blakeas

I am getting married October 2nd and am going on my honeymoon immediately following. Any suggestions or reviews? We are both 30 yrs old and we would like a honeymoon with lush vegetation, ruins, beach and some activities - half of the time we want to do nothing and other we want to do some sort of activity - We would like to go for 7-10 days. I was already thinking St Thomas, St barts, St Martin, Anguilla or belize - I have also heard Costa Rica is really nice (i know this is the caribbean forum) almost like a hawaii in terms of it being mountainous and vegetation. Any help would be appreciated!

Sunnyboy

You may find some of the better hotels and resorts on the islands you are considering will be closed in October as that is peak hurricane season in the Caribbean. That said you'll still find plenty of places to stay. If you want lush vegetation then strike Anguilla off your list. The island, which boasts many fabulous white sand beaches is very flat, arid and scrubby with hardly any vegetation. St. Barts is very pretty, very French, very expensive with some lush areas but no ruins. Belize will give you lush vegetation, rain forests, ruins to explore, average beaches, and less sophistacation than the other destinations. Costa Rica has average beaches, lots of rain forests, mountains, waterfalls, ruins and other places to explore; it's an eco-tourist's dream. St. Thomas will give you a good combination of beaches, lush vegetation and access to activities plus there's lots of duty-free shopping but it is pretty built-up, doesn't have a lot of ruins, and is "americanized" so it lacks a true Caribbean feel. St. Martin is similar to St. Thomas in crowds, topography and access to activities plus you have casinos, plenty of fine French restaurants and upscale "fashion" shopping on the French side and duty-free shopping on the Dutch side.

For maximum lushness, mountains, rain forests, waterfalls, ruins, good beaches, activities and relative safety from hurricanes look at Grenada.

meta

Have you considered Hawaii?

ejcrowe

I couldn't have put it better than Sunnyboy. Grenada would be a perfect place for your criteria. Two of the more upscale resorts on the island are La Luna and Calabash--both very intimate with various amenities. Spice Island is probably the nicest all inclusive on the island, and it's on the largest and most touristed stretch of beach, Grand Anse. If you need a place that is in a lower price category than these places, check out La Sagesse or Twelve Degrees North. From Grenada you can also do daytrips to the Grenadines, which would make for a fabulous honeymoon memory.

Wherever you go, congrats on your wedding and don't forget to consider travel insurance that includes a weather waiver for traveling that time of year in the Caribbean.

blakeas

I have considered Hawaii and due to the rainy season that will be going on in the caribbean it might be the best choice. Isnt October the RAINY month? Greneda sounds like an option! In costa rica i have heard of canopy hikes and zip lines from the top of trees to other trees..seems like alot of fun! I am price conscious but it is my honeymoon and am willing to spend 3 grand total w/o airfare so which one would be the best? I am american and would prefer a resort that also has some huts that are to themselves? Thanks for the input!