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Being from the east coast and having spent a LOT of time on vacations in the Caribbean, if you can do it, go to the South Pacific - it's way way nicer than a place like Ocho Rios. Others may have different opinions though as I only know the cruise ship ports and some more 'well-traveled' areas.. if you can find something off the beaten path there, it'll save you money, but I don't know where that would be.
I would suggest Belize. There are many small island resorts as well as coastal resorts that are all inclusive and fantastic. There is also a wide variety of activites from ziplining and horseback riding inland to scuba diving and snorkling in the ocean. Plus the exchange rate is fixed at 2 belizian $ to $1 us and the official language is english.
They are big on ecotourism and both times I've been the trips have been fantastic.
Ooh yeah good suggestion - lots of places in central america that are better bang for your buck and closer (Costa Rica, Panama)
@MissBoston: Costa Rica is FANTASTIC too. I'd highly reccomend that as well. I didn't spend a lot of time on the beaches when I was there, but the rainforrest area is phenomenal. And there is SO much wildlife.
My hubby and I just went to Mexico (Riviera Maya) for our honeymoon and we LOVED it! We stayed at the iberostar grand, and it was BEAUTIFUL! The service was amazing, the rooms were beautiful, the shows were awesome and the food was INCREDIBLE. We LOVED it and can't wait to go back again.
Not sure if you are looking for resort ideas, but just in case....
I did a search (on the iberostar website) of what the price would be around Christmas time. It looks like it'll come out to right around 4700. I'm sure you could find it a bit cheaper on funjets or applevacations or through a travel agent. Here is a link to the page, just in case your interested. http://isecure.visitus-inc.com/BookingNet/DisponibilidadHotel.aspx?hId=b8e1f751-4bfe-469b-aa5e-e7e87ea25a4b&fe=634284000000000000&no=7&adH1=2&niH1=0&beH1=0&adH2=0&niH2=0&beH2=0&adH3=0&niH3=0&beH3=0
I'll attach some pictures below. Sorry, you may not even want all this information.... I guess I'm still just overly excited. But, I would really recommend Mexico, and especially this resort! : ) Hope that helps some!
IMG_3677.JPG (968.9 KB, 30 downloads) 1 year old IMG_3958.JPG (1254.7 KB, 31 downloads) 1 year old IMG_3917.JPG (901.1 KB, 31 downloads) 1 year old IMG_3926.JPG (834.8 KB, 30 downloads) 1 year old 
I've been to Hawaii, Mexico, Jamaica & other parts of the Carribean. I would reccomend the Carribean as it is so much nicer than the beaches in Hawaii or Mexico.
We had a lot of fun in Jamaica. It seemed to have more of a party atmosphere to me though...maybe because the locals are so fun-loving and easy going. We found a really great deal for one week all inclusive there for about $1800 per person for a 4+ star resort. If you have a littlemore money to spend then I would reccomend St. Lucia or St. Thomas for a honeymoon. I've said in multiple posts how much I love St. Lucia and would highly reccomend it.
@mrs.peters.to.be: Have you been to St. Lucia lately? We heard it was unsafe for tourists before we went on our honeymoon, so we didn't go there. I'm curious how true that is? What are your thoughts on it lately (if you've been lately)? I'd love to go sometime soon!
Tahiti = horribly long nightmare flight. Seriously. If all you want is beautiful beaches and a nice resort, there are so many places closer! I'd do Mexico or St. Lucia.
We are planning on Mexico. It is much cheaper and the resorts are just as amazing and you get alot more for you money. Plus, I really want to swim with turles... don't ask, it has just always been something I have wanted to do and it has been just barely out of reach for me since I was a kid....
I just returned from our honeymoon in Tahiti today. We spent the majority of it on Moorea which I would actually say was cheaper than Tahiti itself and would definitely reccomend not staying on Tahitit. There are MANY islands in French Polynesia, and the smaller ones have much more natural beauty, they are less touristy and more natural (with the exception of Bora Bora which is majority tourist). However having been to Hawaii (Maui and big Island]) last November I would say the culture itself is very similar. Both options are expensive (I didn't pay for Hawaii so I can't totally compare)...but the opportunity for a variety of excursions is more in Hawaii than in French Polynesia. If you do splurge for French Polynesia or Hawaii I would reccomend getting a condo (through a timeshare is how we saved TONS of money), and buying groceries to cook yourself dinner (pack spices...salt, pepper, seasoning, etc) rather than spending money at restaurants and such. If you have any specific questions feel free to message me.
