Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Honeymoon island help

Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea

Hey all!! I'm trying to plan my honeymoon early for next September of next year. I know it is a long way away, but I have to plan early because I'm using miles.

I have never been to the South Pacific before, but am considering going for my honeymoon. There seems to be a lot to choose from and even after some reading I can't decide where to go. I have narrowed our choices to New Caledonia, Samoa, Vanuatu, Cook Islands, Fiji, and Bali/Lombok (I know this is not South Pacific, but it is still on the list). We enjoy a bit of adventure, secluded beaches, great food, and snorkeling. I don't mind splurging a bit for the honeymoon, but I'd also like the option of a few nights at a budget hotel or simple beach accommodation.

Thanks!

As you're in the US, the closest woyuld be the Cooks, Samoa or Fiji. All of these have the basics you are looking for, and most people speak English. I think you'll still have to do a bit of narrowing down, as 6 countries is still a lot of info!

1

Criteria "great food" might just narrow choices to Francophone countries: New Caledonia must be the winner in this regard! ;-)

Costwise, Bali/Lombok would offer MUCH better value for money than anywhere in the South Pacific - but isn't a honeymoon supposed to be a "once in a lifetime" thing to splash out on?

Of the places listed, I think the best snorkelling is in Vanuatu, followed by Bali/Lombok, but even in these places, you must be on the right beach/area.

Adventure... hmm, not sure you really need that on a honeymoon, but I found the outer islands of Vanuatu (where you have no comfy resorts or great food) easily the most adventurous place among those on your list.

2

Hi Honeymooner!

I went with a friend last year to Musket Cove Resort in Fiji. I read a lot of blogs on Fiji (Trip Advisor) and found a lot of mixed reports about staff not being friendly and some resorts being dirty. I have travelled widely and you do not get the fantastic value for money as say Malaysia or Thailand.

Musket Resort is not cheap, but it would be a beautiful idyllic place for honeymoon. We booked accommodation and were lucky enough to get upgraded to a Beach Bure which was fantastic, beautiful interior done in traditional style. It definitely felt like a special place to stay and we did not begrudge a penny. There is a lovely white sandy beach and the restaurant had nice meals at reasonable prices. I would definitely go back there. It might be worth you checking it out for part of your trip if you decide to go to Fiji. Maybe with the problems in Fiji they would give you a special deal if you phone them.

Good luck
Suzie

3