We're planning a honeymoon to the Caribbean in early September. We were initially planning on Aruba as it is a hurricane-safe island. But we are worried it will be too crowded and touristy. We've been researching Tobago. It seems like a wonderful place. A few concerns:

*Are there are good restaurants? Any favorites?

*Best place to stay? I'd prefer a hotel as we'd like some privacy (not a family feel B&B) and I don't think I want to rent an apartment as I want to feel like I'm on vacation!

Any thoughts on Tobago would be great. We're also looking into Barbados, so tell me what you think!

Thanks for your help.

I think Aruba is a perfect place for a honeymoon....
Also Bermuda is a good option. We got married the first week of Oct and went to Bermuda..it is MADE for honymooners...

As far a Aruba places to stay- my favorite is the Hyatt...

Aruba is a good choice. Although no guarantees on hurricanes, they are very rare there. We were in Aruba 2 years ago in September and it was great. Plenty of people, but not overly crowded, as it is after family vacation time since kids are back in school. Radisson and Hyatt are probably 2 best hotels, virtually next door to each other on Palm Beach. We stayed at Radisson and enjoyed it, might try the Hyatt next time.

If you are worried about Aruba being to crowded and touristy..don't go..it is very touristy and crowded.

Check out Bonaire..it is less commercialized and looks to be nice.

Have also heard good things about Tobago.
Another thought would be Kauai,Hawaii..I don't know where you are flying from..I flew from the East coast and it was well worth the flight.Hawaii does not have the hurricane frequency that the Caribbean does.It is true paradise!!!!!

Bermuda looks to be a good option as well.

Everywhere in the Caribbean or Bermuda is subject to a hurricane. We went to the Bahamas in late August 16 years ago and had perfect weather, but flew home through a hurricane. We went to Bermuda in Oct a few years ago and had perfect weather, but than it was hit another year. So,you really never know. Bermuda is a lovely island for a honeymoon. Not too busy. Low nightlife, cute town. You can ride the buses safely all over the island or the mopeds. It is very romantic. But if you want to say I want to avoid all hurricanes, your safest bet is Aruba. I have not been to Tobago. I think Aruba is a great destination. We went last year. The families will all be back to school in Sept. so I would worry less about a million kids. The Bucuti is an adult only resort and sits on a great beach. It is not a crazy busy place. They have new suites called the Tara suites that I hear are lovely. If you like more action, stay at the Hyatt, Radisson or Marriott. We stayed at the marriott. It was great. The grounds at the Hyatt were gorgeous. I don't know what the rooms are like though. If it were my honeymoon, I would stay at the Hyatt. It looked more luxurious than the Marriott. It has all of the amenities for me and watersports for my husband. It has a casino, we are not gamblers, but would enjoy a night of fun there. I don't believe you will be dissappointed or crowded in Aruba. It is a very dry island however. It doesn't rain as much as other places. The resorts are lush, but the rest of the place is dry. We had fun there and you will most likely have a good time anywhere you go if it is sunny, warm, has good food and a nice pool/beach. Aruba may be dry, but the bonus is we only had five minutes of rain in 8 days on vacation there. That to me is perfect vacation weather!

The current issue of Caribbean Travel and Life magazine has a feature on Tobago (the magazine's website is about one issue behind, so don't expect to find much there yet). The article makes Tobago sound quite alluring to me and it's definitely on my short list of islands to visit (my taste tends away from the beaten path).

Tobago is as good a bet as any of the islands south of 12 degrees N latitude during hurricane season. No guarantees, of course, but the odds favor you (a great many sailors spend the hurricane season in Trinidad/Tobago and Grenada for good reason, though the odds did not save those in Grenada last September).

My advice (hard earned) is to get trip interruption insurance. Even if the island you choose isn't at risk during a hurricane, you may have to travel through someplace this is affected (e.g. San Juan), which could impact your travels.

Please let us know where you decide to go!!I think that Tobago would be a good choice.Trust me..if you do not want alot of commercialization or too Americanized..don't go to Aruba.

Hi, Beth,
I've been to Tobago several times, so maybe I can help you. It is a lush, friendly island. Most of the hotels and restaurants are at the south end of the island, which is quite developed. The north end of the island is relatively pristine; it's mountainous and beautiful.
Tobago does not have any true luxury hotels. The "fanciest" are the Blue Haven, the Hilton, and the Coco Reef. My favorite hotel on the north end is the Blue Waters, which is a basic sort of a place smackdab on a sheltered cove.
There are a number of good places to eat; one of our favorites in the Shirvan Mill restaurant. You will find fresh, local foods, but not a lot of "gourmet" cooking.
About 85% of Tobago tourists arrive on charter flights from England.
There's not a lot of shopping or night life, but there's snorkeling and other water sports.
Is there anything in particular you're wondering about?

Definitely don't go to Aruba, its horribly overtouristed. If you like snorkeling and something more laid back in the ABCs go to Bonaire.

Tobago is a wonderful place to go. I don't have any particular restaurant favorites, except one out of the way place with about 4 tables, tremendous local food but couldn't begin to tell you how to get there. Stick with local restaurants is your best best, cheap great food. For accomodations, don't discount rentals on Tobago its really the way to go....luxurious villas for a reasonable cost and many are staffed so you don't have to cook and clean while on vacation, most with private pools. Tobago overall has the best prices in the Caribbean, lodging, food, rental car and even gas is cheaper than most. The only drawback to Tobago is getting there, takes a bit more to get there but WELL worth it. For rentals check out:
www.islreal.com

Traveler863-It looks as though we like the same islands.Where would you recommend to visit after we go to St John in June?I think that you mentioned Tobago before??Have you been to Nevis and St Kitts?If so,did you like it? I get so confused when I start to research..where to go next!

christiegr,
I absolutely love Nevis, what a beautiful island with such warm friendly people. The beaches are darker sand I wouldn't say picture postcard gorgeous but I think you're like me don't select a place on that merit. St. Kitts was ok, its busier, gets the cruise ships and bit more touristy but there's some out of the way places to visit and we found them all.....a great plantation on the northern end, if you stay on St. Kitts stay there, great small villages and beaches down on the tail? don't know how better to describe it but look at a map. Just avoid the main town when cruise ships are in port and touristy stuff like the batik factory and you'd very much enjoy St. Kitts as well.

Grenada is another wonderful island though I'm not sure its status since the hurricane. I was last there for my 2nd trip about one year ago. Fantastic place, great people, food, beaches, and great exploring sites around the island.

You might also like St. Lucia, though its been a while since I've been there, things may have changed. Its again a green lush mountainous island. Great locals. Good rentals in Cap Estate. Great market days in Castries. Visit Pitons, etc.

Or try Guadeloupe, the two in one island. The butterfly, larger island green mountainous volcanic and smaller lower laying coral type. A great inexpensive resort is Pointe Batterie. Visit Marie Galante and Il de Saintes. If you dive must do Cousteau Marine Park off Pigeon Island.

Martinique is also an interesting place with alot of history. Well Mt. Pele buried the nearby town over 100 years ago and left one survivor, a prisoner. The island is large, facilities good. Good golf course.

If Montserrat ever opens back up for tourism that is my favorite of any Caribbean island, hands down. A true gem, emerald island of the Caribbean.

I hope this helps. Happy travels.

traveler-Thanks for all the great suggestions.