travdog

The dear husband and I are celebrating 5 years of marriage in March. Instead of our usual local SoCal or Las Vegas jaunt, I'd really like to go somewhere special. We lived in Europe for years, so the US or Mexico is more what I had in mind. I'm interested in La Casa Que Canta in Mexico or perhaps Hawaii. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. We are interested in something somewhat upscale, but I don't want to pay for something that really isn't worth it, if you know what I mean.

beachgirl86

I've been to both, and although I had a great time in Mexico, I would have to say for something special, I would definitely pick Hawaii! We visited Oahu, Big Island, and Maui last month for our honeymoon, and there are plenty of beautiful, upscale resorts.

Hawaii is absolutely amazing, so many things to see and appreciate. If you click on my screen name, you should be able to find the trip reports I wrote. Good luck!

garyt22

Hawaii...Hawaii...Hawaii!!!!!!!

jacketwatch

My vote is hawaii though I must say that resort in Ix-Zi looks great. In fact my wife saw that in a travel mag once and I forgot to look it up so thanks. That being said between the two I'd go for Hawaii. Another thought is Fiji. I know it is a long way (10 hrs. from LA) but we think Fiji was the best vacation we have ever had. The BI of Hawaii is #2. Congrats and good luck.

travdog

Wow, I can't believe such quick replies! Thank you so much for the info and opinions. Beachgirl, I'll be doing some reading up on your reports. Jacketwatch, I think La Casa Que looks really nice. FYI, I think they are having some good specials in Nov/Dec. Maybe you should surprise your wife? Where did you stay in Fiji?

jacketwatch

we stayed in Nadi at the main Sheraton. There are several Sheraton properties w/i the same complex. They also have golf and tennis. If you go there bear in mind their seasons are opposite ours so our summer is the best time for us. It is their winter and temps are in the mid 80's and it is dry. Their summer is warmer and wet, very humid. Cheers, Larry

traveler77

Maui all the way

LordBalfor

If you are looking at Fiji, you might also consider the Cook Islands. Air fare is rather pricey to get there (I think the best prices I've seen are a bit over $800 USD/PP to get there from LAX), but once you arrive you will find prices are pretty decent - in part because the Cooks use the New Zealand dollar so you get a bit of a break on the exchange. Sinilar in beauty to the much more expensive islands of French Polynesia (Tahiti, Bora Bora, etc). We've rented houses directly on the water for around $100 USD/night. Just lovely. A few of the resorts are a bit pricey, but others are very reasonable. Usually the beaches are pretty much completely deserted.

You can find many photos of the Cooks here:

http://community.webshots.com/topics...08_views_0.htm

Some are mine (obviously those listed under "LordBalfor"), others are by "morenobet" - who has some really beautiful albums, as well lots of other folks. Looking through all those albums should give you a pretty good idea of the incredible beauty.

The only drawback to the Cooks is relative scarcity of nightlife.

Ken

travdog

Hi again. Ken, thanks so much for all the info. Funnily, my hairdresser just came back from the Cook Islands with his wife and said it was the best trip they've ever had. (He actually booked his vacation through Costco, which was interesting.)

Traveler 77, do you have any particular suggetions in Maui?

Thanks!

snowrooster

I'd recommend Kea Lani in Wailea on Maui. It is a great high end resort next to other well known resorts, but instead of just getting little room, you get a suite. Huge bathroom (marble tub, separate shower), great bedroom, living room w/nice dvd & tv, mini bar, balcony. We loved it. Awesome restaurant and spa in the hotel as well. Plus an adult pool (as well as a regular pool w/slides, etc) if you want kid free lounging. Maui is beautiful - fabulous food, snorkeling, views.

I was in Mexico once and was sick the entire trip from the water. I know this doesn't happen to everyone, but that was my experience in Mexico.

I don't know if you'd consider the caribbean, but we LOVED St John, USVI. It is very remote, laid back, and you can rent a villa w/a pool for a very reasonable price. Plus there is virtualy no crime on the island (the owner of our villa told us not to bother locking it and we didn't!).

jacketwatch

Actually the costco deal is no surprise to me. We have used them the last 4 yrs. because they have simply been less than everyone else. As for Fiji their dollar is very close to the NZ dollar as well though they are independent. In terms of USD prices there are a bargain.

Little_Man

I'm in the minority but I like Mexico more and have been to Hawaii twice. I've never been to Casa Que Canta, but hope to someday!
Love the charm and relaxation that I find in Mexico, (Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Maya) and it's nice to get away from the US sometimes!

LordBalfor

Travdog - You will find that many, many people that go to the Cooks, will tell you the same thing as your hairdresser. People who go there tend to fall in love with the place. I know we did.

Regarding Costco, I agree it can be a good choice for booking your vacation, providing you do a lot of your own research (I find that they essentially just take your order but can't offer much advice). We used them for our trip to Puerto Vallarta and were very happy with them. The only really bad thing about them is that they don't seem to book that many different resorts in the Cooks, meaning that you've little choice in where to stay. In addition, of those few places, one of them (the Edgewater) is generally considered to be "not the best choice" by people familar with the Cooks.

Ken

travdog

Great pictures, by the way, Lord Balfour. I am surprised about Costco only because the few times I researched trip costs, they were actually MORE expensive than booking directly. Maybe that's not the case most of the time, though. Good to know.

Thanks!