Which to choose?
 

Hey everyone! My fiance and I are planning a honeymoon in June(the offseason) and want to visit the Caribbean. We love a lot of the islands but cannot find a suitable hotel. We are looking for a very romantic place with close access to the beach. We are not looking for the typical hotel room. We love the Crane in Barbados. Thats the atmosphere we are looking for and it is within our budget for the hotel($3000-3500 for 7 nights). However, we would rather stay on St. John instead of Barbados but have been unable to find an accommodation that we can afford with this same romantic atmosphere. Does anyone have any suggestions on accommodations in St. John or can recommend another island similar to St. John that we would love and have a nice hotel? Is Barbados nice for people who love relaxation but adventure as well? Thanks so much for any help.

Could someone please help us out with some advice?

Have never been to Barbados so I cannot visualize the hotel you mention. I got married on SJ a few years ago so I do have some knowledge of it, although I hope others will chime in with more recent information. The only real resorts are Caneel Bay and the Westin- neither was what I was looking for in a honeymoon location so we rented a villa and it was a wonderful choice. If you have not already done so, check some of the real estate company websites. For your budget during the off season you can find a very nice place. I have not stayed there but I think the "Gatehouse at Peter Bay" on www.destinationstjohn.com looks like a great honeymoon choice- view, proximity to beach, hot tub, etc. Take a look and also at the other properties and at other company websites. I think you will get a lot more room for your money along with the privacy and stunning views from many of the villas. There are all kinds of service industries on SJ from people who will shop for you and stock your rental to people who will come to you and cook a wonderful gourmet dinner on your own terrace- shop around and see what all you can find. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding- you will love St. John!

Also, try going to TripAdvisor and then Caribbean then to the specific forum for St. John and I think you will find much more information - read similar posts from recent days to get information about villas who have recently rented or are planning to and have done some of the research for you already.

Tripadvisor is a great website with lots of good info.

Caneel Bay is amazing, but perhaps out of your price range....maybe not though if you are going in June. Keep in mind that heat and bugs are an issue on most islands in the summer, as is rain.
Have fun!

Thanks a lot!! In regards to the bugs, heat, and rain....do you have more info on this? Thanks!

Have you considered Gibney Beach Cottage right on the beach in STJ? Would be private, on a gorgeous beach and I've always thought a great idea for a romantic getaway. I believe it is also in your budget for a June timeframe, although don't know about availability?

The Crane is on a cliff that overlooks a spectacular beach. It's very elegant and over 100 years old. The swimming pool has all those roman style columns. The candlight dinners are excellent. If you're willing to rent a car, I would just go to Barbados and stay at the Crane. That way you're not confined in any way. Barbados is for people who like to relax, but also lots to see/do. To the best of my knowledge, there is nothing on St. John like the Crane.