I can't decide!!! Which island for a honeymoon?
May 24th, 2006, 09:21 AM
#21
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First of all, Nevis is a little difficult to get to, but it is so worth it. Montpelier is not on the water, but if you are ok with playing at a hotel that's not on a beach, it's a good choice. It's up in the hills and is surrounded by ornamental gardens. It's owner managed and we ate dinner there one night (in the sugar mill- so romantic!) four months ago although we stayed at the Four Seasons. It was wonderful! The island itself has wonderful hiking and the people are so welcoming. A very unique paradise.
Bermuda, on the other hand, has the wonderful famous pink sand beaches and as you pointed out, it is a closer flight. We spent our tenth anniversary there and it was an unforgettable experience.
So, it really comes down to what is most important thing you are looking for on your honeymoon?
Bermuda, on the other hand, has the wonderful famous pink sand beaches and as you pointed out, it is a closer flight. We spent our tenth anniversary there and it was an unforgettable experience.
So, it really comes down to what is most important thing you are looking for on your honeymoon?
May 24th, 2006, 09:40 AM
#22
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Weird about my e-mail, mishi. I responded with an alternate over there. 
Peter Island really did seem perfect. Except for price. I do like having some kind of waterview, because we do want to spend some quality time with our accommodations.
I also want to be able to snorkel at least once, and we need a place that isn't terribly crowded.
I haven't given up on Kitts or Nevis. Still spying St. John too.
Peter Island really did seem perfect. Except for price. I do like having some kind of waterview, because we do want to spend some quality time with our accommodations.
I also want to be able to snorkel at least once, and we need a place that isn't terribly crowded.
I haven't given up on Kitts or Nevis. Still spying St. John too.
May 24th, 2006, 04:19 PM
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You are probably on information overload already, but yes St John is a great island. Even if you only had 5-6 nights, you could squeeze in a very nice day trip to the British Virgin Islands. White Bay on Jost Van Dyke is really something to see as are the Baths at Virgin Gorda. You may have read about the New Horizons II powerboat trip that makes four stops in the BVI's. Downtown Cruz Bay also has a large selection of restaurants for finer dining and you don't have to be dressed to the nines to enjoy them. Very casual island. As for the ferry/taxi situation, it will chew up a couple of hours total. Our flight got in at 2:20pm and we caught the 4:00 ferry from Red Hook. That said, we just get in island mode as soon as we arrive and enjoy the scenery. No rush. We were still able to watch the sunset having drinks with plenty of time. If you are interested, I can top my trip report for you.
May 24th, 2006, 07:00 PM
#26
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brenandg, in answer to your question under another thread, I guess I've narrowed it down to St. John, St. Kitts, Nevis, Tortolla. St. John Caneel Bay might be easiest to get to.
My travel agent said of our decision to pass on Pert Island because of the money: Champagne taste on a beer budget. But I suspect there's a bottle of wine somewhere that's plenty suitable and affordable.
I started posting under Where to stay St. Kitts, but then I realized I was wandering off to other islands and created this board. I felt this one would more clearly explain my predicament but did not want to ignore anyone who posted at my original board.
My very first post was under someone else's Oct. '06 honeymoon thread. Great that the conversation continued, but I apologize if I've confused anyone. I won't post anything else about my trip under anywhere other than this thread going forward.
My travel agent said of our decision to pass on Pert Island because of the money: Champagne taste on a beer budget. But I suspect there's a bottle of wine somewhere that's plenty suitable and affordable.
I started posting under Where to stay St. Kitts, but then I realized I was wandering off to other islands and created this board. I felt this one would more clearly explain my predicament but did not want to ignore anyone who posted at my original board.
My very first post was under someone else's Oct. '06 honeymoon thread. Great that the conversation continued, but I apologize if I've confused anyone. I won't post anything else about my trip under anywhere other than this thread going forward.
May 26th, 2006, 04:37 AM
#27
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In response to Melissa5 on my Where to Stay on St. Kitts board, she said she didn't recommend Kitts for a honeymoon:
"There's not enough night-life on St. Kitts, for one thing. Even though I researched where to find dancing, and on which nights, I was disappointed to find that there wasn't any dancing in any of the 3 places I had hoped to find it. So we didn't get to dance. Even the locals seemed to be steering us wrong...I think maybe the dancing "scheduled" for St. Kitts is inconsistent, they try it out, then it gets cancelled (maybe not enough business?) There was even a sign at Turtle Beach about a live band, which we had come to see, but no band!!!"
Nightlife isn't an issue for us. So St. Kitts remains a consideration. Although is seems like, in terms of accommodations, we may find a more Peter Island-like place on Nevis???
"There's not enough night-life on St. Kitts, for one thing. Even though I researched where to find dancing, and on which nights, I was disappointed to find that there wasn't any dancing in any of the 3 places I had hoped to find it. So we didn't get to dance. Even the locals seemed to be steering us wrong...I think maybe the dancing "scheduled" for St. Kitts is inconsistent, they try it out, then it gets cancelled (maybe not enough business?) There was even a sign at Turtle Beach about a live band, which we had come to see, but no band!!!"
