My fiance and I are planning our honeymoon and we're considering the Sandals resorts, or other neat places to stay, anywhere in the Caribbean. We'd prefer to spend less than $2000 for about a week on board. <BR><BR>Any tips or suggestions?<BR><BR>Thanks so much!

With the current 35% sale you might be able to book Sandals Inn or Sandals Dunns River (Jamaica) below 2000. Other places that are more popular are selling out. Airfare would make a difference depending on your flight origination.

We honeymooned at Sandals Antigua last year and paid $5,000 for 7 nights, including airfare. This was staying in one of the concierge level rooms, so choosing a lower category room would save you some $$$.<BR><BR>We really enjoyed this resort. The grounds are very lush/tropical and well kept. The beach is large and spread out, so we never felt overcrowded. The water is very calm, good for swimming and watersports. The food was good, although not spectacular (you don't visit an all-inclusive for the food). Drinks were good and plentiful. Service was also good. They also do a great job of catering to honeymooners. We had a candlelight dinner one night with steak and lobster, and the lobster was very good. <BR><BR>Many people state that Sandals is overpriced, which I agree with IF you were to pay full price. With the discount offered, it is worth it. <BR><BR>If you are considering Jamaica, I would check out the Couples resorts. I have read nothing but great things about these resorts. And since price seems to be an issue, you could opt for the Couples Secret Rendevous. I believe it is $125/night and you don't know which of the 3 resorts you will be at until a week before you leave. This is not bad, as all of the resorts seem wonderful. <BR><BR>If you have any questions about SA, please ask! Congrats and good luck in choosing!

What are the top 3-4 things you and your fiance are looking for on your honeymoon? Once we know that, we'll be better able to say whether a Sandals would be right for you, or whether you'd be happier in a different atmosphere. Do you want beautiful, romantic beaches that make you feel that you are the only two people in the world? Or would you rather be where the action is in the middle of a beautiful but bustling beach? <BR><BR>Are quality and variety of food big priorities for you? Or would you be happy with fewer, blander options, but with no hassle involved in planning your meals? <BR><BR>Do you want an active nightlife? Do you want lots of sports and activities? An island with a lot of cultural and historical sites to see? A lush, tropical island? Or a more desert-like setting that makes the beaches seem even more beautiful by contrast? <BR><BR>Do you want to be in a large resort that has many amenties? Or would you rather be in a smaller place that offers real intimacy, but forgoes a few ameneties?<BR>(There are a few places that offer both intimacy and posh ameneties, but none of them are in the Sandals chain. Unless you're prepare to spend $$$$, most places offer either more intmacy &amp; privacy, or plentiful amenities and service. It all depends on what your preferences are.)<BR><BR>Think about it and respond with your priorities. The more information you give us, the better advice we can give you. We want your honeymoon to be perfect for you. <BR><BR>ps. is your $2000 budget just for board, or is it for room and board? how much can you allocate to airfare?

$2000 wont get you into Sandals even with the 35% discount. Maybe for 3 nights but not 7.

You may be right Kimberly but I saw somewhere Sandals Inn Jamaica was offering their low end room for 143 a night and at 6 nights (7days) that would put you under 2 grand; but I guess the old adage you get what you pay for comes into play.

Thats per person of course.

CadyW - I can't speak for Sandals, as I have not been there. However, we just returned from a trip to Couples, Ocho Rios on 3/17 and loved it. We did the Secret Rendezvous which cost a total of 2,030. for 7 nights (that's not per person, but total for both of us). It was money well spent! If you do a search under Jamaica you will see my trip report.

Sorry, I forgot to mention that price did not include airfare, which was right at 900.00 total (from OKC).