Honeymoon south pacific - any thoughts?

[IPT]

So, this isn't exactly a dive specific question, but I figure some of you folks have been in the area and might have some advice. I'm getting married in March and I have it in my mind that somewhere in the South Pacific would be an awesome place to go afterwards. I usually find myself exausted after my vacations after cramming too much in and being real active!

My wife to be is certified to diver, I am not. I do however snorkel. I like the idea of the little bungalow over the water, but understand you pay dearly for that! It might actually be worth it for that "once in a lifetime" experience.

I understand Tahiti is maybe the most expensive place to go and maybe not the most friendly. I would really like to see some amazing stony coral reefs, snorkel off a deck from our bungalow, kayak, maybe do some hikes, or biking, and really just have some downtime from the chaos that is my life lately. It might be nice to actually just sit somewhere with a nice breeze and maybe read a book . At least for a day (before I got antsy and wanted to "go do something ). Some places people have mentioned include Fiji, Bora Bora, and the Cook Islands (had that highly recommended to me).

I am just starting my research but if any of you have any insight I am all ears. I am open to resorts but at this time do not have much of a direction so honestly am not even 100% aware of all my options. My guess is if you go on a "honeymoon package" they rake you over the coals, but I do not know that to be true.

So, if any of you have personal experiences, or links to share, that would be great! Thanks!

 

[snorvich]

Well having spent a LOT of time in the South Pacific . . . If you want a truly once in a lifetime honeymoon look at Laucala Island here. There are also various resorts in Fiji that are down a bit from Laucala but extremely nice. Moorea and Tahiti are good but the diving can be easy or challenging. If you want a lot of bang for your buck, check out Thailand and Indonesia. Those are all dive related. If you want a true once in a lifetime experience, you could try Raffles Hotel in Singapore. You can then arrange a guided Rolls Royce chauffeured tour of Singapore that is awesome. Two downsides: price and temperature.

 

[whitebird9]

I have spent a lotg of time in Fiji - Try Matangi Island off Taveuni. Look it up on goggle. Almost all diving arround Taveuni is world class and the island has levels of accomination to suit all.

 

[IPT]

Laucala looks awesome, but a little too spindy for me. Matangi looks real good and the prices I see there much more resonable. Lots of research to do. Thanks for the info and keep it coming if there are other suggestions!

 

[IPT]

Laucala looks awesome, but a little too spindy for me. !

What were the other ones you were thinking of?

 

[somosomo]

+1 Taveuni

 

[snorvich]

Yes, Fiji in general has many resorts that would be suitable for a honeymoon. However the best diving in Fiji is from live aboard.

 

[panman1]

Consider Blue Lagioon Cruises

Consider Blue Lagioon Cruises

First, I must say we are not cruisers. Usually when a cruise boat is in town, we go to another part of the island. Having said that we did a dive in luxury/cruise in paradise on the the Fiji Princess by Blue Lagoon Cruises. It is a small boutique cruise catamaran. There are 30 staterooms, thus 60 people on the boat. My daughter and I dived 3 times a day, while my wife and others who did not dive snorkled multiple times a day. You travel through the Yasawa and Manamuca islands of fiji, meet locals on islands with villages that have no developments, participate in kava ceremonies and enjoy great beaches. If you do not want to do a 7 day cruise they have 3 and 4 day cruises that can drop you off or pick you up at any island along the way. That way you can combine a beach ersort with a cruise. Just a thought.

 

[jfuka78]

I just booked qamea for our honeymoon, will be there in two weeks. this is right next to taveuni and matangi.

 

[Sanveann]

A few years ago, we went to the Cook Islands and had an amazing time! Way cheaper (at the time, at least) than Tahiti, and English-speaking, too. People were just INCREDIBLY nice, especially on Aitutaki.

I went snorkeling on Rarotonga and Aitutaki (we visited both islands), and my husband had a great time diving on Rarotonga. Both were fantastic, but it was the first time for both of us, so I have nothing to compare it to

 

[_Mitch_]

Kadavu, Fiji. Dive on the Astrolabe.

Amazing to say the least!