Nightlife isn't an issue for us. So St. Kitts remains a consideration. Although is seems like, in terms of accommodations, we may find a more Peter Island-like place on Nevis???
Jun 5th, 2006, 12:26 PM
#28
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Well, it's been a while since I've posted here and I'm no closer to a decision.
My attempts to reduce travel time vs. St. Kitts/St. Lucia had us looking at St. John, but I am repeatedly warned about hurricane season and early October being too risky.
Travel time aside, would St. Lucia meet our requirements, you think? Should I just skip the Caribbean and stay somewhere in the U.S.? (My fiance doesn't have a passport and doesn't really have the time to deal with the hassel of getting one right now.)
Makes me wish we should have planned our honeymoon first, and the wedding around IT. lol
My attempts to reduce travel time vs. St. Kitts/St. Lucia had us looking at St. John, but I am repeatedly warned about hurricane season and early October being too risky.
Travel time aside, would St. Lucia meet our requirements, you think? Should I just skip the Caribbean and stay somewhere in the U.S.? (My fiance doesn't have a passport and doesn't really have the time to deal with the hassel of getting one right now.)
Makes me wish we should have planned our honeymoon first, and the wedding around IT. lol
Jun 5th, 2006, 02:24 PM
#29
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Perchy, don't give up if your dream is a Caribbean honeymoon. Getting a passport isn't really much of a hassle. St Kitts is a beautiful island as are all of them. Travel time can be a problem no matter where you go in the Caribbean.
If for some reason you can't get it together I would suggest checking into St. Augustine FL. It is a romantic setting and prices are reasonable. In fact you could drive there quite easily. Restaurants, beaches and some decent nightlife to be had. The weather in October is warm nd comfortable. There are horse drawn carraiges for sightseeing around the city. Many bed and breakfasts as well as upscale hotels. The Casa Monica is beautiful. I have never stayed there but would like to even if just for one night of splurging and then the rest on my beer budget. Truthfully even the less expensive ones are nice. www.oldcity.com or a general google on St. A will give you loads of info. There are many state parks to visit for swimming, exploration, kayaking, etc. Good luck in what ever you and yours decide.
If for some reason you can't get it together I would suggest checking into St. Augustine FL. It is a romantic setting and prices are reasonable. In fact you could drive there quite easily. Restaurants, beaches and some decent nightlife to be had. The weather in October is warm nd comfortable. There are horse drawn carraiges for sightseeing around the city. Many bed and breakfasts as well as upscale hotels. The Casa Monica is beautiful. I have never stayed there but would like to even if just for one night of splurging and then the rest on my beer budget. Truthfully even the less expensive ones are nice. www.oldcity.com or a general google on St. A will give you loads of info. There are many state parks to visit for swimming, exploration, kayaking, etc. Good luck in what ever you and yours decide.
Jun 6th, 2006, 04:07 AM
#30
perchy: Getting a passport is not a big deal. It will take a half an hour in the post office. They mail it to you in about a month. I have to renew my kids this summer and that is more of a hassle because my husband and I both have to go.
About your honeymoon, no one knows what the weather will bring. We were married in late August almost 20 years ago and went to the bahamas. We had perfect weather. Bermuda is beautiful in October. We went two years ago and the weather was great and the ocean temps warm. If you really want st. john, then go for it. Just take insurance and have a weekend back up plan in case. You can always reschedule for a month later if bad weather rolls in. Good luck and don't be discouraged.
About your honeymoon, no one knows what the weather will bring. We were married in late August almost 20 years ago and went to the bahamas. We had perfect weather. Bermuda is beautiful in October. We went two years ago and the weather was great and the ocean temps warm. If you really want st. john, then go for it. Just take insurance and have a weekend back up plan in case. You can always reschedule for a month later if bad weather rolls in. Good luck and don't be discouraged.
Jun 6th, 2006, 04:58 AM
#31
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hmmm... thank you vinceygirl and girlonthego. We considered the west coast of Florida too, but I'd forgotten about St. Augustine.
Hmmm.... more to think about. I do believe we can get to the Caribbean without a passport through the rest of '06. I think the passport reqs. kick in in Dec. or Jan. '07...
Hmmm...
Hmmm.... more to think about. I do believe we can get to the Caribbean without a passport through the rest of '06. I think the passport reqs. kick in in Dec. or Jan. '07...
Hmmm...
Jun 6th, 2006, 05:45 AM
#33
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As one who has lived there, I would never choose St. Augustine over the Caribbean.
It is small and touristy and little natural beauty, except for the beaches.
Casa Monica is lovely but really caters to groups.
If you do decide on St. A, I suggest you look at Casuarina B&B for a romantic inn on the waterfront.
It is small and touristy and little natural beauty, except for the beaches.
Casa Monica is lovely but really caters to groups.
If you do decide on St. A, I suggest you look at Casuarina B&B for a romantic inn on the waterfront.
Jun 6th, 2006, 10:05 AM
#34
A plunge pool is a mini private pool next to your room.
