losing hope...
 

well, i've been researching the islands for a honeymoon week set for next summer, and i've come up with nothing. lots of fantastic resorts and villas out there, but we are poor graduate students, and money is a major concern. i am willing to pay a bit more than we should spend(~3,500 total for 7 nights), but it still doesn't seem to be enough for what we want.

first of all, beachfront is a must. if we can't get beachfront for something as special as a honeymoon, then why bother going? that's not to say we don't appreciate different places, people, and cultures...we do, and we're not opposed to going somewhere with limited "American luxuries". we just wanted this trip, our first to the caribbean, to be a simple beachside affair. more adventure and exploring we can hold off til future trips.

other things we like...a place that we can relax without large crowds or obnoxious activity schedules. some activity options are nice, but just simple watersports would be enough. also, we'd like a place where we don't have to cook our own food for a change.

anyway, i'm doubtful that an inexpensive, quiet, catered, beachfront stay is a possibility these days. but, if you have any ideas, even if they don't fit these guidelines exactly, they would be greatly appreciated. don't make us honeymoon on lake erie!

Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials. And don't sweat it . . . you have LOTS of time to get this organized. Some questions though: Does your $3,500 include airfare? Does the $3,500 include your food costs and all spending money? What is your closest airport? When you say catered, what do you mean? You want hotel dining services available? You want to self cater, i.e. have a little kitchen? Or are you looking for all-inclusive? Must your place have a pool?

Have you looked into package holidays to Antigua? We just stayed at Pineapple Beach Resort, and while it's NOT fancy, we had a nice enough room RIGHT on the waters edge - fabulous view. Its the block of room numbers 500. PBR is all inclusive which suited us as we didn't want to cook on holiday either. We went with kids, but the place is not swarming with them. We saw quite a few couples. There are watersports such as windsurfing, kayaking, sunfish, hobie cat, and a free pool dive which is fun as you can decide if you'd like to try scuba diving sometime. The beach is very long and white, one of the best in Antigua. There is another message board called antigua bound which is almost completely devoted to this resort. Can't remember the exact address, sorry. Do a search on this site and you'll find posts from Terry and the site address. When we stayed at PBR it was full but we did not feel overwhelmed with people.

Don't give up hope...it is possible to vacation on a budget, it just takes a lot of looking because most info is about the top hotels and restaurants.

I agree with the previous poster. Please don't lose hope! Even if airfare is included in your $3500 budget there are lots of options for your. I do have one clarification question for you before I launch into suggestions, however. Does your hotel room/cottage have to be on the beach, or will it do for the hotel to be on the beachfront and have your room be a short walk from the beach? This makes a difference, as lots of hotels with beachfront have their most expensive category of rooms directly on the beach, and lesser categories a short walk away. This can mean substantial room savings if you book a lower category room... let us know the answer to this and the previous poster's questions, and we'll give you some great places for your honeymoon. Because you're right--it SHOULD be special!

Would you consider Mexico?

There's certainly some culture there, many (not all) of the beaches are great, and i think you'll be able to find a romantic hide-a-way there that meets your criteria. This is a great website to look at some of what's available: http://www.differentworld.com

It sounds like you wouldn't be that interested in it, but i'll also suggest a cruise. You can pick an itinerary that visits beautiful beaches and it's certainly within your budget (don't forget to budget for tips). Yes, there are lots of activities scheduled, but you can choose to participate or not.

What you're looking for is definitely possible! Don't give up! Look at www.cheapcaribbean.com. There are lots of different islands and resorts to choose from.
Look at someplace like Long Bay Resort on Tortola you can get a beachfront room for under $200 a night in the summertime. Same thing at Oaulie Beach Hotel on Nevis or Secret Harbour on St Thomas. These are all smaller resorts (which I prefer anyway) and places like this exist on pretty much any island you choose.
It's possible to eat inexpensively no almost no matter where you go, you just have to do your research.
Watch all the websites for airfares once you decide where you're going and when you find something reasonable, book immediately, don't wait or it will be gone!
Keep looking and keep asking questions there are lots of people with good ideas who are more than willing to help.
Good luck!!

I don't know where you are located, but on the east coast there are a couple of businesses that offer packages to the Caribbean for very reasonable prices. TNT Vacations and GWV Travel. Check them out. And no, don't despair, you will have a wonderful honeymoon in the Caribbean!!!

