We would like a very relaxing, lush (tropical), beautiful ocean view place for our honeymoon. My fiancé loves the outdoors. We’d like some suggestions of some outdoors things to do and places to go. We’d love to be able to fairly easily get to secluded beaches, etc. from where we’ll be staying. Our priority is to be able to relax and enjoy each other in beautiful surroundings both indoors and outdoors. We really have no idea about what island or place we should stay. Thank you for all your help.

You will be in the heart of hurricane seaon so it might be wise to stay in the southern caribbean--since you want lush surroundings you would not be traveling to Aruba, Curacao or Bonaire. My suggestion is Grenada either at Laluna or Spice Island Inn with your own plunge pool. A lot if information can be obtained by using Google and typing out the resort names and islands. Also, Fodors online destination guides and Where2Stay.com. might be helpful. You might risk staying at Grand Lido Sans Souci (Super Clubs) and seeing Dunns River Falls. We took a all day tour of Southern Jamaica while staying at Grand Lico Braco (Black River, Y.S. Falls). Sans Souci has a great spa and is very lush. Also very romantic is Maroma Resort-Carribean Coast of Mexico (40 mins. from Cancun-pick up at airport in Cancun) and Hotel Villa del Sol, Zihuatenejo Mexico--although I'm not sure of the weather in those areas. Maroma Beach has been named one of the best beaches in the world 2002 by Discovery.com-Travel Channel. Recipes from Villa del Sol have appeared in Gourmet Magazine. Good luck!

Amanda,<BR><BR>My suggestion is Aruba. If your main prior is to relax and enjoy the beautiful surrounding. Arubas resorts are landscaped beautifully! I recommend The Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino. It has a wonderful waterfall, which is very very romantic. The grounds are lovely. My husband and I married in September of 99 and stayed their for our honeymoon. Their were no kids (because they were all in school) and all honeymooners. It was sooo wonderful that we went back for our 2 year and then a 1/2 year later.<BR><BR>It is the last high rise hotel, so it is quieter than most resorts. You can always be alone if you want to their. It is sooooo wonderful and I highly recommend it!<BR><BR>Also, on the north side of the island they have secluded beaches. YOu need a jeep to get to them, but they are worth it.<BR><BR>Keep in mind, Aruba is a desert type island, but still very very beautiful! And the people are extremely friendly.<BR><BR>It is so safe their you won't be fearful wherever you go, even through the villages.<BR><BR>You can take a horse and buggy carriage ride in town, which is so romantic, sunset cruises and or sunset dinner cruises, which is so awesome! They have a drive Inn theater, which is cool!<BR><BR>But we loved just sitting out by the pool at night and swimming by ourselves, it really is secluded in September!<BR><BR>The long walks by moonlight, aaaaww I just love it!<BR><BR>My husband and I will be returning for our 3 year anniversary this year!!!!!<BR><BR>Have a wonderful honeymoon wherever you choose!<BR><BR>LOL Susan

Amanda,<BR><BR>One other thing, Aruba is completely out of the hurricane belt, so you do not have to be fearful of a hurricane or for bad weather!<BR><BR>Anything in the caribbean other than the ABC's does put you at risk. However, you still might be safe at those other islands because it is hurricane season from June-December. But still, prime hurricane's do hit in September!! Just to let you know.

Thanks for all your responses! Here’s some more specific things we’re looking for that we’ve come up with: relaxing and very romantic atmosphere, spa, rainforest, secluded beaches, clean, safe, scuba lessons and maybe other activities, telephones, great restaurants (not just American food…we love new, exotic stuff), no one harassing us. The idea of having our own private little pool with our room sounds awesome! The islands shouldn’t be crowded in mid Sept., right? Thanks!

Oh…Also, we’re wanting to fly there right after the wedding…around 7pm or so. Do you think this would be feasible? We’ll be flying out of New Orleans. Thanks!

Still sounds like Grenada is the place for you. It meets all of your requirements, and is laid-back, non-commercial and low-key (no development higher than the palm trees). Grenada has wonderful beaches, but so much more beyond the shoreline (esp. for lovers of the great outdoors) -- rain forest hike, waterfall swims, etc. Friendly people, great local cuisine.<BR><BR>However, you will most certainly find it difficult to get a flight out of New Orleans to Grenada at 7pm. You may be able to fly to one of the gateway cities (perhaps Miami or San Juan). Check with American Airlines, BWIA or Air Jamaica for their schedules (or, better yet, you might want to enlist a travel agent for this assignment).

Amanda has mentioned over and over again that she wants a lush island with a rainforest so stop recommending Aruba so she won't get confused.

My honest opinion is to leave for your honeymoon the next morning.<BR><BR>My husband and I had a long wedding day with the reception and wanted to come home and...well you know.<BR><BR>The next morning, we got up real early, still had our "just married" sign on the car and drove to the airport. It was so wonderful.<BR><BR>You'll definitely be tired after the wedding and then you'll have jet lag. You'll be too tired for the most important part of the wedding

So we should stay at either La Luna or Spice Island Inn? Spice Island is really expensive. My fianc&eacute; really likes the thatched roof cottage idea at La Luna...and it's a lot less expensive...but I've heard you may not get the greatest view from your room...and you can't specify that you want a good view. What about LaSource?...I would really love the spa treatments. Or what about Twelve Degrees North? Or any other suggestions? Thanks!<BR>

At this point you really should be speaking with a good travel agent. They will be able to listen to your criteria and help you choose the ideal location for your honeymoon.

Thanks so much for your help. We'll look for a travel agent.