Top Honeymoon Destinations in the Caribbean
With an incredible climate, lovely beaches and crystal clear waters, the Caribbean has always ranked high among those looking to spend a romantic honeymoon. Whether you are looking at the Top Honeymoon Destinations in 2008 or several years back, many Caribbean islands are ranking high in the tourists’ preferences.
What is it about the Caribbean that draws couples like a magnet? Some say the sunsets, some swear they have found the best beaches in the world while some are totally in love with the cuisine.
Without further comments, let’s now take a look at the top honeymoon destinations in the Caribbean, guaranteed to offer an incredible atmosphere and plenty of things to do.
Anguilla
Anguilla is home to some of the best 33 beaches in the Caribbean – and some say even in the world! Honeymooners love this place year round for the lovely sunsets, gentle breezes and incredible atmosphere. Walk on the pristine beaches, plan a romantic picnic and then explore the island. Try the Caribbean cuisine and explore all the possibilities to practice water sports.
Antigua
The local tourism department claims that Antigua has 365 beaches, hence one to explore each day of the year. While probably the real number is lower, Antigua surely is home to some of the best and most beautiful beaches in the world.
So what can a couple do here during their honeymoon? A catamaran cruise can be a perfect way to explore the beautiful waters and enjoy an open-air meal. Another good idea is to either take a 4×4 tour to some of the most scenic places on the island, or just rent a car and explore the place on your own. And while you are at it, pack a picnic basket and head to Shirley Heights . There are plenty of isolated beaches, which means you can enjoy a day walking (or do whatever else you want) and no one will bother you
Aruba
Aruba has a hot but dry climate, which is cooled off by the trade winds. That usually means the temperature is perfect for exploring the island, no matter when you choose to do it.
The island is small and has only about 7 miles of beaches. So decide how you want to explore them. You can take long walks, soak up the sun or take tour boats. Also, horseback riding and hiking are great ways to see the nature. Pack a picnic basket and stop at one of the lookout spots on the trails.
Renaissance Island is a private island where you can enjoy some quiet time. Flamingo Beach is adult-only so if you want to experience the Caribbean au natural, this is one of the places where you can do that.
>>more information on Most Romantic Resorts in Aruba
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Bahamas
With so many flights into Bahamas from the USA, it’s no wonder that the island soon became a very popular honeymoon destination for the Americans. The incredible romantic resorts and the beautiful weather are enough reasons to fly here.
Bahamas offers some of the most beautiful sunsets in the entire Caribbean. So why not sip a piña colada in a sea-view bar and enjoy the nature which surrounds you.
Secluded beaches where you enjoy a day just the two of you and lovely places to swim and snorkel complete the idyllic atmosphere.
>>more information on Most Romantic Resorts in Bahamas
Barbados
Over the past years, Barbados gained the reputation as the no.1 honeymoon destination for Britons but Americans start to discover this lovely island as well.
All the well-known beach and water activities can be practiced here, of course. There are lovely beaches to explore and turquoise waters to discover. Also, one of the favorite romantic activities is taking a horseback ride on the beach. Absolutely nothing beats the feelings when you experience such a lovely thing.
>>more information on Most Romantic Resorts in Barbados
Bermuda
Known as an incredible honeymoon destination for years, Bermuda is famous for its pink beaches, clear blue waters and great landscapes. The archipelago comprises 150 small islands. The biggest 10 are linked by a series of bridges. If you want to relax or play golf, this is the place to come.
The island isn’t “technically” part of the Caribbean but it’s really close to the other Caribbean islands. Do keep in mind that during spring and autumn it’s colder than on the other islands in the area, so the peak season is between May and August.
Explore the areas in a very green way (car rental is forbidden), either on foot or by renting mopeds. Also, don’t expect a bustling night life. Actually Bermuda is “quiet” so it’s a good choice for those who are not looking to party all night long.
>>more information on Most Romantic Resorts in Bermuda
Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands are located at just little over an hour flight from Miami so it’s no surprise that Americans like to come here for their honeymoon. Cayman Islands are also one of the richest nations in the Caribbean and don’t have to relay only on tourism to survive which means you can get a better deal for your money.
The most romantic and most popular thing to do here is dive. Explore the underwater mountains in one of the cleanest waters in the Caribbean. Exotic fish and ship wracks complete the underwater landscape.
Dominican Republic
The island is easy to get to and the prices are lower compared to the rest of the Caribbean which means Dominican Republic has a good reputation of being a honeymoon destination (at least among those looking to go somewhere warm on a relatively tight budget).