I'm going to say the same thing the other posters said...don't give up hope! There are tons of places, really nice places that you can go for a week for under $3500! It just depends where you are coming from and what dates you want to travel. You might want to look into Couples Negril. This has been very popular this year with my honeymooners and I honeymooned there last year. Wonderful all-inclusive set on the most beautiful beach. You have to worry about nothing but relax. The activities and watersports are there if you want them, but you wouldn't know it while you are relaxing on the beach. This resort is quiet and romantic and everything that a honeymoon should be. Positive you could do within your budget!

For a point of reference only, I just checked a few auctions on luxurylink that if you were to win them today at the current prices, would be well within your budget and leave you room to buy airfare. One of them is a weeklong package to Ti Kaye Village on the island of St. Lucia, with a breakfast meal planand some fun extras like a sunset cruise. Another is a week at the Golden Lemon on St. Kitts, which was an all-inclusive plan. Both of these places are more intimate and (in my mind anyway) represent a true getaway and better value than any mega-resort that you could get for the same price...

There's a small beachfront hotel on the eastern coast of Antigua called Long Bay Hotel, which is a charming little place. It shares the beach with the above suggested Pineapple Beach Club (which also might work if you don't mind AI). They offer regular hotel rooms in addition to cottages. I stayed there last year for 7 nights in the View House cottage, which has one bedroom, one living room, one kitchen, two bathrooms, a large deck, loungers, umbrella table & chairs, and hammock. We got all that, plus breakfast & dinner each day, plus a beautiful beach with good snorkeling and some other water sports, for an unbelievably good deal--you would have ample money left over for airfare, island explorations, and eating dinner away from the resort if you got a similar package. www.longbayhotel.com

The staff at Long Bay would welcome you warmly and continue to make you feel a special part of the hotel for as long as you were there--they're one of the greatest assets of Long Bay. Check out their reviews at www.tripadvisor.com

Congratulations dreamizon:)

I think you should take a look at this: www.stbarth.com/ondin.shtm.
Hotel Les Ondines Sur La Plage

It is a new small hotel on St. Barths (total of 6 units) they have a summer special for 1 week is $1750 which includes a car rental for week and breakfast and they will give you a free 1 hour jet ski for 2 & 20% off water sports after that. It is right on the beach. It looks beautiful. Their regular summer rate is Beach front =300.00 per night and pond view= 200.00 per night. Don't be scared off by St. Barths being expensive. Sure there are high priced dining , but there are also great inexpensive places too. St. Barths is romantic, clean, safe and perfect for a honeymoon. Hope this helps:)

good news is you're goin during the off season so you should be able to get some great deals...cheap airfare, free nights etc... check out travelocity, travel zoo and USAirways Vacations. We got a 5 night plus air vacation to Aruba (stayed at the beautiful Radisson) last September for $1600!

Good luck!

InterIsland tours offers some great packages to the DR. Generally, the DR is a good option for budget minded travelers. We loved it.

A few years ago I printed out an article written by a travel agent that specializes in unusual romantic vacations. One that sounds great and is very cheap is in Tulum, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Nine cabanas with big beds, thatched roofs, hammocks right on the beach. Great fresh food, endless supply of margaritas and no beach peddlers. Beach cabanas (as of a couple of years ago) $75 to $85 a night. Fy into Cancun and rent a car about 75 miles south toward the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. Booking: Turquoise Reef Group. Tool-free 1-800-538-6802. Internet: http://www.turgreef.com/. Hope this helps!

I'm having difficulty opening up the turgreef.com website. More info: 1-303-674-9615 (phone) 1-303-674-8735 (fax) e-mail: [email protected]

Don't give up. You have alternatives. First of all, if you're honeymooning in the summer, you will be going during the offseason, with prices considerably less. If you're budget is $3500, (I assume you are in the US) it seems to me that you could get a good air/hotel package for under that amount. I don't know where you live but check out the airfares from the major gateways near you. You may not be able to afford the top end, but don't give up because of that.

Dreamizon, your budget can definately be done. I've done Jamaica on less than $3K for 10 days. Here are some tips. You need to carefully pick your resort. What I did was to select small boutique resorts. Also, it's good to select a location where you can get meals at a reasonable price. You will want avoid the high-end islands where finding reasonably priced lodging and food is challenging. We picked Jamaica (I'm sure there are other island choices also) because you could get a lot of bang for your bucks there. There are some great deals in Negril and the beach there is fantastic. Besides that, food off the resorts is quite reasonable.

