For those in search of sun, sand and surf, there are few places in the world with more honeymoon options than the Caribbean.  It may be surprising to learn, however, that the region is actually quite diverse.  Some islands are tropical in nature, with lush rainforests and volcanic mountains, while others are more arid with desert-like brush and cacti.  Some have nightlife.  Some have black-sand beaches. Some have golf.  What most have in common, though, are pristine beaches and turquoise water, the Caribbean's claim to fame.  The key to a wonderful Caribbean experience?  In a nutshell, choosing the right island (or islands) and the right accommodations for your personal interests.

To help determine which location(s) will fit best with your interests, consider the following areas:

Physical Environment - not all islands are covered in dense jungle, jagged mountains and hidden waterfalls.  If you desire that "exotic," tropical island feel, consider places like St. Lucia, St. John, Grenada, Guadeloupe, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica.

Local Culture - on most islands, the local culture developed over many years by mixing various cultures from elsewhere, including Africa, Europe and Latin America.  Some, like St. Barts, St. Martin and Martinique have a strong European flavor.  The Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico are tops for Latin culture. Prefer a festive "rum and reggae" environment?  Consider Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago.

Activities - one thing that most Caribbean islands have in common is access to a great variety of water activities.  Some locations, like the Caymans, St. Croix and Bonaire, are renowned for scuba diving.  For championship golf, head to Jamaica, the Dominican Republic or Puerto Rico.  These same islands are also good for sightseeing and in-land activities like hiking and biking, primarily because they are physically larger and more diverse than many of their neighbors.

Nightlife - on some islands, "nightlife" simply consists of a quiet drink at the resort bar. On others it can entail clubbing, bar hopping or casino gambling.  For those who like to roll the dice, consider Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Aruba and the Bahamas.  For island-style partying, head to Barbados, Jamaica, or St. Thomas.

Privacy - on most islands, it's possible to find a quiet spot that offers relative seclusion.  However, if you really want to "get away from it all," choose a less touristed location or even a private island. Great escapes: the Grenadines, St. Lucia, St. John, Nevis, Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, Turks & Caicos, and the out islands of the Bahamas.

Accommodations - for many honeymooners, where they stay is more important than all other criteria combined.  In the Caribbean, you will find a wide range of lodging options, including full-service resorts, plantation-style inns, all-inclusives and private villas. Some cater to adults while others tend to attract families. Not all islands offer all types. If accommodations are particularly relevant to you, start looking at places to stay early in the planning process.

There are other factors to take into consideration as well, including dining preferences, travel logistics, language and of course, costs.  Ultimately, the right Caribbean honeymoon will come down to your personal priorities and budget.

 Pampering & Plantations on Nevis
Nevis is an ideal destination for discriminating travelers in search of peace and quiet. The island is only 8 miles long by 6 miles wide, with a 3300 foot extinct volcano right in the middle. Activity number one here is relaxation, which can be accomplished by lounging in a hammock or by strolling miles of undisturbed beaches. For those who want to get out-and-about, Nevis offers great water activities, golf, horseback riding, plantation tours and hiking through the lush rainforests in-and-around Mt. Nevis. You may even run across a Green Vervet Monkey along the path.

Your Nevis honeymoon will start at the Four Seasons Resort, consistently ranked as one of the best properties in the Caribbean. Your goal here: relaxation and pampering. This resort is all about exceptional service. For golfers and tennis lovers, you'll find a championship Robert Trent Jones course and 10 tennis courts, respectively. For beachcombers, the resort sits right on Pinney's beach, the island's widest and longest. After luxuriating in a resort setting, it's time to move "upland" to the more intimate and cultural environment at Montpelier Plantation Inn. Originally built in the 1700's, this former sugar plantation sits on 60 acres high above the water. With only 17 rooms, privacy is assured. The food is delicious. Montpelier is a good base for exploring the island's interior. Local guides can point out various flora and fauna, explain the medicinal uses of native plants, and discuss the island's history and culture.

Escape from Reality in the Grenadines
For those with a passion for privacy, beautiful scenery and water activities, the windward islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines are genuine hidden gems. Made up of 30 islands and cays, the Grenadines are mostly undiscovered by tourists, making them a wonderful destination for a true escape. The look and feel of each island is somewhat different, but many contain steep mountains, lush vegetation and pretty waterfalls. The area is a prime spot for sailing, yachting and snorkeling. Come here to be together with your new partner in complete solitude.

