Aruba or Tahiti
 

Planning my honeymoon for 9/02 and am wondering if there is a hotel or resort in Aruba that is honeymoon friendly - meaning -no children? We want to be someone remote. Your thoughts???

None of the hotels in Aruba is "remote" - they're all in a strip of development along the west coast.<BR><BR>I'm not aware of any that forbid children, but the Bucuti is a small hotel that is said to "not encourage" them.<BR><BR>The Marriott is the northernmost hotel on Palm Beach and is a bit more separated from its neighbors than most.<BR><BR>If I were looking for remote and adults-only, I might consider Jamaica, St. Lucia, or west coast of Barbados.<BR><BR><BR>

Remote? Have you considered Roatan or any of the other Bay Islands?

Without a doublt, go to Tahiti, just don't stay at the main island.<BR>Depending on what "remote" means to you, Bora Bora, Huahine, Rangiora, Manihi, Tikehau, Raiatea and Tahaa may be of interest. On some of these islands you may be in the only hotel on the island...

I've been to Aruba but not to Tahiti. I've been to the S. Pacific and it's beautiful. Aruba is different from Tahiti. Aruba is deserty with not the lush tropical look of Tahiti. I would not go to Tahiti itself as it's expensive, unfriendly and touristy. There are outer islands that are beautiful: BoraBora, Moorea, Fakrava, etc.

Dana, I have been to both and there is absolutely no comparison. Head straight to Bora Bora. PERFECT honeymoon spot, remote, beautiful and friendly. Stay in an overwater bungelow. Other than the flight there, I though Aruba was as expensive as BB and not nearly as wonderful. Jo

Dana - We are trying to plan our honeymoon for 9/02 as well. I have been looking into many islands that are lush, tropical, good beaches, and some activites but not over run by tourists. I have researched many islands and find that St. Lucia is top on our list. It seems to encompass all that we are looking for.... and for that time of year, it is one of the safer bets (including Aruba). I have not been to Aruba myself but my friend is from Jamacia and said that Aruba is extremely beautiful, but to me seems to be very touristy. And as Tahiti goes I am not sure that is the safest place to go right now . I have heard that they do not have a government right now and for me that makes me leary. I think we are going to start of in St. Lucia and then take a ferry ride to Martinique for part of our stay. Definitely check out the Ladera hotel on St. Lucia. -- it has received outstanding raves on this board. Let me know what you decide - good luck!

Tahiti, no government??!! Better not tell France! You must be thinking of the recent political troubles in Fiji, though it is a perfectly safe place to go. Given the opportunity, go to anywhere in the South Pacific over Aruba.

No comparison, Tahiti! Americanized commercialized Aruba v the South Pacific? duh! Then there is St. Luica. Cheap it is but remember you get what you pay for! Ladera - why go to the Caribbean if there isn't even a beach? Of course you can use the others where they have covered the black volcanic sand with white sand to make it more appealing! But then, you can use the puddles of plunge pools. oh well! different strokes for different folk.

I didn't think St. Lucia was cheap at all. In fact, I felt it was more expensive than what it should have been, or what it was worth, I should say.

I cant comment on Tahiti but I was in Aruba last year and had a great time. However, we went for a week and I think it may be a little "small" if you are going for 2 weeks. The hotel side of the island is built up so it is not that secluded but if you stay at one of the higher end hotels I think you could get what you are looking for, though I am quite sure it is no Tahiti. Also, I am from NY and thought the prices at restaurants were no bargain but just realize its a tourist locale and enjoy. I am also looking into a honeymoon in late Oct/Nov and would worry Sept-Nov would be Hurricaine season in St Lucia.

I hear your hairdo can get mussed up big time from the wind in Aruba, so I would recommend the USVIs.

I went to Tahiti on my honeymoon - 15 years ago and have been trying to return! It was magical! We did the Club Med "thing" 5 days in Bora Bora and 5 days in Moorea. Loved BB, Moorea, a bit bigger and busier but a nice change after BB. If you can, do stay at an AI, not alot of restaraunts an very expensive - everything flown in. Would highly recommend Club Med - hut above the water, trade winds, BB only capacity for 90 people, Moorea about 300. Wonderful!

Thanks for all of the great advice. I tell ya - I have been researching this to death, and don't laugh - we've decided to go to Grenada. Found a wonderful secluded resort. We're keeping our fingers crossed on the weather - but I'm sure we'll be well entertained regardless. :-) Thanks again!

Dana, can you tell me where you are going in Grenada that is secluded? Thanks