Dear All, I am struggling with the best option for a honeymoon. We are practically settled on St. Kitts & Nevis; specifically, we are hoping to stay at the Nesbit Beach Resort and the Ottley Plantation. However, thoughts of Anguilla, Barbados and Grenada keep dancing thru my head. We are on a young teacher's budget. We'll be stretching it at $300- $400 per night or $5,000ish total. Not that I don't love my students, but we'ld like a less family oriented spot. The beach is the happiest place for us. We aren't too concerned with a happening night life. If Nevis and St. K's are the places to be we will stick to our plan with strong smiles. (We do understand that we should not expect pristine beaches). Any advice would be helpful regarding small resorts or B&Bs on the previously mentioned islands within our budget. Thanks so much, and have a happy new year!

Grenada is one of my favorite Caribbean islands, and would be a lovely spot for a honeymoon. Budget-wise, your most significant expense would be the cost of getting there (I expect to pay $800+ per person from the East Coast), but once you get there, accomodations and food are very well-priced.

Aside from the natural wonders (more below), one of the nice things about Grenada is the wide range of distinct, intimate, and relatively inexpensive lodgings, many of which are right on the beach. Some well priced hotels include La Sagesse, which is right on the same-named beach (a South Pacific style stunner on the eastern shore); Mariposa and Gem are on my favorite beach, Morne Rouge; the Flamboyant is perched over the gorgeous white sands of Grand Anse. I'll be staying at True Blue Bay this coming April for my 4th visit -- it's not on the beach, but on a pretty bay. These are merely scratching the surface, and all are probably below $200/night in high season (you didn't say when you are going).

What I love about Grenada, first and foremost, is the welcoming spirit of the people. There is also a huge variety of natural wonders -- white beaches, black beaches, rain forest, mountains, waterfalls, crater lakes, hot springs. The land is incredibly fertile, and spices, fruit and vegetables are grown everywhere -- Grenada has a vibrant local cuisine as a result. You can eat cheaply at a beach shack (I love Sur la Mer on Morne Rouge) or step it up a little at a more romantic spot (can't beat Coconuts on Grand Anse beach for atmosphere).

Grenada is all about exploration, so I would recommend renting a car -- though I will warn you that driving here is not for the faint of heart. Many visitors take an island tour first to get an overview before venturing out on their own.

I will note that I haven't been back to Grenada since Hurricane Ivan, so I can't tell you what to expect until I return. However, visit the forums at www.grenadaexplorer.com to get an idea of how the recovery is going.

Wherever you go on your honeymoon, it will be special, so don't sweat it too much. I had a wonderful honeymoon on an island that was totally wrong for me in retrospect, but it touched off 16 years (and counting) of Caribbean travel. You can't go wrong wherever you go.

Callaloo, Thank you so much for your thoughtful response. We are also traveling during April from the 8th -18th (springbreak). I will definetly look into your suggestions. The island sounds absolutely lovely and very unique. Thank you again for responding and the boost!

Grenada is also my very favorite island in the Caribbean and I've been to most of them. Check out Coyoba Beach Resort on Grand Anse beach. It was trashed during the hurricane but should be up and running, if not now, very soon. It's a good location in the middle of Grand Anse beach and within walking distance to some stores and restaurants.

St. Kitts is probably one of my least favorite islands. Last time I was there on a Windjammer, a group of passengers saw a local man kill his girlfriend right in town.

Let us know what you decide.

I wouldn't let crime fears keep you away from St. Kitts or steer you to Grenada. Both islands have little violent crime but, like everywhere else, there are exceptions to the rule and common sense needs to be exercised when you're out and about.

I assume from your budget that you are looking to travel for two weeks. I think it would be hard to stay a week at the Nisbet and another week at Ottley's for less than $5000, including airfare. You could probably do it for a few hundred more though if you stayed in one of their smaller rooms.

La Sagesse would be an excellent choice within your budget. The beach is one of Grenada's best. It's quiet, beautiful, and secluded. The rooms at La Sagesse aren't luxurious but they have a lot of charm. I believe that one room is currently air-conditioned and a couple of others are scheduled to be equipped with air conditioning soon. They have a very nice (and very reasonably priced) restaurant. And the owner/manager Mike is just fantastic. He'll do everything he can to make your visit as special and romantic an occasion as possible.

Thank you all for your responses.. keep'em coming! Thankfully, we've been saving up airline miles for awhile so, we have our flights covered. We were able to find a package with Nisbet for 7 days and added on 3 days at Ottley's that would suit our budget. Thank you for addressing safety. We will be more mindful of our surroundings where ever we choose. Grenada seems to be very popular. The Coyoba Beach Resort is rebuilding. However, as you predicted Callaloo, we heard back from La Sagresse very promptly. So, please advise on these Grenada establishments (we'll stay at the more budget friendly options for 7 days and treat ouselves to a swanky spots for 3 days):
rooms at La Sagresse- my draw back is the family dog. I love them. My husband isn't a fan.. yet!
Blue Horizons - this sounded appealing b/c of its relationship with Spice Islands Beach Resort
The Allamande
Twelve Degress North
Calabash Hotel and Villas
La Luna
I know that I am greedy for help. I am on school vacation this week, and I would love to have everything taken care before school starts. Are there any thoughts regarding small resorts in Anguilla? a gentle reminder that we are trying to keep within a $5000 budget for accomodations/food, we are looking for travel between 4/8 - 4/18, and a not so family oriented spot. Thank you again for all of your time and effort responding!

