Where to go on my honeymoon...

[CleBrownsfan]

Looking for an all-inclusive honeymoon spot. We’re getting married in March so we’re looking for some place warm with white sandy beaches. Any suggestions?

My first thoughts are Sandals Resorts...

~thanks in advance for any input

[lordscarlet]

Looking for an all-inclusive honeymoon spot. We’re getting married in March so we’re looking for some place warm with white sandy beaches. Any suggestions?

My first thoughts are Sandals Resorts...

~thanks in advance for any input

Everyone I know has gone to Sandals in St. Lucia. :)

Therefore, I am looking everywhere but. We are currently considering the Greek Isles.

[Ksyrup]

I guess "anywhere but Cleveland" would be doubly obvious in your case, huh?

[Ksyrup]

Seriously, I guess it depends on what you want to do. First, when is the wedding? That might narrow down your options a bit.

If you are looking to veg at a beach resort, there are tons of options - US mainland, Hawaii (I love Kauai, and it's less touristy than other places in Hawaii), close by islands, international, etc.

If you are looking for adventure/sight-seeing, again, tons of options depending on what you want to do. We spent 9 days traveling in California and Lake Tahoe - started in LA, stayed a night in Santa Barbara, drove up the coast to Carmel, drove over to Tahoe for July 4th, drove to SF for a long weekend. It was a ton of travel (leisurely, though) and moving around, but a lot of fun.

[Klinglerware]

What about Cabo? Also, I know a couple of people who chose all-inclusives that were a little more upscale than Sandals for their honeymoons.

I'm in the same boat, I just bought the plane tickets for our honeymoon last night. We decided on Slovenia with quick trips to Croatia and Venice...

[albionmoonlight]

I'll second Kauai. We loved it.

[duckman]

I hear Siberia is nice in the spring. ;)

[gottimd]

What about Cabo? Also, I know a couple of people who chose all-inclusives that were a little more upscale than Sandals for their honeymoons.

I'm in the same boat, I just bought the plane tickets for our honeymoon last night. We decided on Slovenia with quick trips to Croatia and Venice...

Cabo was heaven.....

www.lasventanas.com (http://www.lasventanas.com)

Going back for our 2 year anniversary this July. Quiet, romantic, right on the beach, 5 star restaurants and accomodations. You get treated like royalty.

[CleBrownsfan]

I guess "anywhere but Cleveland" would be doubly obvious in your case, huh?

um, yeah :rolleyes: :D

[Icy]

The Mayan Riviera area in Mexico (Cancun) is great, tons of big resorts to choose from, great beaches, etc.

You can also do a mix. In my honeymoon we went a week to Rome (Italy) for walking/monuments tourism, then another week in the Mayan Riviera to relax in amazing hotels, loved the mix as 15 days in a beach would be boring for me.

[Ksyrup]

Fifteen days off in a row ANYWHERE would be heaven to me.

[Lathum]

We are going to Costa rica the to an all inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic

[Lathum]

http://www.meliacaribetropical.com/

[gottimd]

We are going to Costa rica the to an all inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic

Which one in the DR, I just got back from there a few weeks ago.

[Mustang]

If you are wanting to do anything off the resort, avoid Jamaica...

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Saw an ad on a travel site yesterday. $1600/person for a week with airfare at Bora Bora (Tahiti). If I didn't have to work, I'd be on my way already.

[NoSkillz]

I'll second Kauai. We loved it.

And I'll be the third to pimp Kauai. We honeymooned there in November at the Princeville Resort and it was incredible.

However, if you're looking for an all-inclusive deal and great beaches, it sounds like you are more interested in staying at the resort for the whole time as opposed to venturing out and exploring. If that's the case, Kauai is not for you...it's a more active honeymoon locale and you'll want to rent a car and try restaurants in the different towns on the island, all of which are fantastic.

Amazing people there too and not touristy in the least, which really appealed to us.

[Ksyrup]

That is true. One of the greatest experiences of my life was taking a half-day catamaran cruise of the Napoli coast - most of which is unreachable except by hiking - to a spot off the northern point where we snorkled with fish and dolphins. The scenery was beyond words.

