Grenada, Aruba, Turks, St Croix, Bermuda

futuremrsjwb

I am really struggling with deciding on our honeymoon. I have been to Royal Hideaway in Playa del Carmen, Mexico and it was fabulous. It was all inclusive and we received the royal treatment. I'm really looking for something like that, but in a country that we've never been to.

We just got back from Majestic Elegance in the Dominican Republic and wasn't impressed.

Our honeymoon budget is 7-10,000. In doing my research I like Grenada, Aruba, Turks, St Croix and Bermuda. Has anyone been to a FABULOUS resort in one of these countries?

allychase

Wow you realize for 710k you can go to somewhere like Bora Bora, where celebrities vacation? I went to Aruba for 10 days for 1300 a person and stayed at the Radisson. For a budget like yours you could have the run of the island and stay at the all inclusive Riu and dine wherever you want. I wouldn't recommend all inclusive in Aruba however because of all the delicious restaurants on the island.

allychase

I meant 7 to 10

Jells2dot0

I agree with Ally- for the upper end of your budget, you can go to Fiji or Tahiti, but only Fiji has all inclusives. It depends on how far you want to be away from home. Honestly, I think wanting an all inclusive with that budget is going to limit you. There are some fantastic resorts out there but just not all inclusive. You will not find all inclusive options at the level you'd like in any of those countries except for Turks. Check out Veranda Resort there. I'd also recommend checking out Hermitage Bay in Antigua or Palm Island in the Grenadines. They are considered higher end all inclusives. If you are willing to go non-all inclusive, check out a split stay at Amayara and The Regent on Turks. Amanyara is super expensive, so you could only do a few nights there in combination with something else. On St. John, there is Caneel Bay. in the BVIs, there is Little Dix Bay or Peter Island. On Nevis, there is the Four Seasons. On Anguilla, there are several high end properties, including the Viceroy and Cap Jaluca. You could even do a split stay on Anguilla and St. Maarten at La Samanna. So, lots of options, depending on what you really want.

Getting2Vowels

I agree with pp's. You have a great HM budget and should look elsewhere however I can share about my experience in Aruba....

I stayed at the Marriott Stelaris Casino and had an AMAZING time. It was the last resort on the island with plenty of beach left to roam around. There were so many thigns to do so if you and your FH are active you'll never run out of activities.
The food was really good and you could eat at the neighboring hotel. From what I remember it was part of the resort.
My only complaint was that people left their towels on chairs early in the morning and it was difficult at times to get an umbrella chair throughout the day, especially right on the beach.

SuMmErKuTiE

Ditto pp's with your budget I would definitely look beyond the Caribbean as it's so close and cheap enough to go to many more times over the years.

Start looking elsewhere around the globe such as Greece, Italy, the Maldives, Fiji, Bora Bora, Hawaii, South Africa, etc.. which are doable with your budget.

We honeymooned at Qamea Resort & Spa in Fiji and it was definitely a very different and more luxurious experience compared to the resorts we've been to in the Caribbean and it was MUCH more private since they only accomodate up to 36 people at a time and everyone has their own private beach front bure.

http://www.south-seas-adventures.com/

AdeleDazeem

We married at The Reefs in Bermuda  www.thereefs.com

Um, classiest, most awesome place I have ever been to in my life.  It's expensive, but within your budget.  Check out their website - it is everything it advertises.  I also have some pictures in my married bio (link in siggy).  I literally have not one complaint about the place.  If this matters to you - we saw only one child there the entire time, the rest were all adults.

JaneAustensGhost

I've spent a lot of time on St Croix and I must say, you probably don't want to go there for your honeymoon.   The poverty is quickly taking over the island, and the beach isn't very beachy (it's got a lot of seaweed, and in some spots it is rather unattractive.) 

St Thomas has better resorts.   

However, if you do hit the Virgin Islands, make sure you go out to Buck Island.  It's gorgeous!

Amanda1443994

I agree with PP..I would not choose St. Croix. I wouldn't go with Bermuda either. With your budget, I would suggest either Grenada or Turks. I know many people are suggesting looking elsewhere around the world with your budget, but also keep in mind the type of ammenities you want. You may be able to get an awesome hotel but a lower level room. Do you really want that?  We spent a little over $10,000 on our HM as well but chose St. Lucia because we were able to get the highest level accommodations available. If I were you, I wouldn't want to spend 10k and end up in a normal or lower level room.

