A CARIBBEAN HONEYMOON

A Caribbean Honeymoon Dream Escape to an All Inclusive Resort

BY JACKIE TUCKER

(CLOCKWISE) EXCELLENCE OYSTER BAY, JAMAICA, EXCELLENCE OYSTER BAY RESORT AND THE BEACH AT ST. LUCIA

Weddings are wonderful. We can all agree on that. But can we also agree that they’re a little stressful to plan? After months of endless decisions, how great would it be if the only choice you had to make was “pool or beach?” That’s where an all-inclusive honeymoon comes in. “Our top Caribbean destinations right now are Jamaica, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Martin, and Nassau,” says Mike Shellhase from Travel Haus St. Louis.

From champagne breakfasts and beachside cocktails to sexy plunge pools and couple’s spa treatments, all your honeymoon must-haves are covered at an all-inclusive luxury vacation spot. Leave the details up to the resort, and simply focus on each other on your sun-soaked Caribbean getaway.

EXCELLENCE OYSTER BAY, JAMAICA

Jamaica is a honeymoon favorite for a reason. With its soul-stirring sunsets and warm, friendly smiles at every turn, the island is an enchanted paradise. In addition to the beaches it’s known for, the island’s rolling mountains adorned with lush foliage are home to lazy rivers that meander down into gorgeous cascading waterfalls. “It’s one of my favorite places to go,” says Abbey Meyer, Travel Agent at Travel Haus St. Louis. “If my honeymooners want to go to Jamaica, I send them to Excellence Oyster Bay.”

Excellence Resort at Oyster Bay is an all-inclusive, adults-only luxury resort nestled on a private tropical peninsula, providing easy access to the gorgeous Montego Bay and its local mangrove lagoons. Relaxing in the sun is absolutely on the agenda, but if you want to experience something truly magical (and super romantic) then take one of their nighttime excursions to the island’s bioluminescent Luminous Lagoon.

There are only a few places in the world to see this incredible phenomenon, and Jamaica’s Luminous Lagoon is said to be the largest and brightest. As the boat slices through the water, stirring up microorganisms called dinofl agellates, the lagoon begins to glow. Marvel at the glistening light that refl ects the outlines of the marine life below the surface and embrace the romance of the Caribbean, completely surrounded by the beauty of this rare ocean anomaly.

BODYHOLIDAY, ST. LUCIA

The alluring Caribbean island of St. Lucia is the perfect honeymoon destination. A little rest and relaxation, a little adventure, and a lot of romance makes this an ideal escape for newlyweds. And what better place for the start of something wonderful and new than an allinclusive luxury resort dedicated to renewal and well-being?

St. Lucia becomes a romantic oasis for two at BodyHoliday. The possibilities are endless with experiences like a private helicopter

Photography by Pam Cooley

(CLOCKWISE) ROMANTIC DINING AT SECRETS ST. MARTIN AND THE BEACHES OF ANTIGUA

ride to the resort, wine and hors d’oeuvres on your balcony, romantic sunset cruises and dreamy massages for two.

Head to the private sanctuary of your suite on the water’s edge and enjoy a soak in the massive stand-alone tub before choosing a pillow from the exclusive pillow menu and falling asleep to the sound of the ocean’s waves. Professional staff are also on hand to attend to any custom requests that you may have.

If you choose to venture out of your room, you’ll fi nd a secluded cove of white, powdery beaches surrounded by a lush, tropical rainforest and the island’s majestic Pitons, two mountain peaks that are on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Get your ‘ohm’ on with a yoga class or go scuba diving and explore the open waters. Abseil a river gorge or bike along the coastline, exploring St. Lucia’s stunning nature and culture. Whatever kind of honeymoon you’re looking for, BodyHoliday gives you the opportunity to explore and be free.

SANDALS, ANTIGUA

Fill your senses with lush and beachy Caribbean vibes at Sandals Grande Antigua. Soak up turquoise-toned views and sip on one of their exclusive Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks® wines while listening to the echoing harmonies of a steel drum band. Voted the “World’s Most Romantic Resort,” this all-inclusive, adults-only getaway is a tropical oasis that sits along famed Dickenson Bay. Settle into your luxury suite with a fully stocked bar, then wander hand-in-hand down winding paths shaded by majestic palm trees. Escape into Old World European charm that sweeps down the hillside to the beachfront villas with stunning panoramas.

