gsusguy

My fiancee and I are looking to have a romantic and secluded honeymoon - emphasis on secluded, as in no one likely to be within view of us nor within earshot when we are outside in the pool or Jacuzzi/Hot tub.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Here's some preferences:
- in the US, where temps are 80+
- We can only afford about $3000 for the week.
- something simple, and, as she puts it, "pretty"
- Cottage or Villa, or even a house which was secluded. Not a condo or apt or resort. These latter ones might be "private" but usually aren't "secluded". We don't mind shopping for groceries when we get there. (might have having Omaha Steaks or Ruth Criss delivered.)
- private pool
- private Jacuzzi or private hot tub (could be indoor) - outdoor shower might be nice too
- some kind of view of nature - a view of water is preferred, not necessarily ocean (even a rumbling stream) - just sitting there taking in the sights.
- doesn't need to be alot of stuff to do in the area, but maybe some nice restaraunts to dine out now and then.
- do NOT want to hike to the location or need to get a 4x4 to take on roads which might get washed out in rains
- would prefer to avoid lots of bugs, so some place with a good breeze, and not alot of standing water
- air conditioned in the bedroom at least
- plush furniture
- decor is not a throwback to 70's or 80's (or earlier for that matter!)
- We will mostly be out at the pool, hot tub, or beach, but we'd love to come inside to comfort for watching a movie, or playing some games... and just basically enjoying our time together away for a week (nightlife and crowds are completely undesired)

Any general recommendations on destinations or specific suggestions would be much help and greatly appreciated. Thanks!

garyt22

Hawaii, Florida Keys, or US Virgin Islands sounds like your choices... which one do you want?

sf7307

California will not be in the 80s in January - more likely the 60s and drizzly in Southern California, and the 50s and rainy in Northern California.

nytraveler

Keys may or may not be warm enough - and not sure about privacy.

In Jan I think you really need to do Hawaii or the Carib - and places with truly private hot tubs are generally quite pricey.

nytraveler

Sorry - a really private pool usually means a private villa.

WhereAreWe

Yeah, if you're looking for 80+ every day you're going to have to go to Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands or Hawaii. Even in Key West the average high in January is only 75.

Hawaii is probably out of your budget given the level of privacy/seclusion you are looking for.

You may want to repost in the Caribbean Forum if you are ok with going to either Puerto Rico or U.S. Virgin Islands.

Before dismissing either of those, keep in mind that you don't need a passport and at least check on flight prices and travel time. I was shocked at how cheap it was to fly to San Juan from Minneapolis and flight time wasn't awful.

RoamsAround

Sorry, but there are very few, if any, locations in the US where you'll find temperatures that are consistently in 80's F. during January. Generally speaking average High temperatures in the Southern US are only going to be in the low to mid-70's in January and it could often be cooler, especially at night. While it's possible to get a couple of days with temperatures in the 80's they don't happen often and no one can predict when or if it will occur during the week of your honeymoon. If you want "guaranteed" warm weather you'll have to go further south - think southern Caribbean, Central or parts of South America. If you are willing to travel out of the country look at Costa Rica, Belize or Roatan - you'll find the warmth you need and you should have no difficulty finding places that will give you the privacy you want in your $3,000 budget.

Suggest you look at places in southern Florida, perhaps the Florida Keys, as the northern parts of that state won't meet your definition of "warm". You can probably rule out Alabama or Louisiana as not getting warm enough. Southern California might work temperature wise.

Good luck finding a suitable location for your honeymoon.

Patty

Nope, even southern California won't be warm enough.

Is the $3000 budget just for the house/villa rental or does it need to cover air/car/food/etc? Anywhere warm is going to have high season prices.

Tomsd

In the "winter" here in San Diego - (having grown up at 4,000 foot altitude in Oregon - haven't seen real winter yet here in SD) - we can have beautiful sunny days - in the 70's on up - and sometimes will have a storm blow through - but usually not for more than a couple of days. And that's by the Coast and it's warmer inland.

You could also consider the Palm Springs area - or maybe parts of Arizona. Best time of year for those locales.

And I also would check out/price - Hawaii - or the Carribean - and/or maybe Costa Rica, as if you can get your airfare worked out - you can usually find some kind reasonable accommodations - albeit not the "Ritz".

BTW - you don't have to overpay for good steak - such as ordering from Omaha, etc. Just find a good butcher or store where you are going (well, here in SD and Hawaii anyway) - and buy Choice - or Prime if you are really planning a special dinner.

Also - fresh fish is also readily available here in SD and most of the other places mentioned.

oregonmom

Are you near a major airport hub? Unless I missed it, I don't see where you are based.

oregonmom

we took our family of 4 to Hawaii for 10 days, renting a condo and a car and spent $3500 total. So I think your budget should be doable if you can find a private place to rent. Try VRBO for an isolated house on the Big Island

china_cat

I was going to make a similar suggestion to oregonmom...I bet you can find something on the Big Island that will suit and meet your budget. Especially if you are willing to consider the Hilo side. You may not find beaches as fabulous, but there are some very nice houses, with great views, plenty of seclusion. I remember finding one with a private pool. I stayed in one that had a hot tub that was very reasonably priced.

Marginal

You'd be better off in Fiji.

nytraveler

The OP may not have passports - but can get them easily enough.

However, I would think the air fare to Fiji would be a deal breaker.

A lot depends on where they are flying from - air fare could easily take half their budget.

Melissa5

EEk don't come to California in January if you want warm weather and temps in the 80's. I live in Southern California, and January is one of our worst months. It is generally gloomy, rainy, and relatively cold in January. Sometimes you can see a bit of sun, but never in the 80's. That's why we escape to Hawaii or Osa peninsula in Costa Rica in January.