We just took little day trips out to various places all over the island, enjoying a little bit at a time, every day. We definitely want to go back soon. My parents have a Marriott time share there.

[DougWyatt]

Cancun. Cancun. Cancun.

It's exactly what you're looking for. Perfect weather, beach, lots to do - or not do. I've been 5 Xs, and will go back every chance I get.

Relax by the pool or beach, the resorts (most) have lots of entertainment, multiple restaurants & bars & the service in all 3 of the resorts I've been in has been off the charts. By the end of day 1, the whole staff remembers your name, what you're drinking, and are just perfect. Not bothersome at all, but recognize the second you need them for anything - and exceed your requests.

If you want to relax - it's perfect.

If you're in the mood for some sight seeing, shopping, parasailing, water activities (swimming with dolphins, the BOB - http://home.earthlink.net/~fcastle/vaction/cancunpics/cancunbob4.jpg, scuba, snorkling, lunch cruises, activities in the swimming pools, etc.), it's perfect.

If you're in the mood for a little night life - the bars are jumpin' both in the resort and out in town. Also, dinner cruises, shows, bar hoppers.

Alot to do out in town, but if you want to just stay at the resort - a ton to do there as well.

Really - whatever you're in the mood for, whenever .... you can find exactly what you're looking for.

Mind you, I have some pretty decent spots to compare too : (3 years in Honolulu, 1 year in Japan & Southern Cali., 1 month in Florida, Thailand, and Korea). I will never vacation anywhere else.

There really isn't anything I recommend more (even FOF lol).

[CleBrownsfan]

I am looking for a "do nothing but drink/eat resort" for our honeymoon. We've done the active trips and honestly I've never taken a relaxing vacation before. I also wouldn't mind looking for a resort with a casino ;)

[CleBrownsfan]

Cancun. Cancun. Cancun.



.

Any resort recommendations in Cacun?

[DougWyatt]

Any resort recommendations in Cacun?

Absolutely. This is where I stayed ( http://www.goldencancun.com/index.htm ). It's under new management (it used to be the Golden Crown Paradise and Spa), so some of the links don't work yet. I will go back, again and again. It's an adult only, which was cool. Nudity is allowed, but the two times I was there, I didn't see any. I've stayed in a Deluxe and Golden room, both were awesome. They have different packages (I did the honeymoon once; which included little things like a dinner in your room with a personal waiter, jacuzzi, etc.) - so you can choose what works best for you.

Honest though, I would go to expedia, and search your dates. They'll give you a listing of available resorts & prices. You'll be able to click on each resort, and get all the information you'll need to make a decision. (It's pretty in depth - even with virtual tours).

Bad news though, I don't think there are any Casinos. So, maybe not "everything" you're looking for.

[Klinglerware]

If relaxation was a consideration, I would worry about going to Cancun in March, as many schools have their spring breaks during that month...

[DougWyatt]

dola

Also, tripadvisor.com is a great site for someone looking for a vacation spot (and not just cancun). In depth reviews for all resorts, listings of things to do in and out. It also has forums, where you can ask questions, and people who have been will come back from their trips and offer their reviews on everything.

[DougWyatt]

If relaxation was a consideration, I would worry about going to Cancun in March, as many schools have their spring breaks during that month...

Very true, I hadn't thought of that. It could be crowded. Although, if he selects an adult oriented resort, and stays in resort - I wouldn't foresee any worries.

[Icy]

dola

Also, tripadvisor.com is a great site for someone looking for a vacation spot (and not just cancun). In depth reviews for all resorts, listings of things to do in and out. It also has forums, where you can ask questions, and people who have been will come back from their trips and offer their reviews on everything.

Agree, I always search there specially for users reviews.

[Ksyrup]

Very true, I hadn't thought of that. It could be crowded. Although, if he selects an adult oriented resort, and stays in resort - I wouldn't foresee any worries.

You mean the kind profiled on Real Sex?

