Relaxed Beach Honeymoon but once in a lifetime

ethadiva · February 2013

Hi,

So we have been researching honeymoon destinations and I'm at a loss. We are honeymooning for 7-10 days in early November 2013, flying from NY. We are looking for an ocean-view king room with balcony and extras (hammock/jacuzzi/outdoor shower, ect). We love the luxurious rooms but price is a bit steep. Also all-inclusive. We'd also like to go somewhere where there are things to do/ excursions but also just beautiful places to relax. I'd also like to throw in a bit of culture experiencing somewhere if possible. Where can we go that is once in a lifetime but still affordable? Somewhere we couldn't go once we start a family and such? We've already gone to DR, PR, and have looked into Hawaii but I'm told it's very expensive. We are leaning towards Fiji but also pricey and I'm finding that some of the rooms do not have TVs, which is a HUGE deal breaker for us. Please help! Thanks!

hoffse · February 2013

Why does it need to be once in a lifetime? Odds are things will be tight for you this year with the wedding coming up, and most couples become wealthier as they get older and their earning potential goes up.

I have no suggestions for you, sorry - we're going to Jamaica because it was nice and affordable.

B2Z728 · February 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_relaxed-beach-honeymoon-but-once-in-a-lifetime?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:11Discussion:a3c448fb-eb0f-412c-ab1e-7fbd52d40341Post:f7489793-f696-4c31-a013-f7db8bcd41fc">Relaxed Beach Honeymoon but once in a lifetime</a>:
[QUOTE]Hi, So we have been researching honeymoon destinations and I'm at a loss. We are honeymooning for 7-10 days in early November 2013, flying from NY. We are looking for an ocean-view king room with balcony and extras (hammock/jacuzzi/outdoor shower, ect). We love the luxurious rooms but price is a bit steep. Also all-inclusive. We'd also like to go somewhere where there are things to do/ excursions but also just beautiful places to relax. I'd also like to throw in a bit of culture experiencing somewhere if possible. Where can we go that is once in a lifetime but still affordable? Somewhere we couldn't go once we start a family and such? We've already gone to DR, PR, and have looked into Hawaii but I'm told it's very expensive. We are leaning towards Fiji but also pricey and I'm finding that some of the rooms do not have TVs, which is a HUGE deal breaker for us. Please help! Thanks!
Posted by ethadiva[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>Knowing your budget would be helpful to give you advice. Expensive to me may not be expensive to you.

</div>

jemmini6 · February 2013

What is your budget?

Also, Hawaii is not nearly as expensive as Fiji...just an FYI.

louisagehr · February 2013

There are many luxurious but affordable all-inclusive resorts on the Mayan Riviera in Mexico. Not sure of your budget, but I would also look at the Couples resorts in Jamaica. Let me know if you have any more questions - I am well-versed in all-inclusive honeymoons.

Fiji may work depending on your budget, but just getting there will eat a large chunk of it.

MrsGandthebeag · February 2013

Cancun, Mexico?

[Deleted User] · February 2013

Try Real Resorts The Royal Cancun. It's AI adults only, double in room jacuzzi, in room mini bar, balcony with hamock, balconies are private, walls on both sides, or just with a rail between yours and the next, not sure if that is a deal breaker for you or not. I do know the royal jr. corner suite has a private balcony. We went in 2010 and are going back in a few months. I have a link to my review and pics above my siggy pic.

Kimachado · February 2013

Have you looked into Belize? That seems like it might be right up your alley. Although I am not positive if they have all inclusives.

petesmpls · February 2013

If you're open to Mexico, look at El Dorado Casitas Royale.

ethadiva · February 2013

Hi all, Thanks! Sorry I didn't mention budget...thinking no more than 6k, pref under 5k if possible. We would like it to be a place where we won't be able to go after having kids..hence the once in a lifetime. I love to travel and have already been to quite a few places therefore id like my honeymoon to top all..which i think could be difficult. My husband to be however isn't really picky and just wants a place to relax and unwind..with a great room and view. I have heard a lot of good things about Mexico but I feel as though we can go there anytime..even with kids. Anyone gone to Mexico and loved it or the opposite wished they had gone somewhere else? Plus I've already been to Cancun and would like to go somewhere new for the honeymoon. I've also heard good things about Hawaii but not having all inclusives..unless I'm mistaken? And we really don't wanna have to worry about carrying around money and paying for stuff all the time. Jamaica is a def possibility for us...any suggested hotels that meet all our wants? Thanks again! And regarding Belize..my family is actually from there so been many times. We def planning on going again but not on our honeymoon..more of a family trip for us.

McRogol · February 2013

I would look into the caribbean...There are beautiful parts of islands and small, elite resorts.

SuMmErKuTiE · February 2013

There aren't any true AI's in Hawaii or Fiji. Most of the resorts in Fiji are "mostly inclusive" as they include all of your meals and most activities but not alcohol (kind of like on a cruise). We stayed at Qamea Resort & Spa in Fiji for our honeymoon and we loved how secluded it was and that every couple has their own beachfront bure (villa) with private courtyard with outdoor rock shower and we had a private spa tub in our courtyard as well.

