Editor’s Note: Some of the information below may be out-of-date. Puerto Rico and St. Maarten/St. Martin were heavily impacted by Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria. Please visit caribbeantravelupdate.com or the specific hotel’s website for updates.
Dreaming of a romantic getaway but don’t want to spend a fortune? Extraordinary doesn’t have to be expensive. Here, the best affordable resorts for thrifty honeymooners.
CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Tucked between the Sierra Madre Mountains and the Bay of Banderas, this modern luxury resort offers beachfront accommodations, four restaurants and an oceanfront infinity pool. Couples who want to avoid the fray will appreciate its location in the exclusive Marina Vallarta.
Top romantic splurge: Ohtli Spa, Puerto Vallarta’s largest full-service spa, offers couples treatments stemming from traditional Huichol therapies.
Jake’s – Treasure Beach, Jamaica
Just 30 cottages dot the coastline of this boho-chic property, situated two hours from Montego Bay in peaceful and secluded Treasure Beach. Decor is a sexy mix of Moroccan, Mexican and Caribbean, all designed by owner Sally Henzell. Couples can truly unplug here — there’s no phone, TV or Internet in the rooms.
Top romantic splurge: Relax with an open-air cliff-top treatment at Driftwood Spa overlooking Frenchman’s Bay.
Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa – Guanica, Puerto Rico
This out-of-the-way resort stretches across 20 acres of beachfront. Active couples can partake in water sports, sailing and scuba diving, while those looking for a more low-key experience can soak up the full-service spa and quiet beach.
Top romantic splurge: The hotel’s honeymoon package includes sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries on arrival, dinner under the stars and a couples massage.
St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino – North Frigate Bay, St. Kitts
This resort’s slice of crystal-blue Atlantic oceanfront provides the ideal setting for a stroll à deux. The 393-room property serves as a starting point to experience one of the Caribbean’s oldest colonies — from hiking the island’s lush rainforest to dancing at The Strip, a string of beach bars within walking distance.
Top romantic splurge: Indulge in the Ritual for Two at the resort’s Emerald Mist Spa, which includes a couples massage and pedicure.
Love Hotel – Grand Case, St. Martin
French couple Muriel and William are the proprietors of this hip seven-room Caribbean hotel. Check in at the open-air bar, a frequent haunt for friendly locals.
Top romantic splurge: Start your day with breakfast on the porch, then wind down with wine on your balcony at sunset. Or for a taste of St. Martin’s French flair, stroll across the street for crepes and cafe au lait.
Casa Palopo – Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Situated above spectacular Lake Atitlan in the Guatemalan highlands, Casa Palopo thrills with scenic views of three volcanos. Colorful accommodations are decorated with contemporary and indigenous artwork. Italian bed linens and L’Occitane products add to the boutique experience.
Top romantic splurge: Newlyweds can have their marriage blessed by an authentic Maya shaman.
CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort – Cancun, Mexico
CasaMagna Marriott Cancun just completed room renovations: Think modern, Spanish-chic decor and rain showers. Also new: beachside cabanas on a stretch of sugar beach with prime views of the bright-blue ocean. Even with 450 rooms, this resort within the Hotel Zone still manages to have an intimate vibe.
Top romantic splurge: Cozy up with your sweetie and gaze at the sea in the beachfront infinity pool.
Kaannapali Ocean Inn – Lahaina, Hawaii
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly spot in a sea of expensive Maui properties, this oceanfront inn is for you. The historical hotel is a bit dated, but rooms are clean and spacious and offer an authentic Hawaiian experience. Plus, guests have access to a private beach and service at the hotel’s more upscale sibling next door, the Royal Lahaina Resort.
Top romantic splurge: Honeymoon couples receive one complimentary 5″ by 7″ souvenir portrait taken by a professional photographer at a scenic location on the resort grounds (available through Dec. 31, 2015).
Vero Beach Hotel & Spa, A Kimpton Hotel – Vero Beach, Florida
Miles of white sand swathe this upscale resort, recently ranked the number 10 best hotel in Florida by the Condé Nast Readers Choice Awards. Set between Palm Beach and Orlando, it’s an ideal launch pad for exploring nearby cultural attractions like McKee Botanical Garden and the Manatee Observation Center.
Top romantic splurge: Book the Mini-Moon package for daily bottomless mimosas, a romantic dinner for two at Cobalt Restaurant, and edible turndowns — think strawberry and coconut body oil and a champagne bubble bath.
Grand Lucayan – Freeport, Bahamas
Several pools, restaurants, a spacious spa and fitness center, a casino, a golf course and a powdery white beach make this a fun destination for frugal honeymooners.
Top romantic splurge: The resort offers a honeymoon registry program, where couples can register to receive gifts in the form of resort credit, spa credit or other special services to use during their stay.
The Westin Playa Bonita Panama – Panama City, Panama
Couples can escape the urban hustle and bustle of Panama City at this modern retreat just 30 minutes outside the city. Watch boats queue up to pass through the famous canal, or explore nearby sites like the historical ruins of Panama Viejo, the cobblestone streets of Casco Viejo (Old Town) or the attractions of Natural Metropolitan Park.
Top romantic splurge: Try the Westin Indulge package, which includes sparkling wine and strawberries on arrival, breakfast in bed and late checkout. Or stroll the nearby Amador Causeway with your new spouse.
Asilomar Conference Grounds – Pacific Grove, California
This 100-plus-year-old beachfront getaway, located in the Monterey Peninsula’s “Refuge by the Sea,” combines rustic digs with a natural setting that’s been protected as a state park since 1956. Plus, it features the largest collection of Julia Morgan-designed buildings in the world.
