Our one year anniversary is creeping up so I’ve spent the last few weeks researching places to celebrate our year old nuptials. Planning our honeymoon to Turks & Caicos nearly killed me and planning our honeymoon encore was only slightly less daunting due to three essential factors: 1) our love of beaches; 2) the static threat of hurricanes in October; and 3) $$$. In the end, I basically ran out of time and picked what I hope will be a fun place to spend a week.
The Cove Atlantis in Paradise Island, Bahamas
A little about the weather in the Bahamas by Fodor’s:
The Bahamas is affected by the refreshing trade-wind flow generated by an area of high atmospheric pressure covering a large part of the subtropical North Atlantic, so the climate varies little during the year. The most pleasant time is from December through May, when the temperature averages 70°F-75°F. It stands to reason that hotel prices during this period are at their highest — around 30% higher than during the less popular times. The rest of the year is hot and humid and prone to tropical storms; the temperature hovers around 80°F-85°F. Hurricane season is from about June 1 through November 30, with greatest risk for a storm from August through October.
A thorough read of Tripadvisor reviews has me very nervous. Among the red flags raised, of most concern are complaints about the hotel’s tendency to nickel and dime their guests for everything under the sun, spotty service, and an apparent consistent towel shortage both by the pools and in the rooms themselves. A blog friend stayed at The Cove recently and returned with rave reviews which comforted me greatly so if anyone else has been there, feel free to offer any advice.
And lastly, a bit about my travel agent. While I an avid fan of DIY vacation research, I booked our trip through our travel agent Melinda Webb. I read rave reviews of her services by other wedding bloggers last year and used her when we booked our honeymoon and she was fantabulicious. The thing is, she knows she has to compete with the Internet so she makes sure that superior service is her strong point. We’re talking near instant quotes, better rates, personalized packages and constant communication. This sweetheart even called us on our honeymoon to make sure we were 100% happy! One of my bridesmaids recently celebrated her second wedding anniversary at our honeymoon spot (and stayed in the same suite!) and also found Melinda to be wonderful. Here is her info:
Melinda Webb
Dreams and Destinations
info@wheredreamslead.com
www.wheredreamslead.com
I haven’t stayed *AT* Atlantis — we stayed next door at the Comfort Suites, which has “privileges” at the Atlantis resort (i.e. use of their pools, restaurants, etc.). My friends and I went their for our h.s. spring break, so you can imagine that the comfort of the hotel room itself wasn’t our first priority. The Atlantis resort is pricey — especially food. But from what I understand, most restaurants are more expensive in the Bahamas since they have to import most, if not all, of their food.
Atlantis is gorgeous — we had a great time hanging out there. Trip Advisor can be a very useful resource — but don’t get too hung up on what everyone says unless there are major, consisten red flags. Some people have a tendency to complain about things that hotels or other services have little or no control over.
Hey Miss Spider, did you get a pretty good deal? I’m hoping to go somewhere beachy in the week between Christmas and New Year’s since I don’t have to work, but I’ve been having such a hard time finding deals!
Atlantis is so beautiful! I went there last year, and I’d love to go back (especially for the Dig and the water slides!).
I might be biased, though- I got engaged there. Next to a blowfish. Kind of awesome. 
Just a heads up… when I stayed at Atlantis about 4 years ago, I was surprised to find they added a daily gratuity charge to my bill… I’d been tipping the whole time but now here they were charging me about $25 a day for tips! So ask ahead of time so you aren’t double-tipping! It adds up.
Oh, and the pina coladas were less expensive than the water. Everything is VERY pricey. But the resort is beautiful! Have fun!
Maria: I highly recommend The Palms. We stayed there for our honeymoon and felt it was the best hotel on the beach. A++++
L: I got an awesome deal that beat any I found on expedia and the like. Our travel agent rocks!
Thanks for the tips. Summer- I will DEF look out for charge!!
We just went on a cruise this past summer and took a little side trip to Atlantis. Of course we weren’t able to see the entire place (unless we wanted to cough up some money) but from what we did see… AMAZING. I would recommend for anyone to going to the Nassau area to check it out even if you can’t stay there.
I’m glad you guys get to something cool for the one-year. It’s like getting excited about the original honeymoon, but without all the stress of planning the wedding. Have a great time!
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Mrs. Spider, New York
Age and Occupation: 27, Paralegal
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Advisor Research
Engagement Date: December 30, 2005
Wedding Date: October 2006
Venue: Jericho Terrace - Long Island, NY
About Me: My favorite parts of wedding planning are DIY projects and figuring out ways to incorporate old traditions into a modern affair.
My fiance and I are considering Turks and Caicos for our honeymoon. Do you have any recommendations for hotels?