I have been planning on taking my new bride to St. Lucia for our honeymoon next spring because it seems so tropical and romantic- but there see to be posters on this board who have strong anti-St. Lucia messages. Would a honeymoon in St. Lucia be a mistake when we could go to Turks &amp; Caicos or Antigua instead? Any advice would be appreciated- I want to pick the right place for a week honeymoon for two active twenty-somethings who like a tropical setting as well as some time at the beach!<BR>

If I were going on my honeymoon again, I would not choose St. Lucia. Choose someplace with miles of white sandy beautiful beaches, an island that guarantees you some variety. Antigua has 365 beaches, a lot of places to visit, good food and weather, scubadiving and windsurfing, turquoise-colored water. Not a typical island, so it's special.

You will find beaches in St. Lucia are not as picturesque as those in places like St. John or Grand Cayman. There are some nice beaches in St. Lucia-- Reduit Beach near the Royal St. Lucian and the white sand beach in front of the Jalousie Hilton are nice. The water will be deeper blue rather than the crystal clear water you will find other places. However, if having outdoor activities is important to you and you like to explore the natural attractions of an island, I think St. Lucia will be a very good place for you. It's got waterfalls, rain forests, horseback, and water activities at most of the resorts. You can also climb the Pitons (if you are really daring). You're right, St. Lucia really is a beautiful island- tropical and romantic. It's not as developed as other places and the roads are challenging to get around on, but it is such a visually stunning island, it really should not be missed. If the beach and water are the No. 1 priority, you probably will want Antigua. If exploring the tropical splendor is more important, choose St. Lucia

Hi--<BR>We too are trying to decide where to go for the honeymoon. I've heard rave reviews about the Westin on St. John. Beautiful beaches, very tropical and romantic, and a ton of stuff to do. We're checking it out along with some other places.

Alex - I personally wouldn't go to St. Lucia for your honeymoon. It is not known for beaches and on your honeymoon you will need somewhere to relax and soak up the rays with your sweetie!!<BR><BR>I am partial to Antigua, that is where I honeymooned and it was amazing. Although, I don't think there is a lot of exploring to do there. It's pretty much a dry and flat island. <BR><BR>It sounds like to me St. Johns would fit you perfect. I have read a lot of reviews that it has amazing beaches and offers plenty to do. Check it out. <BR><BR>No matter where you go, you will enjoy because you will be with your new wife - just keep that in mind! Congrats and enjoy your vacation!!

While it's true that St. Lucia isn't known for its beaches, you shouldn't get the idea that there aren't beautiful beaches. There are several. However, because the island is volcanic in origin, they tend to have yellowish instead pure white sand. If you are looking for long white stretches of sand with light blue water, you might be disappointed in St. Lucia. Try somewhere like Anguilla or the Bahamas. You say that you are &quot;active.&quot; Keepitreal is right. There is ton of stuff for an active couple to do in St. Lucia.

There is an excellent hotel/spa in St.Lucia - &quot;Le Sport&quot;. Everything is included, even 2 treatments a day, like massages, aroma therapy, etc. The hotel is not big, about 120 rooms. Service is great. We've been there 5 times. For honeymooners they have special activities. It's not cheap, but I think it really worth it.

I have to agree with all of the above posters. All Islands have there own distinct beauty and St. Lucia is not any different. The Island just doesn't win hands down for the beaches. If that is important choose another place. I ditto St. John, Antigua, or Barbados. T&amp;C has a wonderful beach, but it is very quiet Island. Not much shopping or exploring to be had there. My personal choice would be Antigua. I think it is a great honeymoon spot. Another idea is perhaps Puerto Rico. Rich in history, nightlife,exploring to be done, rain forest, and nicer beaches than St. Lucia. PR is a pricey Island, but you should get better prices in Springtime.

Antigua wins by miles for a honeymoon, go to Galley Bay, it's perfect in every way.

Alex,<BR><BR>I wouldn't rule out Jamaica.<BR><BR>Negril beaches are amazing and there are some great places to stay - i.e. The Couples Resorts.<BR><BR>We have stayed at one of the Couples resorts in Negril and it met all of our expectations and beyond.<BR><BR>

You must go somewhere better than Jamaica for your honeymoon!

Alex, altho I TOTALLY agree with the poster Zoe about LeSport (we LOVE LeSport, going for our anniversary - again - 3rd time - next year), I would not advise going there for your honeymoon. We love St. Lucia, but in all fairness, as a newlywed 20something couple, my recommendation would be St. John.<BR><BR>1st, St. Lucia is a long trip; after going thru the craziness of a wedding, you guys needs some time to 'veg out.' St. Lucia is also pretty quiet in comparison to other islands. For your age group, I think you would be happy in St. John. St. John is perfect for the tropical setting you want, plus the activities are endless. The island is 2/3 national park, and in the Caribbean Sea, where the water is much calmer and conducive for snorkeling, diving and a new thing called 'Snuba' (combo of snorkel and scuba). You can plan a 1 day charter out to the British VI's which is really great, and take 1 or 2 day trips to St. Thomas / St. Croix for history, and great duty free shopping. <BR><BR>Spring is a great time for the VI's, because the rates are not high season. You might want to check out Caneel Bay, a resort that is offering a 2003 7 nite package deal with breakfast and dinner. If you want to have more privacy and don't mind B&amp;B's, there's Estate Lindholm.<BR><BR>Hope this helps, and congrats!