May 2012. We are fortunate in that my Dad is gifting us his Marriott reward points (he has over 200,000 points) so we obviously need to find destination was a fantastic Marriott property.
We want something beach-y and relaxing, but luxurious. We also wouldn't mind some adventure, outdoor activities, and good restaurants.
We're considering the Scrub Island Resort (BVI), Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman or the JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort Costa Rica. We're thinking that the points will get us about 5-6 free nights, then we could book a few nights at another, non-Marriott hotel (possibly a nearby island or other location on the same island).
We're also flexible on the timing and would prefer to go late Fall/early Winter. Would appreciate any recommendation on these places or other Marriott locations.
Scrub Island, Grand Caymen or Costa Rica Honeymoon
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If you just want the beach, then I'd nix Costa Rica. I'd probably choose Scrub Island. It's more conducive for a honeymoon. The Ritz-Carlton on Grand Cayman is an excellent resort with a fabulous restaurant, but it's a high-rise and busy (and has a large family contingent among the doctors and executives there for business meetings), so the beach gets crowded. You never have that problem on Scrub Island, and you can still escape to the myriad British Virgin Islands that are nearby and even eat off-site fairly easily since the resort operates its own water-taxi service. Then perhaps spend a few nights on St. John or even on a sailboat.
Take a look at the Ritz Carlton St. Thomas. It's a well-run resort close to some decent restaurants in Red Hook, excursions to St. John, and other activities on the island.
Yes, Jimmie's suggestion is also a good one. Or you could easily split your trip between the Ritz-Carlton on St. Thomas and Scrub Island. That would be a really good split with different resorts with very different personalities, but with access to two excellent beaches.
Ritz your most HM worthy hotels.
Join marriott.com preferred guest program
for free suite upgrades to Best Available.
Their Business card got me 60000 points with first use
AWESOME deal.
I like the Ritz Cancun #1 there it is my fav beautiful beach
lots better hotel than GC Marriott better beach activity
than St. Thomas RC which might be my second choice.
Congrats!
Marriott Guanacaste best in CR beach brown remote lccation.
OK not great... good adventures in the area though.
papagayovargasours.com give you an idea of activities.
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If you want to do some touring,i.re. white water rafting-it's not very rough, zip line, canopy ride up in a layer of cloud plus have a decent beach and lush flora then Costa Rica is your best choice, IMO. Congratualations.
JW Marriott Cancun is wonderful! Excellent service and food and gorgeous setting. Do not go to Frenchman's Reef St. Thomas - horrible service, not that nice - totally not worth it. Scrub Island looks very nice - haven't stayed there yet. Another option to consider is Marriott Marco Island - doesn't sound as exoctic as the other places but easy to get to and has everything you need. Beautiful beaches, pools, facility etc.