Honeymoon Help

[wacdiver]

My fiancee and I have been racking our brains for the past 4 months as to where to go on our Honeymoon. We are getting married in November 06 and want to go somewhere exotic but yet still somewhat reasonable $$ wise. I have been pushing for Roatan as it is not too far and flights and hotels are not too outrageous. Here is our dilema I'm a diver she is not so we want to go somewhere where I can get in a few good dives and still have other things to do (as I said she is a non-diver).
I've been doing my research on Roatan and so far I am unsure if this is where we should be heading for our honeymoon.

I have read that you should stay at All Inclusives as the streets are not very safe at night. True or not?
What OTHER activities do the AI's offer besides Diving and snorkeling?
Which AI has the most activities, night life, ect?
Which AI or dive shop has the most helpful dive staff? I have MD and need lots of help doning/doffing gear and getting back in the boat, not to mention I would need a buddy for all my dives as Wife to be refuses to dive.

Basicly in your opinion do you feel that Roatan is a Romantic honeymoon location that appeals to the non-diver as well?

Thanks for any and all coments

 

[eclipse785]

I can't say anything about Roatan, but when I was planning my honeymoon, I was really trying for Turks & Caicos. Unfortunately/fortunately a much better (less expensive) offer took us to Cancun. We enjoyed it though.

 

[itsjustme0770]

Don't know exactly what your budget is, but we were married at Victoria House on Belize last year and would highly reccommend it for a honeymoon. Feel free to PM with questions.

Best.

 

[Doc]

Hey WacDiver, first post in over a year, what up wit dat?

We are getting married in November 06 and want to go somewhere exotic but yet still somewhat reasonable $$ wise. I have been pushing for Roatan as it is not too far and flights and hotels are not too outrageous.

Flight$ $eem darned high to me.

Here is our dilema I'm a diver she is not so we want to go somewhere where I can get in a few good dives and still have other things to do (as I said she is a non-diver).

Skip the wedding. You go diving. Meet a nice girl.

I've been doing my research on Roatan and so far I am unsure if this is where we should be heading for our honeymoon.

I have read that you should stay at All Inclusives as the streets are not very safe at night. True or not?

Not true. Stop reading what you are reading. Anywhere a tourist might reasonably go on Roatan is very safe. Some AI resorts add an extra layer of distance from any odd undesirables.

What OTHER activities do the AI's offer besides Diving and snorkeling?

The diving will have to do- and it does pretty well. Roatan is on the cusp of becoming a tourist destination. It isn't one yet. You may find diversion in horseback riding or zip line canopy tours. The shopping is very limited (mostly Guatemalan Imports), there is a natural flora garden and an Iguana "farm". Other than that, the above water excitement involves Salva Vida or Port Royal Beer. Some folks enjoy the non-Honduran Flor de Cana rum.

Which AI has the most activities, night life, ect?

Probably FIBR, but it aint by much- and its entirely seasonal. It is a big destination for Europeans and South Americans who have different Holidays than you may be used to. The place can be a ghost town for months, then during, lets say Semana de Santa, it's wall-to-wall guys in Speedos and gals who don't shave their... you get the picture. FIBR would be the most likely of all the AI's to be an amusing scene after hours.

Which AI or dive shop has the most helpful dive staff? I have MD and need lots of help doning/doffing gear and getting back in the boat, not to mention I would need a buddy for all my dives as Wife to be refuses to dive.

You may have to hire a DM. The only resort that is close to handicapped accessable is CCV. They have boats, dive gear rooms and facilities designed to accomodate even quadraplegics, altho the usual such guest is paraplegic only. Essentialy no steps, some ramps. She, however, will get bored there post haste. All they have outside of diving are the same normal island tours as any resort, but they do have an offering of SPA treatments, hair braiding, manicures, massages, select merchants who visit... like that. Non-divers on Roatan should be self-entertained, at CCV they should have a pile of paperbacks and suntan oil. That would be good advice for anywhere on Roatan.

Basicly in your opinion do you feel that Roatan is a Romantic honeymoon location that appeals to the non-diver as well?

No.

