KVR -- Just so you know, Galley Bay has been having lots of sales, last year we got 25% off, this year 50% which in my opinion is an incredible value. Should you ever want it, I have a direct email to a booking agent for Elite Island Resorts who always gets me great rates. Also, regarding the comment about Barbados prices -- the costs I quoted are American dollars. I keep hearing two things about Barbados -- one, that eating out is extremely expensive and two, that service and attitudes at upscale resorts at high prices are not what they should be. Jpniner -- your choices are all very different as you know -- different islands, boutique vs. larger resort, AI vs. Non AI. I think you need to decide overall whether you want AI or not, smaller or larger resort, price range and then this board will be able to give you lots of recommendations. That being said, I have been to all the destinations you are considering and I would probably choose Secrets Maroma or one of the other upscale AIs in the Riveria Maya for a pampering, no fuss, relaxing honeymoon where you can really plan your total expenses and not have to worry about spending thousands on food and beverages. And there are some great excursions in that area -- the ruins, cenotes, etc.

well, 90% chance will do AI for this trip and within those I thing I prefer the smaller version. Aruba is wildcard at this point(Barbados is out unless a flight comes up soon and not too expensive).

I keep hearing different things between Jamaica vs. Riveria Maya, others have told me Jamaica is more romantic than mexico?

How could you compare Royal Plantation to Secrets Maroma?

Eileen, thanks. Antigua is still on our list, but it's a ways away. I have looked at many restaurant menus for Barbados and many were listed in US funds. Personally, I thought the prices were high compared to other destinations we've been to. About the same as Grand Cayman, which we did AI there and enjoyed it. We're thinking the Coconut Beach Court AI. Came to $2,400 AI as we have one free airline ticket. We're very active on vacation, so we'll get to enjoy some of the food outside of the resort with activites and tours.

Jpniner, for Barbados look at air and hotel seperate, but I still don't think that's the destination you're looking for.

I think that Royal Plantation would be more romantic and quiter than Secrets Maroma. Maybe even a little more elegant. If money was no object, I would go with Royal Plantation over Secrets Maroma for a honeymoon. When do you have to make a final decision?

Royal Plantation has a deal, 55% off plus one free night on one of the first 3 level of rooms. the Free night stops with the higher end suites. So I could do 7 days for around 4k plus air at RP right now. Trying to figure out what these 3 sets of rooms that you can get free night on are like.

can't be too bad, they are all Butler service, but I would prefer the Verandah Honeymoon suite if it would come with the Free night which it doesn't. So would cost an extra 1300 or so for the week. Not sure its worth that.


My flight options to Barbados are pretty crappy anyway, right now its fly out of CLT at 6am to Miami, wait there and then fly to Barbados. We have an evening wedding/reception the nigt before. Plus it cost more than Jamiaca or Cancun Air.

final decision is anytime really, but I figure the sooner the better and I can quit obsessing over it. Pretty much decided we want some sort of 5-star quality resort for this. whether Secrets or El Dorado in RM or Royal Plantation in Jamaica.

although it will spoil us for future trips

Okay, another suggestion. If you are seriously considering Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios you should also take a look at Jamaica Inn. Not a traditional AI but there's a meal plan and AI option. It's one of the top Caribbean resorts, very intimate, upscale and peaceful. However, there will not be a lot of activity or tons of other honeymooners (although there may be a few) so if you are looking for a place to really socialize, party, this is not it. Not sure why someone thinks Mexico is less romantic than Jamaica I think it's the resort you choose that's romantic, not the destination. Also, keep in mind that if you fly into Montego Bay you have about a two hour car ride to Ocho Rios. The good news about both Riveria Maya and Jamaica is those are usually the two most reasonable destinations for airfare. Think about how many people you want to be surrounded by when considering the "romance" factor -- at a place that's relatively large such as Secrets Maroma there will be many, many people and probably many on their honeymoons. You certainly won't be alone on the beach or at the pool. I personally think greater isolation is more romantic so that's why I like resorts that are smaller and have a high space to person ratio. FYI, I don't think either Royal Plantation or Secrets is 5-Star -- what's more important is what 5-Star means to you and what you think you will get from those resorts. And have you read all the reviews on tripadvisor.com? Lord, I hope you are not regretting posting and getting my two cents . . . just trying to be helpful. The other thing I will say as a person who has been married 23 years . . . it's your honeymoon and it is going to be special no matter where you choose. You want a wonderful start for your life together but if you are lucky your vacations will get better and better (ours have)don't go crazy trying to make it the best experience ever as it's hard to live up to those expectations!

