Fiji or Caymans?

[russcarr]

I can only comment on Turtle Island as I have only stayed there on one occassion. This is not a resort I would recommend period and esspecially for divers. They do not have an onsite dive resort as they claim. They ship you off to another resort where you tag along with individuals from the other resorts. (typically backpackers) We inquired before booking with the these questions to ensure that we would have a good experience as we have always heard that Fiji was excellent diving. Needless to say we were not impressed. Since we were not part of the actual dive resort we were treated as second fiddle. The dive masters left my wife and I in the less than visable conditions.

As for Turtle Island itself, we were less impressed with the resort and the communal environment. We went there for our 10 year anniversary for what we expected to be piece and quite. What we found is that they expect thier guests to join everyone for all meals. They also have the "personal escort" that is suppose to be there to ensure your comfort where in fact we could never be alone. The "personal escorts" make their money thru tips which you are informed of at check in and it is highly suggested along with the amount expected.

Lastly, if you are looking for comfort please be aware that they do NOT have air conditioning. This can make your nights a bit uncomforable.

In closing, my wife and I ended up leaving early as we could not take it any longer. The last straw was when my wife started to feel ill and the "personal escort" took a dirty glass wiped with a dirty cloth and filled it with water and offered it to my sick wife. We were one of three couples that left early from the Island.

Sorry for the rampage but I highly suggest another resort.

Russ

Which of these two places would be a better honeymoon destination to combine diving with, the emphasis being on a honeymoon destination? We were originally planning a Tahitian honeymoon, but the expense was a bit too much for now. We're getting married in June in the US, and can duck down to the Caymans for a honeymoon, or fly out to Fiji on our return to Australia where we will be living after the wedding.

We want to spend about 10 days, preferably split between two resorts - liveaboards are *not* an option for our honeymoon. First half of the honeymoon getting in some solid diving, the rest of the honeymoon relaxing. At the moment it looks like Grand Cayman and maybe Little Cayman, or Turtle Island in Fiji, but we're not sure if either is going to be too touristy - especially after having planned for Bora Bora etc. Anyone been to both places? I visited Fiji a few years ago, but never saw any of the islands, just the area around Nadi.

thanks!