I contacted the Coral Reef Club directly, and that is how I found out they are sold out.

We checked out The House, and even as a package deal is out of our budget. (I had the TA price that out last week as well as The Crane.)

I found out we can actually afford Cap Juluca in Anguilla, just afraid of everything else being extremely expensive.

Was also debating on the Marriott in Curacao, but I hear the water there is not conducive for water sports?

Royal Pavilion is on my short list right now.

Thanks so far, and keep the help coming! :-)

missjanna

Don't you hate it that everything looks so good and sounds wonderful?

I suppose that's why we're here to help other vacation planners find the 'right' place.

Too many islands - too little time/money :-D

It looks as though you might be narrowing down to your ideal honeymoon - but I think that's the problem, It's your honeymoon and you want it to be perfect.

Good luck, but remember it's not the best part of the wedding - the best part is that you have both decided that this is the person for you!

Don't stress, I wish you the best I've been married for 23 years, we didn't have a honeymoon because we were renovating a house, basically we hid out for a week and worked on the house. It's all about being together!

I know, this is partially why at this point I don't even care where we go, as long as we get to relax. Neither one of us has taken any real vacation in years. So I think my FH and I have earned it, and there's no one I would rather spend that time with!!

Right now it's either the Royal Pavilion in Barbados, the Bucuti in Aruba (unless he likes the Marriott better which he does) or the Marriott in Curacao, unless I hear about the beaches.....

Bucuti, Bucuti, Bucuti!!

I wouldn't stay in the high-rise area of Aruba - you can visit there easily and realistically - It's a Marriott!

We walked thorough the high-rise resorts while wasting time between one tour and another. Don't get me wrong it's a nice resort but the volume was high and the beach is very narrow and crowded - even off season.

From what your saying, I'd look into Barbados or the Jamaica Inn:

Beautiful private beach - they bring a complimentary Rum Punch at 11ish, Watersport - well, not off the beach but they will book for you - think about it when you are lying on the beach- no watersport noise!

Lots to do in Ochos Rios but the food is so amazing at the Jamiaca Inn that although we didn't book the AI option, we did end up eating Dinner at the JI the meals were amazing - If you don't do AI the the Dinners are $60pp.

I don't know where you're from but the quality of food at the JI would be much more expensive in MA.

Stop stressing! do more research but no more that 2 hrs a night! Remember this is not the be-all and end-all of your relationship. :-)

Hi, I haven't been to Aruba or Curacao but I have been to Cap Juluca and my god it's gorgeous. But you are spot on about the cost. Eating out anywhere upscale on Anguilla is expensive , more so than the premium restaurants on Barbados.Me and my Hubby are in our mid thirties and we like a fabulous beach, not too many kids , peace , but the option to go out and eat and explore. Barbados has it all . Plus the local public transport makes it so easy. Have a fantastic honeymoon wherever you end up and post a trip report.

missjanna, We are going to the JI for the first time on Monday. I will post a trip report.

Alya, You make JI sound wonderful!! Can't wait. Owa

owa,

I do hope you enjoy yourselves. It's an experience, just think old British Colonial and you'll be fine.

One point though - tipping is included in your visit, We didn't know this until we'd read the letter they hand you when you book in, by this time we'd already tipped the porter and the chap who brought the drinks - he at least tried to reject the tip but DH insisted :-)

You will be welcomed by the Manager or one of her associates and you will be waved off as well.

What room have you booked?

I think you would be happily surprised with Cocoshotel.com in Antigua. A wonderful experience for my wife and I last year. I have been lookingat the same resorts you've mentioned --- quite pricy and well worth it I'm sure. Coco's is much more reasonable proced and "it feels like" you're paying the big bucks without having too! We're actually thinking of returning...good luck.

Alya, We have extremely fond memories of two old British Hotels in Rangoon and Singapore. Both had huge rooms.

Thanks for the tipping information.

I havn't asked for a specific room because I don't know what would be best. Any suggestions?

I looked earlier on sites about hurricane Beta. One site scared me. I e-mailed JI and they said they didn't anticipate any problems. They sure are great about answering e-mails.

Thanks, Alya

what about Westin or Caneel Bay on St John ? Lovely island, no gambling, but lots to do. Nice resorts. St Croix is large, with lots of activities and is undervisited -- my sister was married at sunset on a Catamaran off rainbow beach -- just lovely, and in June. Very slow there then.

I was just going to suggest Caneel Bay. The rates go down sometime in May and you can go to St. Thomas for the night life if you want.

owa,

We just stayed in a basic balcony room, it was more than adequate.

The evening meals were wonderful and although we didn't go AI we ate there every meal,

We only ate alone the first night the rest of the time we ate with people we got into conversation over the hors d'ouvres and wine.

On the first 2 nights we stayed there lobster was on the menu even though it was 'off season' I let it go the first night but queried it the second. The waiter just replied "is it?" but the next night when we sat down to eat he took our orders and then leant across and said "No more lobster" and smiled. It didn't appear on the menu again.:-)

There are mixed reviews on both the Westin and Caneel Bay, believe it or not. And Caneel Bay seemed to be sold out on every website except for one I've never heard of.

We would be traveling out of JFK. I would love to just book Curacao if I was sure about the beaches being good for water sports.

I have other small hotels on my list (Little Arches in Barbados) but have yet to hear back from them on availability.

Not sure what to do, but want to get this done before Thanksgiving!!

Why don't you look at Victoria House in Ambergris Caye (sp?), Belize. I've heard great things about it, and I've been stealing moments to look on their website. The tripadvisor reviews are excellent and I don't think it takes too long to get there.