Post # 1
Member
251 posts
Helper bee
Hi all! I am already researching where we would like to go for our honeymoon, and would love some help! Our budget is 4k, and we would love to go to the Caribbean! Mexico, DR, and Mexico are a definite no. We will be honeymooning in late June, and will be flying out of Baltimore. We’re ok with doing AI, but also ok with not doing that. We want great beaches with clear water, good pools, easy access to drinks, and good food. Most of our time will be spent at the beach or poolside. We would like to go somewhere that we can leave the hotel area and wander around. We don’t mind being around kids, but would rather not be somewhere where there are kids all over the place. (More romantic feel would be great). We don’t need to stay at a five star hotel, just want to go somewhere great. Any suggestions would be so helpful, thank you in advance!!
Post # 3
Member
4801 posts
Honey bee
I really liked Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
Post # 4
Member
8682 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
@chelseakayd: St Thomas or Negril, Jamaica? I’m not sure about Aruba bc I havent been there. However, Negril has resorts which are adult-only and the beach is gorgeous. I love St Thomas also. My family is from the islands so I never find hotel food good so I am no help there. I dont care for Ocho Rios because it is quiet and the beach isnt as nice. I’ve been to Jamaica about 22 times and going again in July so I know a lot about it. LOL
Post # 5
Member
4428 posts
Honey bee
@chelseakayd: were honeymooning on a cruise were going to puerto Rico, Bahama’s, st martin and the Turk calico islands 7 days 4 islands and 3 beautiful days of sea ; ) have you thought about a cruise or been on one?
Post # 6
Member
396 posts
Helper bee
We are doing the Sandals Bahamas for our honeymoon! The flights there were cheaper than all the other Sandals places in the caribbean. I can’t remember the price for the lowest tier soom but you might be able to find something in your budget!
Post # 7
Member
251 posts
Helper bee
Thank you everyone for the input!! I’m sorry I meant we don’t want tO do Mexico, DR, or Jamaica! I didn’t notice I made a mistake in the original post. Does anyone recommend sandals resorts?
Post # 8
Member
3617 posts
Sugar bee
We went to Sandals Royal Bahamian for our 1 year anniversary. It was nice. The food was better than we expected. The private island was a nice option. And the water sports they offered were great. Like snorkeling trips, sailing, and paddle boarding.
Post # 9
Member
951 posts
Busy bee
@chelseakayd: Did you get my PM?
If you’re willing to go to DR or Mexico then you have an awesome budget. I would suggest Excellence Playa Mujeres. The reviews are almost 100% positive. I would love to go there and get one of the honeymoon suites with the private rooftop jacuzzi.. *sigh*
Post # 10
Member
89 posts
Worker bee
@chelseakayd: If you’re up for it I’d say Aruba. We went there for our honeymoon and it was amazing. The most amazing beaches. I’ve never heard a bad thing from anyone who has been there. Also, there is soooo much amazing food all over the island. You said your budget is 4k…how long are you wanting to stay? We did 8 days at Bucuti and Tara Beach Resorts (not all inclusive and perfect for beach/poolside lovers…also adults only) and it was quite a bit more than that (including what we ended up spending on food), but I definitely think you could do it for less. We went a bit nuts sampling all the great food!
Post # 11
Member
90 posts
Worker bee
If the 4k includes airfare it’s tough not knowing where you’re flying from. Unfortunately all 3 that you mentioned are the easiest in terms of budget. A la carte I would suggest looking into Puerto Rico, Aruba and maybe Turks (not sure if budget will allow).
Post # 13
Member
75 posts
Worker bee
Given your criteria, I suggest Aruba or the USVI (St. Thomas and St. John are my favorite islands ever!). I’ve been to many Caribbean islands and have loved different things about different places.
I agree with sablemuse about Mexico/Dominican Republic being a great way to stretch a budget – I recently went to the Dominican Republic with two friends – we had an AMAZING time with a small budget. We stayed at the Hard Rock, which had great food and beaches.
HisNightOwl2014 makes a good point about the cruise — flights from Baltimore to Miami or Orlando are relatively inexpensive (I’ve done it before) and a cruise is a great way to discover different parts of the Caribbean. (AND larger ships have adults only areas – and some cruise lines are less kid-friendly).
That being said – I have heard good things about Sandals resorts… I think you’ll have a great time no matter where you end up. 
Post # 14
Member
2359 posts
Buzzing bee
The Couples resorts in Jamaica are beyond phenomenal….. i know you said you didn’t want Jamaica but if you want a romantic feel, great food, no kids/adult only, amazing hospitality, awesome beach and pool, great drinks, no tipping policy which means you never have to carry your money around….. then Jamaica Couples Negril sums it up.
Post # 15
Member
75 posts
Worker bee
Just saw an ad for Couples Resorts in Barbados – check it out!
http://couples.com/barbados/
Post # 15
Member
260 posts
Helper bee
Bumping this since we are in a similar situation!