Help With Selecting The A Honeymoon Location
Oct 12th, 2013, 02:31 PM
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Help With Selecting The A Honeymoon Location
Hello all!
My fiance and I are getting married August 30th 2014, and I am getting honeymoon research paralysis. The more I research, the less sure (and more confused) I become. So I thought I would turn to some experts on here who may be able to give me some guidance. We will be going the first week of September. We are looking for something with great beaches (she is a sun Goddess), but lots of activities (besides snorkeling) because if I spend 6 straight days doing nothing but laying in the sun, I will wind up naming a volleyball Wilson and becoming best friends with him. We want someplace fun where there is a lot to do (adventures, excursions, local shopping, etc.) , but where we also can be private when we want to be. We love to have a great time and enjoy a fun nightlife, such as cocktails and dancing. Looked at Belize and Costa Rica as well, but that is smack dab in their "green season" and I don't want to risk getting rained on too much. My fiance believes she will melt in even the slightest sprinkle. Thank you very much for taking the time to answer! Much appreciated!
*Safe
*Activities/adventure
*Local culture/shopping
*Nightlife
*Privacy
*Possibly all inclusive to avoid carrying a lot of cash
*Looking to spend 5-7k
*Does not have to be Caribbean
My fiance and I are getting married August 30th 2014, and I am getting honeymoon research paralysis. The more I research, the less sure (and more confused) I become. So I thought I would turn to some experts on here who may be able to give me some guidance. We will be going the first week of September. We are looking for something with great beaches (she is a sun Goddess), but lots of activities (besides snorkeling) because if I spend 6 straight days doing nothing but laying in the sun, I will wind up naming a volleyball Wilson and becoming best friends with him. We want someplace fun where there is a lot to do (adventures, excursions, local shopping, etc.) , but where we also can be private when we want to be. We love to have a great time and enjoy a fun nightlife, such as cocktails and dancing. Looked at Belize and Costa Rica as well, but that is smack dab in their "green season" and I don't want to risk getting rained on too much. My fiance believes she will melt in even the slightest sprinkle. Thank you very much for taking the time to answer! Much appreciated!
*Safe
*Activities/adventure
*Local culture/shopping
*Nightlife
*Privacy
*Possibly all inclusive to avoid carrying a lot of cash
*Looking to spend 5-7k
*Does not have to be Caribbean
Oct 12th, 2013, 04:53 PM
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First, September is the height of Hurricane Season in the Caribbean. As a result many resorts, restaurants and tour/excursion operators are closed or operating on reduced schedules. On the plus side, there will be very few tourists so no matter where you go you'll find "privacy" some of and you'll find the lowest room rates of the year.
There's no place in the Caribbean that will be guaranteed to be rain free - "weather" happens everywhere and there's no way to predict what it will be the first week in September 2014. Now, the odds of a major storm striking a given island the specific week you are visiting are small but it is a possibility. This year, for instances, there were no hurricanes affecting any Caribbean island during the first week of September.
You'll find the greatest concentration of All Inclusive Resorts in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Cancun and Playa del Carmen (just south of Cancun). By the way, you don't need to carry a lot of cash (even if you don't go All Inclusive) as most places accept credit cards and you'll find plenty of ATM on most islands (for when you need cash). FYI - I live in the Caribbean and hardly ever use cash - I rely on credit and debit cards for 98% of my transactions.
Look at Aruba - it's far enough south to be almost hurricane free, it's an arid island so chance of prolonged rains are rare, there's plenty of nightlife, some of the best white sand beaches in the Caribbean, good shopping and all types of activities and water sports to keep you busy while your fiancé spends her time basking in the sun.
There's no place in the Caribbean that will be guaranteed to be rain free - "weather" happens everywhere and there's no way to predict what it will be the first week in September 2014. Now, the odds of a major storm striking a given island the specific week you are visiting are small but it is a possibility. This year, for instances, there were no hurricanes affecting any Caribbean island during the first week of September.
