joebob

bob are you really named Casey? and is your fiance named Jessica?

Sue

Tim, you know full well that your ridiculous remarks about many of the islands have not been appreciated on the Caribbean board and have been the subject of many a bashing, well deserved in IMHO! From the way you describe some of the hotels, I have to wonder if you have even been to some of them. Peter Island, Little Dix, Biras Creek as dumps?? Honestly, have you ever been to any of those resorts? And to say that the T&L ratings are based on readers polls is stating the obvious - but what else is T&L supposed to base their ratings on, pray tell?? T&C is a highly regarded travel publication whose readers must clearly be persons who are seasoned travellers who have wondered the world over and most of all, have discriminating tastes, something which is obviously sorely lacking in you. It is interesting that the Ritz Carlton on St Thomas of which you are lauding (and at which you hopefully have actually stayed!), did'nt even make it to the top 100 list of world's best hotels for 2002 or ever. Sure there were lots of other Ritz Carltons in other regions that made it but that one did not. Cap Juluca was No 54 (and No. 2 for the Caribbean). Peter Island (the dump as you call it!!) was No. 51 (and No.1) in the Caribbean. Biras Creek No. 86. So it matters very little what you have to say, those of us who have class and style will continue to enjoy the best that the world has to offer without you.

IMHO

We have a thing for St. Barth's and feel you could do no better. It is Europe in the Carib, with better restaurants than Paris and more ambience than anywhere I have ever been around the entire world! I strongly recommend Le Toiny, if Heaven is only half that good....! We spent two full weeks there and cried upon departing. We felt the island was lovely and beautiful and the private villa with our own pool was divine. It is so easy to get to from NYC, just a quick change to a puddle jumper from St. Maarten and you are there! You don't say how much time you have...with Hawaii you will have to waste several days travelling, jet lag, etc. If you have a week or less, I would definitely go for the Carib. If you have more time, why stop in Hawaii, why not continue on to Moorea or Bora Bora? This is a once in a lifetime trip and if you are like us, you want to be as far away as possible from your day-in, day-out life. St. Barth's will give you a TOTAL escape --no chains, no highrises, no ugliness, no poverty, no busses, no groups...Moorea is also spectacular. I would save Hawaii for Married with Children -- a perfect future family vacation.

Toms

Staying in St. Maarten early April. Might do a day trip to Anguilla or St. Bart's. Sounds like the latter might be the better choice. For the record I have been to Hawaii numerous times and have never found a more beautiful place. Although we still continue to look.

rwilliams

The person asking the question got married almost a year ago.

blakeas

I am getting married on October 2nd - And i too am trying to decide between the caribbean and Hawaii for my honeymoon. I love lush vegitation and wildlife along with mountains and beautiful beaches. I have only been to the caymans, mexico and Jamaica and have never been to hawaii. I am 29 years old and I enjoy scuba diving but my fiancee does not. Any suggestions? You could also email me at [email protected] if you would like!

judibur

Tim: It sounds like something drastic happened to you while in Anguilla. I have been to Cap Juluca and to the big island of Hawaii, Maui & Kaui & Oahu.

Cap Juluca is a wonderful hotel, and is on a most gorgeous beach. Anguilla hs some of the most wonderful dining opportunities available, perhaps of all (well maybe not St. Barts (I have not been there yet) in all the Caribbean. Believe me the restaurants are beyond superb. The beach is soft white powder and the sea is perfect color clear blue. I would recommend Cap without hesitation.

In Hawaii, I believe the place one should try to get to (honeymoon, absolutely) would be on the Big Island at the Four Seasons Hualalai. It is just perfect. In picking room, ask for room around Kings Pond (quiet + pefect). I agree with Sharona that there are kids around. We were never too upset with them as again, we had a very quiet room area and the kids were not allowed around the main adult pool if there was any noise involved. What Hualalai does not have is a good swimming beach. There is a beach with all the usual Four Seasons wonderful amenities and some wonderful pool. Anyway it has seemed to us that Hualalai is just about perfect in every way. Four Seasons Maui was no comparison to Four Seasons Hualalai in our opinion. Maui, however is a beautiful island (so many great trips to take and such gorgeous land).

Please don't even consider Cancun

Anyway your choice of Caribbean or Hawaii is a tough one - but remember Anguilla has the most spectacular beaches and dining opportunities. If you go to Cap you have many many wonderful restaurants to choose from and a really spectacular hotel with rooms right on the beach. Anguilla, however is not a pretty island just those incredibly perfect beaches make you think it is perfect

Best of luck in any choices you make.