Wedding need tropical honeymoon ideas under a budget!!!

[lovehersomuch]

i need some suggestions for a honeymoon in early february.. my fiancee and i want to go somewhere tropical like the carribbean and would like to spend up to 2500 +/- a couple hundred on just lodging. we prefer all inclusive if possible. i may get a hookup for us on airfare through some family. do you all have any suggestions on resorts that you all recommend; we are now lookin into mexico but no sure where in mexico would be a good honeymoon spot. we are planning to go 7 nights

thanks for any inight.

fyi.. i know to look on tripadvisor for reviews...

 

[pocahontas]

Lovehersomuch, what kind of honeymoon do you and your FI want? Relaxing? Active? A combination of both? What other things are on your wish list? I think the suggestions you get may vary depending on your answers.

 

[lovehersomuch]

we want to go somewhere with the following:
-romatic/some seclusion
-possibly all inclusive
-nice beaches/views
-activities to do as well... excursions, watersports, swim with dolphins...
-spa
-wish list to include if at all possible room with hot tub

 

[Shoopy]

Have you tried dominican republic? Last time I checked it was $2800 for 10 nights at Excellence Punta Cana

 

[VRBeauty]

You might want to consider the Mexican Riveria -- especially Playa del Carmen or Tulum. There's been lots of PS chatter on these areas that would show up with a search. I loved my stay at an all-inclusive in Playa del Carmen a few years ago! Belize is just south of Tulum, but I haven't been there and don't know anything about the prices there.

 

[ljsmith001]

Hmm.. well since you are going in Feb you will probably get better deals than were quoted to me. I am going to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic from December 29th thru January 5th.. 7 nights. With airfare and an all-inclusive (Turquisa Suites @ the Grande Palladium Palace Resort) it was almost $5,000 for us. However, we did opt for the honeymoon suite with a jucuzzi on the balcony and tons of extra ammenities. We probably could have done it for $4,000. But, with your dates it should be about a thousand cheaper. You can also just go to Sandals.com and check out tons of different resorts with your dates and get the pricing. Breezes resorts are cheaper, but they are not as nice and I have read some mixed reviews on them! Just look around on the internet and read reviews!!

 

[lovehersomuch]

keep the suggestions coming! thanks!

 

[pocahontas]

I also second the Mayan Riviera (i.e. Tulum, Playa del Carmen). You might also want to consider La Romana, DR - it's on the Caribbean side of the island and is a ferry ride away to Isla Saona and Isla Catalina, or even Samana, DR. What about Jamaica? Or, if you're a bit more adventurous you might want to also look into Roatan, Hondurus - beautiful beaches, amazing diving and relatively secluded, but you'll be hard pressed to find a luxury hotel suite with a jacuzzi. There is a four-star hotel on one of the cays, but it's a lot different than a four-star in Mexico.

 

[lovehersomuch]

can i please get resort names of the ones you all recommend and not just the location or name of beach/area...

thanks

 

[Sabine]

I''m going to ditto fiery and suggest Excellence in Punta Cana, DR. We went there in July for our honeymoon, it''s all-inclusive, and we only paid $4000 total for airfare included.

 

[galvana]

Go to www.applevacations.com
I booked a trip for my FI and I last year in Cancun staying at this beautiful 5 start resort, Riu Palace, it was 7 nights, all inclusive, luxury. and amazing
We met so many couples there that were on their honeymoon.
Applevacations has GREAT prices. and there are tons of places to go within mexico and out, jamaica, aruba etc etc
http://www.applevacations.com/index.do?command=showHome
Our trip was $2200 FOR EVERYTHING! flight, ride to and from hotel, all food, all drinks, everything

 

[lovehersomuch]

Date: 9/9/2008 9:35:38 AM
Author: galvana
Go to www.applevacations.com
I booked a trip for my FI and I last year in Cancun staying at this beautiful 5 start resort, Riu Palace, it was 7 nights, all inclusive, luxury. and amazing
We met so many couples there that were on their honeymoon.
Applevacations has GREAT prices. and there are tons of places to go within mexico and out, jamaica, aruba etc etc
http://www.applevacations.com/index.do?command=showHome
Our trip was $2200 FOR EVERYTHING! flight, ride to and from hotel, all food, all drinks, everything

how did you get it so cheap? i just did it with airfare, lodging at the same riu palace for 7 nights in february and it is coming out to be 3200....

are you sure it was 2200?

also did u just stay at the hotel or did you go around the area.. were there things for you to do?

 

[galvana]

There is a ton to do there. The hotel is right on the strip so we walked to most places, a ton of restaurants and shops are right there, we also took the city buses if we wanted to go places a bit farther down the strip. Yes it was$2200 total. Were are you flying from ? what state?
There is a TON to do there. We did:
local shopping and restaurants
Senior Frogs (soo much fun)
Wet and Wild Park (took city bus for 5 pesos to get there)
ATV tour, so much fun driving your own 4x4 on the beach
XCarat - amazing place to go for the day
you can sign up for all this stuff right at the hotel
did you searc through applevacations? what state are you coming from?

