jacebjones

So, I am trying to plan a honeymoon. What I am looking for is 7-10 days in the Caribbean. I don't know much about the islands, so I am trying to find the best one along with resorts that would match. I am looking at spending around $5,000 upwards to no more than $10,000. That is including airfare. I am looking for something all-inclusive if possible, but it is not a deal-breaker since we will have a good amount of money after our wedding to pay for food/drinks. The important things would be a nice beach, safe island, activities such as horseback riding or just doing some exploring in a rental car/jeep. We don't plan on doing too many activities, we will be pretty happy just lounging around with a drink in hand at the beach. Also, a spa close by is a requisite. I know these are probably pretty broad requests (trust me, I have done my fair share of searching the 100's of options), but I just wanted to know if anyone can recommend some places based on experience. Thank you for any and all help.

Jace

Caribzack

Flying from where?
What month are you traveling?

tejana

Why have you narrowed your search to Anguilla, Bahamas, Cayman, and T&C? If you are traveling in the winter, the Bahamas are no warmer than Florida, and many people will consider the water too cool to swim. Do you want something with mountains, rain forests and lots of tropical vegetation, or are you looking for something a little more arid, where it's all about the beach? I would suggest starting by figuring out what islands you can get to from your home city either on a non-stop flight or on a one-hop, and then see what appeals to you. If you are looking for an AI resort where you never plan to leave the property, the list will be a little different than if you want to really explore an island. For ultimate honeymoon romance, St. Lucia is fabulous, but so is St. John, and our friends that honeymooned in Aruba loved it so much that they go back every year. If you are coming from the States and haven't spent any time in the Caribbean, then St John, USVI might be a good introduction -- gorgeous, easy to get to, and once you are there you can eaily hop over to the BVI for day trips. There are a couple of higher end resorts there, but I don't think they are AI (and I don't think you would want AI on St. John because you want to be able to explore the island and the neighboring islands). You are going to have fun planning this! Give us a little more information - season, where you are traveling from, level of "adventure" you want, and we can help more.

schmerl

We really need to know WHEN you will be traveling as certain places are better at particular times of the year.

jacebjones

We will be traveling in June and will be flying out of Minneapolis, MN. I'm sure we will have a layover in Atlanta, GA, and according to delta they fly pretty much anywhere in the Caribbean directly from there. The only reason why I have those islands selected is because when I was making the post, I was only allowed to select up to 4 islands. Pretty much all of the Caribbean islands are on the table. Like I said AI isn't a big deal, as we will have some extra cash after our wedding. The most important thing for us would be the beach. We really aren't adrenaline junkies who are looking for an adventure everyday. Just a nice relaxing honeymoon. If I can give you anymore information, please, let me know.

Jace

KVR

Most of the AI resorts are in Mexico, Dominican Republic and Jamaica. The Islands listed in your tag are not places that AI would be recommended. St. Lucia is not a destination I would recommend getting a jeep and driving around.

Grand Cayman would fit all your requests. Food and drinks can be quite expensive there. The Marriott on 7 Mile Beach has an AI option. St. John would be a good option also. There are no AI resorts there.

Odin

Barbados is also a good intro island to the Caribbean, has great beaches, nightlife, enough things to do/see on an excursion, easy to rent a jeep and drive around yourself plus many hotels that would come into your budget, whether AI or not.
St Lucia has many hotels set in romantic lush locations, personally I rent a jeep straight from the airport after an 8+ hour flight but can see if you are from the US, it could be an issue with the windy potholed roads and driving on the other side. Grenada is also a fabulous island with lovely hotels and is also easy to drive around the island yourself, the locals are really friendly too (Spice Island hotel, Calabash or Coyaba for instance, some are AI). Many of the islands would suit, try narrowing it down by how accessible they are.

Outside of the Caribbean, Bermuda is lovely in June, there are no AI hotels in Bermuda but has many many great restaurants.

Caribzack

Turks & Caicos in June is wonderful, great weather, easy flights in and out ...warm water and GREAT dining. Look at The Somerset resort -- perfect for a honeymoon! www.thesomerset.com

Jimmie

Four Seasons, Nevis
Nisbet Plantation, Nevis
Caneel Bay, St. John USVI
Peter Island, BVI
Little Dix Bay, BVI
Cap Jaluca, Anguilla
Palm Island, Grenadines

dontcallmecass

If you are settled on June, I would consider Bermuda. It seems to fit the bill. It’s quite safe and perfectly fine for you to do exploring on your own. Tourists are not allowed to rent cars but you can rent a scooter and it is a great way to explore the island. Bermuda also has an excellent bus and ferry system.

There is actually one AI resort and that is the Grotto Bay Beach Resort but I wouldn’t do AI in Bermuda. There are way too many nice restaurants to choose from. Most of the high end resorts have spas (Fairmont, Newstead Belmont Hills, etc). To top it off, Bermuda has some of the most beautiful pink sand beaches in the world and all of the public beaches are free.

KVR

We have decided to save Barbados for a cruise instead of a land vacation. I have been researching that destination for 2 years and cannot find accomendations that are comparable in quality and price as we have found in our other Caribbean vacations and Mexico. Everything there seems overpriced and/or sub par.

Yes, the roads in St. Lucia are very windy, hilly and not in the best condition. If you get car sick easily, not a good option for renting a jeep. We did not have any issues with the roads ourselves, but found that having a local guide was just more convenient and easier as everything is very spread out.

I don't think either of those destinations meets the criteria that you listed.

jacebjones

Thanks for all the information everyone. I will look into all of these options. I never thought of Bermuda, either.