Worries of unclean places and the possibility of getting a food poising are easily debunked if you choose a resort for your vacation (and stay away from the street food).
The beautiful beaches will charm you, without a doubt. And they are not crowded either since the republic is not yet overwhelmed with tourists.
Grenada
The island stands right on the hurricane belt and is often hit so you should try to avoid the storms season. Otherwise, the island is safe and very beautiful. There are plenty of small hotels perched atop a hill overlooking the harbor in Maca Bana. They offer some of the best places to watch a lovely sunset while eating a romantic dinner.
An all day island tour (either on your own or with a guide) is a very good way to get to know the area and to experience the local culture and beauty.
The island is still not overrun with tourists so you can explore the beaches and tropical gardens at your own pace without having to plan to avoid the peak of activity.
Jamaica
Jamaica is known for the all inclusive adult-only/couples-only resorts so it’s very suitable for those who want a more relaxed and “au natural” kind of honeymoon. All such resorts offer wedding packages which usually include: fresh flowers, spa treatment (for both of you), candle lit dinner and beachfront photos.
Of course, you can also explore the island. For example, the famous Blue Mountains of Jamaica are a great place for a hike or touring a coffee plantation. Although highly touristy, the Dunn’s River Falls are also a nice place to explore while you spend your honeymoon here. Snorkeling and cave exploring only complete the array of activities which can be practiced in Jamaica.
>>more information on Most Romantic Resorts in Jamaica
>>more information on Topless and Nude Beaches in the Caribbean
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a beautiful and romantic place to explore, not only for its beaches but also for the beautiful historic sites in San Juan. At sunset, when the sun casts golden rays upon the old buildings, the atmosphere is so romantic that you really don’t know if you want to walk hand in hand and explore the town or choose a romantic restaurant for a lovely dinner.
Plenty boutique hotels are located right in the heart of San Juan and they are always a good choice if your plans don’t involve that much beach time. But you can also rent a car and explore the island at your pace. Relax on a beach, explore a cave or gamble at night. There aren’t many limits to what you can do here.
>>more information on Most Romantic Resorts in Puerto Rico
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St. Lucia
A romantic place with black sand beaches, St. Lucia has always been a favorite honeymoon destination in the Caribbean. If you are looking for an intimate resort, away from the hustle and bustle of big hotel chains, this is the place to come. Hence a honeymoon here tends to be more relaxed and low-key. You can go in one of the towns to enjoy a meal with the locals and then explore the shopping opportunities.
There’s also the possibility to hike and watch lovely sceneries from the mountains. Of course, you can pack a picnic basket and enjoy open-air meals on top of the mountain.
St. Martin & St. Maarten
An island separated between the French and the Dutch, St. Martin/St.Maarten has something to offer on both sides. The French side is filled with elegance and secluded beaches, as well as French shopping opportunities. The Dutch side is more developed and informal.
Turks & Caicos
Turks & Caicos is home to one of the largest coral reefs in the word, which is reason enough to come here for a honeymoon. Being one of the world’s prime diving destinations, it’s no wonder that most resorts offer some sort of a diving package.
The powdery beaches and crystal clear waters offer opportunities to soak up the sun, swim and practice plenty of other water sports.
>>more information on Most Romantic Resorts in Turks & Caicos
US Virgin Islands
How about bring your teen personality back to life? Remember when you used to sneak away with your loved one for a long kiss? You can do that in the USVI as well.
Peace Hill offers lovely panoramic views of the St. Thomas, Jost Van Dyke, Little Jost Van Dyke and the British Virgin Islands. So pack a picnic basket and go up there. Kiss and do whatever else you want and most of all, enjoy a quiet day (or evening) together.
Bordeaux Point is the highest point on St. John, also offering incredible views of the surrounding islands. Plus you can end the night at the restaurant located within Chateau Bordeaux (which also offers some of the best views on USVI).
Don’t know what to do during the day? Hike the Reef Bay Trail. It’s not long and it’s easy to negotiate but also offers great places to just stop and kiss (and enjoy the nature).
Snorkel at Waterlemon Cay – said to be one of the best snorkeling places in the USVI – and then try to kiss underwater.
>>more information on Best Romantic Resorts in the US Virgin Islands
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You might also want to read about: Caribbean Destination Wedding Planning.
Photo credits: top photo – Cristina Dima; all other photos- thanks to Flickr.com