Caribbean Suggestions?

[Greggro]

I am looking for a resort on one of the Caribbean islands for my honeymoon.

My fiance and I have been to Cozumel. The restaurants are excellent. The people are friendly, and there is just enough nightlife. We are basically looking for the Cozumel experience...only we would like to go somewhere different. I realize that everywhere else is going to be more expensive, but thats ok.

Some suggestions would be appreciated based on the following criteria:

- An "on the beach" resort with beautiful scenery
- A resort where there are restaurants/bars to socialize with new dive friends (but not a party resort)
- Nice beach for sunning & swimming
- Not "super expensive". We can afford around $500/day on a room AND diving
- Good food
- Beginner and intermediate diving
- No cattle boats
- Close to SCUBA sites

Thanks for your suggestions!!!

 

[k4man]

Hi, Greggo

I have had good luck with an all inclusive resort (Viva Fortuna) outside of Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. They have their own PADI dive group on site and do NOT share services with other hotels...only those staying with Fortuna. It has a nice pool and beach area and is about 250-300 rooms--so you won't get lost in the shuffle!

If you need more info, feel free to contact me. We liked it so much that we have gone back 4 times in the past 5 years!

 

[del_mo]

I've also stayed at Viva Fortuna - August 2005 - and would not necessarily recommend it. The food was sub-par. It is not a diving resort, though they do have their dive shop.

I would look into a SuperClub in Jamaica, especially in the Negril area, or a Sandals. Not diving resorts per se, but they offer "free" diving in certain locations and all their other toys are well-maintained and FREE!

 

[robint]

I would check out resorts in Belize and Bonaire or Curacao - good diving but also topside stuff to do, not that expensive either.
If you want a more 'rustic' honeymoon you might want to consider Roatan.

what month are you going? that might make a difference!

 

[Damselfish]

What time of year? $500 for room&diving you can do a fair bit with, but there are some nice places that will be much cheaper off season.

 

[Greggro]

We are going May 1st.

 

[dvrliz1]

Definitely check out Harbour Village in Bonaire. Romantic, upscale, right on the water, restaurants on site. Happy hours, really perfect for your honeymoon and the diving is OUTSTANDING! You can ask to have a romantic private dinner on the pier at Richard's Restaurant. For fun you can attend ANY rum punch party at any resort on the island...no charge for the rum punch, usually music and munchies...lots of fun! Also, you can check out the casino at Divi and local places for Antillean/Caribbean music. Great place!

 

[Greggro]

Thats it!!! The Harbour Village website is awesome. We are going to book it right away. Thank you mr Ginocchio aka: dvrliz1. And thanks to everyone else for the suggestions! Cheers!