Your Grenadines honeymoon will start at the chain's southern tip, on Petit St. Vincent. Ever wanted your own private island? Staying here will come petty close. Island = Resort = Island. Petit St. Vincent is 110 acres of privacy. You'll find two miles of beautiful beaches, rolling hills covered with palm trees and hiking paths, and only 22 romantic cottages. No televisions or telephones. Need something while in your cottage? Simply hoist a yellow flag up your flag pole. Don't want to be disturbed by housekeeping? Hoist a red flag! Even though seclusion is assured, the resort still offers a wide range of daily diversions to keep you entertained (if desired).  After unwinding on Petit St. Vincent, it's time for some maritime exploration.  A private sailing yacht will pick you up right from the resort, whereby you will set course for St. Vincent at the northern end of the chain.  Over the next few days, you will have the opportunity to live life on the high seas.  Days will be spent sailing, snorkeling and island hopping.  Stops will include the uninhabited Tobago Cays, the tiny island of  Mayreau, and the deserted white sand beaches of exclusive Mustique.  Your crew and private chef will take care of all your needs, making this an adventurous yet comfortable way to fully experience the Grenadines.

The Pinnacle of Luxury
If your vision of the perfect honeymoon includes pampering, privacy, and sophisticated service, the islands of Anguilla and St. Barts could be your paradise. While each island is exclusive in its own right, the scenery and atmosphere of each is very different, meaning a visit to each will truly create a unique experience.

Start out on Anguilla, a flat, sandy island that beckons one to relax and take in the serene environment. The island is known for 5-star resorts, fine dining, spectacular beaches and brilliant turquoise water. Our preferred property here is the Moorish-style Cap Juluca, an oasis of luxury on two miles of fine white sand. While there are activities available, most guests simply prefer to lounge with a good book by the pool or on the beach. Once you have thoroughly unwound, you will hop over to the tiny island of St. Barts for the back half of your honeymoon. In comparison to Anguilla, the island itself is much more scenic, with dramatic hills, lush valleys and numerous beaches. What really sets it apart, however, is the local culture. St. Barts was populated by émigrés from Sweden and the French provinces of Brittany and Normandy. As a result, the feel is very European. In fact, many call it the "Cannes" of the Caribbean. Your hotel here is the cosmopolitan Carl Gustaf, which sits dramatically on a landscaped hill overlooking Gustavia's picturesque harbor. Each of the resort's 15 suites has a private pool with a view - incredible for secluded relaxation. When you get antsy, the hotel is only steps away from Gustavia's shops and cafes. Finally, for you epicures, St. Barts is a wonderful spot for fine dining, especially for French inspired cuisine.

Culture in the Caribbean
Perhaps you've been to Europe before and loved it, or possibly you simply want something else besides the beach and the resort. In either case, we are often asked about locations in the Caribbean where local culture is a key factor in the island's ambiance. Puerto Rico offers just such a honeymoon experience - its Latin culture shines through, from the bright colors of its houses, to its uniquely spiced food, to its music and history.

As a relatively large island, it's easy to spend time in two locations during a honeymoon here. Begin with an incredibly beautiful resort, the Horned Dorset, on Puerto Rico's west side. Away from the activity of San Juan, this five star property with 35 rooms is a perfect place to relax for a few (or several!) days after your wedding, as you recuperate from the excitement, and desire attention to detail in an authentic setting. As a member of the prestigious Relais and Chateaux organization, you'll be assured of excellent cuisine to go along with the sea and the sun. After a few days here, it's time to head to the heart of Puerto Rico - San Juan. Old San Juan is unbelievably charming, with excellent restaurants, beautifully maintained colonial buildings, and 400 years of history to explore. While in Old San Juan, you'll be staying at the gorgeous El Convento Hotel. Located on a cobblestone street, this authentic property has a lovely hacienda-style courtyard and comfortable period furniture which harks back to the days of the conquistadors. From here you'll have access to boutique shopping, excellent nightlife, and Puerto Rico's rainforest, el Yunque. For a place that feels culturally special yet has all the features of the warm and sunny Caribbean, Puerto Rico delivers.

Interested in discovering additional out-of-the-ordinary Caribbean experiences? If so, please feel free to contact us at 800.205.3314. Our relationship managers can help you sort through a multitude of island and resort options in order to determine those that fit best with your interests and budget.

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