Jells2dot0

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_grenada-aruba-turks-st-croix-bermuda?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:11Discussion:2c34cbf3-110f-4550-bf08-e8d14e7ad586Post:9d0b59f0-b1f7-4f77-bd49-c55f37260207">Re: Grenada, Aruba, Turks, St Croix, Bermuda</a>:
[QUOTE]I agree with PP..I would not choose St. Croix. I wouldn't go with Bermuda either. With your budget, I would suggest either Grenada or Turks. I know many people are suggesting looking elsewhere around the world with your budget, but also keep in mind the type of ammenities you want<strong>. You may be able to get an awesome hotel but a lower level room.</strong> Do you really want that?  We spent a little over $10,000 on our HM as well but chose St. Lucia because we were able to get the highest level accommodations available. If I were you, I wouldn't want to spend 10k and end up in a normal or lower level room.
Posted by Amanda1443994[/QUOTE]

That's not entirely true. You can get a beachfront bure in Fiji that is not connected to any other room and just steps from the water. In Tahiti, depending on the islands you choose, you can stay in an overwater bungalow. Maybe not for $7K, but $10K it's doable. I don't think a beachfront bure or overwater bungalow are lower level rooms. Yes, it might be nice to stay closer to home and stay in the top room category at the resort, but if the OP doesn't know her budget can get her to these other places, they may opt for something a little harder to get to and more exotic since the Caribbean is easier to get to for anniversaries or family vacations.
 
It's very hard to research pricing when you are considering more than 2-3 destinations, so I recommend that the OP choose what best suits their needs and then start looking at pricing on Expedia, Travelocity, etc. Fiji and Tahiti trips would probably require a TA's assistance to ensure all parts of the trip are pulled together.

SuMmErKuTiE

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_grenada-aruba-turks-st-croix-bermuda?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:11Discussion:2c34cbf3-110f-4550-bf08-e8d14e7ad586Post:9d0b59f0-b1f7-4f77-bd49-c55f37260207">Re: Grenada, Aruba, Turks, St Croix, Bermuda</a>:
[QUOTE]I agree with PP..I would not choose St. Croix. I wouldn't go with Bermuda either. With your budget, I would suggest either Grenada or Turks. I know many people are suggesting looking elsewhere around the world with your budget, but also keep in mind the type of ammenities you want. <strong>You may be able to get an awesome hotel but a lower level room. Do you really want that? </strong> We spent a little over $10,000 on our HM as well but chose St. Lucia because we were able to get the highest level accommodations available. If I were you, I wouldn't want to spend 10k and end up in a normal or lower level room.
Posted by Amanda1443994[/QUOTE]

The bolded part above is definitely not true. In other places around the world such as French Polynesia, you aren't in a big crowded hotel. You have your own private bure (villa) and we had a private courtyard with outdoor rock shower and hot tub. We spent $2k less than our friends who honeymooned at Sandals in St. Lucia which is absolutely crazy to us!

My biggest advice is to do a lot of research before making a final decision. With your budget you can go to some pretty exotic and luxurious places around the world or go all out in the Caribbean or Mexico and save the rest of the $$ towards a down payment on a house or another fabulous trip later in the year. HTH!

AdeleDazeem

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_grenada-aruba-turks-st-croix-bermuda?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:11Discussion:2c34cbf3-110f-4550-bf08-e8d14e7ad586Post:9d0b59f0-b1f7-4f77-bd49-c55f37260207">Re: Grenada, Aruba, Turks, St Croix, Bermuda</a>:
[QUOTE]I agree with PP..I would not choose St. Croix. <strong>I wouldn't go with Bermuda eithe</strong>r. With your budget, I would suggest either Grenada or Turks. I know many people are suggesting looking elsewhere around the world with your budget, but also keep in mind the type of ammenities you want. You may be able to get an awesome hotel but a lower level room. Do you really want that?  We spent a little over $10,000 on our HM as well but chose St. Lucia because we were able to get the highest level accommodations available. If I were you, I wouldn't want to spend 10k and end up in a normal or lower level room.
Posted by Amanda1443994[/QUOTE]

Any particular reason?  According to her OP, she just wants a classy hotel with lots of pampering.  That is easily accessible in Bermuda.  Without knowing what else she is looking for, I'm not sure why you'd dismiss Bermuda so easily.  Or perhaps I'm biased since I find the island to be beautiful and full of all the regular beach-y activities plus a zoo, crystal caves, and biking. 

