I'm exhausted from googling and need some help from people with experience! We delayed our honeymoon to our first anniversary and we are looking to go some time in September, 2015. Right now we are considering Jamaica or St. Lucia and it's a close call.
Specifically, we are looking at Sandals Royal Plantation in Ochos Rios, Jamaica. Or Sandals Halcyon Beach in St. Lucia. Both are smaller, more intimate resorts which is what we are going for. We wants lots of relaxation, a good beach, drinks, and great food. We wouldn't mind exploring a couple days either. Here is what I have basically figured comparing the two:
SRP, Jamaica
-All butler, and people rave about the service. A little more expensive than Halcyon Beach so we could probably only do 7 nights, but it sounds like the extra cash is money well-spent.
-All ocean view rooms
-People RAVE about the food there.
-Access to Sandals Grand Riviera with a short walk down the beach. So while staying at the quiet SRP, we have access to go have a little more lively time and even more dining options at SGR if we choose.
-Heard good things about exploring in town, Ochos Rios, which is just a few minutes away.
SHB, St. Lucia
-For our budget, we would probably go for one of the bottom tier rooms which would not be butler level. I'm guessing that leaves us on our own to make our own reservations and we probably wouldn't get the prime spots. Less expensive so it would probably allow us 8 nights instead of 7.
-Ocean view not likely
-Food sounds like it's good, but not as good as SRP
-The beach sounds like it is nice and clean, but not as nice as Jamaica. Sand is darker and the water is sapphire, not clear and crystal like Jamaica. Also sounds like the water may be pretty choppy.
-Access to two additional Sandals resorts which are 15 minutes away on either side, so that would involve a shuttle.
-Lots to do in St. Lucia
Help! We are stuck...
Re: First Anniversarymoon - Jamaica vs. St. Lucia