[JPhillips]

It's not all-inclusive, but I recommend Dubrovnik, Croatia. It's right on the Adriatic, is fairly cheap, most of the population speaks English, and beer is cheaper than water. The old city is fun and historic. My wife and I had a great time there and would love to go back. It isn't the first place you'd think of, but it's a great place to travel to.

And it was the first government to recognize the independence of the U.S.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I am looking for a "do nothing but drink/eat resort" for our honeymoon. We've done the active trips and honestly I've never taken a relaxing vacation before. I also wouldn't mind looking for a resort with a casino ;)

Hell, that sounds like a cruise ship to me. If you just want to chill out in the sun and have a casino handy, cruise is definitely the way to go. Food is included in the tab, plenty of people watching available and they now have poker games in the casinos on cruise ships. Sounds right up your alley.

[Klinglerware]

It's not all-inclusive, but I recommend Dubrovnik, Croatia. It's right on the Adriatic, is fairly cheap, most of the population speaks English, and beer is cheaper than water. The old city is fun and historic. My wife and I had a great time there and would love to go back. It isn't the first place you'd think of, but it's a great place to travel to.

And it was the first government to recognize the independence of the U.S.

How much of Croatia did you get to see? Any other recommendations there? While we want to base most of our honeymoon in Slovenia (too far from Dubrovnik), we are considering day trips to Zagreb and the northern Croatian coast...

[JPhillips]

I didn't get out of Dubrovnik. The coast, from what I understand is very similar to the coast around Dubrovnik. The Adriatic was stunningly clear and beautiful when we were there.

The Zagreb airport was like a trip back into the Soviet bloc. Zagreb also seemed very dirty from the airport and takeoff. I don't know what there is to do in Zagreb, but seeing it from a distance was plenty for me.

There is supposed to be a national park in northern Croatia that a friend of mine went to and loved. Most travel guides for Croatia talk about it, but I can't think of the name. (Found it http://www.visit-croatia.co.uk/plitvicelakes/)

Hope that helps.

[Drake]

Zagreb is awesome.

If you're going to be in Slovenia, you might try to hit the cave in Postojnska http://www.postojnska-jama.si/?cat=6&lang=en. It's worth an afternoon.

[Lathum]

Which one in the DR, I just got back from there a few weeks ago.

http://www.meliacaribetropical.com/

[gottimd]

Did you like that one? We went to Secrets Excellence in Punta cana. All inclusive. Service wasn't that great, but it was good for the price. We were disappointed in the food, but not enough to complain since we already paid for it:D

[Eaglesfan27]

I'll second Kauai. We loved it.

I'm already starting to daydream/plan where we will go for our 10th anniversary (which is about 2 1/3 years away) as we couldn't afford to go anywhere but to a friend's cabin in the mountains for our first honeymoon. Kauai is at the top of my list by a wide margin at this point.

[Klinglerware]

Cool. Thanks for the Croatia/Slovenia suggestions, guys...

EDIT: One final question, we're strongly considering renting a car--how aggressive is the driving over there (i.e., we don't want to get killed)? We don't want to drive in Italy--I still have nightmares about my time in Rome where the cabbies would regularly tailgate at very high speeds (and there were no seatbelts!).

[Ksyrup]

I'm already starting to daydream/plan where we will go for our 10th anniversary (which is about 2 1/3 years away) as we couldn't afford to go anywhere but to a friend's cabin in the mountains for our first honeymoon. Kauai is at the top of my list by a wide margin at this point.

Let me know when you get closer if you are considering it. Like I said above, my parents have a time share at one of the Marriott resorts and they can't go every year, so they usually turn their week in for points, but my mom commented recently that they could sell their week for pretty cheap and still make a pretty good amount. So I might be able to get you what would be a discounted rate on a week's stay. Not as good of a discount as they give me :D , but better than you could probably do on your own.

[hoopsguy]

One more Kauai recommendation. We visited it as a day-trip near the end of our honeymoon in Hawaii and I was blown away. We will definitely return there some day for a longer period of time so we can take in more of this island - maybe for a ten year anniversary like EF27 mentioned.

