I'm look for a special place to take my wife on our 25th anniversary. Somewhere fantastic!!! Not the norm. Any help would be appreciated.

What's the norm? What do you and she like to do? What kind of trip would be fantastic? Anything outside the US?

In 25 years she must have professed to always want to see " "?

But yes, I agree, a little more info would be good.

Sorry - here's a little more info. The norm is the all inclusive vacation to Mexico or Jamaica. A week on a tropical island would be fantastic. She loves beaches. Definitely outside the U.S. I want to make a big splash as she's put up with me for all this time and she deserves it

On vacations we like to relax on the beach during the day (with several drinks) and then enjoy some nightlife at night. We're not big planners on vacations so we just take it easy and enjoy our time off our time consuming jobs.

Since you didn't mention anything about budget, how about something like this:

http://hotelkiaora.com/index.php?file=articles&cat=5

Or, you could go a little less primitive and just stay at Hotel Bora Bora:

http://www.amanresorts.com/hotelborabora/home.aspx

You should probably post this also in the Caribbean forum.

Maybe Hawaii? South of France?

Assuming by "fantatic" you are willing to pay for upscale accomodations then check out the following if you want a "beach" location outside the US:

Turtle Ialand, Yasawa Island or Wakaya Club,Fiji

Lizzard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Cayo Espanto, Belize

Little Dix Bay or Necker Island, British Virgin Islands

Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic

Sandy Lane, Barbados

Little Palm Island, Florida

Tahiti? Fiji?

For our 20th we went to Kauau and stayed in an oceanfront fabulous condo and ate great meals out.

If I were planning a 25th there's where I'd go:

http://www.fourseasons.com/hualalai/

I've heard Turkey is very nice.

She likes beaches? Head east to Santorini. The Europe board here has tons of information on Santorini. There are famous hotels in Oia, but check out Kamari on the beach side of the island as well - the beach there is black sand (actually it's more like black rocks). But it's definitely different.

Your wife is a very lucky woman! Congratulations on your anniversary!

Randy,

I was interested in your question as our 25th is next year, and I've been pondering where to go as well.

I believe I've finally settled on Bali. Not only is it possible to lay on the beach all day with a few drinks, but the level of accomodation available is amazing.

What you'd pay to stay in a mediocre hotel room in NYC could get you a private one bedroom villa in a resort with a private plunge pool.

Plus if you'd like to be more active, there's lots to do.

Good luck with whatever you decide, and congratulations!
H

Wow - great ideas from everyone. Truly appreciate it. Phieaglefan - is there a certain resort in Bali you've been looking at. Tahiti looks beautiful too with bungalows over the water.

No, I haven't started narrowing it down yet. But I just did a quick search. Keep in mind, I've never been to Bali, so I'm just telling you what my internet research has gleaned.

I found a resort called the Kunja which had pool villas for $290/night.

Also found one called Rama Beach Resort with pool villas from $166 to $178/ night.

Here's a website that lists several villa type resorts:

http://www.allbalivillas.com/bali-vi...oom-villa.html

Also, www.asiarooms.com seems to have very good prices. The Asia board here on Fodor's is a great resource.

Happy planning!
H

When you plan on going should be a major factor in where you go.

I wouldn't plan on the Caribbean during Hurricane season. Likewise, if you're in parts of Asia during the rainy season, which can vary by spot, it won't be pleasant, either.

I would suggest you tell us when you're planning this as that will allow the best options, with factoring in the weather.

BTW, I'd go back to Phuket Thailand well before I'd go back to Bali.

BTW, if you do choose Bali, you really ought to look at either the Four Seasons, the Ritz-Carlton, or the Aman resort.

Do NOT stay in the Nusa Dua development.

If you would consider Phuket, the Chedi, Banyan Tree, and Amanpuri are great options.