You'll find the greatest concentration of All Inclusive Resorts in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Cancun and Playa del Carmen (just south of Cancun). By the way, you don't need to carry a lot of cash (even if you don't go All Inclusive) as most places accept credit cards and you'll find plenty of ATM on most islands (for when you need cash). FYI - I live in the Caribbean and hardly ever use cash - I rely on credit and debit cards for 98% of my transactions.
Look at Aruba - it's far enough south to be almost hurricane free, it's an arid island so chance of prolonged rains are rare, there's plenty of nightlife, some of the best white sand beaches in the Caribbean, good shopping and all types of activities and water sports to keep you busy while your fiancé spends her time basking in the sun.
Oct 13th, 2013, 12:38 PM
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Where to stay all depends on your budget and whether you want a large full service resort, smaller mid-range hotel or simple B&B and the location - beachfront, beach access or off the beach.
Hint - visit the Aruba forum on TrioAdvisor and click on hotels - you'll find listings and reviews for over 40 different hotels.
Hint - visit the Aruba forum on TrioAdvisor and click on hotels - you'll find listings and reviews for over 40 different hotels.
Oct 13th, 2013, 03:48 PM
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Thanks for the input. We are younger (30) and looking for the right property that is stylish, younger, and fun. Price is not a factor. Just want the place where we will have an exceptional time for our honeymoon with fantastic service and great rooms/amenities. Recommendations?
Oct 18th, 2013, 07:18 PM
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Have you considered Hawaii? I'd suggest Kauai to knock off every one of your checkmarks (except nightlife, you can find evening establishments, but most everything is very low key, I believe).
As for weather: double check which side of the island is recommended in September. You can't guarantee no rain (you can't wherever you decide), but chances are if it's raining on the north shore, head to the south shore and you'll be dry or vice versa.
If you decide on the south shore, check out the Grand Hyatt Kauai. It's not all-inclusive, but you can charge everything to your room so you don't have to worry about cash. The beach there is not for swimming, but you can lie there or around their magnificent pools. The place is out of this world.
The adventure there is amazing! Fantastic hikes, beautiful boat and helicopter options, waterfalls, snorkeling, etc. It's safe, plenty of native Hawaiian culture, and you can find privacy everywhere.
I just love it there!
Good luck, happy honeymooning
As for weather: double check which side of the island is recommended in September. You can't guarantee no rain (you can't wherever you decide), but chances are if it's raining on the north shore, head to the south shore and you'll be dry or vice versa.
If you decide on the south shore, check out the Grand Hyatt Kauai. It's not all-inclusive, but you can charge everything to your room so you don't have to worry about cash. The beach there is not for swimming, but you can lie there or around their magnificent pools. The place is out of this world.
The adventure there is amazing! Fantastic hikes, beautiful boat and helicopter options, waterfalls, snorkeling, etc. It's safe, plenty of native Hawaiian culture, and you can find privacy everywhere.
I just love it there!
Good luck, happy honeymooning
Oct 18th, 2013, 07:28 PM
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If price is really not a factor, look at the new RITZ CARLTON that is opening in Aruba this November. If you want a true honeymoon place with stylish rooms, low rise, gorgeous beach look at The BUCUTI TARA SUITES. One of them is a penthouse with a large terrace overlooking the beach/water.
If price is somewhat of a factor, check out The Radisson or The Marriott Stellaris, both of which are two of the top hotels on Palm Beach. I can't recommend The Hyatt Aruba because I think the rooms are not good value for the money.
And if you would consider an AI in Mexico, look at LIVE AQUA in Cancun. Unbelievable service, top-notch rooms ( check out the AQUA SUITE, a two room suite with a hot tub and huge terrace overlooking the beach), 7 pools, spa, large uncrowded stretch of beach, across the street from an upscale mall, very close to downtown Cancun.
We have stayed there several times in the last few years. It's couples only, food is decent-excellent for an AI, and when you get tired of it, there's plenty of really good food in the neighborhood.
