Planning a honeymoon

ZZ-kai- · #1 03-10-2002, 11:26 PM

I am starting to plan my honeymoon for next fall, and have been looking at all kinds of destinations. I have narrowed it down to Maroma, Mexico (about 20 miles from Cancun). I was wondering if anyone has been there or know anything about this place.

Here is the website of the hotel: http://www.maromahotel.com/

I saw, on the Travel Channel this weekend, that this hotel/resort is the #1 Best Beach in the world, so naturally I began looking there.

Drop me some hints if you have been here, or know of any other 'top-notch' places I should consider. My AXiD fiance wants to be 'pampered' for at least 7 days, so toss your ideas my way.

Thanks!

Hootie · #2 03-11-2002, 12:04 AM

Will and I booked our Honeymoon for over New Years at Sandals resort in the Bahamas. Origionally we were going to go to Atlantis in Paradice Island in the Bahamas, but it was going to be super expensive.
You might want to check out Sandals though!
I've also heard of a website called HoneyLuna.com. Basically people can help you pay for your honeymoon as a gift. Like they can buy you dinner, a swim with the dolphins, your airline tickets...etc. I didn't want that as a gift in case people didn't buy us a lot and we'd be stuck with the rest...but ultimately I think we're going to pay a lot for the honeymoon anyway ~ so you might want to check it out!

Hootie

TechAPhi · #3 03-11-2002, 02:24 AM

I've got two great suggestions for you:

Maui (lush, tropical, extremely romantic, and so many great places for pampering). My husband and I took a week-long honeymoon to Maui and it couldn't have been more perfect.

In Maui I suggest the Hyatt Regency Kaanapali Beach or the Four Seasons in Kapalua. We stayed at the Hyatt, and it couldn't have been more perfect. Wonderful pools, restaurants, artwork, and amenities on a beautiful stretch of pink Hawaiian beach. There are a number of wonderful spas in the area. My in-laws stayed at the Four Seasons in Kapalua. They enjoyed it immensely, especially the spa services and the secluded locale.

Aruba (wild untamed-looking landscape, low humidity, lovely beaches and superb shopping). My husband and I celebrated our five-year anniversary in Aruba this summer with my sister and some friends. It was simply perfect! The beaches in Aruba are some of the finest I have experienced and the water is clear and calm, perfect for a midnight dip.

In Aruba, I strongly suggest the Radisson Palm Beach or the Hyatt Regency Palm Beach. Both are first-class luxury resorts with top-rate spa services, dining and casinos. The beach--Palm Beach--on which both resorts sit is gorgeous and absolutely perfect for swimming, sunning, snorkeling, etc. I adored Aruba and can't wait to go back.

Both would be perfect choices for a romantic beach honeymoon.

Good luck! And do let us know what you choose. I am always looking for the next "perfect" vacation spot!

TechAPhi · #4 03-11-2002, 02:59 AM

Check out these two hotels:

The Hyatt: a very beautiful hotel, with a lovely restaurant called Ruinas del Mar (we ate an awesome Sunday brunch there), and a variety of other quality restaurants. If you can do it, I highly recommend the Sunday brunch and would be happy to tell you more about it if you're interested. We thought "The Palm" restaurant at the Hyatt was over priced for the quality of food you got (very marginal).

My husband and I wandered into, out of, and around every hotel on Palm Beach. Of all of them, we liked the Hyatt and the Radisson the best. The Radission has just been completely demolished and remodeled, so it is brand-new. The grounds are so beautiful. The grounds at the Hyatt at night are very pretty too, and, I think, makes better use of uplighting on the plants, trees and shurbs.

Both hotels have gorgeous parrots, McCaws, African Grays, etc. The Radission has a "visiting hour" where guests can have their pictures taken with the birds on their arms. The Hyatt may have a similar program. The Radission has more birds, but the Hyatt has a toucan, which was interesting and fun to see.

The pools: I liked the pools at the Radission much better. They are of the meandering, stream-like variety. They are both zero-entry pools, which means you walk right from the deck/beach area into the pool (kind of like a shoreline). The zero-entry pools also allow you to lay in the water and tan, without getting submerged (or you can put a lounge chair there). There are a number of hidden grottos and spas--very romantic. There weren't too many kids around, so that was great too.

The pools at the Hyatt are very pretty, though, somewhat small. The ones at the Radission are huge and allow for lots of privacy. There are a number of secluded hottubs at the Radission, which was fun. The Hyatt has a neat looking waterslide, which might be fun if you had kids, but since you're on your honeymoon you probably want to stay away from kids! The grounds of the Hyatt are very lush and have pretty walkways and a brook in which black swans swim around.

The rooms at the Radission are wonderful. They all have four-poster beds, mini bar, armoir, fantastic balcony with carribean-style chairs and a small table outside. I did go into the guest tower at the Hyatt and the halls are done in bright colors. The rooms, from what I could see were somewhat small, but looked to be very nice. Again, I didn't go inside.