EDIT: I do agree that the OP should look into more far-flung locations than the Carribbean, though.  If you have the budget, then definitely go all out!

B2Z728

In regards to Aruba, I'd definitely recommend not staying at an all inclusive since there are so many wonderful restaurants. The food is pricy but you should still be well within your budget. We stayed at Bucuti and Tara in Aruba. It's a more boutique style resort in a quieter area of the island and is the only "adults only" resort on the island. We stayed for a week in the second highest room level and were well below your budget, including food and fun money. 

kks4471

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_grenada-aruba-turks-st-croix-bermuda?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:11Discussion:2c34cbf3-110f-4550-bf08-e8d14e7ad586Post:c1d77bef-508b-4433-9d4d-8ecf8a088f4d">Re: Grenada, Aruba, Turks, St Croix, Bermuda</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Grenada, Aruba, Turks, St Croix, Bermuda : Any particular reason?  According to her OP, she just wants a classy hotel with lots of pampering.  That is easily accessible in Bermuda.  Without knowing what else she is looking for, I'm not sure why you'd dismiss Bermuda so easily.  Or perhaps I'm biased since I find the island to be beautiful and full of all the regular beach-y activities plus a zoo, crystal caves, and biking.  EDIT: I do agree that the OP should look into more far-flung locations than the Carribbean, though.  If you have the budget, then definitely go all out!
Posted by Joy2611[/QUOTE]

I definitely agree with Joy.  We went to Bermuda for our honeymoon, and it was very high class, with plenty of spas and high end treatment.  Not sure why you don't think Bermuda is a nice place to go to.  We stayed at Newstead Belmont Hills, and would absolutely stay there again.  We had a room in a cottage, on the harbor with stunning views. Bermuda beaches are beautiful too!

Lisa50

Aruba.  I HIGHLY recommend the Tara Beach Suites at the Bucuti Resort.  We've been there 3 times, including our honeymoon.  Heaven.  See B27's write up.

Turks and Caicos.  We stayed at the Somerset (http://www.thesomerset.com/) and loved it.  Once we go to all of our other fantasy islands, we'll definitely return!

St. Croix.  I went there 20 years ago and stayed at the Cormorant Beach Club.  It is not the same now as it was then.  Sadly, a hurricane several years ago washed the original resort out to sea.  The re-built property is now a GBLT resort, I think.

Not on your list, but for serious consideration ... Have you thought about Anguilla?  You might enjoy Cap Juluca.  The resort has been fully renovated and, supposedly, caters to couples.  We have not been there, but my cousin and his wife RAVE about it! 

allychase

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_grenada-aruba-turks-st-croix-bermuda?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:11Discussion:2c34cbf3-110f-4550-bf08-e8d14e7ad586Post:9d0b59f0-b1f7-4f77-bd49-c55f37260207">Re: Grenada, Aruba, Turks, St Croix, Bermuda</a>:
[QUOTE]I agree with PP..I would not choose St. Croix. I wouldn't go with Bermuda either. With your budget, I would suggest either Grenada or Turks. I know many people are suggesting looking elsewhere around the world with your budget, but also keep in mind the type of ammenities you want. You may be able to get an awesome hotel but a lower level room. Do you really want that?  <strong>We spent a little over $10,000 on our HM as well but chose St. Lucia because we were able to get the highest level accommodations available</strong>. If I were you, I wouldn't want to spend 10k and end up in a normal or lower level room.
Posted by Amanda1443994[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>For $3500 total I have the highest level room, including deck, hammock and private plunge pool at our resort in St Lucia.. I looked at Bora Bora on orbitz and found we could stay there at a high end room for about $6000 total. Don't believe me, stalk the travel sites yourself. Travel agents don't always give the best deals, in fact sometimes they're horrible.