Thanks for any and all coments

Without further specifics on your physical requirements, I would hesitate to recommend any place at all. What can you add? The Caribbean is a big place, there is more than one resort for divers with special needs!

 

[stiffany]

I think it really depends on the extent to your physical abilities in terms of a place like Honduras (which isn't as accessible as some of the more touristy destination islands and in general has yet to see huge sprawls of big resorts with tons of shopping, restaurants, and other activities outside of the water to amuse tourists). That being said, I agree that your fiance would be bored on Roatan (or Utila which, while romantic and awesome, is pretty much only oriented towards diving and taking long walks around the island), since it's very dive centric and while there are other towns around, nothing is especially happening/exciting for the nondiver/nonsnorkeler. Have you thought about finding a place with shore diving/snorkeling where she could go out in the water without having to do SCUBA? I think in general most Caribbean places are very water intensive outside of doing something like a cruise (where there are all those activities on the boat). I know Aruba had a casino and put put golf (plus random shopping), but nothing too exciting.

If you're looking for a place with good diving, some beaches, and decent resorts to just lounge around in the pool in (as well as restaurants in a center plaza that you can roam around at night), I'd recommend Cozumel. Several of my family members don't dive, but for years it's been a great place for us to kick back and enjoy time together (I've also been there sans family and it can be a cozy, romantic getaway).

Finally, I can't offer recommendations on approaching dive shops about your needs, but I'm willing to bet if you do a forum search, you'll find lots of suggestions from others. Have a great honeymoon regardless of where you decide to go!

 

[HowieDean]

If your wife doesn't dive - she won't have much fun....

Check out the Mexican Rivira - South of Cancun... Tones of Really Nice all inclusive resorts.... Way cheaper then going to Roatan.....

The diving isn't as good but it's not bad either....

Check out FunJet Vacations...............

 

[Zebra mussel]

If you want to keep everyone happy and still go to Roatan,stay on West Bay beach. Its a lovely beach,safe,there is a dive shop right there or you can dive with operators in West End a 5 minute inexpensive water taxi ride. As far as things to do there is always the beach and snorkleing,horseback riding,fishing,hiking,rent a car and explore. Shopping is very limited. People who say there is nothing to do are generally the people who stay in the all inclusives which are usually isolated from any tourist amenities. Its and island and you can do the same things most people do aon any island minus quality shopping and casinos. The other option you may consider, for conveniance sake, is to stay right in or within walking distance of West End as there are many more options for restuarants and bars than on the beach. You can still get to the beach via an inexpensive water taxi. There are some very nice places to stay and private houses you can rent. It all depends on what you need and what your budget is. Besides....its your honeymoon.....Im sure you can find a few other things to do where it really doesnt matter what country you are in! Good luck. PM me if you would like a few more specifics.

 

[Chaseh]

Just got back from Roatan and we loved it. We'll be going back. I wouldn't choose it from what I saw for a honeymoon though. If you're looking in Central America, I wouldn't strongly suggest the Belize outta Atolls. They're more secluded and attractive than the topside on Roatan or Ambergris Caye in Belize. Much more appropritate I think for a honeymoon. Amazing diving too, really awesome.

 

[Cudabait]

Check out www.couples.com. At Ocho Rios, Jamaica. All inclusive and the diving and equipment is included. They have scheduled activity all day long. wifey can find things to do while hubby is diving. For adults, no children. Romantic, shows at night, great piano bar great food. Many go for honeymoons and to get married there. My wife and I stood up for a couple who got married there a few years ago. We've been several times and have had great times there.

Regards,

 

[divingjd]

I've been to Roatan and loved it, but I didn't really think of it as a romantic place. There wouldn't be much for your wife-to-be to do, unless she's happy sitting around reading. I was thinking the same thing as HowieDean: the Riviera Maya. There are lots of great places in Playa del Carmen and down the coast to Tulum. I can highly recommend La Tortuga Hotel and Mosquito Blue in Playa. They are not AIs, but in Playa there are lots of good restaurants and fun things to do. It's very reasonable and you should be able to get a good air fare into Cancun. Cozumel might also be a good option. The thing I can't really address is your MD and need for assistance.