I'm getting married Dec 1st and have pre paid flights (bought in silent auction)to anywhere in the Caribbean. I've read many post regarding different places to go. I've visited Trunk Bay on St. John and love that kind of island. Lush, hilly, very tropical, beautiful beaches/snorkeling. I have Caneel Bay on hold...but I can't believe how expensive it is. Basically after taxes and service fee it's $870/day. My question is that the most bang for my buck in the Caribbean? Ideally, we would love beachfront resort with activities...and a town with great food. I don't care for flat scrubby land that isn't pretty. I'm not cheap but I have honeymoon part II in Europe in the spring thank you!

Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda is a 'sister' resort of Caneel, and may be your answer. I have been a many time guest at Caneel and this past April, a first time guest at Little Dix. Both are filled with natural beauty and are incredibly romantic.

At Little Dix, no extra charge, boat drops are offered to many of Virgin Gorda's beautiful beaches, including the famous Baths. Perfect for honeymooners is a boat drop to a deserted beach, complete with a picnic lunch.

Currently, Little Dix is offering a "Fall Special". Room rates are at a considerable savings from the rack rate and comes complete with breakfast. The meal plan is also discounted. $70/day/person provides remaining meals at any of their three restaurants. This also includes picnic lunches Usual three meals/day plan cost $110/person. I definitely recommend the meal plan as a la carte meals are expensive,and it is a pleasure to be able to order anything from the menu with no regards to costs.

Special runs through Dec. 19.
At Caneel, I always have Hawksnest beach front accommodations. But at Little Dix, I opted for premium ocean view, and was delighted with my room It was just steps away from the beach and the gorgeous pool, had a beautiful view of the sea, and the flowers surrounding it were heavenly.

You can check Little Dix Bay's website for details.

Hope this helps.

hello 7621.
my first thought is that since you have free air and it IS your honeymoon you might splurge a bit on the hotel. if you like caneel i'd go for it. it is a wonderfully romantic place. and has very good snorkeling.
another option on virgin gorda is biras creek but it's not less than caneel.
or peter island might be a very good choice for you. the oceanview rooms are 1/2 caneels rate. or they have beachfront suites around 800. it is on a private island though so no town or dining options.
or to a totally different location - maya riviera. lush, beautiful beaches/snorkeling, tons to do/see. playa del carman to do the town and dining thing. or about 45 mins south of pdc is tulum. we did not stay at but found a very cool place on a huge swimming beach and actually within walking distance of tulum ruins. http://www.mezzanine.com.mx/
their web site is not that great but it is a romantic place with good food. and much less $$. we stayed in a villa nearby so can not offer any other specific hotel suggestions. if interested ask on the latin america board. or look at www.locogringo.com

actually, my flights aren't free... I paid more for them in a silent auction at a fundraiser. I must use them to go anywhere American flies in the Caribeean.

opps i did not read well, and got excited thinking you had a freebie. as this is not the case i revise and feel you should get most bang for spent bucks. fly as far south as possible. i'm looking at aa site destination map and see aruba/curacao/bonnaire - great snorkeling. or trinidad and tobago which are lush and have good snorkeling. or barbados - less lush but beautiful, good dining, some snorkeling. aruba is the only of these that has the americanized thing/feeling. others would have loads of character.
if one island appeals you might re-post specifically with it's name in the title to get better info. some who know particular islands well do not open posts with general headings.