[LoneStarGirl]

You people are so different than I am. When I get married I dont want to go anywhere near the beach. Maybe Canada or the Netherlands or something, but far away from Mexico.

[Lathum]

Did you like that one? We went to Secrets Excellence in Punta cana. All inclusive. Service wasn't that great, but it was good for the price. We were disappointed in the food, but not enough to complain since we already paid for it:D

We don't go until november. It's all inclusive, and it was a gift from my parents, even better!! I don't expect great service since everything is free but I'll take it and get our moneys worth.

[headtrauma]

Victoria House on Ambergris Caye in Belize was very nice.

[gottimd]

We don't go until november. It's all inclusive, and it was a gift from my parents, even better!! I don't expect great service since everything is free but I'll take it and get our moneys worth.

The bus ride from the airport is "very interesting". Its like a video game. If you don't like fast drives with huge pothole avoidance than close your eyes. And by pothole avoidance, I mean 90 degree cuts on the road. My wife was scared to death as were some of the others on the bus.

Don't forget to bring cash. It costs $10 person to enter the country. It might be $20.

[Lathum]

The bus ride from the airport is "very interesting". Its like a video game. If you don't like fast drives with huge pothole avoidance than close your eyes. And by pothole avoidance, I mean 90 degree cuts on the road. My wife was scared to death as were some of the others on the bus.

Don't forget to bring cash. It costs $10 person to enter the country. It might be $20.

cool, thanks for the info. I may hit you up later in the year for more. The bus ride sounds fun, I went on a similar bus ride in China and we were in the second deck of the bus on the side of a mountain. I was sure I was gonna die.

[Drake]

Cool. Thanks for the Croatia/Slovenia suggestions, guys...

EDIT: One final question, we're strongly considering renting a car--how aggressive is the driving over there (i.e., we don't want to get killed)? We don't want to drive in Italy--I still have nightmares about my time in Rome where the cabbies would regularly tailgate at very high speeds (and there were no seatbelts!).

The driving in Slovenia was much more laid back than in Italy (even on the autostrada), but I was there in January. Postoljna is a tourist trappy town, and it was all but empty when my brothers and I were visiting. I can imagine that it would be nuts during the summer, but the town is pretty small, so park and walk is a good option.

Slovenia supports its autostrada with tolls, so be prepared with local currency. They'll take Euros, but be grumpy about it, and will frequently have trouble breaking anything smaller than a five Euro note. This isn't as big a deal these days as you can get local currency out of an ATM machine, but best to be prepared. Slovenia in general was pretty cheap (though nowhere near as cheap as Croatia -- though that also might have changed by now. I was there in 2005, but the coastal regions in Croatia had already been identified by my brother's colleagues at Aviano as prime vacation land, so prices are likely skyrocketing by now). I seem to recall hearing some noise about Slovenia joining the EU shortly after I was there, so this might all have changed by now.

What I do remember was that Slovenia was absolutely beautiful, and I'd go back in a heartbeat.

[gstelmack]

Disney World!

Yes, I'm serious. You did say "all-inclusive", and there is TONS to do there. Plus you don't have to drive anywhere or do anything for yourself unless you want to (and then you're an under 2-hour drive from the Atlantic, the Gulf, NASA, Busch Gardens, Sea World, Universal, etc). Great honeymoon spot.

[Eaglesfan27]

Let me know when you get closer if you are considering it. Like I said above, my parents have a time share at one of the Marriott resorts and they can't go every year, so they usually turn their week in for points, but my mom commented recently that they could sell their week for pretty cheap and still make a pretty good amount. So I might be able to get you what would be a discounted rate on a week's stay. Not as good of a discount as they give me :D , but better than you could probably do on your own.


I'll definitely keep this post in mind. Could be mutually beneficial for all parties :)

[Lathum]

Disney World!

Yes, I'm serious. You did say "all-inclusive", and there is TONS to do there. Plus you don't have to drive anywhere or do anything for yourself unless you want to (and then you're an under 2-hour drive from the Atlantic, the Gulf, NASA, Busch Gardens, Sea World, Universal, etc). Great honeymoon spot.

