kris

Josh- Have you looked into Biras Creek on Virgin Gorda? I was there this summer and loved it...All the meals are included, it is very secluded, the staff is wonderful, it is definetly authentic and not to tourist(ie?).. if you would like more information please let me know... www.biras.com good luck!!

Josh M.

Thanks again for everyone's recent replies! Unfortunately, Caneel and Biras are out of my price range. I looked at Gallows Point but we really wanted to be able to get to the beach right from our room. There's just something about looking out your door/window/patio/balcony and seeing the beach right there. <BR> <BR>I'm getting settled, now that everyone has told me to calm down and relax! I'm glad I'm not the only one out ther who researches things to death. <BR> <BR>So far, though, I keep coming back to Grenada and Tortola. I have yet to hear a single person say anything bad about Grenada...but I'll give things some time to mull around in my head until I make a decision. And when I do, i'm sure you'll all know. ;-D <BR> <BR>Thanks again, <BR>Josh

Kim

I am a Sandals person all the way and have never found Sandals resorts Crowded. Try St Lucias Sandals Golf Resort and try the new suites on The Bluffs, you have your own plung pool and you are right on the ocean.You can even go nude because nobody else see's you. It is very private yet close enough to enjoy company if you like.

Karen

Josh, In search of the Perfect Paradise can and is crazy-making but as I read this thread, it was interesting to see you process the info! Since you have narrowed it down a bit, something that you might not be aware of is that Tortola is not necessarily what you are looking for. Although I do enjoy Frenchman's Cay and it is one of the better places to stay on Tortola with wonderful hosts Pam and Terry - and has some pretty good priced packages - it is more of a "jeep about" island with what can be pretty rough surf and not the white sand and tourquoise water that you might expect. Overall, Tortola's beaches can be disappointing and you will need to travel, commute, trek to beaches - and there are few really wonderful ones there but lots of choices on nearby islands. Since you are obviously on a budget, you will need to plan for the additional rental vehicle and day trips to the other islands - that can quickly add to what is seemingly an affordable location and put the total cost right in the Biras Creek category 'cause everything is "extra." And the 18% service charge+tax takes a big bite! I love the BVI's, don't get me wrong, but some of the "out" islands can and do offer a much better experience! Someone elsewhere posted www.bestresorts.com and it gives some wonderful info and pix of some of the more upscale resorts. Now they may not offer something in your budget or not but it is worth a look-see! If you see something that appeals, check the individual web sites of that resort and see if they offer a package, a honeymoon special or even some "deal" which might work for you! You might also want to consider something like Secret Harbour on St. Thomas in the USVI with great beachfront accomodations, a lovely beach and lots of options for more "cosmopolation" activities if you choose or easy access to the great beaches of St. John and the Nat'l Park and day trips to the BVI at a lesser price than the BVI and a laid-back "caribb" atmosphere that many places won't offer! For many, it is an ideal compromise - no plunge pools tho! Another place to look in the VI's might be at www.mcLaughlinanderson.com. They manage many villas and might have just the right spot for you! Good luck with your continued search!

Romy

Hi Josh, <BR> <BR>I have been researching Antigua to death because I am going there over the holidays (I haven't been there yet, though, so this answer is purely based on my research). <BR> <BR>It does seem, however, that Antigua has many of the things you are looking for -- beautiful beaches, rugged terrain,duty-free shopping in St. Johns, sites of historical interest at Nelson's Dokyard, great snorkeling and SCUBA diving (that's why I'm going), friendly people, beautiful resorts. While everything is outlandishly expensive over the winter holidays, by May you are getting into another price category. <BR> <BR>From what I can see on various websites, here's a sampling of what you can get: <BR> <BR>St. James's Club (southeast shore), April 16, 2001 to December 20, 2001 rates PER ROOM(not per person), European plan: Club room $250, Premium room $300, Suite $400 + 18.50% tax and service charge. The club seems to have tons of amenities -- swimming pools, tennis courts, a stable on site, SCUBA and water sports, etc. It's supposed to be a five-star resort. Link to their website through "wheretostay.com". <BR> <BR>Allegro Pineapple Beach (northeast shore), all-inclusive, April 15 to December 20, 2001 rates PER PERSON for five or more days: garden view room $184, water side room $184, beach front room $207. <BR> <BR>Siboney Beach Club (northwestern shore on famous Dickenson Beach)rates according to Fodors.com hotel guide are $275 to $400 per one-bedroom suite depending on which plan you choose. I have read unanimously positive reviews of this place, it's supposed to be very romantic and next to the Coconut Grove restaurant which is quite well known on the island. <BR> <BR>You can also check out Blue Waters resort, which is said to be very nice. <BR> <BR>I can always tell you more about the place when I come back in January. <BR> <BR>Anyaway, it's food for thought... <BR> <BR>Good luck with your plans. I know how harrowing it can be to decide - -I've been steeped in the process for two weeks, mainly because of price and compatibility (I'm going with my father) considerations! <BR> <BR>Best, Romy

