Most romantic destination-we plan to elope!
 

Please save your bashing, but my fiance' and I plan to elope and I want to "wow" her with a destination idea that will make her melt. We are in our late thirties. Enjoy sun and quiet, peaceful, & serene destinations. I am perplexed, on one hand I would love for us to go to Florence and Venice (I have been to Florence, she hasn't) and then possibly take a cruise of the Mediterranean, but on the other hand I still think Hawaii is very romantic possibly Maui or Kauai. Maybe the Caribbean? It will most likely be around April, I want to avoid Spring breakers and Easter travelers. We plan to be away for at least two weeks, and have a decent budget to work with, ideas anyone??? Thanks, Scott

I should have mentioned, I also thought of Mackinaw Island, although it wouldn't be warm...

One week cruising the Greek isles, the other week divided between stays on a couple of the islands. A little place overlooking the caldera on Santorini is a must part of this combination. Staying at the Aliki on little remote Simi would be another great part.

Thanks Patrick, I realize this is the US forum, so I am surprised that my &quot;multi-region&quot; question hasn't been faced with more bashing.<BR>Is there a cruise line of the Greek Islands that you would recommend, we want something very nice, not party type atmosphere. Thanks again.<BR>And to anyone else, I am still looking for US type ideas.

Cap Juluca in Anguilla. Check their website for photos, www.capjuluca.com.

Al, you have my vote thus far, that website is incredible. I will research more on the Caribbean room, thanks.

The Mediterranean in April can go either way - two years ago (when we got married) it was extremely cold. Depending on how far you're willing to fly:<BR>If you're not afraid to go to SE Asia now, Bali is incredible. Other ideas: Seychelles, Phuket, Ko Samui.

Not sure also if you were thinking of getting married first then going away, or getting married where you were going. If the latter, you may run into problems w/international requirements for marriage licenses, etc.

Even the word Tahiti evokes thoughts of romance. Look at the Hotel Bora Bora, the Sofitel Motu, or the new Sheraton on Bora Bora for the best accommodations on all the islands. Or maybe Rangiroa, Tikihau, or Maupiti for more seclusion.

I have the perfect place. A castle in England.<BR><BR>http://www.celticcastles.com/castles/glenapp/index.htm

Wow! Lots of good choices! I suggest Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys. Their website is littlepalmisland.com. Let us know what you decide and congratulations!<BR><BR><BR>

OK, here is an out-there suggestion. I went to this great place here in the states, if you care to do that. It is quiet and interesting and historical and romantic. I am talking about New Harmony, Indiana. I know, not exotic if it is important to impress the heck out of her, so perhaps you can consider it after your elope trip?<BR>We stayed at The Raintree Inn. This town has this amazing atmosphere that makes it seem other-worldly and like a separate world. I do not know how else to describe it. She was into architecture, and there were some neat things there for that, including thier visitor center. It has a small re-built historical town and great places to walk. If you like history and a nice little quiet out of the way unique place, I suggest this. Not too many people know about it. It is small, no McDonalds or major stores, but that is actually a blessing. I had fun, and she had a blast!<BR><BR>Of course, if you can afford and need to go out of country, then go for it!<BR>Good luck whatever happens. I personally wouldn't elope. The surprise is great, but you could always have bad feelings from both sides of the family. Who needs that kind of stress in this already stressful world? But, the only elopement I know of is my Aunt's and she ended up marrying a monster, so, what do I know? Why not do it, if you guys really want to! Have fun!<BR>

These have all just been fantastic suggestions! Thanks alot for you input.

If I could elope anywhere, with a generous budget for the trip, I would choose Paris. It doesn't meet your criteria for peaceful and serene, but for pure romance you cannot top Paris. There is something not so special about Caribbean or Hawaii, thousands of US citizens get married there every year. The unique, life-long story would be to get married in Paris. Though, I would move the trip back to mid-May.

I don't know Carolyn, getting married in a real English castle (not the plastic Disney version) sounds like a great place to elope. I think it beats Paris and all the other choices hands down. They could always go to Paris on their honeymoon.

The one, the only VENICE. It is pure magic.

If you want to stay within the US i thought Napa was pretty romantic. If you like wine, perhaps you could get married in a vineyard.

My first thought is Tahiti - I haven't been yet. That would be my choice though.

I too had thought of Paris, Carolyn, I love the idea, however the language issue made me hesitate. I will say that when I was in Florence I didn't seem to have any problems with the Italians, they knew alot of English. I have heard such nasty remarks about the French though. What is your take on that, do you think they are helpful. And also, your suggestion to push back to mid-May, is that just a temperature thing, or is there more going on at that time, etc. Thanks everyone!