Relax on the shimmering white sandy beaches or take part in any of the activities that are available just off of them. Indulge in a PADICertifi ed SCUBA excursion in the crystal clear waters or hop on a Hobie Cat. Go snorkeling, paddleboarding and kayaking, or just lay on the beach, where you’ll barely have to lift a fi nger. In the evenings take in a live show, dine at one of 11 delectable restaurants, or just order room service and enjoy a night in. Make it the most romantic vacation of your lives when you head to Antigua.

SECRETS, ST. MARTIN

On April 1, 2021, the newest Secrets Resort & Spa opened its doors on the French side of the island in a secluded cove off of Anse Marcel Bay. As the only all-inclusive resort on this side of the island, you’ll get adultsonly privacy – perfect for a romantic Caribbean honeymoon escape.

“The beaches on St. Martin are spectacular,” says Shellhase. “And from there you can fl y or ferry over to St. Barts or some of the other islands. I anticipate it’s going to be a major hot spot over the next few years.”

Culture and romance radiate off the island breezes as you stroll through the resort, which is inspired by the island’s CaribbeanEuropean and French roots. Set against a backdrop of lush mountains and panoramic beaches, you can indulge in simple pleasures like a soak in an oceanfront whirlpool, a couples massage in a world-class spa, or a delicious meal that’s infused with Creole, French and African fl avor infl uences – after all, you are in the culinary capital of the Caribbean. After dinner, relax in your romantic honeymoon suite with swim out access, ocean, mountain or marina views. No matter which room you choose, everything is included and taken care of. All you have to worry about is how best to enjoy the views.

THE NASSAU COASTLINE IN THE BAHAMAS BOASTS CLEAR WATERS, WHITE SAND SHORES, FLAVORFUL CUISINE AND EXCITING NIGHT LIFE

SANDALS ROYAL BAHAMIAN, NASSAU

Sitting on the 21-mile-long island of New Providence, the city of Nassau is the vibrant hub of the Bahamas. With sweeping white-sand shores, crystal-clear waters, fl avorful island cuisine and exciting night life, it really is a couple’s paradise.

When visiting Nassau, Schellhase recommends staying at the Sandals Royal Bahamian. A sophisticated blend of European elegance and exotic island escapades, honeymooners will fi nd everything they need for romance in this glamorous all-inclusive resort. Step right onto the beach from a walk-out suite at one of the resort’s two grand towers or fi nd your private paradise with the peace and tranquility of the quaint cottages at the Royal Village.

Take a dip in one of the resort’s sky-sized colonnaded pools that overlook the ocean, indulge in a massage at the award-winning Red Lane Spa, then dine out at one of the ten specialty restaurants, including everything from classic French cuisine to the spicy Caribbean fl avors that the Bahamas are famous for.

And if that isn’t enough, the resort also includes its own offshore private island. Just minutes away from the resort, you can either take a private ferry or paddle over to the island yourself on a kayak. Enjoy its two secluded beaches, swim-up bars, whirlpools and the region’s best seafood house. When you need a break from the sun, hide away inside a private cabana and indulge in your own slice of island paradise.

Shellhase adds one important caveat for all honeymoon travel right now. “Every island has different Covid restrictions. Some of them have curfew times where malls and shops and bars close at 5 or 6 pm. Chartered activities and excursions can be limited, too. So, make sure you have a good travel agent who is in the know.” (See side bar for more helpful travel tips as the world begins to open back up.) ♥

COVID-19 TRAVEL TIPS

The COVID-19 pandemic has been an ever-evolving situation when it comes to travel, and its effects continue to linger. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when planning your honeymoon travels.

1. Bookmark the CDC website (www.cdc.gov/travel) to stay up to date with travel advisories. 2. Even if you are fully vaccinated, face coverings or masks may still be required at a number of locations, including airports. Be sure to carry a few with you just in case. 3. While hotels are still taking extra precautions, it’s not a bad idea to wipe down high touch areas with disinfectant wipes once you check in. 4. Purchase trip cancellation insurance in case your travels are affected by COVID-19. 5. Check with your insurance company to see if they cover illnesses abroad. If not, consider purchasing travel insurance.