Honeymoon overwhelmed!

das710

Hi everyone! I am hoping for a little bit of advise on our honeymoon. We are feelilng overwhelmed and confused with the amount of options there are for a honeymoon! Maybe if I give some background, you guys can give some advice???

-July '10-hoping to stay for at least 9-10 nights
-Budget is about 6000-7000 total
-Tropical environment - looking for a good balance of being able to relax on the beach but also do a couple activities so we aren't just as the resort the entire time
-We are flexible on All Inclusive, we might prefer it but doesn't have to be
-We prefer an Adults only environment and we like to be sociable with others at the resort
-Plunge pool or jacuzzi maybe???

Some locations we are considering: St. Lucia, Jamaica, Hawaii, Costa Rica (but I think it's rainy season so that probably won't work). Any others?

Any advice or opinions anyone??? This is not as easy and fun as I thought it would be!  Thanks so much in advance!

SuMmErKuTiE

Ladera--St. Lucia
Blue Water-- Antigua
Coral Reef Club--Barbados
LaLuna--Grenada
Sandals--St. Lucia, Antigua, Jamaica

A lot of the resorts in the Riveria Maya area in Mexico would be well within your budget, would be an AI, and would have private plunge pool or jacuzzi.

We originally looked into Hawaii and couldn't find any resorts that included food and/or alcohol or a private plunge pool so we decided on Fiji instead. But, if you'd really like to go to Hawaii, from what the other girls on here say, Hawaii is meant to be explored and has some amazing places to eat. You wouldn't want to be hanging out at the resort most of the time and eating in the same places every day. If you guys are looking for other activities and great food, Hawaii would be a great choice too! I'd definitely like to visit there in the next few years :0)

Speaking with a travel agent will also be a huge help. Give them a list of everything you're looking for and they will be able to give you lots more suggestions.

dah424

we just booked our honeymoon - 6 nights at Sandals Grande in St. Lucia, 4 at Ladera - I can't wait!!!  seems to be a nice combo of the AI relaxation but also lots to do and see

das710

Dah424: I am so glad you posted this. After doing a lot of talking today we are leaning toward St. Lucia. We looked into both resorts as well! When are you going? Would you mind giving me a price range you are spending? If not, no big deal, I don't mean to be nosy!!!!

Everyone-thank you for all your input, it was so helpful! I'll keep you all updated!

GirlieGirl27320

I completely understand how overwhelmed you are!  I feel the same way!  We are considering Hawaii but not sure where.  We are on a lower budget than you too which is very frustrating, but if you don't have the money, you just don't have it!  GL!

krishudd

I'll let you know how it is!  Our wedding is Feb. 6 and we leave for St. Lucia Feb. 8 for one week.  We are staying at the Grande in the Oceanfront concierge suite.  I can't WAIT!!! 

shearxhappiness

Have you tried working with a travel agent? They should be able to narrow down some of your questions and give you some better options for your money. I was a little hesitant about using a travel agent but  I found out that travel agents don't work off of commission from your sale , they get paid from the resorts for booking with them. Either way they get paid if you pick a super expensive resort or not.

dianenjnj

excellence playa mujeres, cancun, mexico

eveningbride

I would seriously consider finding a good travel agent to help you get the most out of your money. Especially considering you are so overwhelmed already.

vmilesic

I would suggest talking to a TA. That's what I did and she helped me alot! It was much easier to just rely on her. We are going to Sandals Whitehouse for 7 nights (8 days) in April for $4,100. I hope this helps.. I spoke to few girls at my work and they think that this is a good price. Good luck

MeganC1222

Check out the Excellence Clubs!  They are FABULOUS and the prices are perfect!!  I had 2 couples come back from their honeymoons saying how wonderful it is, so we checked it out and ended up booking ours at the Excellence Club in Playa Mujeres, MX.  The website is www.excellence-resorts.com i encourage you check them out. 

Lots of Luck and Congrats!!!

verycrafty

We are doing Sandals in St. Lucia for $5000.  Upgraded room, butler, concierge, the works.  Plus, you can play at all their properties on the island, not just the one.  Good Luck!

iksmith20

We just booked our honeymoon at Sandals Grande Antigua....Deluxe honeymoon room w/ ocean view for 7 nights in July for $4,000. (We booked our own airfare separately) We are super excited! A friend of mine just came back and said she loved it. Good luck choosing!

bethziobro

We did Sandals Grande St. Lucia and it was incredible!!  there is absolutely nothing bad I can say about our trip.   We really spurged and got one of the private "Rotunda Huts" complete with butler service, private pool & hot tub, but that was a bit out of the price-range you posted.  But within your range you can still get a great room with an awesome view and a few extras.  There were lots of really fun excursions to do also.  Good luck choosing...all your ideas seem fabulous!

das710

I really appreciate everyone's help and advice!, it was great. I had no idea what our budget would get us realistically. We are going to talk with a travel agent now to get some price points from a few places. 

I'll keep everyone updated! Thanks again!!!

karialex

Try the Explorean Hotel in Chetumal, Mexico. It's fabulous and you can do all inclusive for around $3,000 to $4,000. www.theexplorean.com

labellavitaevents

it's not on your list, but we went to Tahiti for about that same budget.  We were there 8-9 days and stayed on the 3 main islands (Tahiti for one day, Moorea for 4 and Bora Bora for 3-4).  Most of those stays were at one of those over the water bungalows (which is very cool, but a bit overrated in my opinion - I would've rather stayed in a super nice hotel for part of the trip).  But the islands were beautiful, cuisine was great, and it was pretty much all couples all the time.  Good luck with your decision!