What do you want to do or like to do? do you want to hike, lay on a beach, sightsee, eat, drink, dance, look at art? <BR>Venice is good for art and food. Weather is sketchy, but thunderstorms are gorgeous.<BR>Paris is good for art and food and dancing too, but is cold in April.<BR>The Carribean and Hawaii are good for hiking and sunning.<BR>

Out of U.S. suggestion:<BR><BR>Positano/Amalfi/Capri Italy - just spectacular and romantic. Perfect for a honeymoon - less hectic than bigger european cities.<BR><BR> <BR><BR>

my husband and i eloped 3 weeks ago in Putney, Vermont. The fall leaves were just starting to turn (they were late, had planned for more foliage, but owell). it was perfect, romantic, special, and really, really wonderful to be alone with our vows. <BR><BR>it doesn't seem like vermont is up your ally, since you are looking for a sunny destination. (for others eloping who might like vermont, please check out www.hickoryridgehouse.com. the b&amp;b owners are truly wonderful people and could not have been better hosts for our stay in their lovely home)<BR><BR>Anyway, I would avoid France if you are planning to actually marry at your destination. France has strict marriage license rules - must live in the city for a month or something like that. Italy is easier, but you will need someone to coordinate the documents from abroad and I would start planning that now. <BR><BR>Top romance in my book would probably be Kauai. And I do agree with the other poster about Santorini. My God, Greece is stunning. It's a hell of a trip to get there, but so worth it, especially if you planning to stay for 2 weeks. <BR><BR>If money is no object, look into the seychelles. a friend of mine went on her honeymoon there and said it was fantastic. <BR><BR>In the good ol' US mainland - try Carmel. Or Santa Barbara. <BR><BR>Have a wonderful elopement.

Ooooh, what a fun trip to plan! You want to wow her? I say anywhere on Capri, or Le Sirnuse in Positano. Another idea is Corsica, they just filmed the remake of Swept Away there which I haven't seen, but rent the original, also filmed in Corsica and you'll see why it I think it's an indredibly gorgeous spot.<BR><BR>Another Idea is Phuket Thailand and visit the Phi Phi islands. I thought it was surreally beautiful. The Aman hotels there are world class. Without a doubt the most gorgeous beaches I've ever seen. Blows Hawaii away.<BR><BR>Another thought is Punte d'Este in Uruguay. They have a top resort there at very low prices and even airfares aren't that bad. (about $600, but the hotel costs more than makeup for it).<BR><BR>Also Ville d'Este in Lake Como. I was there on Mother's day and it was incredibly beautiful. Where else can you see snowcapped mountains and palm trees all at once?<BR><BR>Any of those destinations would make me melt, that's for sure. Let us know what you decide.

Meant Le Sirenuse in Positano. WOW.

I too would suggest Paris. Please take the time to go to the Europe board &amp; go to 'France', the info there will be quite enlightening &amp; helpful. The language is typically only a problem for those who have expectations that are not reasonably.

Have you both cruised before? Many variables on cruises, that can't be controlled - I wouldn't risk it. (Seasickness, bad weather with no options for alternative activities, weird dinner partners, etc.) <BR>I've heard Venice is incredibly romantic, but for April, I'd go Caribbean. St. Barts is supposed to be a fabulous island, and the beaches of Anguilla are supposedly the best. No first-hand experience here (boo-hoo) - except for the cruise (boo-hoo-two) - just some thoughts.<BR>

Okay...the biggest WOW would be Fiji!<BR>Look at <BR>http://www.yasawa.com/<BR> or<BR>http://www.vatulele.com/<BR>or<BR>http://www.turtlefiji.com/<BR><BR>If those are too expensive then<BR>http://www.south-seas-adventures.com/Matangi-Island-Resort/index.html<BR>or<BR>http://www.matamanoa.com/<BR><BR>You can't go wrong. Absolutely stunning and romantic. And, I'm convinced Fijians are the friendliest people on the planet.

No need for bashing this time, Scott. Last week we had a dummy who asked whether she should bring her family along on the elopement.

Scott,<BR>I only suggest moving the trip back for Paris becausew it can still be cold in April. We went there and cannot speak French, we took a book and did some homework...everything was fine. It has the best food, charm, art and atmosphere of any European city. I made a personal resolution after my first trip there, that if at any time in future travel I can add Paris to my itinerary I will, and I have three more times. It is a world class city, no doubt.

Lizard Island Resort - off the coast of NE Australia right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef! Only 70 or so guests can even stay at one time. Look up their website. Book at least an Anchor Bay Suite. Then go to Syndey or go to Sydney first and watch a performance at the Opera House followed by dinner at the Opera House. Good idea to save the wedding cost and sink into a real honeymoon. I've been everywhere you mentioned but this experience was even more romantic and way fun too.

