honeymoon issues

Here is the deal.

when we got engaged, my mother immediatly insisted we MUST go to St. John for our honeymoon, and we MUST stay at Caneel bay. She offered to pay as our gift. She pushed and pushed and we accepted. Now she is freeking because it is so expensive. (This is not the point of the FM , just a mini vent.)

We agree to change our location. The question now becomes: WHERE?

The facts:
We have 8 days
We want to go to the Carribean/Mexico
I am looking for luxury accomodations without the 'all inclusive' feel.
No huge resorts with gambling, golf, discos, etc. No overly Americanized resorts.
Something intimate and interesting - but affordable.
Not Jamaica, Bahamas, or USVI

Looking at The Mayan Riviera right now...and maybe Aruba?

Keep in mind it is June. Any suggestions? Anyone ever been to Costa Rica? I know nothing about it.

Thanks in advance ladies!!!

Re: honeymoon issues

One of my friends did 10 days at Sandals in St. Lucia and raves about it non stop.

Re: honeymoon issues

Maybe look into Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. We're probably going to go to Bitter End Yacht Club for our honeymoon (http://www.beyc.com). It's a little different from your typical all-inclusive -- it's more casual and focused on watersports. There's a couple other resorts on the island too.

As for Costa Rica - I've not been myself, but I've had a number of friends go. And I just got back from Panama which is right next door. I'd say it's a bit of different vacation than you'd get in the Carribean or Mexico. It's more adventurous, but the tradeoff is that it's a little less relaxing. You'll probably want to move from place to place and travel around the country isn't the easiest. But, it's a lot of fun - just depends what kind of honeymoon you want.

Re: honeymoon issues

Costa Rica is supposed to be amazing..

We looked in the Carribbean because we knew we needed to go there, as it made the most sense if we are flying back through New Orleans (we are going to Jazz Fest)-- which we sorta planned our HM around.

We looked around and from what we could find.. the best all inclusive that suited our needs was in Jamaica.. we are staying at the Couples resort in Negril-- on the beach. Luxury accommodations, all-inclusive, like 5 restaurants-- nightly entertainment. etc. and NO KIDS-- this was so important to us.. I have a friend who stayed at the Swept Away one and could not say enough good things.

I know you said you did not want Jamaica-- but thought I would throw it out there.. We just found the resort to be what we are looking for-- and at the end of the day- it's all beaches and palm trees anyway...

Re: honeymoon issues

Maybe the El Dorado Royale in the Mayan Riviera. All inclusive and fab!

Re: honeymoon issues

Ladies - thnak you for all your wonderful responses! You hve given me several hours of google material to weed through.

Anyone else?

Re: honeymoon issues

We went to the mayan riviera....it was an all inclusive----but it was not couples only.....but it was wonderful!!!!!!!!!

Re: honeymoon issues

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Posted by DIJBH

One of my friends did 10 days at Sandals in St. Lucia and raves about it non stop.

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My sister did 12 in St. Lucia. She never has anything but nice things to say.

We are looking into Aruba but havent booked anything yet. Our issue is we are getting married in the middle of hurricane season. So, we are trying to find a destination outof the hurricane belt.

Re: honeymoon issues

We are doing 7 nights in St Lucia---but it is quite expensive

Re: honeymoon issues

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Posted by jesslangen

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Posted by DIJBH

One of my friends did 10 days at Sandals in St. Lucia and raves about it non stop.

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My sister did 12 in St. Lucia. She never has anything but nice things to say.

We are looking into Aruba but havent booked anything yet. Our issue is we are getting married in the middle of hurricane season. So, we are trying to find a destination outof the hurricane belt.

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That is a toughie... how about a cruise, which changes direction if there is a hurricane? A friend of mine was on a cruise during one of the hurricanes this year - they just hit different islands.

Re: honeymoon issues

my fiance and i went to costa rica this past march. it was awesome!!!!!! we were there for dry season. however june is wet season. but my friend just got back and said it was gorgeous the whole time. The people in costa rica are soooooo nice. and its beautiful and food is great. we went to guarnacosta..papagayo. we stayed at the occidental...my friend stayed at the four seasons. that hotel is brand new and beautiful. check it out. i have tons of pics from out trip if you want to see.

Re: honeymoon issues

If we didn't go to Puerto Vallarta every year with my parents I would have considered it for my honeymoon- beaches, tons to do, history and culture, fantastic artists to see, and the best restaurants that are not five star prices. If you are on a budget, I would highly recommend a resort there. There are many to chose from. I just booked my Feb trip there and can't wait to go again.

Re: honeymoon issues

wow - more replies than i could have hoped for! Thanks ladies - I have been researching Costa Rica all night - it is so affordable!!!

Christine- i love PV but went there with an EX! Thank You though....

Re: honeymoon issues

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Posted by jesslangen

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Posted by DIJBH

One of my friends did 10 days at Sandals in St. Lucia and raves about it non stop.

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My sister did 12 in St. Lucia. She never has anything but nice things to say.

We are looking into Aruba but havent booked anything yet. Our issue is we are getting married in the middle of hurricane season. So, we are trying to find a destination outof the hurricane belt.

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Aruba doesn't get the hurricanes as far as I know. I am just afraid it is going to be 900 degrees down there in June! Any thoughts?

Re: honeymoon issues

Bunny: We're going to St. Lucia to a resort/ all-inclusive called LeSport (The Body Holiday). More of a European feel, and not very large. Instead of my poorly attempting to summarize what it's all about, I'll just include a link .

FM me if you have any questions. We've done ALOT of research on the place.

Good luck with your search!

Re: honeymoon issues

Bunny -- you should check out St. Lucia and def check out Costa Rica -- loads of fun outdoorsy stuff. Plus rain forests and not $ at all.

Re: honeymoon issues

This is fun.

Re: honeymoon issues

i just dont get who that guy in the picture is... he looks familiar though

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Posted by lolita4life

i just dont get who that guy in the picture is... he looks familiar though

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That's Booger from Revenge of the Nerds!...One of my co-workers just came back from Costa Rica for her honeymoon, she loved it!