How to Plan a Cliché-Free Honeymoon in the South Caribbean

Planning a wedding can be an incredibly stressful experience. You spend months getting everything in order for your big day. Then it goes by so fast you hardly get a chance to enjoy yourself. That is why so many couples are even more ready to get away from it all and enjoy their honeymoon vacation.

A honeymoon is your time to relax and enjoy the company of your new spouse. Wedding days are great for sharing your love with all of your closest friends and families, but the honeymoon is for the two of you and the two of you alone.

Couples out there who plan an unconventional wedding are surely going to want a honeymoon that is free of clichés as well. A trip to the South Caribbean might seem like just another boring pre-packaged deal, but you would be amazed at the opportunities out there for resorts and destinations that think outside the box.

Here are a few ideas for honeymoons in the South Caribbean that will give you and the love of your life time to spend alone, while enjoying exceptional and original scenery and accommodations.

Aruba’s Bucuti Beach Resort

The Bucuti Beach Resort on the island nation of Aruba offers a fantastic 5-night deal that includes round trip airfare and even a 1-day car rental so you can get out there and enjoy the island.

The resort itself has all kinds of features to keep you busy on your visit. The Pirate’s Nest Restaurant is actually a replica of a 16th-century Spanish galleon. It offers a wide array of freshly caught seafood and delicious prime steaks. You can even take your meal out to the picturesque balcony.

If you are looking for an extra-special meal, though, you can make a reservation at the private beachside cabana. You will be served by your own private steward and have access to an exclusive chef’s menu.

But be sure to get out and explore the rest of the island while you are there. Aruba is only 20 miles long by 6 miles wide, so your complimentary rental car should make it accessible in a day. There are colonial-era buildings, forts, and gorgeous white-sand beaches, all waiting for you to explore. The nice thing about Aruba is its arid climate, so rain should not be a problem!

Barbados’ The Crane Resort and Residences

The Crane on Barbados is another option for an exciting Caribbean getaway. They too offer 5-night packages with round trip airfare included.

The Crane was built in a colonial architectural style and sits nestled on a cliff that overlooks the beach. It was founded way back in 1887 and remains to this day the first resort in the Caribbean.

One nice thing about the Crane is that you can either stay in the historic hotel, or get even further away from it all by renting one of the privately owned studios or suites. The resort features one large Roman-style pool that sits atop the cliff. Cascading waterfalls run down the side of the cliff and fill up three lagoon-style pools all the way down.

The island of Barbados is actually formed from an ancient coral reef. As you can imagine, this leads to all kinds of opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling. Barbados typically has more than 340 days of sunshine throughout the year, so bring some sunscreen and get ready to soak up some rays!

Jamaica’s Couples Tower Isle

The delightful Couples Tower Isle in Jamaica has an exciting 5-night getaway specifically for couples that includes round-trip airfare. The honeymoon package includes a free bottle of champagne and a half hour long his and her massage.

Couples Tower Isle almost reminds the visitor of a private getaway for the world’s most glamorous movie stars. It has a gorgeous Spanish-style beachfront and rooms on an exciting private island. Every room has either a patio or a private balcony, which overlooks the garden or the ocean. If you go so far as to rent a private villa, you will have access to your owner personal whirlpools and plunge pools.

On the grounds is Le Gourmet, a fantastic French restaurant that maintains a strict dress code to ensure a romantic experience. For something slightly more relaxed, you can also dine on continental cuisine at the Verandah or Jamaican dishes at the Calabash. Feel like mixing it up at night? There are four bars with nightly live shows and even karaoke!

Recreation nearby is easily accessible and abundant. There are five tennis courts as well as racquetball and squash facilities. Explore the ocean through exotic water sports that include windsurfing, waterskiing, kayaking, and more. At the Couples Tower Isle you can lock yourself up in your room or get out and explore. The choice is yours.

The important thing about planning your honeymoon getaway is to really talk it over with your spouse first. Find out what each of you are looking for and don’t be afraid to compromise. These are just a few of the many options that the South Caribbean offers for newlyweds.

Brandon Strain is a freelance writer who writes about vacation and leisure topics such as honeymoon travel.
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Honeymoons – How To Choose Your Honeymoon Travel Accommodations

Before you start packing your bags, you will need to determine what accommodation style best suits your honeymoon desires.

Would you rather be in the company of other newlyweds, joined by families and other groups of vacationers, or shut off from the rest of society? Read on and discover the types of honeymoon accommodations that are out there…

All-Inclusive Honeymoon Resorts

As the term implies, an all-inclusive rate covers it all-from your overnight accommodations, meals, unlimited drinks, and entertainment, to tips, taxes, airport transfers, and a mile-long list of activities for one flat fee. Once a phrase that carried negative connotations, more and more resorts are beginning to offer all-inclusive packages. While resorts vary on what exactly is included, you will likely only need to carry cash if you plan to indulge in gift shop paraphernalia, off-site excursions, a rental car, or spa treatments. But aside from booking a flight to your destination, all of the essentials are included. Sounds good, huh? Make sure you consider all aspects before hopping on board:

Pros

* All-inclusive packages can save you up to 25% off the cost of a vacation-just be sure to scout out the best deals and consider the cost of airfare to get to your destination. (our honeymoon travel for less guide offers more budget-friendly advice)
* Knowing exactly what your trip will cost you before you leave-no surprise costs or charges to deplete your funds.
* No need to carry a wallet-the ultimate stress reliever.
* Having the luxury of choosing a destination that offers activities to your liking.
* If your travel plans include a destination wedding, most all-inclusive resorts offer packages that include on-site ceremonies and receptions with the assistance of an on-site planner.