Casinos: Both the Radission and the Hyatt have nice casinos. The one at the Radission is worth a look. They have the ceiling done like a starry sky, complete with shooting stars. Very pretty, but smaller than the Casino at the Hyatt.

I didn't have any spa services done at the Hyatt, but I am sure if they are available, they are top-notch. The Radission has a very nice manicurist, she did manicures and pedicures for me and my friend. My friend also had a facial and a massage. She enjoyed both very much.

The Radission has a fabulous little beachfront bar and grill called "Gilligan's." From 5-7 p.m. everyday, there is a band playing Carribean tunes, drink specials (my sister and friend loved the "Island Breeze"), and free snacks. It was a truly wonderful place to sit and watch the sun dip into the Carribean sea. Even if you don't stay there, I recommend walking down to the Radission one day and enjoying a cool drink, live music and a snack before dinner and after a long day of wonderful Aruban hospitality.

By the way, none of the guidebooks that are available for Aruba right now reflect the remodel of the Radission. I have three guidebooks from 2000, and they all describe the rooms, restaurants, etc. in the Radission much differently than I experienced them. For example, my "Fodor's Pocket Aruba" states that the rooms have tropical-print bed spreads and curtains. Actually, the rooms are done in a fabulous carribean style (I have pictures if you are interested).

ZZ-kai- · #5 03-11-2002, 09:00 AM

Thanks for all the advice and suggestions everyone. I have already started looking at the resorts you posted. I am having a difficult time justifying $5000-$6000 for a 7-10 day honeymoon though......thats a nice chunk for a downpayment on a house, but then again, I plan on getting married only once, so I guess it is worth it.

Please keep the suggestions coming, and post links to the resorts if you can. Funjet.com's descriptions don't really do much for the resorts. Also, if you know of any online review pages, please post them too.

Thanks again!

PS, we are looking for an All Inclusive and I noticed that most of the Hawaii packages are not A.I.

AOIIBrandi · #6 03-11-2002, 09:46 AM

If you are looking for A.I. I think that Sandals is the way to go. I've had a lot of friends go to their various resorts on honeymoons, and everyone has wanted to go back. They have resorts on almost every island in the caribbean (sometimes 2 or3) usually each one offers something different or speacializes in something. Like the Royal Bahamian on Nassau specializes in Spa services while St. Lucia has golf. None of the resorts have onsite Casinos, but if gambling is legal on the island there will be one near by. Check out their website at: http://www.sandals.com/ - now you're making me want to get away

Good Luck and Congratulations on your upcoming wedding

juniorgrrl · #7 03-11-2002, 10:18 AM

Have you thought of a cruise? Most of them are pretty all-inclusive so you don't have to buy all your meals separately. You do, however, have to pay for excursions, alcohol, tips, etc.

But you can get a 7-day cruise that "pampers" your fiance, and it'll be TONS of fun.

I'd suggest a Royal Caribbean if you can afford it. Carnival is fun, but not high on the luxury factor.

Good luck!

IowaHawkeye · #8 03-11-2002, 12:12 PM

check www.theknot.com - they have a whole section on honeymoons :-)

ZZ-kai- · #9 03-11-2002, 01:14 PM

We have thought about a cruise, but because she doesn't like the fact of being on a boat half of the time, and we are beach people, we would prefer to stick to an A.I. resort.

We have also looked into Sandals & Beaches Resorts, and have mixed reviews. We personally know a couple who paid for a Sandals and were sent to a Beaches because the Sandals was overbooked (and thats not the first time we have heard of that either). They are currently in a lawsuit trying to get their $1500 difference paid back to them.

Keep the advice coming, thanks!

greeklawgirl · #10 03-11-2002, 01:23 PM

If you're looking for an all-inclusive to Hawaii, check out Perillo Tours. They have 2 tours (I think a 7-day and a 10-day) to multiple islands, and their prices include airfare, hotel, admission to shows & tourist attractions, and most meals.

I also have to second TechAPhi's suggestion of Maui. We loved it! We stayed at the Westin on Kaanapali and it was amazing. They love to spoil their honeymooners.

We also spent a week on the Big Island and completely enjoyed that, too. I would recommend Big Island if you're looking to get a little more adventurous--horseback riding, going to Volcanoes National Park, "river-rafting," swimming with dolphins, etc. The Hilton Hawaiian Village is THE place to stay on Big Island. I don't impress *too* easily, and I was walking around that hotel with my jaw on the floor.

Yes, honeymoons are expensive...but the memories are completely worth it! We don't regret a single penny.

bucutie02 · #11 03-11-2002, 05:47 PM

i dont really have an advice to give you, sorry!

However, i did want to add that almost everyone goes to beaches for their honeymoon. I think thats pretty neat, and the cruises too, but i have always wanted to go to Paris since ive never been to Europe and think it would be so romantic. I also think DisneyWorld is fun. Yeah, ive been there but ive always dreamt about going there and getting to wear the bride and groom mickey ears!

