I'm in the process of planning our honeymoon and would appreciate any advice on resorts/islands that would best meet the following criteria: <BR><BR>1. Romantic accommodations under $4,000<BR>2. Nice beaches and good diving<BR>3. Variety of restaurants, night life not necessary but would be a plus <BR><BR>I've heard a lot of good things about St. Lucia and Cap Jaluca on Antigulla, but it sounds like it might be a bit out of our price range. We originally were looking at Tahiti, but it looks like you can get much more for your money in the Caribbean. We haven't ruled out Mexico either. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

Dependings on when you are going. You may make the Royal Hidaway in PDC on yur budget. Again depends on timing.

Dan,<BR>Before someone else is really really nasty, I just wanted to make sure that you understand that Anguilla and Antigua are two separate places. You seemed to combine the spellings (Antigulla) and FYI it's Cap Juluca, not Jaluca. <BR>There is excellent diving on Anguilla and depending on the time of year you might be able to do Cap J for $4000 or a little less. Cap J occasionally appears at Luxurylink.com, you might try that. <BR>

How does Cap Jaluca compare to Malliouhana? Also, how does the Royal Hideaway compare to both of the above?

Cap Juluca is the Mercedes.<BR>Malliouhana is the Saab.

Dan, try asking about the Royal Hidaway on the latin Board or doing a search in the box for info. Between the 2 I would say Cap Juluca. Depends on the budget etc.

How about comparisons between Anguilla and St. Lucia? We're both 30 and enjoy some variety in a vacation. How does the nightlife and beaches compare between the two.

huuuummmmmmm <BR>Mercedes is Chrysler and Saab is GM. <BR>Couldn't we do better than that?<BR>Both are lovely resorts. Cap is beachfront no matter the level of accomodation. Malli is on a bluff overlooking the water with a few accomodations on the beach (very pricey for those). <BR>Anguilla has wonderful beaches and both are on superlative ones. <BR>BVI has some good diving with small personal resorts that are wonderful and might be a bit more economical but their restaurants can't hold a candle to the variety and choices on Anguilla. In fact, few islands can when it comes to dining.

Dan, <BR><BR>I have never been to Anguilla but I have been to St. Lucia. Very romantic! While the island is just beautiful, if you are looking for beaches and nightlife...it is not the place to go. St. Lucia is very quiet and laid back and is not known for its beaches but for its lush tropical rainforests. I loved my trip to St. Lucia and can't wait until I go back in a few weeks (staying again at Jalouise Hilton)

Dan, Anguilla is pretty much flat but has gorgeous beaches, VERY quiet for night life. St. Lucia is mountainous/volcanic and altho the sea of the beaches on the northern part of the island are a little rougher compared to the southern part of the island, they are very nice (not notably THE best in the world, but clear, clean, and warm), St. Lucia is quiet for the night life (except where the resort provides the entertainment).<BR><BR>My hubby is a diver, and he loves the Caribbean. We've been to most of the Caribbean, and altho a diver, he IS very fussy about where we stay.<BR><BR>You didn't state when you're going, but this is what I recommend. In the Brit. Virgin Islands, Peter Island Resort is a wonderful property and offers a romance package (massages/champagne) and all meals for 7 nights; no child 8 or younger stays there. Biras Creek also in the BVI has a romance package as well and includes meals. The BVI's have gorgeous beaches, but if you don't want these, there's also the Ritz Carlton St. Thomas who has a specialized honeymoon package you have to contact them directly for.<BR><BR>I'm recommending the Virgin Islands cause St. Lucia (altho we love it there) is a long trip. Anguilla is a little longer too (not as far down as St. Lucia, tho). After the wedding, I'm sure you folks just want to 'veg-out' and de-stress. Plus, St. Thomas has night life, even if you stay in the BVI's.<BR><BR>Hope this helps, and all the best to you in your upcoming marriage.

Thanks for the suggestions!