More HM Opinions, with Poll

I have to give credit where credit is due. FH and I talked ALL night last night about HM options. And he didn't really complain, and only tried to convince me *once* to just go to Newport and go to Greece in the late summer. Honestly, I'm so confused now, that maybe we will do that. But I suggested a 3-4 day cruise instead of Newport so we could afford to do both, and he doesn't want to cruise because he doesn't like that you're on a schedule during the day, so there goes that compromise.

So IF we do end up doing the resort option and do not stick to the original plan, we have pretty much narrowed down our options to the following:

1. Sandals Grande Antigua

2. Excellence Punta Cana

Pros and Cons for both:

Sandals the pros are that the resort is very clean, and it's a generally safe island so we could go into the town during the day if we wanted. Warmer weather and less rain in December. Only 10 minutes from airport. Cons are reviews are pretty bad regarding the service, and not just a few reviews, a TON. Also, sale 'ends' tomorrow, and if not extended again, we cannot afford it. So we have to hedge our bets with them. Longer flight, and no direct are available, so would have to transfer in Miami.

Excellence the pros are that the resort is very clean, altho the rooms are a bit older, and that the service is great and the food is actually good. More activities offered. Has excellent reviews across the board, for every 15 5 star reviews there's maybe 1 3 star, no real bashing 1 star reviews. Less expensive than Sandals with the sale even without a sale price of its own. Shorter flight, and it's direct. Cons are that the weather is a little cooler in December, and an inch more rain, generally it is warm but not sunny this time of year. It's not the safest of islands, so we definitely wouldn't leave the resort grounds. It's an hour from the airport via shuttle.

Ammenities wise, they both offer a good amount of restaurants, bars, pools, beach, spas, and activities, although Excellence has more activities that we would probably be interested in.

Given all of this info...which one would you choose?

Im so glad that he is working with you now!!! So happy for you. I have heard that Sandles resorts all inclusive wedding package is AmaZinG!! Check it out. It includes alot of extra things to do.

Good luck!!

Let us know what you choose!!

I would say go to Antigua because its one of the best beaches in the world, IMO.

I know that FH doesn't like cruises.. but you should seriously look into the Mediterranean cruises. They go to Italy, Greece and Croatia (I think) and they look great! You aren't on a schedule at all, so tell him that's not true, you do whatever you want

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Posted by littlepixie12

I would say go to Antigua because its one of the best beaches in the world, IMO.

I know that FH doesn't like cruises.. but you should seriously look into the Mediterranean cruises. They go to Italy, Greece and Croatia (I think) and they look great! You aren't on a schedule at all, so tell him that's not true, you do whatever you want

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One day I would LOVE to do a Mediterranean cruise, because I know this is probably the only way we'd see all these countries, but if we did that we'd go in warmer weather, so may as well just go to Greece since we'd be putting it off same amount of time.

I haven't been to either place so I can't give you advice; however from what I've researched I get the impression that Excellence resorts are better than Sandals. It could be different depending on the location though!

I think you will have a great time no matter which you pick, just go with your gut! :)

I say go to DR. I loved DR when I went 7 yrs ago...its a great island and lots of activities.

I would also recommend if you want a nice place thats affordable and the weather is beautiful...Costa Rica!!!!!!

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Posted by FutureMrsG

Honestly, I feel that you are not really content with either choice. I know just convincing your FH to take a honeymoon has been a challenge but it is your HM you should be excited!! Have you given any thought to other Islands...one of the best trips I ever went on was to St. Martin...It was safe, clean and the people were wonderful.

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Do you have any recommendations on a hotel or resort to stay in there?

I would never pass up the opportunity to go to a foreign country/Europe-
Can I ask why RI is the 3-4 vacation? I mean there are a million cheap places to go where you can still afford to go to Greece int he summer...

Is St. Thomas totally out of the running? It's one of my favorite places. (Love the Frenchmans Reef Resort.) There's lots to do or nothing to do and you can take the ferry over to St. Johns which is absolutely stunning.

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Posted by geegee827

Is St. Thomas totally out of the running? It's one of my favorite places. (Love the Frenchmans Reef Resort.) There's lots to do or nothing to do and you can take the ferry over to St. Johns which is absolutely stunning.

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St. Thomas isn't completely out, I was just having trouble finding a hotel that got good reviews. Is that resort all-inclusive or not?

The Frenchmans Reef offers breakfast included packages, but I don't think it's all inclusive.

If you need an all inclusive, I can recommend the Wydham Sugar Bay. I went there for a long weekend and it was just beautiful.

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Posted by coldasice217

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Posted by FutureMrsG

Honestly, I feel that you are not really content with either choice. I know just convincing your FH to take a honeymoon has been a challenge but it is your HM you should be excited!! Have you given any thought to other Islands...one of the best trips I ever went on was to St. Martin...It was safe, clean and the people were wonderful.

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Do you have any recommendations on a hotel or resort to stay in there?

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I stayed at Great Bay Resort on the Dutch side at the time it was the only all inclusive but it was several years ago.