Look into Charela Inn(www.charela.com. A nice small, quite, intimate resort in Negril Jamaica. Others could give you some other reasonable suggestions also.

Do not pay in advance for food unless you are both big eaters and drinkers! Many All-inclusives use this tactic to snare many upsuspecting travelers.

Let us know what you decide.

ALL,
wow...thanks for the advice. i've been researching on and off for several months now, and perhaps some of you are right in that i am being tempted by the more luxurious, top-end resorts out there. it's hard not to. i just want the honeymoon to be as luxurious and quiet as we can make it for less than a fortune.

SNOHFLAKE,
3,500 does include everything, and that number is even a stretch on our budget. we live in Columbus, Ohio, so Columbus, Cleveland, Akron, Cincinnati are all options if the prices were that disparate. by catering, i simply meant not having to cook. we don't need room service or anything, and we aren't real picky about eat great food at every meal. i'm not limiting us to AI, but not eliminating the option, either. pool is unnecessary, really.

TIRAMISU,
i've looked at Galley Bay before. i haven't looked at Pineapple Beach, so i can do that. i'd love to dive...went through a class years back, but never took the test. it's not a priority, though.

EJCROWE,
i'd really prefer the beachfront room. this is something that would be a priority...we really enjoy just sitting around, reading, talking, etc. the thing i don't like about those travel auctions is i like to be in control of things...not a control freak, but i fear getting locked into something when i don't know what i'm getting into. i'll check out that Long Bay Hotel, as well.

BO,
mexico isn't out of the question...i was looking at Belize, already. specifically, Ambergrise(sp?) Caye and all those resorts...some looked pretty affordable and decent rooms. thanks for the website. sorry, but we definately don't want a cruise. not for the honeymoon. it's something i'd like to experience eventually, just not the right time, IMO.

MERMAID,
thanks for the site and the tips. i've already had LongBay bookmarked for some time...my searches started in the BVIs, cause they looked less touristy, and had some gorgeous scenery. i'll check out the Nevis one, too. i'm not sure about St. Thomas...isn't it really overcrowded?

SUSANLYNNE,
thanks for the names...do you end up paying the agent a lot?

THETROPICALTRAVELERS,
like i sadi, we coming out of Columbus, Ohio...not set on any one island/chain. i haven't looked at Couples, Sandals, beaches, Breezes, etc. because they come off a bit too packaged for me, but if you are recommending it, i'll look into that as well.

SANDYFEET,
sounds like yet another great place...because i'd want beachfront, it is a bit much, though.

KRISTEN,
those travelsite/airline packages are scarier to me than the auction ones. not saying they're bad, just don't think my personality would allow such a leap of faith.

KINDRA178,
haven't checked out DR...or PR for that matter...another for the list. i'm not gonna be getting much work done over the next few days.

DORI,
thanks for the info. you all are keeping me busy!

ANDREAAC,
i'll check those out...thanks. don't know if we'd be into a boutique-type hotel for this stay, but worth looking into. the cheap island thing is definately a good idea. i was hooked on Anguilla for awhile, and it sounds pricey(but tastey), especially eating out.

I second Negril, Jamaica. I was married there last October. The beach and foliage there are beautiful. We are actually going back for 3 nights in 2 weeks!

As long as you know what to expect, the Sandals/Couples type resorts can be great, since you don't have to worry so much about the price of everything you touch. The rooms are clean, the resort is beautiful, and the food is pretty good (comparable to Applebee's). The resorts really do not look so "airbrushed" as they look in advertisements. Walked by Couples Swept Away in Negril, and it looked great also...

Many people don't like the AI route, but it has its plusses. Our trip last year cost $3700 including airfare (we did stay in the beachfront concierge suite, there are lower level rooms that are beachfront) for 7 days, and also included the wedding/flowers/cake.

You can also leave the resort to get the "feel" of real Jamaica. Good luck with whatever you choose, the caribbean islands are very pretty!