If your budget is between $5k and $6k, Fiji may be over the budget but it can be done much easier than say Tahiti.

I'd stick to the Caribbean or Mexico, there are a bunch of luxurious AI's that would well fit into your budget. You could get a very luxurious room at that price point in the Riviera Maya.

ethadiva · February 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_relaxed-beach-honeymoon-but-once-in-a-lifetime?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:11Discussion:a3c448fb-eb0f-412c-ab1e-7fbd52d40341Post:2c64956e-0c7e-40cd-801b-cd230046e166">Re: Relaxed Beach Honeymoon but once in a lifetime</a>:
[QUOTE]There aren't any true AI's in Hawaii or Fiji. Most of the resorts in Fiji are "mostly inclusive" as they include all of your meals and most activities but not alcohol (kind of like on a cruise). We stayed at Qamea Resort & Spa in Fiji for our honeymoon and we loved how secluded it was and that every couple has their own beachfront bure (villa) with private courtyard with outdoor rock shower and we had a private spa tub in our courtyard as well. If your budget is between $5k and $6k, Fiji may be over the budget but it can be done much easier than say Tahiti. I'd stick to the Caribbean or Mexico, there are a bunch of luxurious AI's that would well fit into your budget. You could get a very luxurious room at that price point in the Riviera Maya.
Posted by SuMmErKuTiE[/QUOTE]

Hi,

That is the exact hotel we were looking into. If you don't mind me asking..how much did it actually cost? How long did you stay..what activities/excursions did you do? How much did drinks cost you extra? Did you think the cost was worth the experience? It'd be really great to hear from someone who actually went there. Thanks so much!

alithebride · February 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_relaxed-beach-honeymoon-but-once-in-a-lifetime?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:11Discussion:a3c448fb-eb0f-412c-ab1e-7fbd52d40341Post:f7489793-f696-4c31-a013-f7db8bcd41fc">Relaxed Beach Honeymoon but once in a lifetime</a>:
[QUOTE]Hi, So we have been researching honeymoon destinations and I'm at a loss. We are honeymooning for 7-10 days in early November 2013, flying from NY. We are looking for an ocean-view king room with balcony and extras (hammock/jacuzzi/outdoor shower, ect). We love the luxurious rooms but price is a bit steep. Also all-inclusive. We'd also like to go somewhere where there are things to do/ excursions but also just beautiful places to relax. I'd also like to throw in a bit of culture experiencing somewhere if possible. Where can we go that is once in a lifetime but still affordable? Somewhere we couldn't go once we start a family and such? We've already gone to DR, PR, and have looked into Hawaii but I'm told it's very expensive. We are leaning towards Fiji but also pricey and I'm finding that some of the rooms do not have TVs, which is a HUGE deal breaker for us. Please help! Thanks!
Posted by ethadiva[/QUOTE]

if you want the extras you have to pay for them.
what's your budget??

ethadiva · February 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_relaxed-beach-honeymoon-but-once-in-a-lifetime?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:11Discussion:a3c448fb-eb0f-412c-ab1e-7fbd52d40341Post:c264cdf5-df89-49bd-94a5-6e0abf45f2be">Re: Relaxed Beach Honeymoon but once in a lifetime</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Relaxed Beach Honeymoon but once in a lifetime : if you want the extras you have to pay for them. what's your budget??
Posted by alithebride[/QUOTE]

5-6K

SuMmErKuTiE · February 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_relaxed-beach-honeymoon-but-once-in-a-lifetime?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:11Discussion:a3c448fb-eb0f-412c-ab1e-7fbd52d40341Post:3a9add56-6faa-4daf-a407-87c0ab5cc2fc">Re: Relaxed Beach Honeymoon but once in a lifetime</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Relaxed Beach Honeymoon but once in a lifetime : Hi, That is the exact hotel we were looking into. If you don't mind me asking..how much did it actually cost? How long did you stay..what activities/excursions did you do? How much did drinks cost you extra? Did you think the cost was worth the experience? It'd be really great to hear from someone who actually went there. Thanks so much!
Posted by ethadiva[/QUOTE]

Yes, the cost was definitely worth the experience. It was so different than anywhere we had been in Mexico or the Caribbean. Very secluded and romantic.

Flights ate up a big chunk of the budget at $1800 per person, but I've heard that you can get them cheaper especially if you go during low season. We booked through South Seas Adventures and they took care of everything.. booking our flights, our resort, transfers, etc..

<a href="http://www.south-seas-adventures.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.south-seas-adventures.com/</a>

We hiked to the waterfalls at Bouma National Park, went kayaking, snorkeling, and on the honeymoon beach excursion where they drop you off by boat with a picnic lunch on a private beach for the afternoon and come back and pick you up later on.

Also, since we're on the east coast and you have to get to LA to fly out of LAX on Air Pacific we decided to fly to Vegas first and spend a few days there to break up the long trip. We rented a car and stopped at the Hoover Dam before heading to Los Angeles for our flight to Fiji.

Also, remember that if you go during our summer it's their "winter" since they're in the southern hemisphere. We were there in their winter, and it was in the low 80's the whole time.

Relaxed Beach Honeymoon but once in a lifetime

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