Diane

Josh: Here's your first unfavorable report about Grenada. Although it wasn't necessarily bad, it's not one of our favorite islands. Went there last year and was not impressed. People were hot and cold as far as friendliness. Calabash quite nice, we had dinner there but didn't see the rooms. Also, Cinnamon Hill in Grenada had a great location, but not on a beach. We stayed a the Coyoba, which we would give a mid-range rating too. Been to quite a few islands and one of our favorites is Turks & Caicos (Provo) Stayed at the Ocean Club and loved it. Quiet and right on the beach. Sounds like you're overwhelmed with all your research. It's easy to do while sitting at your computer to get TOO much information. Anguilla is suppose to be great too...hope to make that our next stop. Good luck!

Rick

Josh, after reading more info from you I am going to rescind my advice on Tortola. I am in agreement with Karen that it is a jeep island and probably not your choice if you want to wake and look at the beach as you have stated. I think we overlooked the lack of most beautiful beaches in the world on Tortola for everything else it has to offer. Once you decide where to go and actually come back from vacation I would love to hear if the island you chose fit the bill. I have been in search of the same place as you describe and have yet to find it. Life is a trade off; you accept some no so great for other things that are great. Good luck again.

Josh M.

Wow! What an array of responses! I'll take the advise on Tortola...that eliminates one! Although I do plan on renting a Jeep, I do want the option of being able to stay at the hotel and enjoy it! <BR> <BR>Romy, thanks for the advice on Antigua. I think I might have forgotten to check that one out. <BR> <BR>I'm sorry to hear about Grenada, although I still won't cross it off. <BR> <BR>Karen: Nice to hear from you...have you been EVERYWHERE, or what?! ;-D I respect and have used a lot of your reviews. <BR> <BR>Well, since everyone has told me that I still have quite a bit of time, I'm going to sit back and write everything out on paper, do a spreadsheet or something, and take my time. <BR> <BR>I will MOST DEFINITELY let everyone know what and why I decide, and post a full report in May! <BR> <BR>Thank you all so very much for your help, advice, personal emails, reports, and pictures!!! A great forum....I love the Internet!!! <BR> <BR>Josh

Penny

Hi Josh-Well you are ahead of the game because you listed your criteria. We have been going to the caribbean-2 times a year since l993. <BR>We love beautiful beaches, the less people the better. <BR>Our favorites,Cap Juluca and the island of Anquilla,we met some travel writers there in 1995 and they told me no other hotel comes close.www.news.ai is a informative news letter with phot0s and <BR>links to all sites. <BR>We have since enjoyed Little Dix,Caneel bay, La Sammana,Jalousie Hilton and last but not least my other recommendation Jumby Bay. You are right no to include Tortola-its hotels and beaches do not compare. So I agree with Karen-Cap Juluca or Jumby Bay. They are magical places and will spoil you. On Anguilla you have lots of beaches to explore-take a ferry to shop in Marigot,St.Martin or take a day trip to ST. Barts.From Jumby -located on its own private island,its a short 10 minute private ferry to Antigua. <BR>Don"t drive yourself nuts-you have a wealth of info to look into. Have fun!

Penny

What A dope-I posted this to the wrong person. It was for Anthony-sorry Josh.

Penny

Josh -on Anguilla check out Franjapani you can get info from www.news.ai go to the hotel section. It gets great reviews <BR>and ofers some good honeymoon deals. It is on Meads Bay.this I belive is in the Sonesta price range-Not to confuse you but check it out.

Becca

Josh, <BR> My husband and I just got back from our honeymoon 3 weeks ago. We stayed at Caneel Bay resort in St. John, USVI. It was undoubtedly the most wonderful vacation I've ever been on. We spent about $5000 for the week. I know it's pricey, but it is really worth it. Our airfare was around the same price as what you have found. The thing is, you could do Caneel Bay for much less than what we did. We stayed in one of the most expensive rooms -- the premium rooms -- which are directly on the beach. We paid $450 per night for the room, and then we had a package (Classic Carribean). For a room farther away from the beach you could pay as little as $250 per night. The resort was wonderful -- 7 beautiful beaches. The food was fabulous, the service was great. Our room had a very Caribbean feel to it. The resort is very private. There would be times when we were the only ones on the beach. We didn't have a jacuzzi or private pool which I thought I would miss, but it didn't even cross my mind once I got there. We rented a jeep for a day and drove all over St. John which was a lot of fun. I know I am rambling, but it really is a wonderful place, and we can't wait to go back. Please e-mail me if you want more information and check out Caneel Bay's website: www.caneelbay.com <BR>Good luck! <BR>Becca

