Honeymoon 101: First Guide to Tropical Honeymoon Destinations

"Does the sound of white sand, warm tropical breezes, turquoise waters, and an abundance of sunshine in an exotic destination sound enticing?"..

Your honeymoon will probably be the first time you and your partner will be able to relax and connect after months of planning the wedding so it is important to choose the right destination. But..

.. what location do you choose, and at what cost?

Sandals resort, in St Lucia

An All-Inclusive?

A favorite choice of many honeymooners is an all-inclusive resort, where catering to couples with romance is at the top of their priority list. How wonderful does it sound to check arrive at the resort, and be met with a chilled glass of champagne, welcomed by the resort staff, and led to your suite, where rose petals are scattered over your king size bed?

At all-inclusives, your every desire is met. All your meals are included from extensive buffets to gourmet creations prepared when ordered, and all your alcohol and wine. A varied selection of activities are well planned for you to simply join in daily such as beach volley ball, tequila tasting, martini mixing, or salsa dancing lessons.

Each resort and each location offers something a little different so you just have to decide what excites you, whether it be golf at some of the finest courses, deep sea diving in amazing visibility and abundant marine life, or relaxing on some of the best beaches in the world.

Mexico

Visiting the Mayan Riviera or the Pacific side of Mexico is so accessible, as many flights depart from Canada daily, often a day or two after your wedding. And there is a resort that will be perfect for you and within your budget. In the Mayan Riviera, you can snorkel, take a ferry rode to Cozumel and deep sea dive, shop in Cancun, or party in Playa Del Carmen. Visit the ancient Mayan ruins or the amazing eco park of Xcaret or Xel-ha, a water themed park where you can swim with the dolphins, snorkel and enjoy spectacular nightly performances.

Pool, in Mayan Riviera

Snorkelling in Cozumel

Hotel beach in Cancun

The Caribbean

If your desire is a destination with a more exotic feel, consider Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, St Lucia, the Dominican or Cuba. In Jamaica, you can experience the colorful local heritage, the wonderfully friendly people of Montego Bay, the miles of unbelievable sand of 7 mile beach and cliff diving in Negril or the waterfalls of Ocho Rios.

Cliff-diving in Negril

St Lucia is one of the prettiest islands in the Caribbean, with superb beaches, great food, and the majestic peaks of the Pitons. This is a favorite of many honeymooners, but does come at a higher price.

Turks and Caicos offers world class hotels, spas, some of the largest coral reefs and serene beauty, but expect to pay for this premium of privacy and luxury.

Cuba is the largest of the Caribbean islands and can be truly affordable. Veradero is known for the white powdery beaches and clear blue waters.

South Pacific

The Cook Islands in the heart of the south pacific are rich in culture, picturesque scenery and can be truly affordable for an extended honeymoon of 10 days or more. The Cooks offer a truly unspoiled set of islands and are untouched by tourism – no large resort chains here. Don't forget to shop for a one of a kind black pearl.

Snorkeling in the Cook Islands

For those of you who have planned a honeymoon with a larger budget, you will be jetting off to French Polynesia to Bali, Tahiti, Bora Bora or Moorea. The resorts here are nestled in secluded bays and offer a complete sense of privacy, with spectacular bungalows perched over turquoise lagoon waters. The sights, sounds and music of this area are magical. These opulent resorts offer the best in spa treatments and gourmet French cuisine.

Overwater Bungalows in Bora-Bora

Getting Started

Planning this spectacular honeymoon, no matter what your budget or destination can be a task. If you are unsure of your first step, consult with a travel agent who specializes in romantic getaways and often knows of special resort pricing. Speak with an agent who travels to these locations and is familiar with the resorts ensuring this will truly be a honeymoon to be remembered.

Story by Susan Gill, Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Travel Agent, 604-597-7349