mistermack

I'm looking for honeymoon ideas for early April of 2014. I've kind of had my eyes on Aruba for th past few weeks but feel like I am over looking some other islands to choose from.

I would like to go to an Island that has
pretty good beaches for lounging,
offer All inclusive hotels,
offers horseback riding or ATV riding on the beach.
maybe a rum tour or similar type tour
easily accessible through air
not to expensive but nothing cheap either

Also My fiancee does not want to go Jamaica (crime), and saw something about the mosquitos in dominican republic.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

mistermack

Also we are a flying out of Atlanta. Any Island with Non-stop flights from Atlanta?

RoamsAround

Check with Delta Airlines. Atlanta is their main hub. They offer non-stop flights to many different islands - including almost all of the "major" island destinations.

Also you've indicated a desire for a place that is "not too expensive" but you didn't give us your actual budget range. We have no idea what "not too expensive" means to you. Give us yor budget for hotel, airfare, foot and excursions. It will help us steer you in the right direction.

eastenderusvi

I would take the BVI off your list for lack of most of your wish list. Mosquitoes are ubiquitous throughout the Caribbean.

suze

<Any Island with Non-stop flights from Atlanta?>

Jamaica (just happen to know that because it was my transfer airport on my trip to Negril from Seattle)

suze

Oh sorry, I see your fiance does not want to go there. That's too bad because it's an incredibly beautiful island and offers everything you ask for.

KVR

If your really want AI, the most bang for your buck will be Mexico, Jamaica and the DR. Crossing of those destinations from your list be prepared to pay more and get less.

We loved Aruba and we love AI, but those two do not go together. Aruba has tons of really great restaurants and bars in various price ranges. Part of the vacation experience there is to try as many as you can. However, food and especially drinks can add up quickly if you are not careful. When we went to Aruba, we did go AI at the Holiday Inn (the least expensive hotel that offered AI) for drinks, breakfast and lunch and then we ate out for dinner.

We've been to Jamaica twice. Although, we felt way more comfortable walking off a resort in Mexico, we didn't have any issues in Jamaica. Our first trip, we stuck with taxis and resort sponsored excursions. Our second trip, we hired a private driver that took us for sightseeing, shopping and excursions. I wouldn't hesitate to go back.

We absolutely adore Mexico and have been 10+ since 2000. They have the best, most lux AI resorts at the best prices and plenty of things to see and do off property. We never had any issues or safety concerns and will definitely be going back in the future.

For AI look at Antigua, Barbados or St. Lucia. We have been to St. Lucia and stayed at the Sandals Grande. Truly a waste of money. There are better AI resorts there. Look at Rendezvous. We have looked at Barbados and Antigua, but couldn't see paying those prices for mediocore hotels that offer an AI plan. We couldn't find enough to keep us entertained in Antigua, so haven't been to either. In Barbados, they recently updated an old resort to a Couples, which is a Jamaica brand hotel that gets lots of good reviews and recommendations. You will probably pay more for a Couples resort in Barbados than in Jamaica.

From your wish list, I think Barbados would cover most if you went with Couples. Mexico would cover everything and more and cost much less.

I also noticed that you are wanting to go in an April. My birthday is in April and we tend to avoid the Caribbean during that time because of high rates and excessive crowds. I would definitely get an adult or couples only resort or be prepared to be inundated with kids.

mistermack

My budget would be around $3,000.

Thank for all the advice. I will bring back up Jamaica to convince her that covers most of the things we want to do.

I will definitely look into all the places you guys have mentioned.

JMRTravel

Hi Mistermack

I totally agree with KVR...you will get your moneys worth in Jamaica or Cancun. Personally Punta Cana would not be a destination I would recommend because I have had and heard of to many people getting sick by the time they got home and having to take antibiotics.

Adult only/couples resort is what I would also highly recommend. Couples Negril offers Complimentary offsite excursions; Shopping trips to downtown Negril;-Sunset catamaran cruises;-Golfing at Negril Hills Golf Club;
-Trips to Negril's famous Pirate's Cave;-Glass bottom boat reef trips;-Shuttle to Margaritaville. Couples San Souci offers Complimentary offsite excursions; shopping trips to downtown Ocho Rios;-Golfing at Upton's Golf Course;-Tours to Dunn's River Falls;-Glass bottom boat reef trips;-Shuttle to Margaritaville. Check out my pics of Couples San Souci
http://pinterest.com/jmrtravel/coupl...-rios-jamaica/

Also keep in mind you can do an interest free payment plan on your vacation but final payment is due 45 days before departure.

Odin

Antigua and Barbados will give you a Caribbean experience, if that is what you are looking for. Try to avoid Easter as this is one of the most expensive & crowded times to visit. Also towards the end of April is the annual sailing week in Antigua.

mistermack

Thanks guys for all the advice I will look into all the ones mentioned.

stevelyon

I have limited experience of the Carribean but loved Barbados, this was our choice because Jamiaca didnt feel as if it would allow us the safety to travel. We did get bitten by mosquitos in Barbados but once we had bought repellant we were okay (I believe Mexico can also be bad). Barbados felt very safe (mostly).I am researching Mexico at the moment - the hotels in Barbados in my opinion are probably not as plentiful or opulent as Mexico, Id love to know KVR's view on which are the best in Mexico.

mistermack

So I have been looking into some of the places you guys have mentioned. Mexico seems to have a lot to offer, St. Lucia looks really nice too. I really like Barbados and Antigua as well.

Also would you guys recommend buying the airfare through the resort or doing it buy yourself and how soon should you book your flight and room. My wedding is March 29th and we will probably leave for the honeymoon the following monday.

KVR

Resorts in Mexico:

Any of the Secrets, El Dorados, or Excellance resorts, The Royal Playa del Carmen, the Iberostar Grand Parasio, Moon Palace, Grand Velas, Zoetry, Valentin Imperial, and Royal Hideaway. These are the most popular, and recommended lux AI resorts. All are adult only except Zoetry.

We've never had any problems with mosquitos in any destination we've been to except St. Thomas. We always bring repellant with DEET.

We always buy a package with an on-line booking agency; Travelocity, Expedia or Orbitz. Other companies like Beachdestinations.com, Bookit or Cheapcaribbean are good.

For March I would start looking in September after the kids go back to school. The on-line booking companies should start posting their Spring Break deals. When you see a price that you can live with then book it.

mistermack

Thanks KVR. The information you have provided is really helpful. Thanks again

KVR

Try this website also. I don't know anything about the site itself, but it's a great research tool. Great descriptions, photos and 360 tours.

http://www.honeymoonsinc.com/top_ten...oneymoons.aspx

WE have stayed at the Royal Playa del Carmen and loved it for it's location. We have also stayed at the El Dorados Seaside Resort. Too far away from 5th Avenue in Playa for us. The Secrets Maroma and El Dorado Maroma are on the best section of beach. Iberostar Gran Parasiao probably gets the most recommendations with Secrets Maroma a close second. When we return, I think we'll go with the Excellance in Pureto Moralas. That web-site I listed is excellent for making good comparisons.