kpapmeu

My fiance and I are having trouble trying to decide a honeymoon location. We will leave the first week of September and want to be gone no more than 8 days. For some reason, he is set on an all-inclusive - which would probably mean somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean. I am worried about the weather (rain, hurricanes?) in those areas at that time of year. I like Hawaii better, although I know there aren't really all inclusives there. We've also tossed around everything from Buenos Aires to Greece to Belize to a Brazilian cruise.

We're mostly looking for something relaxing, although we are both fairly adventurous. We haven't been to any of the places mentioned, and actually I've never really done a true "beach" vacation. He went to Costa Rica (all inclusive resort) last year and loved it. We're both late 20's and not necessarily foodies, although we love to eat and enjoy our beers. We both can take or leave tourist attractions, when we travel we like to get out and just explore. On this trip beautiful, romantic secenery is probably more important. I love to shop, although that probably won't be a priority on the honeymoon. Cost isn't necessarily an issue, although we don't want to spend an outrageous amount (not more than $10,000 total) as his parents will be paying for it.

Help? I'll also post this on the Carribbean board.

mcwedding

We loved the Four seasons in maui. It is a beautiful resort and there is plenty of shopping nearby in addition to a lot of activities...snorkeling, surfing, etc. You could also go the spa at the Grand wailea one day...best spa I've ever been to. The view from the hotel is incredible, they have nice service and decent food. We are also 29 and enjoyed are stay here very much.

Debi

For a honeymoon, I would go with Hawaii, because knowing my luck - that hurricane would be heading my way wherever I went in the Caribbean... OR you could go to the ABC Islands (Aruba, Belize, Curacao), which are outside the normal hurricane paths... I don't know where you live - but going to Hawaii from the East Coast takes a while, so maybe I would be back to the Caribbean (assuming you want beach). Buenos Aires is nice - but certainly not a beach vacation... and Brazil is a long trip... I would really focus on location first, THEN decide if all-inclusive is an option. I'm not an all-inclusive fan because I really like to be able to leave the resort and visit other restaurants, but some of them are nice..... Check out Aruba - see how that looks to you....

volcanogirl

We went to Maui for our honeymoon as well and loved it. The Big Island and Kauai are also nice. Personally, I'd toss the idea of an all-inclusive because that's going to limit you and the food isn't always that great. You might also check out St. John; it's absolutely gorgeous. We liked Bermuda too. I loved Costa Rica, but I think the beaches in general are better elsewhere. Congrats on your upcoming marriage!

volcanogirl

Just wanted to add that going to Hawaii is no guarantee of avoiding hurricanes; they had one skirt the coast when we were there, and they've had some pretty destructive ones in the past. That wouldn't stop me from going though. Hawaii is hard to beat. When I was in Bermuda, it got hit by a hurricane too - just a risk of traveling in September.

beachbum

You could probably fit Club Med Bora Bora in that budget. I couldn't think of a more exotic honeymoon destination.

turtlegirl

Kona Village on the Big Island is a wonderful honeymoon place. It is almost all inclusive, serves three fabulous meals a day and has complimetary water, coffee and soft drinks in your hale. Speaking of which, you stay in your own hale (thatched roof hut) with no phones or tvs. It is sooo romantic and peaceful. They have a run of house special where you receive their best hale when you arrive (it's the cheapest way to go) and you'll definitely get a good hale as it's your honeymoon. Plus September is romance month. No keikis (kids) allowed. September is quiet in Hawaii (uncrowded), the water is warm from the summer, and there is much less chance of a hurricane than the Caribbean. We honeymooned at KVR in 1998 and have been back 6 times since! Check their website for the special. konavillage.com

Keleka

I would have agreed with Turtlegirl if it were a year or two ago, but Kona Village is now a bit less user friendly since they've had their management and ownership changes. No more Kona nightinggales, flower bouquets, glass-bottom boat trips, etc. Their dinner menu lacks variety if you stay more than four days and they now charge extra for the luau. Its definitely not like years past.

FireBirdBetty

definitely go for the carribean or costa rica or something like that... Europe would be awesome too...ahh I can't decide