MizzouTom

We're going on our honeymoon in mid-August and are trying to make a final decision. Our initial first choice was Antigua with their beautiful beaches/water. But we're a little concerned that there doesn't appear to be much to see or do outside the resort, as well as the tempermental weather in the Carribean in late summer. On the other hand we haven't found any "couples only" resorts in Kauiu or Maui, and it's important for us to be in a quiet, romantic atmosphere with a really nice beach (and water). Any advice from someone who knows a little about both places?

kellybeaches

Well, for me for a honeymoon, it's a no-brainer. Kauai is my top choice. We went to Kauai and Maui for ours and had a wonderful time. With that being said, the Caribbean is amazing too. I would say go with whichever destination is farthest from you. Afterall, it is your honeymoon and you're only going to do it once. We loved Hawaii but being as we're in PA, we probably won't get back there for a LONG time, so now we venture to the Caribbean once a year. Once kids come and life gets hectic, the thought of traveling more than a few hours on a plane seems crazy. If you do go to Hawaii, I highly recommend the Princeville Resort. It is amazing. It's on the north shore of Kauai. We didn't care for Maui as much-it was more built up. But I guess it all really depends what you're looking for. If you do the islands, we really liked St. Lucia (Stonefield Villas) and Virgin Gorda (Mahoe Bay villas) -but each island is wonderful in their own way
Congrats on your engagement!

ejcrowe

Well, I wouldn't argue with the choice of Hawaii for a honeymoon. But in Antigua's defense there are tons of things to do around the island, more if you enjoy water sports. I wouldn't recommend Sandals as one of the best places to visit, however, and no matter where you choose for the honeymoon, I would suggest not restricting yourself to couples-only places.

For future reference, if you want to do Antigua:

Spend a couple of days at different gorgeous beaches, just you and your new spouse: Half Moon, Darkwood, Ffryes.

Spend a day wandering around English Harbour and Nelson's Dockyard for some history and culture. Museums, shops, etc.

Spend a half day wandering around the capital of St. John's, poking in shops, the cathedral, the museum, have al fresco lunch at Hemingways's while watching the folks below on the street.

Take a daytrip to Anegada. Walk along the 17 mile long beach, take a picnic, get picked up and fly home.

Take a helicopter trip to Montserrat and tour the volcano.

Take a daysail, maybe to Green Island or Great Bird island and do some snorkeling.

Go to Shirley's Heights on Sunday night for music & bbq.

Go hiking on the headlands surrounding the harbour at St. John's. See the ruins of old colonial forts and canons.

Knowing

You've almost drawn equal straws as they're both great. With 365 beaches, Antiguans say that their island offers a beach for every day of the year. There are land activities and excursions available outside of the resorts, but perhaps it's not to your liking? I guess I'm more inclined to pick Kauai. So many things to recommend: Take a helicopter tour of the island, there is a movie tour, evening catamran cruises, wonderful restaurants, so many places to stroll around, the botanical gardens - they're so lush! There is just so much to explore and everything is just so green that I had my film processed over there as I wasn't sure they would be able to capture the color here at home.

jennymary

Another thing to consider is that mid-August is the start of hurricane season in the Carribean..... so there is the off chance that you'll have rain in Antigua. The Carribean is awesome... and I'd definitely recommend going for "anniversary" trips.. but everyone I know has loved Hawaii. It looks like you're interested in doing things too... and there is tons to do in Hawaii.

girlonthego

Mid August puts you smack dab in the middle of hurricane season. We were married mid Aug almost 20 years ago!
If you don't want to worry about the chance of hurricanes, go to Hawaii. I am not sure where you are coming from, but Hawaii is far away from the east coast and not something you will do very often. We went to Paradise Island in the Bahamas(pre atlantis). It was okay. It was a beach vacation with nice restaurants.
I wouldn't worry about couples only type resorts. I would go with the nicest resort for my honeymoon. In Kauai, the Princeville gets rave reviews for romance. It is on the rainier side, but the summers are less rainy. The Poipu area is the sunny side and there is a beautiful Hyatt there.
In Maui, there are many really nice resorts. The Wailea area has one after another.
I am sure Antigua is a nice place, but if I had my choice for honeymoons, it would be Hawaii. Antigua will be a great one to go for the first anniversary. Good luck.

patsyvance

Although I have never been there, I recently saw a travel channel show about Waimea Plantation Cottages and they were absolutely charming and are a "Fodor's Choice". I would recommend checking out their website!

MizzouTom

Thanks for all the advice. It was very helpful. I think we're going with Kauai.

christiegr

Another vote for Princeville Resort in Kaua'i.IMO Kaua'i is the most beautiful place on the planet!

Christie