As for Jamaica, I have personally never been there, so I'm only commenting on what I've been told...but, I have never heard good things about Ocho Rios. Everyone that I know that I have been there would not recommend it.
I loved Hawaii, but I prefer the caribbean (St. Thomas/St. John).
I've never been to Hawaii or Tahiti but they seem to be a bit more expensive than what you want to spend.
I've been to Costa Rica, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Jamaica and my favorite one by far was Costa Rica. Very safe with very friendly people and set up great to see and do many things. We never did resorts so it might depend a bit on what you're looking for. I don't know that I'd go to Jamaica though. We went to a very off the beaten path place and I had a lot of fun and felt very safe and met a lot of great people but from everything I've heard there there are just some places I wouldn't really want to travel there. And I feel like a lot of the resort areas there you kinda should stay in the resort, which might not be what you're looking for.
If you're looking for beautiful place with lots to do, definately Costa Rica, if you want relaxing with lots of sun, I'd say a resort at one of the other Carribean Islands.
This is my current debate too!
Interesting what people say about "if you want beaches and sun go to the caribbean" - we can't decide on this question either.
On one hand, when else are we going to have the excuse to fly all the way to Fiji? On the other hand - if it's really "the same", is it worth the extra expense?
I dunno! We've done a lot of central america already so don't want to do that.. we're like the cultural experience more than just the all-inclusive resort.. don't mean to hijack the thread here but I have the same questions :)
I went to Jamaica when I was 15 (my parents 20th wedding anniversary and they were married In Jamaica) and we stayed at an all-inclusive place "Club Ambiance" and I remember loving it. It was secluded enough and smal enough that you really didn't feel cramped with people. The food was great and so was the staff. I think you can have a nice honeymoon without breaking the bank.
The trip was 10 years ago, so I can't promise that the place is as awesome now. I can only hope.
However, Tahiti is probably gorgeous and something you would never forget. Jamaica should always be there and Mexico too. And Hawaii. So, if youre looking for an unforgettable trip, defintely Tahiti.
@crayfish: I'm from california, so I don't think the flight would be too long. I've been to Australia before, which is much further than Tahiti/Fiji, so I don't think it would be a big deal.
Thanks for the comments. I don't necessarily have to go during xmas week, I would actually prefer to wait another week before leaving.....and spend xmas at home. However, the good deals to Jamaica and a few other places were xmas week. Oh, and I forgot to add that all the places I mentioned, the prices, included roundtrip airfare as well, I did travelocity searches, etc... hmm, still can't decide:( Oh and I have a mistake on my poll!!! The 2nd place in Jamaica is for less than $3000, not 300....sorry!
However, our problem is more just the fact that we're honeymooning during winter, or else I would probably just go straight to Hawaii, Mexico, or Caribbean with no questions asked.
Is Costa Rica expensive?
I'll check travelocity. For the Maya Riviera, what airport do you fly into?
What I want: a nice beach, pretty water/ocean that's warm, nice pool, jacuzi(maybe), and a few activities to choose from. we don't want to cook for ourselves(we hardly do as it is now). I want a romantic time/resort.
My fiance is more concerned about the price(wants cheap), but I don't care what he thinks since I am mostly paying for it, anyways.
If you are going for Jamaica don't limit yourself to Ocho Rios. Negril is lovely, as are Montego Bay and Port Antonio. You should also look into the Couples Resorts as opposed to Sandals. They tend to be less touristy and have more character in my opnion. They are also all inclusive.
Ocho Rios can be a tourist trap, especially in the context of a cruise ship stop over. But that would not be a likely honeymoon experience as you would be off at a resort and in a position to chose your outside activities. There are beautiful spots there, and fun things to do.
St. Lucia is also a breathtaking island!
At the end of the day though, a honeymoon is such a personal decision. Just depends on what kind of vacation you enjoy. For example, although I personally do not enjoy Sandals, it wouldn't have the reputation it does if so many people didn't love it!
