Honeymoon suggestions

ljvt23:52 UTC25 Feb 2009

Hi there Lonely Planet experts,

My fiance and I have just started thinking about our honeymoon (early November) but we really have no idea where to start. I'd love to here some of your ideas, suggestions and experiences.

Here's what we are looking for

nice bungalow on the beach
somewhere we can indulge in cheap cocktails
not too expensive but willing to pay up to $150NZ per night (that's about 70-80Us i think)
somewhere very relaxing but also were we can duck into a more touristy or cultured area to do some shopping, eat out, etc.
a swim up bar would be delicious but I don't think it fits with any of the above
something kind of secluded and a little different (but open to this)

Thanks so much for your help.

Cheers

Lou

sneaker_fish00:26 UTC26 Feb 2009

I assume you are actually in New Zealand seeing as you mention NZD. In this case I would keep an eye on any travel agent deals or packages - in addition to surfing the internet.

The reason I suggest that is that depending on the cost of the flight you may find that the accommodation - with a package - is pretty much included. For instance, a flight to Rarotonga from Auckland will often be around $700 even though they can also be found for only $500.. A flight + accommodation deal will often be only a little bit more (ok lower end there but just an example). It is quite common to get 5 nights accomm at the nicer places for only around $1000pp. Which, if you can't get a cheap flight there starts to make a bit of sense.

Actually, on that note, and i realise it is not what you are asking - friends of mine stayed in the Cook Islands for their honeymoon and wedding guests donated (anonymously) towards the cost of their 'extra's. They made it clear that they were going anyway, but the donations went to extras (eg a plane trip over some islands, paragliding trip etc).

Samoa seems to be hugely promoted at the moment here. Not sure if you have noticed that too? I haven't been so just suggesting it as it seems a number of people I know have booked last minute trips there recently!

raro22:39 UTC27 Feb 2009

Check out the Cooks, it has most of what you want. Go to www.ck

Also check out the FAQ's at the beginning of this section.
If you have ten days or more, add two or three days on Aitutaki. If it's just a week or so, include the day trip to Aitutaki.

I'd avoid the larger resorts in favor of the smaller (20 units or less) places.

Honeymoon suggestions Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea
ljvt23:52 UTC25 Feb 2009	Hi there Lonely Planet experts, My fiance and I have just started thinking about our honeymoon (early November) but we really have no idea where to start. I'd love to here some of your ideas, suggestions and experiences. Here's what we are looking for nice bungalow on the beach somewhere we can indulge in cheap cocktails not too expensive but willing to pay up to $150NZ per night (that's about 70-80Us i think) somewhere very relaxing but also were we can duck into a more touristy or cultured area to do some shopping, eat out, etc. a swim up bar would be delicious but I don't think it fits with any of the above something kind of secluded and a little different (but open to this) Thanks so much for your help. Cheers Lou
sneaker_fish00:26 UTC26 Feb 2009	I assume you are actually in New Zealand seeing as you mention NZD. In this case I would keep an eye on any travel agent deals or packages - in addition to surfing the internet. The reason I suggest that is that depending on the cost of the flight you may find that the accommodation - with a package - is pretty much included. For instance, a flight to Rarotonga from Auckland will often be around $700 even though they can also be found for only $500.. A flight + accommodation deal will often be only a little bit more (ok lower end there but just an example). It is quite common to get 5 nights accomm at the nicer places for only around $1000pp. Which, if you can't get a cheap flight there starts to make a bit of sense. Actually, on that note, and i realise it is not what you are asking - friends of mine stayed in the Cook Islands for their honeymoon and wedding guests donated (anonymously) towards the cost of their 'extra's. They made it clear that they were going anyway, but the donations went to extras (eg a plane trip over some islands, paragliding trip etc). Samoa seems to be hugely promoted at the moment here. Not sure if you have noticed that too? I haven't been so just suggesting it as it seems a number of people I know have booked last minute trips there recently!	1
raro22:39 UTC27 Feb 2009	Check out the Cooks, it has most of what you want. Go to www.ck Also check out the FAQ's at the beginning of this section. If you have ten days or more, add two or three days on Aitutaki. If it's just a week or so, include the day trip to Aitutaki. I'd avoid the larger resorts in favor of the smaller (20 units or less) places.	2