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pneferist

With all these different view from everybody, you should really go to a travel professional.  I've been to most of the places everyone is talking about and everybody views things differently.  A travel agent will hand you all the choices you want with all the prices, does all the research and they are free.  Why kill yourself and get confused by others opinions?  Let the travel agent earn their commission from the resorts...  PM me if you need any suggestions of ones I've booked trips with.  They helped me with Little Dix, Caneel Bay, Turks, Aruba, and Maldives.

SuMmErKuTiE

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_grenada-aruba-turks-st-croix-bermuda?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:11Discussion:2c34cbf3-110f-4550-bf08-e8d14e7ad586Post:f2c1016d-d7bf-4412-8128-9b5ac643f699">Re: Grenada, Aruba, Turks, St Croix, Bermuda</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Grenada, Aruba, Turks, St Croix, Bermuda : For $3500 total I have the highest level room, including deck, hammock and private plunge pool at our resort in St Lucia.. I looked at Bora Bora on orbitz and found we could stay there at a high end room for about $6000 total. Don't believe me, stalk the travel sites yourself. Travel agents don't always give the best deals, in fact sometimes they're horrible.
Posted by allychase[/QUOTE]

I'd assume the poster who paid $10k for St. Lucia went to Sandals (which is where our friends went who paid $2k more to go there than we did to go to Fiji). I say it on here all the time that Sandals is EXTREMEMLY overpriced/overadvertised and a lot of travel agents are sponsered by them so they push Sandals hardcore and a lot of people think they're getting a great deal and don't bother to research other resorts or areas. It saddens me because people could take that money and go on 2 great trips or make the trip they're already taking much more luxurious and/or longer.

allychase

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_grenada-aruba-turks-st-croix-bermuda?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:11Discussion:2c34cbf3-110f-4550-bf08-e8d14e7ad586Post:f2150178-7ec0-45e7-a8c8-5a6bced6774c">Re: Grenada, Aruba, Turks, St Croix, Bermuda</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Grenada, Aruba, Turks, St Croix, Bermuda : I'd assume the poster who paid $10k for St. Lucia went to Sandals (which is where our friends went who paid $2k more to go there than we did to go to Fiji). I say it on here all the time that Sandals is EXTREMEMLY overpriced/overadvertised and a lot of travel agents are sponsered by them so they push Sandals hardcore and a lot of people think they're getting a great deal and don't bother to research other resorts or areas. It saddens me because people could take that money and go on 2 great trips or make the trip they're already taking much more luxurious and/or longer.
Posted by SuMmErKuTiE[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>I totally agree. Sandals seems like the biggest ripoff. It's built to be tourist-y. I personally like to explore the islands and get a better feel for different cultures, not to mention I like saving my money and getting more bang for my buck. 10k on a trip to St Lucia makes me feel bad for that poster, considering there are deals all the time where you can fly to places in Europe, or Australia, for less than that. 

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futuremrsjwb

Wow! Thanks for all of your responses. We need to stay in the Caribbean because my fiancé only has 7 days to take off of work. We don't want to spend a quarter of our time traveling. I hear what you are saying about St Croix. Thank you for that. We are not tied to an all inclusive, but we had such a great time at Royal Hideaway in Playa del Carmen that we were looking for something similar. My budget includes EVERYTHING. Airfare, excursions, food, etc. And 10K is the absolute max. We would be ecstatic to end at 7K. I will deifinitely look into some of these suggetions. You guys are great!

allychase

I would check Antigua if I was you. I looked into Cocos all inclusive hotel and the water looked AMAZING... very similar to bora bora. 

Jroy1443

Ok, you can stop your search! Just look up Seven Stars Resort in Turks and Caico's! Amazing! Absolutely beautiful resort, very relaxing. When we went it was warm and sunny every day, it did rain twice but passed and cleared up in an hour. There is always a warm breeze on the island so even though its hot, you never feel HOT. They have a salt water pool at Seven Stars that is great. The ocean is very calm there, very clear, and of course warm. We stayed in an Ocean Front Suite that had 180 degree views of the ocean, a full kitchen, washer/dryer, a living room, beautiful bedroom, 2 bathrooms, and a balcony that ran the length of the suite. Totally worth every penny...and I'm sure could fit your budget...but they also have cheaper rooms that are just as amazing, but might not be ocean front. We chose Hawaii for our honeymoon because we've never been, but Turks and Caico's will be our go to vacation spot going forward!