Hi all <BR> <BR>Well, lots of comments to reply to! <BR> <BR>No, I am not planning any sight-seeing. <BR> <BR>Sorry for lack of feedback! I have been reading posts regularly I assure you! I love the look of Biras Creek (sugarmill is out), Peter Island too but would have to wait and see if they do special rates for groups to bring the rates down a bit! <BR> <BR>Yes, Wadigi was where I was supposed to be getting married before, but it is unusual in that it only takes one couple at a time, so my guests were going to stay on nearby Malolo. <BR> <BR>To get a better idea of what I am looking for, check out Tokoriki resort or Matamanoa in Fiji. They were unsuitable because they have no-kids policies. <BR> <BR>Thanks for advice <BR> <BR>sonia

Sonia, I thought If would be fun to list the rates for two people with meals during the 1st three months of 2002. <BR>The fiji dollar quotes were converted to US dollars at the credit card rate of 2.25 to 1 and include the 10% VAT. The Caribbean rates include the 17% for service and tax. None include the price of drinks. <BR> <BR>Matamanoa Island Resort $238 <BR>Tokoriki Island Resort $281 <BR>Cooper Island $300 <BR>Frenchman's Cay $420 <BR>Biras Creek $878 <BR>Peter Island $936 <BR> <BR>If you wait until after the middle of April prices do go down. It remain to be seen how the current world situation affects prices next year. <BR> <BR>I guess the question is what can you really spend to come to the Caribbean and what are you willing to give up compared to Fiji? As somebody suggested, Petit Saint Vincent is one of the closest private island matches to Fiji but it is not easy to get there from Australia. From England it is easier as they can fly to Barbados. <BR>

The idea of people from England and people from Australia meeting for a wedding is an interesting challenge to find the right destination. I was curious about airfare for various destinations so I ran a quick search on Expedia for two people each. The first pair would start in London rountrip and the second pair would start from Sidney roundtrip to the wedding destination. The total RT cost for the four people came out approximately as follows in $US. <BR> <BR>Wedding location Total Air Cost <BR>Tortola BVI $11,534 <BR>Fiji $ 7,881 <BR>Sidney $ 4,959 <BR>Honolulu $ 4,275 <BR> <BR>If one can take advantage of air fare savings it might pay for a wedding on Lizard Island or at the Kona Village Resort in Hawaii. http://www.konavillage.com

Hi. I got married almost 10 years ago at Young Island. All the details were handled by the resort staff. It's a wonderful place. We combined 7 nights at the resort with 3 nights on a sailboat with captain and cook. Sailed to Mustique, Bequia and the Tobago Cays. The Tobago Cays are unbelievably gorgeous. The accomodations at Young Island are individual cottages. Ours was right on the beach, with a huge patio which is where we had our wedding. I highly recommend this resort.

Dear Sonia, <BR>I found a wonderful place on St. Lucia. It is the Jalousie Hilton. It has bunglows with splash pools and an assortment of other types of rooms. If you stay for a 7day minumum you can ask them for a special called a hilton holiday which includes breakfast. It is not cheap but in your range. It is between the Pitons and the view is awesome. It is also easy to get married for I booked a trip for my brother & his fiance last year and they were married on the beach. I hope this helps.

Hi, <BR>Sounds like Biras Creek is your spot. About 36 rooms, right on the ocean, possibly the best gourmet dining in the Caribbean, beautiful views. Kayaking, windsurfing, snorkeling all all meals inclusive. Check it out. We spent our honeymoon at Bitter End Yacht Club and thought it was perfect and we have traveled all over the Pacific (Bali, Thailand, Australia, Hong Kong, Hawaii, Singapore, etc--however never Fiji/Bora Bora area.) BEYC was a TREMENDOUS deal for the price. With so much stuff included it is ridiculous. It has a very small resort feel despite having 100 or so rooms and an active Marina. The best thing about Bitter End is all the inclusive watersports including a different off-island cruise/snorkeling trip daily. It really is a great deal. So my two votes would be Bitter End and Biras. I think Biras sounds more like what your are looking for but Bitter End was such a great trip for us I can't help but recommend it. Email me if you want more info. Kara <BR>[email protected]

Hi, <BR>I was just wondering why noone mentioned <BR>Caneel Bay, St. John, USVI. We are <BR>considering going there in May for our honeymoon. <BR> <BR>Would love some replies from those of <BR>you who have been there. Any suggestions, and what you thought. <BR> <BR>How would you compare Caneel Bay to <BR>Biras Creek, Peter Island, etc. <BR> <BR>Thanks so much, <BR>Nancy

My sister got married at Caneel Bay about 12 years ago - it was fantastic! My husband and I just spent our 10th anniversary at Biras Creek - I can't say enough GREAT things about Biras!!! The absolute BEST thing about it is the Boston Whaler - we had a different private beach every day!!

Where did you decide to go?

I am compelled to post a review of Frenchman's Cay because we stayed there recently based on the raving of Joel and other "Frenchman's lovers" on this site. I will agree with one point -- the view is gorgeous. Unfortunately, it does not make up for the very tired and run down villas, the below average food, or the lack of air conditioning. Don't be fooled by the cooling breezes 24/7. They are around most (not all) of the time and are breezes, but are not cooling. If you use your air conditioning at home when its 85 degrees during the day and 80 degress at night, get a place with air conditioning. It will also help to keep the wicked mosquitos of Torola out of your sleeping quarters. In my opinion, Sonia, there is not a resort on Tortola that meets your needs. The only place I'd stay on Tortola is Long Bay Beach Resort, but it is larger than you are looking for. Depending on the size of your group, there are some wonderful villas on St. John available through Caribbean Villas. Villas with as many as 6 bedrooms or neighboring villas that can be rented together and accomodate as many as 30+ people. Check it out at caribbeanvilla.com. Good Luck!

Sonia:<BR>If it is not too late to reply....I will be getting married at Peter Island in 22 days! I searched FIJI and ohter locales all over. My requirements were the same. I got a book from the library,100 MOST ROMANTIC RESORTS, to help in decision making. Peter Island was $$ but we are not bringing anyone but us. We are doing the ashore /afloat package as well. If you need any questions answered or reports when i get back I would be glad to assist you.<BR>

Daisel,<BR><BR>Returned from our Honeymoon on Peter Island a couple of weeks ago. You'll love it. We also saw two different couples get married on the island, is was really beautiful. Have fun

Joan (and Joel, if you're interested):<BR><BR>If I'm not too late, and you're still looking for Hawaii, I suggest the Hotel Hana Maui. You get a private bungalow and your own jacuzzi, on a beautiful property, in a laid back yet refined environment. You won't hear, "Hot, hot, hot," even once. There are no other resorts or other tourists. Food is expensive (but that's Hawaii), so plan on using your little kitchenette for breakfast. Otherwise, it's heavenly.