I would suggest the travel packages as it would give you the most bang for your buck.

And if your companion(s) are not divers they have the best, right off the beach, snorkeling of any Marriott I've stayed at. You can spend hours.

Thanks for all the input. Activities wise, we are looking to do the following ---rain forest excursion, snorkeling, beaches, nice sunset, ATV, Zip/lining, paragliding

I think I have crossed off Aruba off the list due to all the remainder rooms being either really expensive point wise (require ecerts + $).

It's really between Curracao or Los Suenos / Guanacaste in Costa Rica. I am looking to "reserve" the 3 of the aforementioned places for now so at least I can be locked in. I am trying to bring up my points to get the travel package as well.

Any inputs between Curacao, Los Suenos or Guanacaste based off the activities/things we want to do (keeping in mind it will be in early August).

Thanks again!!!

Here is my tally.

Rain Forest-Costa Rica+ Curacao nada
Snorkeling-Curacao+ Costa Rica not so good
Beaches-Likely Costa Rica by a bit
Sunset-Tie
ATV-Not sure
Zip/lining-Costa Rica+ Curacao nada as far as I know
Paragliding-Curacao+

Winner is a toss up

Could not agree more

Curacao is a desert. The landscape reminds me a lot of home (Southern California) so no rainforest.

Vicki is correct (as always) and that is great point for looking at the average rainfalls at each place. I have a feeling you might be in the rainy season in Costa Rica.

Weather
 

Here is a quick check of weather. August is part of the rainy season.

https://weatherspark.com/averages/32...ste-Costa-Rica


Good luck

Another Honeymoon Thread
 

I know this topic is exhausted but i feel the need to ask. Getting married in Oct of 2014 and am looking for Marriott destinations. Currently i am sitting at around 350k Marriott points and 300k Delta miles(Expecting to have more by that time). We normally go to Aruba for vacation but I'm interested in a once in a lifetime type trip. The original idea was Australia and New Zealand but who knows if that'll happen. The SO is interested in Hawaii (i figure we can go anytime and its played out) or Australia. I have been looking at Thailand, Australia, Sanya, and Costa Rica. We have a budget for incidentals but i like to drink and eat well. Being on the water is key. We don't like the idea of being in the city at a "business" hotel. We normally wake up late and are up late. We like to sit by the ocean till late at night with a drink in hand. Not much of the club scene but if we are at the right place we could stay late. Any suggestions?

My wife and I honeymooned at the JW in Phuket and the resort was beautiful. We got lucky to and were upgraded to a huge suite with a wrap around balcony that also had a gazebo on it. One night the chef cooked us dinner on our patio and it was fantastic.

It's a long, long flight(s) to get there, but definitely a once in a lifetime spot.

Thanks for the insight. I have been to Vietnam before so i know the length of flight. The SO is a bit ADD so thats a nit of concern. She's pretty good at sleeping on the flight though. We are looking at 2 weeks somewhere or multiple somewheres so I'm open to suggestions.



Were there any memorable moments at the JW.What would you recommend for activities?

We actually preferred the Renaissance Phuket next door to the JW if you prefer a more "boutique" design experience, but JW might be more formal depending on your tastes. Our impression of the JW was that it was quite large with a lot of timeshare offers... Both are on the north side of Phuket away from the more popular beaches/towns, so it's worth renting a car to avoid the taxi mafia.

Our honeymoon was in Costa Rica, but we didn't stay at any chain hotels. Had a great time, but prices are definitely geared towards US tourists (not cheap like Thailand).

We did two weeks. Our first week was Bangkok, Chaing Rai and Chaing Mai. The second week was just relaxing in Phuket. Nothing amazingly memorable other than the location. Also, I didn't see any time share sales when we were there. Never felt any pressure either.

The resort is quite big, but we never felt that it was crowded at all.

I would also highly recommend the Renaissance in Phuket. I'm there now in an Oceanfront pool villa and it's absolutely amazing. You can easily spend a week here and the second week in another Asian city. You should be able to get 2 business/first class ticket with miles and the room on points. If you do decide on the Ren - I would spend the extra points (or the extra time talking to the front desk) to get an oceanfront pool villa. It's worth it!

I just booked Ko Olina Ocean Club (Marriott) with my DC points (MVCI) and two nonstop FC JFK <-> Honolulu flights on AA (HA) for 150,000+$10 earlier today.

Just posting as a data point. I know you've got Delta points, but I thought it was a good redemption. THe tickets are worth $7000 total.