Hi!

I'm trying to plan a honeymoon in August '05 and it seems the rainy and or severly hot weather is a huge issue for most honeymoon spots (like the Caribbean, Mexico, etc.).

Any suggestions out there for a small, romantic and luxurious hotel to stay at that's on the best coastline?

Thanks so much for the advice!

Well - this is the europe board - is that what you're asking about.

And August does tend to be hot everywhere in the northern hemisphere - after all - it is the summer.

For cool weather in august I would suggest scandinavia. Or else somewhere in the southern hemisphere.

The Amalfi Coast in southern Italy would be pretty hot in August I'd imagine. I was in the Cinque Terre region (Italy - town with sandy beach is called Monterosso) in August in 2002 and it was in the 80s (F) - not too hot for me but it depends on what you are used too.

Oops, sorry I'm new to this.

I thought I was posting on the PORTUGAL board.

There actually isn't a Portugal Board - it is all lumped under Europe. So to get attention for a Portugal Question - just type Portugal in your title

If price is not an object, you might want to consider the Foraleza do Guincho on Guincho Beach just outside Cascais, Portugal.
At high tide, the waves practically pound the walls of this converted 17th century fortress. You'll have wonderfully wild beaches to explore but are less than a half hour away from the charm of Cascais and the excitement of Estoril's casino.
And no, I'm not shilling for the hotel, I'm just remembering the time we spent there and wishing we could go back.

I was looking at the Fortaleza do Guincho. It looks like a very fine hotel but I was wondering about the beach. Is there a private beach connected to the hotel or are you on your own as far as the beach goes, chairs, towels etc.? Did you stay in Guinco and then take day trips to the surrounding towns?

We were also looking at the Hotel Albatroz. Anybody have any experience there?

We were there in April so were not concerned about swimming. I imagine a hotel as elegant as Forteleza would provide all you need.
On our visit, we stayed three nights in Cascais, itself, at a hotel that no longer exists, and three nights out at the beach. It wasn't our first trip to the area, so sightseeing wasn't an objective. In Cascais, itself, we walked familiar old streets; at Guincho we frequently just admired the incredible view from our gorgeous room.

Hi, beej74, the beach in Guincho is more for looking and wind-surfing. I really enjoyed staying there, looking at the waves but I was told that it would be dangerous to swim there, even if it seems calm.

On the other hand, the beach near Hotel Albatroz is good for swimming but like many other places in August, do expect a lot of people.

I think it really depends on what you are looking for.