Alisa

Hubby and I are planning our first anniversary trip and since it will likely be our last vacation without kids......we are thinking about splurging on a fabulous beachy get-away. Hawaii, the Carribean, Key West, New Zealand, Costa Rica....

Money no object, although we are not Trumps.

Objective: Beautiful resort with a great beach with snorkeling. We are not big party types but want some action. A bit more than Kauai (Love it but have been there twice, but a lot less than that place in Florida where all the "beautiful" people go. We love to explore. Hiking, day trips, etc. all good. Martinis and pina coloadas good. Dressing up a couple of nights fine--the whole time-- not a chance.

Some ideas:

Kona Village Resort or other resort in Hawaii
St. Martin or St. John or other
Key West?

What has been your favorite place and why?

Specifics--last week of September, 2006.

hausfrau

Alisa,
I haven't done a lot of beach vacations, but Key West pales in comparison to Hawaii and Costa Rica, both of which I've visited fairly extensively. Key West is fun and funky but not nearly as romantic or beautiful as the other places on your list.

I stayed at Hilton Waikaloa Village on the Big Island about 15 years ago on a family vacation and loved it. I am partial to the big island because the volcanoes are fascinating and there is good snorkeling with far fewer tourists than some of the other islands.

If I were doing it I'd research Maui, Big Island, and Carribean.

I'm getting jealous just thinking about it! Have a great time wherever you go!

SAnParis

If you are ruling out Hawaii, you may have better luck on the Caribbean board. There is little beach to speak of on Key West. So, although I love it there, it does not appear to be what you are seeking unless the emphasis is more on snorkeling. Even then, Key Largo would probably be better.

iamq

My dream beach vacation would be two weeks in Maldives at one of the small exclusive island resorts, BUT that would probably be too boring for you. Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef is a close second.

On Hawaii, I'd look into the BI. It would give you a great mix between action and slugging.

What immediately came to mind though was Caneel Bay on St. John. The resort is beautiful and the beaches have great snorkeling. It is "low-key" luxury, not the FS kind. You are aware that September is the height of hurricane season in the Caribbean?

If snorkeling is key, I've read that Costa Rica, while gorgeous and fun, does not have the best snorkeling.

How about Cook Islands? Bora Bora? Queensland/Great Barrier Reef?

My favorite vacations don't usually involve resorts. I like to find secluded villas or houses near or on the beach and go that route. There are some gorgeous places to rent on Kaua'i.

-Bill

beachbum

I think similarly to Bill; resorts are fine, but not my ideal. A place like this is more to my liking: http://hotelkiaora.com/index.php?file=articles&cat=1.

GoTravel

Seychelles
Canary Islands
Madagascar
Bora Bora
Phukat

No_name

I love Key West and think it is very romantic but there really are no big, soft white sandy beaches there. There is also nno snorkeling right off the island. You need a boat to get to the reef which is about 5 miles away. I have friends that go to Costa Rica a lot and they love it! It might be better for what you are looking for.

Pat2003

Based on personal experiences my choices would be

Bora Bora
Grand Cayman
Maldives (maybe too quiet for you according to your requirements)
Phukat
Mauritius (not much hiking options)
Zanzibar
Big Island
Oahu
Seychelles (too quiet and too humid for any hiking)

Tiff

Alisa ~ Did you look at the site beachbum provided?

Thanks beachbum, I believe I just 'bookmarked' heaven.

iamq

beachbumm,

Now you're talking! Better yet:

http://hotelkiaora.com/index.php?file=articles&cat=5

-Bill

sunbum1944

The place Beachbum suggested sounds fabulous - I cant find any rates though.

I think when the rates arent posted- I cant afford it

TahitiTams

Hi Alisa..
Since you are going in late September, I would take the Carribean off your list because it is still hurricane season..
What I have done several times and get the most bang for the buck is to either fly via Air New Zealand and go to Sydney, Auckland, Tahiti and I think they have added Hawaii on the back end..
Or.. Air Tahiti Nui has great specials to Moorea and Bora Bora from LAX/NYC
and there is some really good deals in September and you can't beat the snorkeling in the South Pacific..
Fiji is nice but the sea snakes are all over the place and it just freaks me out everytime I am swimming to see the most poisonious creature in the world swimming next to me.. and they come up on land at night..yuck..
Costa Rica if you fly into Liberia and then stay at the Four Seasons Hotel would be nice but you will get alot of storm action as well..
Maybe head to Oahu at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel or go to Maui the other week and stay in Kapalua at the Kapalua Villas..
Seychelles or Maurititus too..
Keep us posted..sounds like alot of fun.

Gekko

Hotel Eden Roc, Cap d'Antibes, France

Alisa

Thanks Guys!

1)Yes, I figured that the Carribean was out although the one time I was there 15+ years ago--it was so lovely. The water, the snorkeling...

2)OK--I will rule-out Key West. Thought it might be kind of fun and relaxed but Hawaii is probably higher on the list.

3)And Costa Rica may be rainy, too. The same with Playa Del Carmen....although I read about this one resort where you get to feed the monkeys bananas--the thought made DH shudder.

4)Tahiti/Fiji etc...so beautiful but is there much to do after a few days? Not that we need much but a bit of exploring would be great. BeachBum-Hotel Kia Ora is stunning! Could not find rates or any info about the location. Are you pretty confined to the resort?

5) Hawaii. Love the islands and actually the BI is on the top of our list right now. We can gorge on poke and pina coladas and all the things I won't be able to do for 9+ months! !

Although I do love a good resort, a beachfront condo would be the BEST! Any ideas?

We might combine the BI with a side trip to San Francisco for a few days. My fav US city and we can play like adults, wear lots of black, do the theater, museums and such.

6) New Zealand - would love it. I think I need to get on that board and browse. I have no idea where to start with New Zealand but have always wanted to go.

Thanks for the ideas!

beachbum

I'm with ya, Bill. The overwater bungalows are pretty cool though. Tiff, you're right too. Kia Ora Village and Sauvage are as close to heaven as I think I'll ever get this side of it.

Yeah sunbum, I shudder to think.... It was a bunch when we were there six years ago. I'm thinking $400+ a night, but my mind's probably blocked out the real number.

Alisa, you're not really confined to the "resort" at either Kia Ora Village or Sauvage, but there aren't many reasons to leave other than for snorkeling or diving trips. Not much else happening on Rangiroa, but then, that's the reason to go there. If you do decide to, a few nights will be enough. Then spend the rest of your time on Bora Bora, where you have a few more entertainment options.