Tons of people i know go to Playa Del Carmen in mexico by Cancun. When i went to cancun this summer we headed over to playa del carmen and all the hotels there are BEAUTIFUL, and its like a mini town where you have restaurants and shopping in walking distance. Of course, Cancun is like that too but this one is a lot nicer.

TechAPhi · #12 03-11-2002, 08:20 PM

Try Jamaica

If you are looking for a fabulous All-inclusive, I suggest you consider the Grand Lido Sans Souci in Jamaica.

Visit the Grand Lido Sans Souci

My sister and brother-in-law absolutely rave about this place. They had their own private plunge pool, enormous king-sized bed, all the drinks you can handle, and food that was to-die-for. Twenty-four hour room service, gorgeous beach, with a number of secluded areas for romantic interludes. Only couples are allowed, I believe, so you won't have to deal with kids everywhere spoiling the mood.

I've also heard their spa services are tremendous. They have couples massages and other spa services that can be done together.

They say it is absolutely beautiful, serene and verdant. That the staff is extraordinarily friendly and caters to your every whim. The fact that they cater to couples is great for a honeymoon too--no conventioneers, no kids, no singles...

Just a thought.

Here's what the intro blurb on their website says:

At luxurious Grand Lido Sans Souci the emerald green mountains reach all the way down to the white sand beach. In true European fashion mineral springs bubble in hidden grottos. Relax with a complimentary massage, facial, reflexology and body scrub. Enjoy 24-hour room service, then work it off in our fully equipped fitness center. Discover whirlpools, hammocks for two, and a beach bar where premium cocktails flow endlessly while tasty treats sizzle on the grill."

Re: Hawaii

If you are looking for all-inclusive resorts in Hawaii, I don't think you'll find too many of those--and who'd want them? The food in Hawaii is absolutely some of the best I have ever had. There are many primo restaurants to be sampled, especially on Maui or Oahu.

I believe the all-inclusive concept came about due to these resorts being in such secluded (even primative) places that the hotels had to provide everything for their guests (from meals to fresh water). I know in Jamaica, many of the resorts are basically in the middle of nowhere, so the hotel for all intents and purposes becomes a town (and a destination) of its own. In Hawaii, there's no need for all-inclusive hotels because guests can easily (and cheaply) rent cars and visit the neighboring towns and villages near their resorts.

I do concur with greeklaw girl, the Westin Kaanapali, too, is a fabulous place. The pools and secluded waterfalls are wonderful.

You mentioned links. How about these...

Maui Resorts:

-- Visit the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
-- Visit the Four Seasons
-- The Ritz Carlton Kapalua Resort and Spa
-- The The Westin Kaanapali

TechAPhi · #13 03-11-2002, 08:31 PM

To read traveler reviews of various hotels around the world, visit:

Travelocity's Traveler Reviews section

AWESOME resource.

bruinaphi · #14 03-11-2002, 09:35 PM

The Buccaneer Hotel
My favorite hotel in the world is The Buccaneer Hotel in St. Croix. My family and I have been going there every other year since 1983. Their website is http://www.thebuccaneerhotel.com/thebuccaneerhotel.htm. They have all inclusive rates for honeymooners and others.

My mom and my sister went to St. Lucia this past summer and said that it was AMAZING!

Here is the information from my mom about their trip to St. Lucia:
There are two airports in St. Lucia. There is one on the North end and one on the south end of the island. There is only a single road linking the north and south end and the trip is over 4 hours long (also very windy and steep). We flew into the northern airport. We stayed the first couple of nights on the north end
at the Hyatt Regency- Rodney Bay. It was very nice and if you are AAA members and book direct there is a 30 - 40% discount. 451-1234. They have rooms that open onto pools and also nice ocean-view.

The open-air hotel, the Ladera Resort is pretty much in the middle of the island. It is in the hills and overlooks the Pitons (which is where the Jalousie Hilton is). They have exchange privileges with the Hilton which gives good beach access. (459-7323)

The Jalousie Hilton was the third place that we stayed. A little more pricey - but nice. (459-7666).

Both the Jalousie Hilton and LaDera have cottages with plunge pools. Some even have full pools (private).

Happy planning!

Laura

aephi alum · #15 03-11-2002, 10:36 PM

I second the recommendations for Aruba - that's where my husband and I went. We stayed at the Hyatt - at the time, I had a job that required lots of travel, so I had about a zillion Hyatt points, so we got to stay there for free!

Since we were a honeymoon couple, they took our picture at about 4 different locations around the grounds, and since I was a preferred Hyatt guest, we got a bottle of wine when we checked in.

A big advantage of Aruba is that it's out of the hurricane zone.

The only down side, was that I had to book the room using my Hyatt points, and I hadn't changed my name yet, so my poor husband kept getting called "Mr. Mymaidenname". He was not amused, LOL

Definitely consider Hawaii, too. I was there a few years back... If you're looking for peace and quiet, I recommend the Manele Bay Hotel on Lanai. Another great place is the Big Island - there's a Four Seasons in Kona that is gorgeous.