NCgalMRF

Virginia,

Quiet sounds great! Although we really don't want to be driving. I am considering the Marriott, but am so worried about it being crowded and having too many children and not enough couples amenities.

Room service seems really hard to come by at many resorts. Am I missing something?

NCgalMRF

Also, I hear the beach is small at the Marriott? Has anyone experienced that?

Odin

Yes the beach is small at the Marriott. I have seen that, was there last December (didn't stay at the Marriott but passed it).

May I'm missing something but what is the appeal of room service in such a hot climate, personally I don't like the idea of food in my room esp in the tropics. Driving gives so much freedom and choice of accommodations as well.

ishkribbl

I have never stayed there so I am not certain it is in the price range you mentioned but I think so- have you looked at Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda? We were on the island two years ago and loved it. It fits most of your criteria. My husband and I got married and honeymooned on St. John in the USVI 11 years ago but rented a villa for the space and privacy- you might check the prices also at Caneel Bay on St. John. I do think either place have a more romantic honeymoon setting than some places. Best wishes!

Caribzack

What about Turks and Caicos Islands ( Airport code PLS)?

ishkribbl

I have never been there- it has been on my bucket list for years- but I think TCI sounds like a great idea, too!!! There are many here like Caribzack who will give you great advice but you might want to start another thread with "TCI" in it to get them to chime in.
I hope you have a fabulous honeymoon!

mnag

I would suggest virgin gorda for your honeymoon (biras creek). Another suggestion would be peter island. Also I agree with the Anguilla suggestion (Cap juluca would be amazing though not sure it fits in the budget). We recently returned from Grand Cayman and in my opinion although we enjoyed it and the island meets your snorkelling and restaurant criteria I don't think it meets the romantic criteria (it feels a bit over developed to me).

NCgalMRF

Caribzack,

I am interested in the Turks and Caicos and have looked at the Veranda resort. We are worried about the family feel for the honeymoon though.

There are many villas to rent there, but we don't want to be that adventurous so we're looking for a hotel or resort with various restaurants and a spa there or within walking distance. If you have any suggestions within our budget please please let me know!

SaraFmiami

The most romantic and perfect honeymoon spot would by far have to be Casa Colonial Boutique Hotel in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. The spot is picturesque, with the private jacuzzis and brunches on your balcony to the beach front spa gazebos there is nothing better for relaxation. They have amazing restaurants right at the hotel, a bunch of spa treatments and the place is not packed or filled with children.My favorite bar is by far the rooftop pool bar, you will have to check it out. I highly recommend staying there and they have honeymoon packages on their website also.

NCgalMRF

When I'm looking at beaches and clear water I would go with Turks and Caicos, Bahamas, or Grand Caymen, but I'm not seeing quality resorts that are within our budget and romantic in those areas.

I like the amenities at the Excellence Punta Cana, but I have read that its on the "atlantic side" of the island which I am confused about and have not heard good things about the food.

I feel like we could give up something on our list but I'm not sure what

ishkribbl

just curious- did you rule out Virgin Gorda or do not want to even consider it?

blamona

Turks and Caicos has tons of quality resorts in all price points, there's not a bad place to stay.

You must might have to give up some of your list such as room service, as not many properties offer it unless it's on the top of the pier.

Off peak you can get a gorgeous luxury room somewhere for your budget. Peak usually ends a week after Easter (as families travel during spring breaks) so you may be able to find something terrific in your price.

Check out West Bay Club on Turks and Caicos. They where running specials for a 1 bedroom (full living room, kitchen, etc, gorgeous!). They are right in front of an off the beach reef for snorkeling, and the beach is 12 miles long! TCI has some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean, and the clearest water of any island.

Other things TCI offers for ultra romance, some of the best spas in Caribbean, you can also set up a romantic dinner on the beach with tiki torches, etc, and you can also rent a small skiff to explore stunning beaches on uninhabited cays.

I do think virgin Gorda would also make a stunning vacation, but Little Dix Bay may not be on your budget. You could maybe find a private villa, but be warned, some of the lessor priced ones don't have A/C or just in the bedrooms.

Contact West Bay Club directly to see if they can honor some of their recent specials. Just mention you heard about those specials on Fodor's.

Tell us what you think of WBC, it's luxury without the price tag.

PS being foodies in Caribbean will cost you. Budget $100-200 per couples for dinners at the nice restaurants. Other islands to consider since your foodies, Anguilla (only missing the snorkel part of your list) St. Bart (missing snorkel and budget) and St. Martin (missing snorkel). They have the best restaurants in Caribbean.