 

[iwannaprettyone]

Date: 9/9/2008 9:35:38 AM
Author: galvana
Go to www.applevacations.com
I booked a trip for my FI and I last year in Cancun staying at this beautiful 5 start resort, Riu Palace, it was 7 nights, all inclusive, luxury. and amazing
We met so many couples there that were on their honeymoon.
Applevacations has GREAT prices. and there are tons of places to go within mexico and out, jamaica, aruba etc etc
http://www.applevacations.com/index.do?command=showHome
Our trip was $2200 FOR EVERYTHING! flight, ride to and from hotel, all food, all drinks, everything

Same here...www.funjet.com

 

[lovehersomuch]

Date: 9/9/2008 10:51:44 AM
Author: galvana
There is a ton to do there. The hotel is right on the strip so we walked to most places, a ton of restaurants and shops are right there, we also took the city buses if we wanted to go places a bit farther down the strip. Yes it was$2200 total. Were are you flying from ? what state?
There is a TON to do there. We did:
local shopping and restaurants
Senior Frogs (soo much fun)
Wet and Wild Park (took city bus for 5 pesos to get there)
ATV tour, so much fun driving your own 4x4 on the beach
XCarat - amazing place to go for the day
you can sign up for all this stuff right at the hotel
did you searc through applevacations? what state are you coming from?

im flying from dulles international airport in virginia...

i noticed they had a lot to do after i replied to the thread... how do you rate the overrall hotel? bathrooms, rooms.. linens.. was it good quality or the tacky floral stuff?

i hope i can get this price down..

 

[lovehersomuch]

Date: 9/9/2008 10:55:04 AM
Author: iwannaprettyone

Date: 9/9/2008 9:35:38 AM
Author: galvana
Go to www.applevacations.com
I booked a trip for my FI and I last year in Cancun staying at this beautiful 5 start resort, Riu Palace, it was 7 nights, all inclusive, luxury. and amazing
We met so many couples there that were on their honeymoon.
Applevacations has GREAT prices. and there are tons of places to go within mexico and out, jamaica, aruba etc etc
http://www.applevacations.com/index.do?command=showHome
Our trip was $2200 FOR EVERYTHING! flight, ride to and from hotel, all food, all drinks, everything

Same here...www.funjet.com

did you go there too or just book it? what did it cost you? and how many nights are you going??

thx!!

 

[galvana]

OMG the hotel is LUXURY all the way. Beautiful - If you book through apple - stay at any 5 golden apple or better hotels.

wait! I just did 2/7 though 2/14 through apple into cancun hotel zone from your airport and this is what i got:
Me Cancun $1100 per person - beautiful hotel and BRAND NEW
that is only $2200 total and with taxes and stuff probably 2400 total

http://www.mecancun.travel/ ITS SO FANCY HERE AND NICE, NEVER STAYED BUT WALKED THROUGH - look at their site to see amazing pics but book through apple - we wanted to stay here next time!!!!!

 

[iwannaprettyone]

Riu at Cabo San Lucas, going on my HM next month. It is very reasonable.

 

[lovehersomuch]

Date: 9/9/2008 11:32:35 AM
Author: galvana
OMG the hotel is LUXURY all the way. Beautiful - If you book through apple - stay at any 5 golden apple or better hotels.

wait! I just did 2/7 though 2/14 through apple into cancun hotel zone from your airport and this is what i got:
Me Cancun $1100 per person - beautiful hotel and BRAND NEW
that is only $2200 total and with taxes and stuff probably 2400 total

http://www.mecancun.travel/ ITS SO FANCY HERE AND NICE, NEVER STAYED BUT WALKED THROUGH - look at their site to see amazing pics but book through apple - we wanted to stay here next time!!!!!

can you confirm exactly what hotel you are choosing... i chose Riu Cancun Palace Las Americas...
the dates i chose were for 2/9 - 2/16...

can you confirm if you still get the same total?

 

[lovehersomuch]

Date: 9/9/2008 12:35:08 PM
Author: iwannaprettyone
Riu at Cabo San Lucas, going on my HM next month. It is very reasonable.

i was lookin into this as well since cancun is known to be a party seen.. i wanted to go somewhere where its more adult themed more seclusion upscale.. etc..

i read some reviews on Riu at Cabo San Lucas and there were some about the food not being that good and others stating that the bathrooms and rooms needed to be updated... hmmmmm

i dont wnat to go somewhere where the rooms look crappy and the ones i have at home are much nicer.. this being the honeymoon i wanted to stay somewhere nice.. did you already book yours?

 

[iwannaprettyone]

Yes. it is a 5 star and only 4 years old. As far as trip advisor goes, there is just no pleasing some people....just my 2 cents.

 

[lovehersomuch]

Date: 9/9/2008 3:40:16 PM
Author: iwannaprettyone
Yes. it is a 5 star and only 4 years old. As far as trip advisor goes, there is just no pleasing some people....just my 2 cents.

how long are you going for and how much did it cost you if you dont mind me asking?