Only downside to any of these? Not sure I would chance it in September! As noted above, that's prime hurricane season. If it's the only time you can go, make sure you take out travel insurance!
If price is somewhat of a factor, check out The Radisson or The Marriott Stellaris, both of which are two of the top hotels on Palm Beach. I can't recommend The Hyatt Aruba because I think the rooms are not good value for the money.
And if you would consider an AI in Mexico, look at LIVE AQUA in Cancun. Unbelievable service, top-notch rooms ( check out the AQUA SUITE, a two room suite with a hot tub and huge terrace overlooking the beach), 7 pools, spa, large uncrowded stretch of beach, across the street from an upscale mall, very close to downtown Cancun.
We have stayed there several times in the last few years. It's couples only, food is decent-excellent for an AI, and when you get tired of it, there's plenty of really good food in the neighborhood.
Only downside to any of these? Not sure I would chance it in September! As noted above, that's prime hurricane season. If it's the only time you can go, make sure you take out travel insurance!
Dec 17th, 2013, 12:40 PM
#10
Puerto Vallarta is fabulous and has everything you ask for (I've been going there 1-2/year for many years). BUT September is height of the rainy season there. It will be very hot, humid, and likely some rain. No hurricanes likely (as it sits on the Bay of Banderas).
Dec 18th, 2013, 12:49 PM
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I read today that Aruba loses all the trade winds that make the heat bearable due to tropical depressions sucking it all up for the rest of the Caribbean. I was looking into Curacao today. Any input there???
Dec 18th, 2013, 12:53 PM
#13
hi briancooper, You might want to start a new thread with "Curacao" in the title so more people who might know will answer (it's kinda hidden at the bottom of your other threads on different locations). best regards, suze
Dec 18th, 2013, 01:01 PM
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Curacao is right next to Aruba, wouldn't the weather be pretty much the same at that time of year?
Not going somewhere during hurricane season because it might be to hot seems like a mistake. You want to avoid hurricanes, which is a good bet in Aruba, and the rest of your checklist is there as well. Not sure why you would want to switch due to it being too hot. All of the islands are hot.....that's what the pool & ocean is for!! ;-)
Not going somewhere during hurricane season because it might be to hot seems like a mistake. You want to avoid hurricanes, which is a good bet in Aruba, and the rest of your checklist is there as well. Not sure why you would want to switch due to it being too hot. All of the islands are hot.....that's what the pool & ocean is for!! ;-)
Dec 21st, 2013, 02:00 PM
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I didn't see you were traveling in hurricane season to Barbados. Ugh....I don't know about that. Definitely buy the travel insurance. I love the Greek islands and that time of year would be fabulous there, just spectacular. Great beaches, incredible food, sunsets, amazing islands, flawless weather, nightlife when you want it, etc. I've been four times. Also, what about Cook Islands, Fiji or Bora Bora? Weather is still amazing but not blistering hot and less crowded during that time. We went Aug. 15th to Rarotonga and Aitutaki. But Bora Bora or Fiji would be great too.
Look at this place-amazing! In Aitutaki
http://www.aitutakilagoonresort.com/resort_as_seen.cfm
or this in Fiji
http://www.namalefiji.com/
Everyone knows Bora Bora is awesome. Or this in Santorini
http://www.katikies.com/
You could do a few nights Oia or Fira and a few nights in Mykonos here:
http://www.royalmyconian.gr/en/welco...ian-hotel.html
I'm gonna stop or I'll go on forever, this is what I do. : )
Look at this place-amazing! In Aitutaki
http://www.aitutakilagoonresort.com/resort_as_seen.cfm
or this in Fiji
http://www.namalefiji.com/
Everyone knows Bora Bora is awesome. Or this in Santorini
http://www.katikies.com/
You could do a few nights Oia or Fira and a few nights in Mykonos here:
http://www.royalmyconian.gr/en/welco...ian-hotel.html
I'm gonna stop or I'll go on forever, this is what I do. : )
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