Hi there. We're trying to plan an August honeymoon. I would prefer Europe (Amalfi or Nice) but my fiance would like not to have to worry about anything, and is interested in something all inclusive in the islands.<BR><BR>Can anyone suggest an upscale island that a) is out of the hurricane zone and b) can allay my fears of a cheesy honeymooner scene and maybe even make me feel like I'm in Europe? We're not Sandals or Club Med types.<BR><BR>We want beautiful beaches, maybe a wonderful spa and golf course, great restaurants. Don't care so much about snorkeling and stuff like that. <BR>Thanks!

Thanks for the opportunity ti talk about your honeymoons and "non-Sandals types". I felt the very same way. Let me tell you my story.<BR><BR>I'll tell you what I think about the Sandals Resorts. . . About 12 years ago I was going out with a gentleman who wanted to take me to Sandals in Jamaica for my birthday. I had traveled over most of the world and was quite the travel snob. I asked him why he thought I would want to go to an all-inclusive resort. After all I had been to the finest places and mixed with locals in Greece, Istanbul, London and etc.<BR><BR>I'm surprised that he took me anywhere after the way I acted however we did go to Sandals Ocho Rios and fell in love with it. So much so that we went to 6 different Sandals ( the second in St. Lucia) over the following couple of years. I was Executive Director of a non-profit organization for two states at the time. I was so taken with Sandals and the concept that I decided to leave my job and start my own travel agency.<BR><BR>I now have 520 clients from all over the United States and earned the Chairman's Award of Best of the Best for 2001. And as they say ~ the rest is history.<BR><BR>At Sandals and Beaches you will be pampered morning, noon and night at the most romantic place in paradise. You just need a few swim suites for the day, a few dresses for the evening and the perfect man!<BR><BR>They are nothing like Club Med and I would strongly recommend St. Lucia.<BR>

If you can live without golf, it opens up a number of interesting possibilities that are less touristy...<BR><BR>St. Barth's is VERY French, very upscale. Great restaurants, nice beaches. Stay in a small hotel or rent a small villa if you want privacy--there are no big resorts. If you like French food, there's nothing better than being able to enjoy the best French bread, wine, and cheese in a tropical environment<BR><BR>St. John has amazing beaches and good restaurants, and is very beautiful because most of it is protected from development. Most upscale resort is Caneel Bay...may be a little too family oriented for you..<BR><BR>British Virgin Islands has beautful beaches and is very laid back. A number of high end resorts here...many of which have been profiled on this site like Bitter End, Little Dix Bay, Peter Island...do a search on them<BR>

Not too many islands resemble Europe. You might try Barbados for the british atmosphere. Or how about Bermuda--its very romantic with beautiful beaches. The Royal Hideaway Playacar in Riviera Maya Mexico is a luxury resort with a terrific spa. The laluna resort in Grenada is also luxurious. Good luck.

Thanks for all the options, but are they all August-friendly??

I know what you mean about not being a "Sandals person". I am not one either, and even though the Sandals Halcyon is "smaller and quainter" than most Sandals, I turned down a nice package deal for there for my honeymoon (maybe even the same Penny as above offered it to me???). Anyway, look at the Jalousie-Hilton or Ladera on St. Lucia, and even Laluna (and possibly Spice Island) on Grenada. All seem nice and much more laid-back, romantic, less pushy than what I hear Sandals can be like, etc. I will note though that there are indeed plenty of people that truly love Sandals Resorts, though it just doesn't seem like my cup of tea, though having not actually been to one I can't totally discount them. The other options just seem better to me.<BR><BR>By the way, Grenada is very far south in the Caribbean and is thus pretty much outside of the hurricane zone.

Hi Jennifer:<BR><BR>Congratulations on getting married! my fianc&eacute; and i are also planning an August Caribbean honeymoon, and were also worried about the August time frame, but decided on the Four Seasons on Nevis. Apparently its got the best watersports, best golfing, great dining and great packages- the romance package includes 7 nights with breakfast and dinner, all the golf you want and massages!! it was rated #1on the CN Traveler Gold List, i dont think you can go wrong there! As for the summer season in the Caribbean, the way we look at it is, you can go away any time of year and it can rain- you are never gauranteed perfect weather. And August (hopefully) is early enough before Hurricane season. <BR>Check it out- www.fourseasons.com.<BR>(Ps- the rates are WAY lower that time of year....) Good luck whatever you decide and again, congratulations! <BR>

Fly up to Montreal for true French atmosphere-you will feel like you're in Europe and the cuisine is very good. Very interesting art museums and the horse and carriage ride is romantic. Take a boat ride down the St. Lawrence. Then fly via N.Y. to Bermuda--that way you have both the islands and a European type adventure! Some really upscale resorts are in Barbados including the Coral Reef Club--see Fodors for resorts--and Barbados has the golf courses. More luxury in Four Seasons Nevis--take the fast express flight from St. Kitts.

Jennifer,<BR>I agree with you about not being into the cliche Sandals and Beaches type of resort. Check into Cap Juluca on Anguilla (5 star). It is pure luxury all the way. Also, CuisinArt is charming and very luxurious on Anguilla.<BR>Penny, your response is very surprising particulary since you're in the travel industry. These places are not luxury or anything special.

Congratulations. I felt the same way about Europe so I cancelled our trip to Italy and instead booked a 2 week trip to Austria and Switzerland with a direct flight. I feel more comfortable about my vacation now. As others have mentioned you may want to stay far south as possible to avoid being in the direct path of any possible hurricane-- Barbados (Cobblers Cove Resort) and Grenada (LaLuna Resort) or even Aruba (Tierra del Sol Golf Course-country club atmosphere and stay at Marriott, Hyatt, Radisson or Wyndham). I was reading that if you call Wyndham directly there is a managers special with a suite and BB every morning. In Aruba, rent a car-easy to drive. Good luck!

Hi Jennifer--<BR><BR>We are also getting married in August and trying to plan an upscale (and non-Sandals)honeymoon. We've done a ton of research and so far Cap Juluca is our first choice. We also have heard wonderful things about Las Ventanas in los cabos--(not the caribbean but similar idea) so we're trying to decide between those two. You should check it out--the website is www.lasventanas.com. Anyway, good luck and congratulations!