 

[galvana]

Date: 9/9/2008 3:13:52 PM
Author: lovehersomuch

Date: 9/9/2008 11:32:35 AM
Author: galvana
OMG the hotel is LUXURY all the way. Beautiful - If you book through apple - stay at any 5 golden apple or better hotels.

wait! I just did 2/7 though 2/14 through apple into cancun hotel zone from your airport and this is what i got:
Me Cancun $1100 per person - beautiful hotel and BRAND NEW
that is only $2200 total and with taxes and stuff probably 2400 total

http://www.mecancun.travel/ ITS SO FANCY HERE AND NICE, NEVER STAYED BUT WALKED THROUGH - look at their site to see amazing pics but book through apple - we wanted to stay here next time!!!!!

can you confirm exactly what hotel you are choosing... i chose Riu Cancun Palace Las Americas...
the dates i chose were for 2/9 - 2/16...

can you confirm if you still get the same total?

through apple i have found its cheaper if you do sat to sat. so 7 to 14th BUT i did a search for 9th to 16th as you
said and:
ME Cancun is $1100 per person, that about 2200 as I said above. Did youlook at their website?its beautiful and brand new

 

[lovehersomuch]

Date: 9/9/2008 8:01:06 PM
Author: galvana

Date: 9/9/2008 3:13:52 PM
Author: lovehersomuch

Date: 9/9/2008 11:32:35 AM
Author: galvana
OMG the hotel is LUXURY all the way. Beautiful - If you book through apple - stay at any 5 golden apple or better hotels.

wait! I just did 2/7 though 2/14 through apple into cancun hotel zone from your airport and this is what i got:
Me Cancun $1100 per person - beautiful hotel and BRAND NEW
that is only $2200 total and with taxes and stuff probably 2400 total

http://www.mecancun.travel/ ITS SO FANCY HERE AND NICE, NEVER STAYED BUT WALKED THROUGH - look at their site to see amazing pics but book through apple - we wanted to stay here next time!!!!!

can you confirm exactly what hotel you are choosing... i chose Riu Cancun Palace Las Americas...
the dates i chose were for 2/9 - 2/16...

can you confirm if you still get the same total?

through apple i have found its cheaper if you do sat to sat. so 7 to 14th BUT i did a search for 9th to 16th as you
said and:
ME Cancun is $1100 per person, that about 2200 as I said above. Did youlook at their website?its beautiful and brand new

we are getting married on the 7th so we cant leave for our honeymoon then

ME cancun looks really nice in the pics on their website. is cancun for adults or is it mainly for college crowds? how is the atmosphere and demographic compared to cabo san lucas?

 

[lovehersomuch]

im really digging the ME cancun resort!!! thanks for the info! i cant wait to show my fiancee this weekend when we decide where we are going!

there is one thing... does the ME resort have an option for all inclusive? i didnt see it on applevacations

thanks!!!!

 

[galvana]

cancun is what you make it, everyone thinks its all college kids but it isn''t. yes if you go during spring break and you go to the college kid bars, yes it will be all college kids, but if you go normal times during the year it isn''t. it also depends on where you go, there are younger crowd clubs but there are also a TON of nice upscale clubs, fancy restaurants, etc.
i have a coworker who is in her 50''s - 10 yrs ago after i went the first time i told her all about it, she wanted to get a trip for her husband''s 55th bday - and she was nervous but did it, they loved it so much they have been going back TWICE A YEAR FOR 10 YRS!
you make of it what you want. it you want a fun night, you go on the senior frogs bar leaping tour and hit 5 top clubs, if you want a romantic night, you go on a romantic dinner cruise.
I would check apple to see if the ME is all inclusive or not, it may not be but there are several that are. apple will tell you and just look for hotels that are 5 apples red or golden or higher.

 

[lovehersomuch]

Date: 9/10/2008 10:35:31 AM
Author: galvana
cancun is what you make it, everyone thinks its all college kids but it isn''t. yes if you go during spring break and you go to the college kid bars, yes it will be all college kids, but if you go normal times during the year it isn''t. it also depends on where you go, there are younger crowd clubs but there are also a TON of nice upscale clubs, fancy restaurants, etc.
i have a coworker who is in her 50''s - 10 yrs ago after i went the first time i told her all about it, she wanted to get a trip for her husband''s 55th bday - and she was nervous but did it, they loved it so much they have been going back TWICE A YEAR FOR 10 YRS!
you make of it what you want. it you want a fun night, you go on the senior frogs bar leaping tour and hit 5 top clubs, if you want a romantic night, you go on a romantic dinner cruise.
I would check apple to see if the ME is all inclusive or not, it may not be but there are several that are. apple will tell you and just look for hotels that are 5 apples red or golden or higher.

thanks for the feedback ill keep that into consideration!

btw.. anyone know how cancun compares to cabo?

 

[mintve]

What time of year? We are going to the Couples Resort in Negril next May. Its all inclusive and we are paying close to your $2500 for our accommodations and that inlcudes food, drinks, tips, transfers, activities, etc.