The Honeymooner's Guide


Honeymoon options are limited only by a couples’ imagination and, realistically, their budget. Here, we present three choices at three budget levels – each offers romance, activities and lovely scenery – which trip is for you?

 

 

THE CASH-SAVER TRIP

 

For couples on a very limited budget, there are beautiful resorts just a few hours drive from here.  Forrest Hills Mountain Resort, located in the North Georgia Mountains, has luxury cabins with a hot tub and fireplace. The Fantasy Honeymoon Package includes champagne or sparklinForrest Hills 2.JPGg cider, daily breakfast, dinners by candlelight every night, picnic lunch one afternoon, and a choice of a romantic carriage ride through country back roads, or one hour guided horseback ride through the forest. Rates are per couple and range from $659 to $739, not including tax and gratuities.

 

THE MID-LEVEL TRIP

 

Couples with a budget between $3000 and $4000, and looking for all-inclusive luxury and fun-filled adventure, should consider Secrets Wild Orchid Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, one of two brand new Secrets resorts scheduled to open in March 2010. Based on this chain’s reputation for exceptional quality and services, Secrets Wild Orchid has already been recognized by Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide for inclusion among the finest full-service resorts and spas. Conveniently located near the Montego Bay international airport, this adults-only resort will offer 24 hour room service, luxurious rooms, gourmet restaurants, no wristbands, and no reservations required at restaurants.

 

Although this resort has not even opened, Secrets Wild Orchid is sure to become a favorite for a Jamaican honeymoon. Rates per couple range from approximately $3500 to $4000, including round-trip air from Evansville, six nights accommodations in an Ocean View Junior Suite, meals, snacks, beverages, international and domestic alcohol, in-room mini bar, 24 hour room service, daytime activities, non-motorized water activities, theme parties, live entertainment, taxes, gratuities, and round-trip airport transfers.

 

THE MONEY’S JUST MONEY TRIP

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For the dream honeymoon of a lifetime, couples with a budget of around $10,000 will love the exclusive Jade Mountain Resort in St. Lucia, one of the World’s top honeymoon destinations.  This unique resort features stunning views of St. Lucia’s famous Pitons and the Caribbean Sea, and spectacular spacious suites with the 4th wall missing, yet completely private, to maximize the amazing view. Sky suites feature a two level room layout, with a large living space and open bath design, with a raised Jacuzzi above the living space and also open to view.

 

Suites with infinity pools are known as Sanctuaries and feature 15 foot ceilings, unique layouts and shapes, large bathrooms with rain showers, two person whirlpool tubs with panoramic views, and infinity pools between 400 and 900 square feet, equipped with fiber optic lights to illuminate them at night.  There are no telephones, televisions, or radios, and no children under the age of 16. Guests may choose between European Plan (no meals or beverages), or All Inclusive. Rates per couple range from approximately $7,500 to $15,000 with round-trip air from Evansville.

 

Kelly Wanniger with All About Honeymoons Destination Weddings contributed to this column.