budget but memorable honeymoon, need help?

[1645073]

So I am trying to put together a surprise honeymoon for my bride to be and myself. We are situated in the RDU area in NC. We had talked about staying close to home just for simplicity sake, however most B&B prices are close to what it would cost for an all inclusive price elsewhere. So I have begun to research different spots. My ideas are Bermuda, Jamaica, Mexico and anywhere except Myrtle Beach/Charleston on the east coast. We don't necessarily need alot of activities to keep us busy, just a nice room with a nice bed which is somewhat secluded from the rest of humanity. Any suggestions??

[omegaet]

1645073 wrote:
So I am trying to put together a surprise honeymoon for my bride to be and myself. We are situated in the RDU area in NC. We had talked about staying close to home just for simplicity sake, however most B&B prices are close to what it would cost for an all inclusive price elsewhere. So I have begun to research different spots. My ideas are Bermuda, Jamaica, Mexico and anywhere except Myrtle Beach/Charleston on the east coast. We don't necessarily need alot of activities to keep us busy, just a nice room with a nice bed which is somewhat secluded from the rest of humanity. Any suggestions??

1645073.....what is your budget? How many days? Do both of you have current passports?

[1645073]

probably looking to stay for 6nights or so...the cheaper the better but would like to stay under $6000 with airfare and everything. we do both have passports. i also have around 25,000 frequent flyer miles i can use so that helps with airfare.
Message Edited by 1645073 on 01-05-200701:23 PM

[omegaet]

1645073 wrote:
probably looking to stay for 6nights or so...the cheaper the better but would like to stay under $6000 with airfare and everything. we do both have passports. i also have around 25,000 frequent flyer miles i can use so that helps with airfare.
Message Edited by 1645073 on 01-05-200701:23 PM

1645073...you might be find a decent inclusive package with a Sandals Resorts (www.sandals.com). The best part of theirpackages is the fact that "almost" everything is included in their prices.

[disneygal]

Hi 1645073,

I agree with omegaetthat an all-inclusive property would be a good idea. In addition to knowing the price up-front, the tripcan be much less stressful. I was going to suggest the Mayan Riviera in Mexico (about an hour south of Cancun airport)where there aremanyexcellent all-inclusive hotels. But then I re-read your post and saw your goal to be somewhat secluded from the rest of humanity. OK, so a private island is not in the budget. Many one of the out islands in the Bahamas would be just the ticket.Check outClub Med Columbus Isle. On TripAdvisor.com, if you look under Harbour Island, Andros and Cat Island and you'll get some ideas.There are some small, relatively inexpensive hotels, although not all-inclusive. I'm sure you'll find just the right place.

Message Edited by disneygal on 01-06-200705:26 AM

[bonniejoy03]

Wow. I thought of some other ideas. Would you like to have alittle more adventure???? Have you considered Central America? There are great flights from Charlotte to most locations. Some might not be all-inclusive but typically the prices for food, etc are less than the Caribbean. I might suggest Costa Rica. They have all-inclusive properties and also boutique-type properties. We highly recommend Punta Islita. It is the only property within a distance. You have a choice of accommodations such as a junior suite with a jacuzzi, a 1 bedroom casita, or of course, the standard room. The rooms are lovely and very unique. There is also a wonderful hammock on the deck. They have an infinity pool up on the hill and a beach side swimming pool. You can do absolutely nothing or participate in their offerings such as a canopy tour, ATVing (lots of fun!!!). What do you think? It would be different. This is definitely secluded. I can also recommend other ideas in the area.

[omegaet]

bonniejoy03 wrote:

Wow. I thought of some other ideas. Would you like to have alittle more adventure???? Have you considered Central America? There are great flights from Charlotte to most locations. Some might not be all-inclusive but typically the prices for food, etc are less than the Caribbean. I might suggest Costa Rica. They have all-inclusive properties and also boutique-type properties. We highly recommend Punta Islita. It is the only property within a distance. You have a choice of accommodations such as a junior suite with a jacuzzi, a 1 bedroom casita, or of course, the standard room. The rooms are lovely and very unique. There is also a wonderful hammock on the deck. They have an infinity pool up on the hill and a beach side swimming pool. You can do absolutely nothing or participate in their offerings such as a canopy tour, ATVing (lots of fun!!!). What do you think? It would be different. This is definitely secluded. I can also recommend other ideas in the area.

bonniejoy03....good suggestion! We visited Punta Islita and had a wonderful time.....the LL auction package usually sells at a reasonable price. This is the high season for travel to CR, so it might be worth check availability directly with the hotel be the honeymooners make the purchase.

[mary-j]

going back to the thread which mentioned Sandals Resorts. I agree that they are excellent resorts as their all-inclusive package covers everything apart from spa treatments etc. and are perfect for a honeymoon but we priced their Antigua resort for this year and found that their prices have rocketed. We have been 5 times to Sandals Resorts and always had a brilliant holiday, but not sure if I would pay what they are asking for this year. Yes, all their resorts have been refurbished but not sure if they warrant such a jump in price?

[omegaet]

mary-j wrote:

going back to the thread which mentioned Sandals Resorts. I agree that they are excellent resorts as their all-inclusive package covers everything apart from spa treatments etc. and are perfect for a honeymoon but we priced their Antigua resort for this year and found that their prices have rocketed. We have been 5 times to Sandals Resorts and always had a brilliant holiday, but not sure if I would pay what they are asking for this year. Yes, all their resorts have been refurbished but not sure if they warrant such a jump in price?

mary-j....I mentioned Sandals as an example of an all-inclusive....not necessarily and endorsement of Sandals (although we stayed at Sandals Antigua about four years ago and had a fun time). The all-inclusive approach can help determine a final budget......and there are lots of all-inclusive resorts from which to select. My experience is that "add ons" can be a budget killer. SuperClubs offer some excellent destinations, Club Meds can be fun as well, but their culture might not be the perfect honeymoon environment. Our experience has shown that meals and bar tabs and extra activities, especially in the Caribbean, can frequently rival the daily rooms rates.

[enewseven]

Hi 1645073 :



Congratulations, I'm in the honeymoon planning stage as well as you. I've pretty much gone through huge lists of places and properties. For your budget I would also say to check out some of the all-inclusive resortsas well. From where you are located you might want to check out some of the all inclusives in Mexico, near Tulum or Riviera Maya. The places have all been rebuilt since last years hurricane Wilma hit them pretty hard. These resort are all offering great deals to get travelers back there and start to recoup from their losses.The flights are very inexpensive too.Check out some of the LL deals that give breakfast lunch and dinner, even if they only have just breakfast included, Mexico is not that expensive to dine out. Also, the Dominican Republic can be a great choice, LL has an awesome deal on Casa de Campo which is all -inclusive and very high end !