Sorry, can't comment on the other options...
I'll check travelocity. For the Maya Riviera, what airport do you fly into? <--------- We flew into the Cancun airport, because it was closer to us... but you could also fly into the Cozumel airport, I believe. The Cancun airport was SUPER easy!
I can't speak for all the other places, cause I haven't been to most of them, but I would say Riviera Maya has the kind of places you are looking for. Our ocean was BEAUTIFUL! You could see straight down into the water. In fact, there were a couple times you could see little schools of fishes swimming up. The water was pretty warm. I like almost HOT water (weird, right?), and it wasn't quite that HOT, but you didn't freeze getting into it. It was very sunny. In fact, you'll want to be careful, cause it'll be easy to burn, if you do burn. Our pool was beautiful (see the pictures I posted earlier in the thread). There were many activities to choose from (on the beach or off site). The resort was INCREDIBLY romantic. We got a personal butler who would come into the room (upon my husbands request) and set up jacuzzis, candlelights, etc., etc. Like I said, I haven't been to most of the other places, but I would HIGHLY recommend Riviera Maya, Mexico.
@kfricke89: Not sure if you've made plans for swimming with the turtles yet, but if not... We went to Mexico (Riviera Maya area) and did a tour that included swimming with the turtles, and it was AMAZING. They didn't let us actually swim right next to the turtles (they were massive sea turtles), but it was really neat to see them, even from where we were.
Our tour included: Zip lining across a lake, canoeing in a lake, jumping off a cliff, snorkeling in a cave, snorkeling in a bat cave, lunch at a Mexican resturant (not included - meals were about 7-8 dollars a plate), snorkeling in the ocean (we saw sea turtles, stingrays, tons of fish, piranas, etc.), snorkeling in a lagoon with tropical fish. We also bought the DVD ($30 extra) which included TONS of pictures of us throughout the day (the tour guide took them at every place we went). The name of the tour was EDventure tours (Listed as #1 on Tripadvisor at the time of our trip). They pick you up at your resort, and you will be gone for about 7-9 hours. The price was very inexpensive, and we had lots of fun. Just a thought in case you are looking for something like that! : )
Starry : If your biggest concerns are having a nice relaxing beach and not breaking the bank, you should check out the place in Mexico my brother & SIL went on their honeymoon..they live in Seattle so it was an easy commute down the west coast and cost them like $200/night for their own personal bungalow with open air shower, infinity pool, activities nearby, good food, and beachfront access. It's near Puerto Vallarta so you fly in there and then I think get a cab. It doesn't seem like the utmost in luxury like the all-inclusives, but if you ask me, you don't really need that (what's the difference anyway if someone brings you drinks or you go to the bar and get one yourself? Worth $700/night? :) )
Oh this is their honeymoon special.
http://www.playa-escondida.com/playaescondida/honeymoon_specials.php
Total cost - Love Nest or Villa 1
Jul - Sept $1125 / Feb - Apr $1500 / other months $1250
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anyone been to Ocho Rios, Jamaica in mid December? Do you know what the weather is like there, then? I read 70s to low 80s...I also read that the pools can be cool but the oceans warm. Is this true?
So my choices for a honeymoon are: Jamaica during christmas week, found two really great deals to all-inclusive resorts!...that are on sale. For instance, Sandals resort was thousands of dollars reduced.
Tahiti.....for just a little bit more of what we would pay to go to Hawaii in December. I know this is not the popular island to go to down there, though. Bora Bora and Morea are too expensive though, probably. also easier to get to for us....acouple all-inclusive resorts available. Although it's more expensive, it's worth the money to me, especially knowing it's what you would pay for Hawaii.
Mexico, for a cheaper honeymoon. However, I was in Cancun one year for xmas and had terrible weather even though it wasnt supposed to be the storm season, plus I don't find Mexico really honeymoon-like.
Hawaii, a bit expensive for our tastes...but less to worry about, more to do....no customs...easier to get to for us.
Where do you think we should go? btw, we're from California so everyone's concern is that flying to the caribbean areas, etc would be a problem due to snowstorms etc, but if I went to Jamaica I would try to get a flight through Miami maybe? I've been to Hawaii and Mexico multiple times, never Jamaica or the Caribbean(except for the Bahamas).