Honeymoon Advice!
 

This is a very common question I know--Where should we go on our honeymoon?? We have decided to try the Caribbean, we have been to Hawaii, love it, but want to go somewhere new. We don't know that many learned travelers!! Here is what we know: The date-Nov 17-24, looking for a place with crystal clear blue waters and white sand. We'd like to stay at an all-inclusive, want a quiet romantic place, but at the same time would like there to be some kind of night life. We're not huge partiers, but it's nice to have the option. Also, I love kids, but not on my honeymoon! Hopefully in Nov. there won't be many families vacationing anyway. We love to snorkel and might also be interested in learning a little about scuba diving. Where should we go??!! I've got all these books and am a little overwhelmed! Thanks!

Congrats on getting married. I have been to several places in the Caribbean, one of my favorites is St. Thomas. A lot of the places there are very similar, I really wouldn't recomend the Bahamas, or Jamacia, they are nice but not as much so as some of the others. Jamacia had armed military guards at the local K.F.C.! Not the safest feeling in the world.
I believe I could sit on the beach at Meagans Bay, in St. Thomas, for days. The view is great and the current is the mildest I have ever seen.
I'm not sure about the all-inclusive, but if you find a resort that you like, you couldn't go wrong with either the U.S. or British Virgin Islands. Anyway good luck and congrats.

Bellatica,
Congratulations on your up and coming wedding. I would like to suggest to you and your fiance (based on your likes) to check out the area that is about 45 miles south of Cancun, Mexico - The Riveria Maya. For our 1 year anniversary we stayed at this All-Inclusive, The Royal Hideaway Resort located on the caribbean sea with soft white sandy beaches, luxious rooms, 5 star food/service, etc. The grounds are beautiful while the place isn't really big, its small and intimate where you have nightlife nearby. At the resort they do offer a show one night, but we didn't go, and also they have a martini bar that's open late to have a cocktail and listen to music inside or outside. I would highly recommend checking out this place (www.royalhideaway.com) I am so glad that I did my research and went. I wish I stayed here for my honeymoon instead of the Sandals Halcyon in St. Lucia. I can email you pictures if you like. Good luck in wherever you choose!

bellatica,
First of all, congrats! I would like to suggest Antigua to you. We honeymooned at Sandals last year and really enjoyed it. It is a couples only, adults only all-inclusive resort. This resort has a very relaxed and romantic feel to it. They offer nightly entertainment which is usually a local steel drum band (once a week they do a beach party with a band, dinner on the beach and fire eaters - very nice). Once the entertainment is done the piano bar and disco opens up. It's not a real "kickin" nightlife but the option is there.

Having access to the watersports equipment anytime we liked was what we enjoyed most. I can't comment on how good the snorkeling was because it was my first time, but we really enjoyed it. Scuba diving is included along with water skiing, kayaking, wind surfing, sailing, etc. There is a staff to give you lessons on any of these if needed. The beach was beautiful. It's very long, great for walking. The water was very calm and all shades of blues. The sunsets are also great. The resort grounds are very lush and tropical. There are 5 pools/whirlpools and also a spa. Food was always good, although not spectacular (don't expect amazing meals at an All-Inclusive). We had a candlelight dinner one night with steak and lobster with flower petals on the table and a bottle of champagne. They also did a breakfast in bed for us. Drinks were always plentiful and service was good.

Staying at an all-inclusive made for a very realxing vacation. We put our purse/wallet in the safe in our room the first day and never took them out except for shopping in town! It was nice to not think about finances for a week. There are much nicer and upscale places to honeymoon, but we found Sandals was good if you didn't want to break the bank! (So I guess it depends on your budget). They are offering up to 40% off right now, and we found it well worth the price. Congrats and good luck in choosing!

Sorry to hear about the impending marriage...why screw up a good thing?
Barring that suggestion, Hawaii and specifically Kauai is probably one of the most romantic and scenic spots on the planet...snorkeling at Poipu beach...taking a Zodiac ride to the Na Pali coast on the north shore..beautiful Hanalei harbor.

If you're set on the Caribbean though, St Maarten/St Martin (Dutch side/French side) is one of the most happening places in the Caribbean. I've had several friends tell me it is their favorite island. I'm booked for the first week in August. Pristine white sand beaches, great dining (mostly on the French side), and casinos, discos, and nightlife on the Dutch side. Also great shopping and boutiques.

You're going to get bored at night on most other islands, 'cause there just isn't anything happening. But getting bored is something you should get used to now that you're tying the knot!!

Best wishes...maybe it'll work for somebody out there...
Ciao!

Another option for you is Couples Negril in Jamaica. We honeymooned there and found it to offer a beautiful white beach, gorgeous sunsets, very romantic atmosphere, and delicious food. It is definitely on the quiet side, but they have every imaginable activity available to you, plus they always have something going on at night.

Funny, nobody I have talked/chatted with has seen "armed military guards" at the KFC in Jamaica. We certainly did not. In fact, didn't see any military at all during our week in MoBay and Negril. Had a perfectly wonderful honeymoon in Jamaica...really great people there and am headed back very soon. No less safe there than anywhere else.