JI only has one restaurant from what I understand, however a better beach.

seems like everything is some sort of trade off, I mainly want a nice setting, good food and great service for this trip. I think I kinda like the exotic type vibe an island like Jamaica gives vs. Mexican Riveria.

that said if the deal for the resort is on par but cheaper I'd go to Mexico over it probably. bang for the buck factor.

Jpniner, the crane is a little more upscale. We had lunch there a couple of times and I remember it being a little on the high side. But what a beautiful place for a honeymoon.

Here's a link to a photo of crane beach...beautiful...wish I was there now bobbin in the waves!

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo...52488946pQWOXc

Peace, Greenie

great beach, if there was a decent flight from CLT on Aug. 9th to Barbados I'd be going there.


instead, I think I'm going to do 10-days in Jamaica. a Week at Royal Plantation, followed with 3-days at Royal Carribean before flying back. Good deals on that right now too

greenie, that is a nice beach shot! I wish I was there right now!!! :)

Just a FYI, we've found that the lower end AI hotels on Barbados offer a limited selection, so not worth it. In order to get the full AI, you have to pay for the higher end hotels on the West side. Not the price point or location we are interested in. Right now we are looking at the Butterfly Beach Hotel and the Sandy Bay Beach hotel. Afraid July will be too crowded with families/kids though.

Jpniner, the Royal Caribbean is in Montego Bay and considered one of their more partish hotels. Also close to the airport, so there will be overhead plane noise.

is The Crane out for you KVR?

I know its away from things, but that beach is awesome and the new apt suites look very nice. I'm thinking with the Oribitz price right now it would be a nice vacation for the funds, would just need to rent a car from resort for days interested in going elsewhere.

Yes, the Crane is out. Too expensive and not in the location we want. During our trip we plan on Island hopping to Grenada and the Grenadines/Tobago Cays, which is going to cost $2000. ($1,000 each Island) so we need more budget friendly accomendations and since we can't get AI in our price point, we need to be within walking distance to restaurants. A car would just be more of a unnecessary added expense. I've saved up enough points on my Visa for one airline ticket to Barbados, so just need hotel and one more airline ticket. The trip is all about seeing various Islands and doing many activities/tours. Not all that interested in the hotel. Just want a decent place without many large groups of loud people or rowdy kids.

girlonthego.....that Crane Beach shot was taken during lunch at the main restaurant. It was a gorgeous day. The waves were great too...really good...love playing in the waves. That's one reason we really love Barbados is for the waves.
We always stay on the south coast. I could spend hours and hours bobbin in the waves and body surfing.

Also the food was good too. We took a dip in the pool afterwards and had a cocktail by the pool. It says Crane guests only, but we ate and drank so we did....really nice!

Peace, Greenie

What do you plan to spend for your hotel each day and when is your honeymoon? Currently Barbados has their Best of Barbados specials going at several hotels on the island that will also get you up to $300 off on the air fare.

Bougainvillea Beach is nice and less costly than The Crane. They have a honeymoon suite there. Also nice is Accra Beach Resort. For more upscale check out Treasure Beach Hotel (west coast).

Lois

Right now looking at doing $600 per day(Room, Food, Air, most everything) for 10 days to Jamaica. 7 at Royal Plantation followed with 3 at Royal Carribean. RP is suppose to be very high class.

problem I have with Bardos is two things, no good flights when I need to go. secondly, don't think I'll get as much for the money at any of those places and the fiance kinda wants a nice AI so she doesn't have to worry about cost and leaving resort each night to go eat somewhere.

I'd love to go to Barbados, because of the flight Aruba is more likely if I decided against Jamaica. they have a Direct flight, though fare cost twice as much as Jamaica, when I need to go.

is it possible to do a 10 day, Barbados/PalmIsland trip for this price range you think?

the big problem is Flight, right now I'd have to leave very early the Sunday after a night wedding at 6am Flight to Miami, from there fly to Barbados.

Palm Island sounds nice however for an AI with no worries

I think for 10 days Barbados/Palm Island it would probably run more like $700 - $800/day.

Lois