Sorry, forgot to mention that I stayed at Sandals Negril, and the flight was out of Charlotte, NC (not the cheapest place to fly out of, US Airways hub = captive audience)

dreamizon,

Check out the Jamaica Inn. We were there 2 years ago. We stayed at the Deluxe Verandah suite down stair and you can hear and see the ocean. breaskfast is serve over looking the ocean. Dinner is serve open air with candle lights and very romantic. You can also get room service. Food is good and very relaxing place. Some rooms are even closer to the beach. THe resort is built in U shape and very private. With you budget JI should come close. You can either book through Jamaicainn.com or wait until next year and book through Luxurylink.com. The rate for next summer 2004 is same as 2003. On their web site click on specail and ask them if they are running the special for next year too. 877-470-6975. We bought the "best buy" package from Luxurylink and spent $1400 for 5 nights including meals/rooms and transfer. We are used to Four Seasons/Ritz however, JI is charming and peaceful.

Hi Dreamizon! I believe that with both TNT Vacations (www.tntvacations.com) and GWV Travel (www.gwvtravel.com) you can book direct, no need to get an agent involved. I would reiterate what many people have already posted that you can do a trip to the Caribbean for the amount you want to spend, especially during the summer!!! Our first trip to the Caribbean, oh so many moons ago, was done on an extremely limited budget. So limited that I would be embarassed to post it! Anyway, where there is a will, there's a way. Don't give up!!!!

dreamizon,
I'll second the recommendation for the Jamaica Inn. We spent our honeymoon there 7 years ago and returned in December of last year. It's quiet and tranquil and the verandahs are great for just reading/relaxing. They have snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and a sunfish available for guests. There's no motorized watersports or any kind of 'organized activity'. You can have your meals served on the dining terrace, on your own verandah, or for lunch, on the beach. The past 2 years they've run a 2 free night special for every 7 in the off season.

I think you mentioned that you were also looking into Belize which is a great, inexpensive destination. In addition to Ambergris Caye, you may want to consider Placencia.

Go to www.applevacations.com, click on SIZZLING SPECIALS, click on Columbus, also try Cincinnati. Apple runs charter service from both. That will give you an idea. Then call your Travel Agent, you have to book through a Travel Agent and get her/him to help you make the right choice. Also, go to www.debbiescaribbeanresortreview.com for additional help. Good Luck. $3500 is absolutely no problem. We have been to many places that fit your description and have not paid anywhere near $3500. Best Wishes on your coming marriage.

Me and my boyfriend booked a trip to Puerto Plata Dominican Republic for 7 nites at an all inclusive beachfront resort for $580pp.airfare included through expedia.

If you want cheap Caribean, Dominican Rep. is the way to go. And most of the resorts are all inclusive and are beachfront.

I hear the beaches in Punta Cana, are much nicer and aren't much more expensive. You might want to think about that. I think $3,500 is an excellent budget. It probably won't do for the more expensive places like Paradise Island, St. Lucia or Aruba... but it should be more than enough for a 5 star resort in Dominican Republic!

If you want to get a real "bang for your buck" drive up to Toronto (approx 6 hours) then fly down to Cuba. There are some wonderful deals available and best of all for you is that they are priced in Canadian dollars so your US dollars will go much farther.
You can get a summer deal on a top AI resort, airfare included for $1200 Canadian (one week) which would work out to not much more than $800 US for you.
Suggestions include
Melia Club Sol Cayo Largo (simply wondeful 4.5 star resort on quiet offshore island (south coast)
Cayo Coco
Varadero
You can get lots of info on the web, and if you want to book, take the 2.5 hour drive up to Windsor and check it all out with a Canadian travel agent.
Have fun and congratulations.
Steve

dreamizon, in case you still are looking, I have topped a post titled "Peach and Quiet", a very affordable, low key, on the ocean, (they have a honeymoon room called "Passion") simple but charming inn with a great history. It might fit the bill.

One very nice and very reasonably priced hotel in Anguilla is the Rendezvous Bay Beach Hotel. Right on a beautiful almost deserted beach, and very quiet, with excellent food! Could be worth looking into - but of course I have no idea what the cost would be for you if airfare is included.

Carola22, how long has it been since you stayed at the Rendevous Bay Beach Hotel? I have been considering going there next year (Don't want to spring for the Cap Jaluca just yet....)

Tiramisu and dreamizon; the Antigua Bound Website is:
http://groups.msn.com/AntiguaBound/

They have lots of information on Pineapple Beach Resort, but also other Antiguan hotels as well such as Blue Waters,Coco Bay and Jolly Beach.