I'm not trying to be a jerk but all-inclusive means all food, booze, etc... is included in the initial price. My expieriences with Disney is they charge you every step of the way for every thing.

[Danny]

Applebees. but not the closest one to your house, the "better" one in the next county over, order desert, buy her a flower, spend saved money on new 60' big screen tv.

[Easy Mac]

Sandals Jamaica. I'm pulling a Michael Scott to my fiancees Jan Levinson Gould come July

[Eaglesfan27]

Just be careful where you email the pictures to.

[Vinatieri for Prez]

For your honeymoon? At this point in the relationship, it's time you take a trip "around the world."

[path12]

We are currently considering the Greek Isles.

You would not regret that choice. Beautiful.

[cartman]

If you want the Mediterranean experience without the 3rd world accouterments, you might consider Sardinia. It is an island that is part of Italy. Costa Smeralda has some awesome resorts.

Myself, once I find a chick that will put up with my crap, I plan to head to Tahiti. Those overwater bungalows in Bora Bora look awesome.

http://www.tahitianvacations.com/resorts/hotel-images/Bora-Bora-Lagoon-Resort.jpg

[Lathum]

If you want the Mediterranean experience without the 3rd world accouterments, you might consider Sardinia. It is an island that is part of Italy. Costa Smeralda has some awesome resorts.

Myself, once I find a chick that will put up with my crap, I plan to head to Tahiti. Those overwater bungalows in Bora Bora look awesome.

http://www.tahitianvacations.com/resorts/hotel-images/Bora-Bora-Lagoon-Resort.jpg

you may get a senior citizens discount :)

[Glengoyne]

My wife and I went to Tahiti for our honeymoon. It wasn't all that much more expensive than Hawaii. I recommend looking into it at least. Bora Bora is very cool, Moorea is an interesting laid back place.

It sounds strange, but the most incredible place we stayed was a place called the Kia Ora Savauge. It was an island with five bungaloes and a common building for dining. You are essentially by yourself with the husband and wife caretaker team. Daily snorkeling or day trips to surrounding islands, freshly caught fish, great meals, and no hustle and bustle.

Oh yeah..also no electricity. Lighting is courtesy of oil lanterns and candles. It sounds strange, but it was very very cool, and I'm a creature comforts, non-outdoorsy person and it was a very enjoyable experience.

[Klinglerware]

Thanks for the suggestions, we have our plane tickets and we just finished booking hotels in Slovenia and Croatia last week.

We did our research and put together an excel spreadsheet with contact info and specific instructions--we figured that we would make it easy for a travel agent to handle this. So we went and the agent just stared at us blankly when we mentioned the word "Slovenia", as though she never heard of it. I was so dumbfounded, I decided to handle it myself on-line (which we did when we booked the Philippines last year). It was pretty easy, and we even got a couple of deals because I mentioned that we were going on our honeymoon.

On-line is the way to go when booking in foreign countries off the beaten path, it makes it easier for the hotel to communicate with you when their first language is not English. Plus, there is a paper trail.

[JPhillips]

What are your stops?

[Klinglerware]

Staying mostly in Slovenia. Flying into Venice, taking the train to Ljubljana. After Ljubljana, we're renting a car. Our first stop is Bled. After that we will drive to Croatia, staying outside of Zagreb. Then we will head back to the Krka River valley in Slovenia. Our last stop in Slovenia will be Piran on the coast (will check out the Postojna caves along the way). From Piran we will take a ferry back to Venice and stay there a couple of days.

I'm really excited about the trip. After the past few months of wedding planning, we'll definitely need the time off!

[kiwiLB57]

You could try New Zealand (shameless plug). Rotorua's nice (shameless plug). I know a nice 2 bedroom cottage by the lake with fantastic views (shameless plug).

http://www.sandylochcottage.com/

[JPhillips]

Sounds fun. Make sure you post the videos!

[digamma]

This place works too. It's in Brazil. We spent 8 days there two years ago. Incredible...

http://www.nannai.com.br/