Top romantic splurge: Steps from Asilomar State Beach, a precious mile of sandy shore, explore tide pools when the surf is out, or stick around for sunset.
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North – Scottsdale, Arizona
At this Sonoran Desert retreat, set on 40 untouched acres in the foothills of Pinnacle Peak, bask poolside, enjoy a complimentary cabana, or pamper yourselves with desert-inspired treatments in the full-service spa. All suites were updated in summer 2014, and most include a private plunge pool and telescope for stargazing.
Top romantic splurge: Couples staying in suites can book a Moonlight Massage under a canopy of stars on their private balcony. Or take a self-guided sunrise or sunset hike to Pinnacle Peak Park via a private trail that connects the resort to the summit.
The Hotel Zamora – St. Pete Beach, Florida
Honeymooners will love the residential-style suites of this Mediterranean-inspired boutique, the beach town’s first new hotel in more than 20 years.
Top romantic splurge: Book a couples massage in a rooftop cabana, or savor a legendary Gulf Coast sunset from the rooftop lounge.
Kona Kai Resort & Marina – San Diego, California
Situated at the very tip of Shelter Island, this peaceful SoCal resort — currently undergoing a $22 million makeover — offers magnificent bay and marina views, lots of charm and personalized service.
Top romantic splurge: Rent a pair of kayaks and pack some provisions for a picnic at nearby Kellog’s Beach.
Peace & Plenty Inn – St. Augustine, Florida
In the heart of St. Augustine’s historic district, Peace & Plenty Inn is steps away from several local landmarks: Alcazar Hotel, circa 1880 (now the Lightner Museum); Ponce de Leon Hotel, circa 1888 (now Flagler College); and Hotel Cordova, circa 1887 (now the Casa Monica Hotel). Bask in innkeeper Glenda’s warm hospitality, or walk downtown to experience the vibrant nightlife of the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in North America.
Top romantic splurge: Enjoy breakfast in the garden courtyard, complete with fountains and a cozy pergola with a propane fire pit.
Plantation on Crystal River – Crystal River, Florida
This hidden gem on Florida’s Nature Coast is a haven for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts. Ninety miles north of Tampa, Citrus County is the only location in North America where you can legally swim with West Indian manatees, a truly unique experience.
Top romantic splurge: At Spa Bleu, an Aveda Spa, honeymooners can book an intimate couples massage. Deluxe Romance packages are also available for an additional fee.
Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort – Nieuwpoort, Curacao
Located outside the Caribbean’s hurricane belt, Curacao lures couples with its calm seas and clear skies. Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort, set on 2,000 acres of rare natural preserve, offers lots of privacy and an unspoiled white sandy beach.
Top romantic splurge: Venture to nearby Dinah Veeris’ herbal garden for a potion that will seal your love for eternity.
The Point Universal Resort Orlando – Orlando, Florida
This all-suite boutique is conveniently located near Universal Studios and the shops and restaurants lining the tourist hub of International Drive. Bonus: Complimentary shuttle service is available to all major theme parks.
Top romantic splurge: Each room offers a spacious walk-in shower and a Jacuzzi tub; tea-light candles, rose petals and a bottle of champagne are only a request away.
Vive Hotel Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii
Style-seeking newlyweds will like this modern Oahu property, a five-minute walk from Waikiki Beach. The vibe is decidedly relaxed: The front desk encourages couples to get (ahem) horizontal with complimentary beach towels, chairs and boogie boards. Select rooms offer ocean views.
Top romantic splurge: Book the Bike in the Sun package and ride beach cruisers to soak in a legendary Oahu sunrise or sunset.
Palacio de Marquesa, Taos, New Mexico
For a taste of the Southwest, stay at this small, upscale inn located five blocks from the historic plaza of Taos. The hotel pays homage to famous women artists who have lived in Taos (think Georgia O’Keefe and Millicent Rogers). Marble bathrooms and the property’s high-desert garden up the romance factor.
Top romantic splurge: Guests swoon over the complimentary gourmet breakfasts, which can be served in bed — that is, a brushed-metal canopy bed made up with Frette linens.
320 Guest Ranch, Big Sky, Montana
For adventure-seeking couples, this 320-acre guest ranch, set alongside the scenic Gallatin River, is within close proximity of the West Gate of Yellowstone National Park and the ski slopes of Big Sky.
Top romantic splurge: Take a horseback ride through high mountain meadows or to the top of 10,000-foot peaks, where there’s high potential to spot wildlife.
Blue Sky Ranch, Coalville, Utah
Just outside Park City, Blue Sky Ranch rambles over 3,300 acres of rolling hills, deep canyons and mountain peaks. Year-round adventures, such as biking, hiking, yoga, skiing, fly-fishing, kayaking and hiking, abound for outdoorsy couples.
Top romantic splurge: Fall asleep under the stars in the Blue Sky Antelope Yurt, a traditional Norwegian yurt that overlooks the Wasatch Mountains and nearby Deer Valley Park.
El Capitan Canyon, Santa Barbara, California
Immersed in nature, El Capitan Canyon caters to glampers with posh safari tents, cedar cabins and canvas yurts. Some spots even have decks overlooking the creek that cuts through the canyon.
Top romantic splurge: Grab a hiking stick and wander the 15 miles of trails that crisscross the canyon’s 300 undeveloped acres. At night, cuddle up with your sweetie for campfire s’mores under the stars.