The photos on the site are amazing!

To babyblue - We checked out this hotel very recently, just got back from Anguilla two weeks ago. We did not actually stay at this hotel yet, but are planning to do so next summer. We have been on Anguilla twice now and stayed at Frangipani. This is also a very nice hotel, but more expensive. While on Anguilla in late July we checked out other hotels as well. And we really liked Rendezvous. The manager gave us a tour of the rooms and told us they had been recently refurbished. You should realize, though, that this is not a luxury hotel. The rooms are basic but spacious and clean. But they do not have television, for instance. There is a games room, though, which does have television. And the best thing is that these rooms, the so-called villa rooms, are on a beautiful beach - you can step right from your room on to the sand. They have large balconies or patios. There is also the 'original' hotel which is cheaper but I wouldn't recommend that; it's apparently rather noisy, the rooms are older and further from the beach. Hope this helps!

Thanks Carola22. I really do not mind the "non-luxury" accomodations, my most important concern is the beach and proximity to dining. A clean, safe room is all I need.

I hear that the manager at this hotel is really great...

I just read about The Royal Hideaway in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, on another post here in Fodors. It is an all-inclusive. The beaches on the Mexican Riviera are some of the most beautiful you will ever see (although I wouldn't recommend Cancun for a honeymoon) but Playa del Carmen is a good choice. Check out their website at http://www.royalhideaway.com. I was just looking at it and it is gorgeous! Just right for a romantic honeymoom and I understand the staff treats the guests wonderfully. Best of luck.

To babyblue again: Yes the manager, Bart, is excellent, very committed and alert; we've met him twice now and had some nice talks and he's one of the reasons we've decided to give this hotel a try! (BTW the restaurant is also very good.)

My God for that price you can live large. No sweat. Plenty of choices.

We fly from Columbus also but this winter we may try Detroit...3 hours away and no need to change planes as these are charters/direct flights:

www.vacationhotline.com - flights may stop in summer though, check. They do fly all winter and I believe you can book a hotel package too, though we prefer to pick our own accomodations and just use the air.

We go to Jamaica most times, Negril or Treasure Beach or the east coast, but they fly elsewhere also.

This reply is for Mec, I was at the Royal Hideaway last October and it was absolutely beautiful. If you have any question I would be happy to answer them for you! Susan

Here's a hidden gem on the pricey gold coast of Barbados. The deal is that beachfront apartments and cottages serving researchers at McGill University's Bellairs Institute will be rented out to tourists. Great area and the price is right. Have a look at:

http://www.divefree.net/species/bellairs.htm

Susan: I'm looking at the Royal Hideway for a trip in December. Do you happen to know about the "nearby golf?" I'm wondering how close it is to the hotel and how much a round costs. Thanks!

Try Secret Harbour resort on St. Thomas, VI.
We just came from a 4-night package there (Expedia.com, hotel (oceanfront) + airfare + cancel insurance = $1500 for two) that sounds like it would be in your budget, especially since summer is low season for the VI.
Absolutely wonderful secluded cove location and beautifully flowered and treed grounds. Gentle lagoon for local snorkeling, or the onsite dive store will do boating expeditions. Book oceanfront room instead of the oceanview.
Onsite restaurant is one of the best on the island. Budget $60 p/p per day if you are eating exclusively at the hotel. Or, since rooms have stove/refrig, save a bit by buying breakfast/lunch fixings at the local supermarket (Red Hook landing over the next hill, $8 p/p taxi roundtrip). Hurricane season for them begins late August, though we went last week and had only 1 rainy day (which we spent snorkeling).
Excursions: Ecotours does a friendly kayak/snorkel expedition in quiet inland salt lake for $50 p/p.
Ferry to St. John ($3 p/p each way) is good for a day trip. Rent a jeep there to explore this lovely island with one pristine secluded beach after another. We did so and were happy we didn't use the taxi tours for this purpose.
Trips to downtown Charlotte Amilie are $18 p/p each way, so an expensive add-on to a restaurant excursion there.
Roads are thin and winding up-and-down-hill with no sidewalks and therefore not for walking or biking. Folks drive on the left there.

To LS: I found this website link that offers more info on the golf course. I remember passing by it on the way to townand it was maybe 2 or 3 min. from the Royal Hideaway. Here is the link: http://www.golfinmexico.com/playacar.htm hopefully this helps! -Susan