Honeymoon Help - May 2013
 

My fiancee and I (26/27) are still undecided on a honeymoon location. We are fairly certain we want to go A (not necessarily for the food, but easy drink options)I, but don't care to visit traditional AI destinations (Mexico, Dominican, Jamaica). We had all but decided on either Sandals Emerald Bay or Beaches Turks and Caicos, but have read many negative reviews and are worried for the money it won't be worth while. Any ideas?

Here's what is important to us:

-Easy trip from Indianapolis (8 hour plane ride or less)
-Gorgeous water/powdery beaches
-Relaxed atmosphere/easy lounging but fun excursions accessible (snorkeling, sunset cruise)
-Total trip $5,000 or less

When is your honeymoon? Will it be during the Caribbean hurricane season?

I am not a fan of Sandals after being to 2 of their resorts. I think that are overpriced for what they offer. I've stayed at much better, less expensive AI resorts in Mexico and Jamaica that I've liked much better.

Beaches in T & C caters to children. Not a place I would pick for a honeymoon.

Look at the Veranda on T & C. A very upscale resort that includes AI food and drinks. Not a typical AI resort. You might be able to get the lowest catagory room with that budget.

I would thrown in Aruba as it has great beaches, decent snorkeling and lovely sunset cruises, but I don't really like AI there. Way too many restaurants and bars to try, which is part of the vacation experience. However, look at the Manchebo Beach Resort or the Divi.

Antigua might be a good choice.

Here is a list of AI resorts in the Carribean. It might help with your search.

http://www.caribbeanallinclusive.com...ve_resorts.cfm

No -- regarding the Veranda on T & C...Beaches ( next door)has purchased it, it is now closed for renovations and will be another Beaches "village"...UGH!

Look at Blue Waters resort on Antigua

I had friends (just about your age) visit Sandals Emerald Bay (formerly the Four Seasons) last May and LOVED IT.

Did you look at some of the AI in St. Lucia? (not sure of the flight situation from Indy tho...)

"No -- regarding the Veranda on T & C...Beaches ( next door)has purchased it, it is now closed for renovations and will be another Beaches "village"...UGH!"

That is terrible. Very sad to hear.

I Know KVR-- what will they buy next ...The Alexandra? LOL Stinks

We stayed at Beaches in Turks and Caicos many years ago. We were a couple alone, but there were many famlies there. The place was really geared for kids with families. The night time entertainment was a magic show!! Not at all suitable for a honeymoon. St. Lucia is a pretty lush island but the beaches are not to my liking. On this site today (fodors) they had listed the top 10 AI resorts. Try checking those listed. If you are really not set on AI I would try Aruba. I love Aruba, and the fun of the vacation is trying different restaurants. Aruba has plenty to visit and great food.

We stayed in St. Maarten for our honeymoon holiday . The pleasure of relaxation and sports activities on land, water and in the air made us feel at ease and an unforgettable honeymoon. Snorkel trip to the beautiful underwater world should not be missed during a honeymoon.