Chicago_Man

I am getting married in July and have still not figured out where we should go for a honeymoon. I'm looking for a super nice, ultra-luxerious resort. What Islands do you recommend for July? I'm looking for something that won't be so hot that I'll want to be inside all day and I also want to avoid any chance of prolonged rain. So, please list them:

Best Island for July
Best Resort on that Island

Thanks

Sunnyboy

Daytime temperatures in July throughout the Caibbean will normally range between 85 and 90 degrees F. with humidity around 60%. Temperatures in the Bahamas will be only a few degrees cooler. At that time of year you can expect occasional very brief and very localized showers (usually not lasting long enough to spoil anyone's trip). It is Hurricane Season (June 1 through Nov 30) so there's always risk of a major storm but chacnes are slim (peak storm period is Sep 1 through Oct 15).

As to luxury resorts, just about every island has their version of a luxury resort it is difficult to make any recommendation without knowing more about what you are seeking. Are you looking for an island with lots of night life? Do you want access to casinos? How about shopping? Do you want the kind of long white sand beaches you find on the arid flat coral based islands or do you prefer an island with lush rain forests and smaller darker sand beaches? Is snorkeling important to you? Do you want a private island resort? Do you want an island with lots of upscale dining or do you prefer one with comfort places like Burger King or McDonald? Do you want an island with an American feel or perhaps a furopean ambiance or Old World Caribbean charm? Are you the type of people who never leave the resort or do you like to get out and explore? Are you willing to take two or three different planes and/or ferries to get to your destination (perhaps even overnighting en-route) or do you want to get there non-stop? Do you want a secluded resort (keep in mind that seclusion generally means few island amenities) or do you want access to lots of daytime and evening activities? It would be helpful if you could give us some idea of your budget for airfare, accomodations and meals because some "super nice, ultra luxurious" resorts in the Caribbean can put a serious dent in the pocket books of even the most well healed trust fund babies (think anywhere from $1,000 to $25,000 per night). Lastly, no one island location "has it all" but if you list your priorities and are willing to make a few concessions you can find a location that will be perfect for you.

Chicago_Man

Budget (not including air - I'm using miles) is between $600-800/day.

Don't care about:
Shopping
Casinos
Bars/Clubs

Do Care about:
Beautiful beaches
Good dining
Great rooms
Some non-resort activities or if the island is an all resort island, it would be nice to be able to check out neighboring island(s)

I'm generally more impressed with the rooms that are villa-style (i.e. one of the reasons I'm turned off to Hawaii is that all the good resorts are 500 room mega resorts with everyone in the same monster building).

All inclusive sounds appealing, but not necessary.

Thanks

christiegr

I see that you are turned off by Hawaii however, look into the Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort or the Princeville resort.Kauai is a very beautiful island that has what you are looking for.The weather is usually great and not humid like the Caribbean Islands.
Also Kauai is not all commercialized like the Bahamas,Aruba and other caribbean isl. The beaches are beautiful with some good snorkeling spots.If you do chose Kauai, I don't think that you wuuld regret it.
I think that the Princeville Resort would have what you are looking for.

Sunnyboy

Look at Cap Julca, Cuisinart or Malliouhana on Anguilla. This island has fantastic beaches, over 80 different restaurants and you can easily visit the neighboring island of St. Martin for a day trip.

Another suggestion is Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda. This island will give you access to some fine beaches, terrific snorkeling, hiking trails for exploring local flora and fauna and you can easily reach many of the neighboring British Virgin Islands for day trips.

Le Toiney, Francois's Plantation and Eden Rock on St. Barth's may also fit your needs. This island has nice beaches, is very upscale, very French and boasts so many fine restaurants that I've lost count. You can easily go to neighboring St. Martin for a day trip.

You mention you are using miles for your airfare, make sure you make your plans as early as possible (it would help if you flexible with your travel dates) as most airlines only have a limited amount of award seats available for trips to the Caribbean. Also, depending on which airline you have your miles with you may only get as far as the "Gateway" island (Puerto Rico or St. Martin) using miles and you will have to purchase the island hopper fare to get to your final destination.