It is hurricane season in Florida too. I would not go to florida over the Caribbean. If Bermuda is a short hop, that would be my first choice for nice honeymoon pretty island with good food.
It is hurricane season in Florida too. I would not go to florida over the Caribbean. If Bermuda is a short hop, that would be my first choice for nice honeymoon pretty island with good food.
Jun 6th, 2006, 11:18 AM
#35
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How would Jalousie Plantation on St. Lucia be for a honeymoon? Say, compared with Peter Island, Caneel Bay on St. John or the Marriot on St. Kitts. Jalousie seems private, peaceful, a place we could enjoy our accommodations.
I'm confused about the two airports in St. Lucia. Fly to SLU to be closer? Or if the fares are better to UVF, go there and make the hour-plus drive?
Rent a car? Do the all-inclusive? (Bigger question is are there many other decent options nearby, or would we WANT the all-inclusive here?)
Snorkeling close? Hiking?
I'm confused about the two airports in St. Lucia. Fly to SLU to be closer? Or if the fares are better to UVF, go there and make the hour-plus drive?
Rent a car? Do the all-inclusive? (Bigger question is are there many other decent options nearby, or would we WANT the all-inclusive here?)
Snorkeling close? Hiking?
Jun 6th, 2006, 11:59 AM
#36
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I for one would be extremely hard pressed to come up with a more beautiful location I've seen than the setting of the Jalousie. It's a very romantic setting, and it would give you lots of privacy for a honeymoon--most rooms are actually freestanding little cottages with private plunge pools, outdoor wetbar, and a nice-sized full bathroom.
Jalousie is pretty isolated, but you could feasibly drive to Soufriere for the Hummingbird restaurant, or to Anse Chastenet for its restaurants. Ladera and Stonefield are a little closer. The Bang, a very casual and quirky restaurant, is immediately next door to Jalousie--it's definitely worth trying, especially on their entertainment night--used to be on Wednesdays, don't know if it still is.
There is pretty good snorkeling right there on the property along the base of the Pitons. Hiking is abundant on the property, or you could go off property for even more.
Check out Luxury Link for some excellent package deals right now for Jalousie--about $1500 for 7 nights, full breakfast for two, one evening meal, taxes, service charge, and I think one "Extra" like a trip to Soufriere or a sunset cruise. Food and drinks are expensive here, typical of a large "got-you-hostage" resort. Even so, my husband and I would never have eaten our way through their AI offerings. You may be different. You can sign up for AI at any point in your vacation, but once you sign up for it, it's for the remainder of your stay.
As for the airports, one (the northern one) only accommodates small regional jets and prop planes. The one in the south is the main international airport. Not all airlines fly into both airports. If you can find a substantial price difference at one or the other, just take it. I'm not sure what the difference in driving time is for either one. The southern airport is closer to the Jalousie as the crow flies, but I think I've read that it's still a good long taxi ride away. I took the helicopter from the northern (SLU) airport to the helipad at Jalousie when I went, so I'm afraid I can't help with driving times.
Jalousie is pretty isolated, but you could feasibly drive to Soufriere for the Hummingbird restaurant, or to Anse Chastenet for its restaurants. Ladera and Stonefield are a little closer. The Bang, a very casual and quirky restaurant, is immediately next door to Jalousie--it's definitely worth trying, especially on their entertainment night--used to be on Wednesdays, don't know if it still is.
There is pretty good snorkeling right there on the property along the base of the Pitons. Hiking is abundant on the property, or you could go off property for even more.
Check out Luxury Link for some excellent package deals right now for Jalousie--about $1500 for 7 nights, full breakfast for two, one evening meal, taxes, service charge, and I think one "Extra" like a trip to Soufriere or a sunset cruise. Food and drinks are expensive here, typical of a large "got-you-hostage" resort. Even so, my husband and I would never have eaten our way through their AI offerings. You may be different. You can sign up for AI at any point in your vacation, but once you sign up for it, it's for the remainder of your stay.
As for the airports, one (the northern one) only accommodates small regional jets and prop planes. The one in the south is the main international airport. Not all airlines fly into both airports. If you can find a substantial price difference at one or the other, just take it. I'm not sure what the difference in driving time is for either one. The southern airport is closer to the Jalousie as the crow flies, but I think I've read that it's still a good long taxi ride away. I took the helicopter from the northern (SLU) airport to the helipad at Jalousie when I went, so I'm afraid I can't help with driving times.
Jun 7th, 2006, 11:23 AM
#38
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Oh my josh, your trip review was very helpful, owa. Thanks! And thanks for the tip on Luxury Link, too, ejcrowe.
I'm liking Jalousie.
Meals or no meals, Luxury Link or travel agent, that is the question...
I'm liking Jalousie.
Meals or no meals, Luxury Link or travel agent, that is the question...
Jun 8th, 2006, 05:46 AM
#39
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Argh! The flights from GSO, RDU or CLT to SLU or UVF stink! GSO seems about the best but also the most expensive. Second best would have us flying into SLU and out of UVF. Any issues I should be aware about there?