Mike

Hi Josh, this is a little late, but I would serious recommend Anse Chastenet in St. Lucia. We've been there twice, once on our honeymoon - it was fantastic. See www.ansechastenet.com. <BR> <BR>It has everything on-site, and has all inclusive packages, which we loved. On a honeymoon, you do NOT want to be wondering about the price of everything, trying to keep track of how much you've spent, etc. It also has caribbean decor, fantastic views, private beaches, top notch scuba diving and snorkeling right off the resort beach(!) and seclusion. It's the opposite of Sandals St. Lucia! <BR> <BR>Some of the things it doesn't have from your list is: private plunge pools or shopping (the captial Castries isn't worth the day trip). It's also quite quiet (not lots of partying), which may or may not be good, depending on your preferences. <BR> <BR>Even better, there are some great package deals, if you live near Canada, or can get to Toronto or Montreal cheaply. Air Canada has 1 week all inclusive to Anse Chastenet (air, hotel, transfers, etc.) from about $2500-$4000 (depending on room - the $4,000 are astonishing) CANADIAN dollars, per person (i.e. $1700-2700 US)! See www.aircanadavacations.ca. <BR> <BR>Anyway, just my two cents. We'd go back a third time, but thought we should check out some other Caribbean locations before going back. <BR> <BR>Best of luck, <BR> <BR>Mike

Kathy

Josh, <BR> <BR>I noticed you mentioned Anguilla in one post. My husband and I visited Anguilla about 2 years ago and it has been our favorite island and we have been to a few. The other I would suggest to you would be St. Barts. We loved it when we were a little younger. Try Frangipani on Anguilla since it is a lovely small resort right on one of the best beaches. I can find the web page if you want to e mail me directly. You can find a villa on St. Barts with a pool and daily maid service. The restaurants are fabulous on both these islands. <BR> <BR>Kathy

Juli

Josh, <BR> <BR>I can only speak from my most recent experience and last spring I vacationed on St. Lucia and stayed at the Ladera Resort. If this is going to be a surprise and you want your wife to basically fall over when she sees the views from your room this is the place to be. The weather, snorkeling, people, and island is beautiful. Keep in mind that this is the carribean so things won't be exactly like they are in the US but I consider that to be a benefit. You need to check out www.laderaresort.com. I am sure that you will be just as intrigued as we were. Trust me it is worth it!!!! <BR> <BR>Juli

Greg

The Buccaneer on St. Croix is excellent. My wife and I have been a number of times. Also, on our honeymoon we went to the Jalousie in St. Lucia. It was great. The only caveat, given your goal, is that aside from the rain forest, there is not that much to do outside of the resort. Let me know if you have any questions.

tweedy

Josh have you talked to a good travel agent in your area. Alot of resorts offer honeymoon packages, and a good travel agent would be able to give you some guidance. Also they can do a bit of leg work for you if you give them the info on what you want. <BR> <BR>Second, I would suggest as pretty close to fitting your description, a small resort on Nassau called Compas Point, great beach there and the accomodations are small bungalows right on the beach, very brightly colored, cute and romantic. <BR> <BR>Compas Point is owned by Chris Blacwell of Island Records and it is small and very well done, attention to detail is formost. Service is excellent and they have one of the best restaurants on the island. <BR> <BR>YOu could stay there and do a bit of island hoping over to Paradise Island (ok it's a sort hop) but for a day hanging out at Atlantis would be fun. <BR> <BR>Or you could take the ferry over to Harbour Island for the day. <BR> <BR>Compas Point has a sister facility on Harbour Island called Pink Sands which would also fit your criteria. The resort is right on the beach overlooking the most beautiful stretch of ocean and pink sand beach, and even during high season the beach is mostly deserted (3 miles long). <BR> <BR>Also there are lots of small cays off the island for a day away from everything, the resort can even pack a lunch for you, then you go to the dock and ask a water taxi to take you to a deserted island for the day and come and get you in the evening. <BR> <BR>Harbour Island is very small and you don't even need the jeep, you can walk everywhere. <BR> <BR>www.where2stay.com has lots of pictures of the resorts and some info on the island and of course prices and your time frame (May, right?) would be off season so the prices would be better and you would get more for your dollar. <BR> <BR>I have been all over the Carribean, St. Martin, St. Barth, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Puerto Rico, and I find that the Bahamas depending on the island can give you everything and be easier to get to. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps and if you need any more info, please let me know. <BR> <BR>tweedy <BR>Hope this helps some <BR> <BR>