Cons

* Because all of the inclusive costs are for on-site activities, you may be less likely to venture outside of the property and discover all that your destination has to offer.
* A restricted number of activities and places to dine has the makings of monotony.
* If seclusion and spontaneity are what you crave, then you might want to consider another option that gives you the freedom to interact at your own leisure.

Couples-Only Resorts

What better way to start your new life together than with other starry-eyed lovers? Couples-only resorts are limited to just that-exclusively twosomes. These love nests are havens for fine dining, dancing and live entertainment, and all things romantic to ignite your libido. Before marching two-by-two to the next adult getaway, be sure to take the good and the bad into consideration:

Pros

* No scathing singles scene or screaming kids to distract you from spending some one-on-one time with your lover.
* Most couples-only resorts also fall under the all-inclusive category, where the flat rate includes a number of perks to make your stay as stress-free as possible.
* All of the amenities are crafted with romance in mind, from the intimate tables for two at dinner to the plus-size beds in the rooms.

Cons

* If you roll your eyes every time you see a revolting display of PDA, then a lovers-only getaway shouldn’t be in your itinerary.

Honeymoon Cruises

Cruises have come a long way since the mainstream “mandatory-fun” voyages. Cruises now range from weekend excursions to week-long journeys with tropical stopovers. Before climbing aboard, be sure and understand all that comes along with the price of setting sail-otherwise you might find yourself in a scene from Boat Trip!

Pros

* Because of their nature, most cruises are all-inclusive, incorporating the cost of your cabin, meals, on-board activities, and entertainment.
* Endless amounts of action abound, from buffets galore to on-board sports and dances.
* Cruise types range according to length, destination, and type so you are certain to find one that tickles your fancy.

Cons

* The phrase “cabin fever” comes to mind when thinking of being stuck out at sea.
* If you are not happy with your honeymoon selection, you are as good as stuck with your choice until the boat docks.
* Moments of privacy are few and far between.

Adventure Excursions

If rapid rivers and Gatorade run through your veins, you might want to consider an adventurous expedition for your honeymoon. Whether you yearn for a safari, multi-sport adventure, or a week away at a dude ranch, the options are boundless.

Pros

* While most vacationers come home lethargic and a few pounds heavier, you will come home lean and lively.
* Most exploits include the cost of meals, accommodations, sightseeing trips, and instructors to guide you on your tumultuous expedition.
* Form camaraderie with your new husband as well as others in search of a little excitement and solidarity.

Cons

* While exercise is known to fuel the libido, you may be too exhausted at the end of the day to do anything about it.
* No matter how restless you and your hubby are, after months of tireless planning and a whirlwind wedding weekend, you might find yourself craving a little R&R.
* If your adventure plans include activities that you and your husband don’t normally engage in, you might have to spend more than anticipated on buying or renting equipment.

Now that you’ve chosen your honeymoon accommodations, this complete Honeymoon guide will help you plan the rest of your vacation, offering everything from money saving tips, to optimal weather conditions in various destinations, and a honeymoon packing checklist.

Cori Russell is editor for Elegala.com and Gala Weddings Magazine. Elegala.com is a complete Weddings and Wedding Planning resource with a national directory of wedding venues and services, how-to guides, photo galleries, checklists, and expert advice to walk brides through every step of the wedding planning process.

View the complete sitemap to find everything you need to plan your wedding.
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Finding A Resort In Antigua

If you ask people where their dream holiday would be, what is the most frequent response that you think you will get? Well everybody I seem to ask give me the same rough answer, being the Caribbean. As soon as they say this I completely agree with them even if they have never been and have just seen pictures. I was exactly like this before I went on a holiday there and now I have I must say, I completely agree still and cant wait to go back.

But I would have to say that the resort in Antigua where I stayed was by far the best I have ever seen and would not hesitate going back there at all. In fact I am thinking about booking my next holiday there already because I loved it so much.

I went to quite a small resort in Antigua but the scenery and looks and well just about everything was absolutely perfect! I couldn’t have asked much more from a resort in Antigua. I do not even want to go and look at other islands in the Caribbean region at the moment I want to explore Antigua and let me tell you why.

Antigua has 365 beaches around the island even though it is only 14 miles long and 11 miles wide, so there is constantly somewhere to go exploring. You can definitely see nowhere near everything you will ant to in just one week so you may want to take a bit longer out there. Even if you stay out there longer and do nearly everything you can you are still going to want to stay in a resort in Antigua for even longer. When I went I really did not want to leave at all.

The weather is very, very nice all year round so you will be able to relax in a resort in Antigua in the warm sun with nice warm breezes and steady winds all year round. Around the island is nearly unbroken coral reef which is absolutely amazing for snorkelling and diving which you will want to do time and time again as it gets better every time if that is even possible.

One of the days you are in your resort in Antigua you may want to get a rental car so that you are able to travel around and explore the amazing island on your own and find places that many tourists do not go to. If you want to do this it is not very expensive and is the best way to get about the island. All you need to be able to do this is either an international drivers license or a license from the country you reside from. As well you are going to need a permit to drive in Antigua which most of the rental companies can help you get and only costs around $20. The best bit if you are British is that in Antigua they drive on the left side of te road so it is just like home.

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