HELP!!! I'm getting married in May and still haven't decided on honeymoon plans. I definatly want a very private, luxurious resort-type atmosphere.

I've been looking at great resorts like Cap Juluca (Anguilla) and Caneel Bay (St. John's) but I'm not sure if they are in my budget.

Does anyone have suggestions for resorts of similar quality yet a lower price range? Anything will help!!

Unless you're planning to spend every waking moment at the resort, you might also want to consider what type of islands you're interested in visiting. Typically the Caribbean islands fall into two categories: lush & volcanic with darker sand beaches, or flat & arid with the iconic long white stretches of sand and beautiful blue water. There are a few that are somewhere in between, and the US/BVI are among them. Depending on what kind of activities you're after, you may prefer one over the other.

If you choose Cap, you'll have the small island of Anguilla for easy access to gorgeous beaches and some of the best restaurants (in all price ranges) in the Caribbean. Accommodations are more upscale here. Scrubby and flat interior.

If you choose Caneel, you'll have the lush island of St. John with its lovely beaches and national parks at your fingertips. Less variety of restaurants, not as nice accommodations, but great snorkeling and easy day trips to the other VI. Prettier interior with hills, nice for hiking.

If you tell us what your budget is and more of what you're looking for, we can jump in with more suggestions. For a great one-stop website that lists many of the more upscale properties in the Caribbean, check out www.luxurylink.com. Even if you're not interested in bidding on a package, it will give you an idea of what is out there and what a reasonable offseason rate might be.

It will be hard to find something for "similar quality yet a lower price range" because you'll more than likely have to sacrifice something to move down to a lower tier resort--either in privacy, luxury of accommodation, or in resort-type ameneties. For example, Frangipani is a nice place to stay on Anguilla, on a beautiful beach with nice and spacious rooms for less money, but it's not quite up to the Cap standards. Cuisinart typically offers better rates than Cap or Malliouhana (they're the Big 3 on the island) and there are a few people who prefer it over the other two, but most prefer Cap or Malli).

On St. John, Gallow Point will offer you more of a condo-type accommodation, but you get lots more room, a nice view, and you save money--plus it's within walking distance of the small town with restaurants, shops, bars, etc.

You may want to consider Nisbet Plantation or Montpelier on Nevis; Jalousie Hilton or Ti Kaye Village on St. Lucia; Blue Waters or Galley Bay on Antigua; Biras Creek on Virgin Gorda; Long Bay on Tortola; Peter Island (private island resort) in the BVI; Meridian Club (private island resort) in Turks & Caicos. Some of these sacrifice one quality for another, like resort ameneties for privacy. Some of them are all-inclusive or have meals included, so it's easier to budget. Most of them are on the smaller side, which typically translates into good service and occasionally into a greater flexibility in price.

I hope you find the perfect place, but really, since it's your honeymoon, chances are that you'll love wherever you choose and have wonderful memories.

Wow! Thanks for all the great info! I guess I could tell a little bit more of what I'm looking for...

For me, a great vacation is a great beach, good food, and not much else!!! The white sand beaches are a little more "my type". I really don't need a lot of water activities, or a lively town. Anguilla appealed to me because it really seemed to have all of this. I will check out the other two resorts you recommended...maybe find something there.

oh,forgot to add...we'd like to keep the budget right around $5000 mark. (including airfare which seems to be taking a big chunk out of that $5000 right now!)

Negril Jamacia. We were there in '98 and it sounds like it is even better now. The beach is great and you should be able to get reasonable air off season.

congrats on the upcoming wedding
one thing to consider is availibility, may is only 3 months away. places like cap book very quickly. may help to call first and that will narrow down choices. peter island resort in the bvi's is a great choice also. good luck!!

we honeymooned on St.John and stayed in our own villa through Private Homes for Private Vacations (privatehomesvi.com)
Much more affordable and private. There is also Gallow's Point and The Westin. Gallows is beautiful, Westin often has alot of kids around.

I can ditto Negril for the beach and recommend Swept Away for a truly romantic atmosphere. Our first trip there cost us just about $5000 including first-class airfare from Philadelphia and a beachfront suite (and all meals -- it's AI).

www.jamaicainn.com
www.coralreefbarbados.com
www.meridianclub.com
www.tiamoresorts.com