Well, if airfare is covered, that's a different story (and budget). All of the resorts you've mentioned should be well within your budget. of all the resorts, I think the Nisbet and Ottley's are the most unique and romantic because of their historical charm. The main buildings at both inns go back to the old plantation days when these, and other great homes on Nevis and St. Kitts, oversaw the sugar harvesting that was one of the Caribbean's main industries for several centuries. The grounds of both inns are truly spectacular and the service is as friendly and outstanding as you'll find anywhere. Dining is outstanding at both inns and both islands have numerous excellent moderately priced restaurants (and a few that are not so moderately priced). As you probably know, Nisbet is on a beautiful beach while Ottley's is up in the hills (with spectacular views to boot). Nevis and St. Kitts are lush, tropical, hilly islands offering great scenic beauty and wonderful hiking opportunities.

I haven't stayed at any of the places you mention -- my favorite spot used to be Secret Harbour, but that is now closed.

However, if I were looking to splurge for those last three days, I'd choose La Luna, with a second choice of Twelve Degrees North. Both get wonderful reviews. Another spot that gets raves is Belair Plantation. Also, if your budget can stretch for La Luna, why not Spice Island (instead of Blue Horizons)?

The last time I saw Allamanda, it looked pretty roughed up post-Hurricane-Lenny (but that was five or so years ago). And my recollection of the beach at L'anse Aux Epines (where Calabash is) is that it's not an especially great swimming beach (grassy), though quite pretty.

You will love St. Kitts and Nevis. Two beautiful islands. Breathtaking views, safe, friendly and helpful locals, great place for R&R, rainforest and catamaran excursions and so much more.

Visit www.myislands.myeyez.net or www.discover-stkitts-nevis-beaches.com for more information on these islands.

Highly recommend Ottley's Plantation.

Congradulations tech. I would do a web search of Grenada and accomodations to fit your budget. I stayed at the Mariposa 2 yrs ago and found it lovely. Report is it is up and running with some improvements since Ivan. I've heard good things about Gem too.

Another spot to consider is St. Vincent and the Grenadines. More specific the island of Bequia. There are some lovely accommodations there too. I stay on St. Vincent proper so although I travel to Bequia I can't tell you any particular place to stay.
Young Island occasionally runs specials and even though it is pricey it wouldn't hurt to inquire. They have there own website www.youngisland.com
Travel to St. Vincent might even be a bit cheaper than Grenada. Where would you be traveling from?

Check out cheapcaribbean.com, Orbitz, and Expedia as well as USAirways and American. Sometimes if there are any fare specials you might be able to snag a great fare.

I like Nesbit Beach but if I had a choice and could afford it I'd go for Young Island. Like I said it can be pricey but if you ask the right questions you never know. Do a web search at svgtourism if interested.

As far as crime anything can happen anywhere. Use common sense and you will be fine.

One more thing if you are interested in Grenada and want a reliable tour guide and taxi contact Mandoo. I used him at the beginning of the month for transfer from the airport in Grenada and was quite impressed. Many people who sail Windjammer utilize his services and I have always heard nothing but positives.

Sandy

thank you all so much. we are narrowing to three options:
1. Nevis- Nisbet Plantation 7 days and St. Kitts the Ottley Plantation for 3 days

2. Grenada- La Sagesse or Blue Horizons for 7 days and La Luna for 3 days

3. Barbados- Little Arches for all 10 days

I swear I am not usually this neurotic... Thank you again for your continued comments, advice and good humor!

I don't think you can go wrong with any of these choices. You've picked some of the best places in the Caribbean.

I am also in the process of trying to decide which Caribbean island to choose for a 2006 vacation. It will be my first time there, so I cannot offer you any advice on specific islands or hotels, but I can suggest a site you might want to look at; www.luxurylink.com. You can sometimes buy packages at a discounted rate or bid on auctions.

For Grenada, there are listings for both Spice Island Beach Resort and La Luna: http://www.luxurylink.com/search/ser...ada&save=1

Nevis: http://www.luxurylink.com/search/ser...vis&save=1

Young Island:
http://www.luxurylink.com/search/ser...and&save=1

Barbados:
http://www.luxurylink.com/search/ser...dos&save=1

Good luck!!

Hi tech,
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding. We have been to all of the places you are considering, and our favorite of these is Nesbit Plantation on Nevis. Truly charming resort on a wonderful, friendly, safe and romantic island. Get a beachfront junior suite if you can swing it financially. Be sure to get Marlon Brando to show you around the island. He is an interesting and knowledgable local guy who can often be found hanging around Nesbit when he does not have a client. Go to Golden Rock resort for lunch (on the other side of the island.) Eat delicious lobster sandwiches in a beautiful location with a magnificent view. Have the folks at Nesbit set you up with a guide and hike up throught the rain forest on Mt. Nevis. Not enough superlatives to describe this place. Stop overanalyzing and go -- you will love it.

Dear All,

We've decided on our orginal choice: Nevis and St. Kitts.

We are so excited! Thank you so much for all of your advice, ideas and good thoughts. Wishing you and yours a safe and peaceful 2006 bursting with travels!

Tech, I just found this post and by the time I read through the whole thing you've already decided. That's great--I think you'll love St Kitts and Nevis. Have you already booked your frequent flyer tickets? That's the only thing I was going to mention to you--if you've not already booked you might have trouble using your miles on specific dates to specific islands. But if that's already taken care of, you're good to go. Have a wonderful time!

Tech, Congratulations on your upcoming wedding. We leave for our first trip to Nevis Jan. 25th. Will do a complete trip report when we return. Although we are staying at the FS, we hope it will be of some help to you.

A trip report would be wonderful. Flights are booked and away we go!