Unless the beach has eroded from the hurricane a few years back? I was there in 2002 and it was beautiful...

Yes, the beach has eroded and recent photos show hardly any beach. They had to bring in sandbags -- Spices, the oceanfront restaurant is almost in the water!

That's horrible. I'm so sorry to hear. Hopefully in a few years it will come back? Are the beaches the same for most of the AI resorts in this area of Playa Del Carmen?

i just spent an amazing honeymoon at spice island in grenada. my husband and i felt like royalty or rock stars.

it's better than a lot of all inclusives in that it is Gourmet - really - the food is unbelievable (we had a bad AI experience in mexico once). eight course meals every night - every plate a work of art ... not to mention fabulous personal service - they called us by name everywhere we went.

not to mention the fabulous room with a terrace (and hammock!) right on the beach. every night we walked the 10 feet out to the palapas and chairs to watch the sunset (carib beers in hand!) if you go - the sea grape suites are the way to go - right on the beach.

everything about spice island was amazing - we can't wait to go back!

it is pricey (but worth it!!!) but we got a great deal on luxurylink.com. check it out. and with june you're off season ...

an amazing honeymoon experience.

I am really looking for spectacular beaches....what were they like? I have seen beautiful waters in my travels but my fiancee hasn't. I have to admit someone mentioned spice island earlier in this thread and I was definitely interested but am concerened about the beach. And what about age groups? Other honeymooners besides yourselves?

And the more I research my heart is with Anguilla. Those waters are calling me! Can anyone vouch for the Frangipani? I just don't think Cuisinart or Cap would be in our budget if we want to be able to have fun/do day trips. And pairing St. Martin will be a blast too! Thoughts?

Still researching though.....and really won't be able to make a decision until prices start coming out for 2008.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts so far! I love Fodor's!

If you want spectacular beaches-rommance, fine dinning (as a honeymoon should be)of all your choices from above:

Anguilla should be your choice! The beaches in Anguilla are some of the best in the world. Ultra clear neon turquoise water, bright white sand. Restuarants over the beaches with swaying palmtrees and tiki torches.

Anguilla was made for honeymoons!

For more of a budget-check out KU.

IMHO, Anguilla has the most beautiful beaches I've seen (haven't been to T & C). Check out the specials for Cuisinart. They have some good rates and packages in the summer. I think a car is pretty much a neccessity on Anguilla. There are some fairly inexpensive places to eat as well as budget breakers!

Sounds like you are focusing on anguilla – don’t blame you – some beautiful places there – but to answer your questions about spice island …

Beach is SUPERBLY spectacular – spice island is on grand anse which is the most beautiful beach on the island (some people might argue that). Anyway, it’s a mile or two long – beautiful views of the hills and town (st. george), gorgeous white sand and lazy turquoise water. There are many other beaches on the island that we didn’t get to visit (it was hard to leave spice island) which I wish I could have seen – the atlantic side was beautiful as well. No need for concerns about that beach – it was a selling point for me!

There were quite a variety of folks there. Folks our age (late 20’s-30’s) and some family groups (this was not a concern – they were extremely well-behaved European kids) and older, 40’s, 50’s.

There weren’t a lot of honeymooners that we were aware of (we liked that – made us special!!) – or maybe that’s just how they made us feel. There were a few other couples that looked like they could be honeymooners. And at a bar down the beach (at the Flamboyant) we met some fun british newlyweds.

Hope that helps! Good luck!!

Anguilla is a spectacular choice..but be prepared to carefully research restaurant options. Our first time there, we estimated $200 a day for food, and found we DOUBLED that. Went again last year and found $400 a day was pretty much the standard (and no, we did not order wine or champagne with dinner...just one cocktail each). There are great restaurant options that are cheaper, while still delicious such as Uncle Ernie's. It can be done on a budget...and if you can find a way to do it, I HIGHLY recommend Anguilla, it's fantastic!

OMG! $400 a day for food? Yikes! I think we would be eating burgers and fries most days.....

So with Bora Bora pushed in the back of my mind, unless I hit the lottery, we are looking at:
Spice Island Resort, Grenada
Jumby Bay, Antigua
Anguilla--not sure what resort although, Cuisinart, Mahouillana and Cap prob out of price range. And then we would tack on an extra night or two in St Martin.
Any other places we should consider that are comparable to our requirements?
And are there any suggestions on hotels in Anguilla besides those listed above? We have looked at a good majority on tripadvisor. Rendezvous Bay is a strong contender with my fiancee because of the location on the beach...but no pool. Does this matter? The Ku--mgmt issues...?

I've always thought Rendezvous Bay looked like a good deal on a beautiful beach, however, I believe they are closing for major renovation.

I am not a big AI person at all..I have found that the food is fair and you can do better at a smaller boutique property or small AI. Having said that, I stayed at the Royal Playa del Carmen in May and it was very nice. The beach was beautiful and the food was good too. The drinks were the best...all top shelf if you asked. IMO it was a bargain. The town of Playa is fantastic. Even though it is not necessary to be at an AI in Playa the price was so good, I may stay at the Royal again and just buy dinner out a night or 2. The food and drink at the restaurants in Playa was very reasonable. I've heard great things about the Royal Hideaway, but I believe their beach is lacking. Ikel del Mar is a small luxuary boutique hotel(now called the tides) It is very expensive, but may be worth starting or ending you trip there or Maroma.

Jumby Bay for $6k in June? Including airfare? No way.

If you have not checked yet, airfare costs are going to shock you... for instance, have you checked a typical airfare to Grenada?

I think once you get a handle on airfare, you'll be able to narrow down the islands you will consider. Some of them are very costly just to get there.

Ok, yes it looks like Jumby Bay would be out w/ airfare but I could go back to Sandals like originally thought. But Jumby Bay seems so much nicer.
Mexico is also a consideration but low on my list of places to go since I have been to Cancun and did a lot of those touristy things.

Also, think Turks and Caicos, possibly Royal West Indies is on the list too. It's the most affordable option there....does anyone have any opinions on The Alexandra there for a honeymoon?

RWI and the Alexandra are pretty comparable in terms of price, type (condo resort), and amenities. I stayed at RWI but strongly considered the Alexandra. If you get a one BR at either place, you will have a full kitchen if that is important. The studios have kitchenettes. One caution about T&C is that it does attract families, so if you are travelling after school is out and seeking a place without tons kids for your honeymoon, you should know this. I don't have kids and wanted to stay someplace not overwhelmed with kids and had read (from some sources but not all) that RWI and the Alexandra had somewhat less kids than the other comparable resorts - The Sands and Ocean Club/OCE.

JMO, but I would want a full service resort for my honeymoon, not a condo. I do not want to make my bed, or cook any meals, etc.

For me, I would compromise on the location rather than the accomodation. As Caribbean virgins, the OP will be happy in many places.

Forgot to add, for great beach and a romantic spot please consider the islands where all inclusive is a science:

Awesome beaches:
Couples Swept Away, Negril
Grand Lido Negril
Jamaica Inn, Ocho Rios ($$$)

East Winds Inn - Antigua