Some Caribbean advice would be great..
 

We are planning on honeymooning in the Caribbean next August (2005). Here's what we are looking for:

Great beaches
Great Swimming (maybe even some surfing, but that is far from required)
LOCAL FLAVOR (we want local people/local beer/fresh fish/local flavor)

Any ideas?

Congratulations on your upcoming marriage!

Let me preface with the universal caveat for an August honeymoon: August is approaching the peak of hurricane season, so plan accordingly (i.e. buy trip interruption insurance). It didn't stop me from having an August honeymoon in de islands, but it does pay to be aware of the risks.

That said, I would not limit myself to the traditional destinations outside of the "Hurricane Belt." Hurricane Ivan's devastating strike on Grenada this year, unfortunately, demonstrated that no place is safe.

Given your criteria, I would suggest that you visit the Out Islands of the Bahamas (not to be confused with New Providence (Nassau) or Grand Bahama (Freeport), the other 698 islands of the Bahamas are the "Out Islands"). Being a beach-o-phile, and having traveled throughout the West Indies, my opinion is that the Bahamas (and by extension, the Turks and Caicos) have the best beaches in the region. And because the islands have at lease some Atlantic-facing shores, many of them have surfing. Both Eleuthera and Abaco (in particular, the Garbanzo Break on Elbow Cay) are known to surfers.

To add to the beauty of the Out Islands, mass commercial tourism has not yet found the islands. While you can surely get a burger when dining out, you're more likely to eat conch salad (ceviche) and steamed grouper, washed down by a Kalik or a Goombay Smash (invented by Miss Emily at the Blue Bee Bar on Green Turtle Cay).

Depending on how important surfing is to you, Rincon in Puerto Rico has very good surfing, and even Tortola's North Shore has -- during certain times of the year -- surf. Costa Rica, too, is known for surfing on its Pacific coast. But for the best beaches overall, with the best local feel, I would pick the Out Islands.

And, for sheer romance, there are a number of small, intimate inns on these islands.

Please look at Provo, in the Turks and Caicos Islands. If you want beaches, this is the place for you. You can walk up and down Grace Bay. The water is amazingly clear and in August it will be like bath water. We were there for two weeks last September. There are many places to stay depending on your likes and dislikes. Look at Coral Gardens, but there are many other places, too, to look at. You can pick from small places or large places. Good luck and Best Wishes!

Thanks to the both of you for the recommendations.

You're right, the word "bahamas" typically leaves a negative connotation, but there are hundreds of islands there.

Surfing isn't as important as finding an island that will leave me wishing that we could move there. Like I said above, we are looking for paradise...a place where we can walk to the beach and then find some little bar run by a local family and eat ceviche and drink the local beer/rum. Nothing fancy.

Ok, let me add this:

Last year we went to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, right around Manzanillo (about 6 miles from the border).

Obviously this area is pretty remote, but some great local flare. Anything like this in the Caribbean?

Local flavor? There are some really great small places in Negril Jamaica that would fit that bill nicely. Also, I would recommend Isla Mujeres off the yucatan coast (Cancun). YOu can take the ferry there from Cancun- so fly in there. These two places have perfect beaches and plenty of local flavor while being very laid back.

We have been to Isla Mujeres and agree that it would "fit the bill" - you may also want to consider Playa del Carmen or Tulum in Mexico. You might also try Vieques off the coast of Puerto Rico - lots of small inns and guest houses - have not been there yet but we are headed there in March. Have also been to Negril - I would recommend staying on "the cliffs" - I felt it was "less touristy" there.

Congrats and have a good time where ever you decide to go!