JenWed

Author: JenWed
Date: 08/21/2007, 05:16 pm
Hello all,
I need advice on this issue. My grandparents have given my fiancee a 4 night 5 day vacation to one of the following places and we have to make a decision. Neither one of us have been to any of these places. We're getting married in September, but we won't be able to go right away (his work)...
We would like to go somewhere that is relatively reasonable to fly to (we have to pay for flights and food), lots of things to do, preferably low key and relaxing, reasonably priced adventures off the beaten path, safe atmosphere, hopefully nice beaches, and a GREAT TIME!
We can stay at:
1. Wyndham Aruba Beach Resort & Casino in Palm Beach, Aruba
2. Radisson Waikiki Prince Kuhio, Oahu Hawaii
3. Royahl Lahaina Resort, Kaanapali, Maui Hawaii
4. Wyndham Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica
5. The Hampton Inn & Suites, San Juan Puerto Rico.
I can stumble through spanish if needed, but we want to go somewhere that we may not be able to go again... Any suggestions as far as where to go and when to go there? We may decide to stay longer at a different hotel or location, but we'll see how everything turns out with his work...
Thank you for ANY advice we can get!

CHOCOLATE_WATER_ICE

Where will you be flying from?

How do you define "safe"? Is it a place where it's possible to walk the streets inebriated at 2 AM / go into a rainforrest alone (with no map) and not get snake bitten / stroll on the beach with no hawkers offering things / with a very low crime rate? Are you streetwise?

What are you wanting to spend? Is "reasonable" dinner for two for $20. or $200. Are alcoholic beverages / wine with dinner every night on the list of essentials?

By the way, when you go will effect the prices on air and the possible extra days.

Does "low key and relaxing" mean veg by the pool or on the beach with a frozen drink with hot and cold attending bar staff or jerk chicken roadside stand following a deserted beach visit (with no restrooms or changing rooms)?

The more info you give, the easier it is to give advice.

Consider posting on the Caribbean and/or US boards here for more responses.

For me, Hawaii is my top pick of your options since I have not been there yet. However, I am not an off the beaten path type.

Best wishes for a great honeymoon.

angethereader

I would have said Costa Rica, until I saw it was San Juan. It's just a big city, and we didn't even stay the night.
I'd go for Kaanapali, if you're looking for low key and quiet. I've been to Oahu, it's another big city. Nice beach, but still not the place for peace and quiet.

hawaiichris

I say hawaii is a good choice. The Royal Lahaina is a beautiful resort since the renovations. Oahu will be very citylike and the prince kuhio is right in the heart of waikiki. (no longer a radison and has been taken over by the hilton). maui would be the better option of the two hawaii picks for off the beaten path. Of course the beaches are great. Hawaii is very safe. Crime rate is not very high in hawaii either.

Good luck!

rachelnyc04

I, too, would vote for Lahaina in Maui. However, depending on where you are flying from, Oahu would likely be cheaper and a direct flight which would save you time and money. Waikiki is certainly bustling, but I loved my vacation there and wouldn't say its just like another big city on the water. We hiked Diamond head and snorkeled in Hanamau Bay (no clue about the spelling) and loved both to get outside the main strip of beach.