You're a beach lover; he's a golf fanatic. Here, a guide to enjoying your favorite island activities.
By: Donna HeiderstadtAll you want to do on your Caribbean honeymoon is enjoy a romantic sunset sail or learn to salsa like a local. Your new husband, however, may have his heart set on deep-sea fishing or mountain biking. Since marriage is all about compromise, your honeymoon is the perfect time to start practicing the art of give and take: He gives you his two left feet on the dance floor and you give him a few ounces of sweat on an uphill rainforest ride. Begin your life together with a tropical getaway that offers activities to satisfy you, your guy — and the both of you.
Jamaica
Photo courtesy of Jamaica Inn
His: Bobsledding. Take him on a wild, 60-second ride through the jungles of mystic mountain near ocho rios on a bobsled run inspired by the famous olympic team.
Hers: Equestrian Sand Shuttle. at the equestrian center at half moon, a rock resort in rose hall, the horseback riding experience is truly special. in addition to cantering and galloping across sugared sands, with the help of a guide, you'll direct your mare into the ocean for a “swim.”
Ours: Cliff jumping. You’ve already taken the biggest plunge of all, so why not join the locals with a hand-in-hand leap off of Negril’s famous waterside cliffs? The water is delightfully warm. After you towel off, enjoy tropical cocktails at the legendary Rick’s Café.
Where to stay: For casual-chic ambience in colorful oceanfront rooms, cottages and villas, plus farm-to-table cuisine and instant camaraderie, stay at Jakes Hotel (room rates start at $115 a night; jakeshotel.com). Check into the all-inclusive, action-packed, 312-room Couples Swept Away on Negril’s seven mile beach for dozens of activities from tennis and golf to scuba (room rates start at $349 per person, per night and are all-inclusive; couples.com). You'll feel as though you’ve discovered a quiet slice of paradise island at the tranquil periwinkle-blue Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios (room rates start at $310 a night; jamaicainn.com).
Dominican Republic
Photo courtesy of the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism
This lively island is home to some of the region's most inviting beaches, challenging golf courses and great-value all-inclusive resorts, all of which make it easy for honeymooners to kick back — while still staying muy active.
His: Cigar factory tour. If he loves the lore and flavor of tobacco, have him indulge to the max during a visit to Garcia Tobacco and La Flor Dominicana. Both famous houses are located in La Romana; tours and tastings can be booked via cigar country tours.
Hers: Gem collecting. The Dominican Republic is known for its amber, so if you’re a fan of this prehistoric golden gem you’ll be in heaven. The island’s other treasure is larimar, an opaque blue stone known as “dominican turquoise” and only found here.
Ours: Golf. This island nation has some of the caribbean’s finest courses — 28 in all, designed by top names like Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player — so it’s a great spot to take lessons or to challenge each other to a one-on-one honeymoon tournament.
Where to stay: Adults-only, 456-room Excellence Punta Cana lets you enjoy sun and sand beneath palapa-style umbrellas, indulge at eight restaurants and 10 bars, and soak in a private, in-room Jacuzzi for two (room rates start at $326 per person, per night and are all-inclusive; excellence-resorts.com). For a livelier Vegas-on-the-beach vibe, modern decor and an enormous casino, there’s the glitzy all- inclusive Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana (room rates start at $395 per person, per night and are all-inclusive; hardrockhotelpuntacana.com). Zöetry Agua Punta Cana, a 51-suite oasis on a palm-studded beach, boasts a distinctly upscale Zen ambience and an ultra-pampering spa (room rates start at $724 per person, per night and are all-inclusive; zoetryresorts.com).
Photo courtesy of Zoetry Wellness & Spa Resorts