I loved Paris too, but it just didn't have the kind of &quot;Wow&quot; factor that my other suggestions did. It's a beautiful, interesting city, but I wasn't in awe of it, nor would I rank it as quiet, peaceful, serene or necessarily sunny, which you mentioned that you were looking for. I feel the same about Venice, which I like even more than Paris, but they seem to be a different kind of vacation than I think you're looking for.

Le Meridien in Bora Bora is amazing. Also Interlaken Switzerland and Juan Dolio, Dominican Repblic

Ok Scott where are you going? Inquiring minds want to know....

What a wonderful thread! And here you were worried about bashing ....<BR><BR>I cannot think of a more romantic place in the world than Venice. We just saw a travelogue on Venice last week and it reminded us again what a romantic place it truly is. You will always have that magical memory and can tell your children and grandchildren where you were married. Ah, Venice .... <BR><BR>

I too am looking for a place to get married, or elope if you want to call it that, in April. We are in our mid-30's and neither of us are interested in the big wedding, maybe a big party after we get back but not the big wedding for us. I looked quite a bit at the caribbean because I don't really want to do a long flight from the midwest in order to go to the pacific region. It looked to me like Caymans were great. Most caribbean islands I looked at had a link about weddings that explained what marriage paperwork and etc. you need there. I also looked at the Lost Resort in the BVI I think it was. If I remember correctly it was the eastern most island in the chain. A place I have been that seemed very romantic to me (altho I was only 20 at the time) was Guajataca Puerto Rico on the NE coast. I believe it was El Parador Hotel. It is not expensive and that was many years ago but I remember the pool up on the cliff above the beautiful blue of the caribbean. WOW! It is on the web at elguajataca.com I think PR gets a bad rap but it is a very beautiful place with many microclimates to explore...jungles, rainforest, african-savannah-like plains, mountains that reach right down to the coast, etc. Also San Juan has great history to be explored if you are in to that. And if you want, it is easy to island hop to anywhere from PR or jump on a cruise to really make it a trip of a lifetime.

My husband and I eloped three years ago and it was amazing!! We took a barefoot sail boat through the British Virgin Islands for a week then we got married on the beach at Long Bay Resort it Tortola. We then stayed four days in a Villa there. I wouldn't have changed a thing!!! Our marriage lic. is issued by the Queen of England, pretty cool!!

We honeymooned in Jamaica at the Grand Lito resort Sans Souci, and saw a lot of couples getting married there. It made us wish we'd skipped our big 250+ affair, and made off to to have a small intimate ceremony overlooking the water during an amazing sunset and a lone sax player playing in the distance.<BR><BR>If you decide to do Europe, I'd pick Venice over Florence as well for romance. Florence, beautiful as it was, was much too distracting and academic for romance. The gondola ride was worth the trip alone. Don't go during the summer months when the canal, is, how shall I say it--a stinkpot? <BR><BR>Oh, and congratulations! Marriage is a wonderful thing no matter where you start it off!<BR>

World's best spots for a honeymoon (and/or wedding):<BR><BR>Greek Isles<BR>Amalfi Coast (Italy)<BR>Bora Bora/Moorea<BR>Lake Como--Villa d'Este<BR>Anguilla--Cap Juluca<BR>Turks/Caicos--Grace Bay Club<BR>Barbados--Sandy Lane<BR>Maui--Four Seasons<BR>Big Island--Four Seasons<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>

Amalfi Coast - hands down. Stay in Capri 1 week, and day trip from there to Ischia for a day spa experience. Ravello the other weeek. Certainly don't miss Positano, but I don't think you need to stay there. <BR><BR>One word of advice, which I wish so badly someone was kind enough to tell me - the Blue Grotto is the biggest waste of time, rip off going. However if you have the $ &amp; time to waste, that's another story. The first time I went, I was on Capri for only 1 day, and I deeply regret choosing to go to the Grotto.

There are some pretty wonderful vineyards in Sonoma or Napa (Ferrari comes to mind immediately; they have spas, romantic dinners, wine trains, etc. The Hilton Wiakoloa on the Big Island has a very beautiful wedding chapel on its grounds. I would be a little hesitant with the world situation to go to Bali, SE Asia or even parts of Europe. You should also consider that some exotic destinations also have the unfortunately tag-along of tourista. The Hyatt on St Lucia is great; Westin on Grand Cayman is nice; what about the Westin in Whisler with a train trip through the Canadian Rockies afterwards? - depends a bit on what you want to do afterwards...scuba, snorkel, ski, drink, ??