Bora Bora vs. Ocho Rios

Catch&Release · Post by **Catch&Release** » May 9, 2007 9:47 am

I am engaged to a wonderful, amazing and incredibly sweet girl.

The only problem we are having is deciding what to do for our wedding.

One idea that we both seem to like is running away, having a wedding for ourselves and then coming back and having a post wedding party for friends and family.

Unfortunately, for the past 16 months my fiancee has been struggling on where to go.

I am a big fan of adventure and off the beaten path places. I have lobbied for Tobago, Bequia, Costa Rica, 10 days trekking through Alaska.

My fiancee has decided that she would like to do an all inclusive and is looking for a place where there will always be something to do. She has seen a couple of the Sandals Resorts in Ocho Rios and is leaning towards a Sandals Resort in Ocho Rios. I've read that the Couple Resorts are much nicer than the Sandals Resorts, but I understand that this is my time to say "whatever you like, dear." (At least I am trying to learn that important line).

I am concerned about Ocho Rios, though, because I've heard that you can't stroll on the beach which is broken up by resort after resort. Also, I have seen pictures of fences surrounding the resorts where very poor Jamaicans stand trying to sell stuff, braid hair, etc. That sounds like a bummer to me! I want to mingle with local people, like we did in Anguilla, where we met so many awesome people. Having fences around the resort sounds just plain weird.

I have found a deal at the Club Med in Bora Bora that is the same price as the Sandals deals in Ocho Rios. Bora Bora looks like one of the most beautiful places on Earth and I don't mind the lonnnnnnnnnnng flight to get there.

I know many of you are well traveled. Will I like Ocho Rios or will we both like Bora Bora? Will Erin feel like she's bored in Bora Bora or will I feel like I am trapped in a cheesy atmoshpere at the Sandals Grande Ocho Rios or Sandals Dunn River Falls.

I am treading on this issue very delicately as I understand my primary role is to make my bride happy. However, I'd hate to get to Jamaica and have us both feel like we made the wrong choice.

Thanks!

Paul - I may actually become a groom someday if I can just keep my mouth shut!

ToplessRideFL · Post by **ToplessRideFL** » May 9, 2007 9:50 am

I got married at Couples Ocho Rios...and we have been back 4 times since...and are planning the 5th time in the fall. I'll PM you my phone # if you like and you can ask me anything you want.

I must add... I have never been to Bora Bora.

freaky4tiki · Post by **freaky4tiki** » May 9, 2007 9:59 am

my mom went to Bora Bora years ago and it was the trip of a lifetime for her. everything about it is magical and absolutely beautiful. if you go, stay for a good 10-14 days and do a little island hopping too. My mother said that she sobbed when she had to leave.

how lucky you are to be able to have such a wonderful opportunity! I'd have to vote for Bora Bora-- it's a special time and Bequia etc. will be there and you can get there another time. But TAHITI? That's something special you will look back on like my mom does and say, ahhhh Bora Bora...

there's some cool stuff to see and I'm happy to hook you up if you need info.

Skibo · Post by **Skibo** » May 9, 2007 10:09 am

Bora Bora sounds like a good compromise between the adventure trip and the resort trip. I am sure you will be able to find some nice exploring on BB. Moorea is another area you may want to consider if you don't mind the BB flight time.

pojo · Post by **pojo** » May 9, 2007 12:20 pm

Bora Bora hands down! The Southern Pacific is phenomenal!!!!

SharkOnLand · Post by **SharkOnLand** » May 9, 2007 12:49 pm

I've never been to either. But, given the choice, I would go to Bora Bora. It's a lot more intriguing to me than Jamaica.

buffettbride · Post by **buffettbride** » May 9, 2007 12:52 pm

bora bora

Spicoli · Post by **Spicoli** » May 9, 2007 1:05 pm

Geographically you can get to Jamaica pretty easily, and it sounds like you've "been there, done that." Honeymoons are typically a "once in a lifetime" kind of deal, so I'd be thinking in those terms.

I spend a lot of time in Bora, and it's an amazing place. It is a long way to travel, but once there you'll understand why it's where it is. Places like that shouldn't be easy enough for everyone to get to....you should have to really earn it. I have many friends there and you'll find that english is no problem, and they love Americans there. Plenty to do in the way of jeep tours, scuba, snorkeling, lagoon tours, shark/ray feeding, etc., but don't go for any nightlife. You'll find very few bars other than the hotel bars, and of course the bar at Bloody Mary's. Check out http://www.tahiti-explorer.com/forums/u ... p?ubb=cfrm for plenty of info on French Polynesia.

faa'ito'ito

AlbatrossFlyer · Post by **AlbatrossFlyer** » May 9, 2007 1:09 pm

think of it this way...

how often will you be able to go to bora bora vs. how often you will be able to go to ocho rios? bora bora isn't exactly a weekend getaway trip...

Ambition At Bay · Post by **Ambition At Bay** » May 9, 2007 2:43 pm

Bora Bora without a doubt, no question, in a heart beat, the two locations don't even compare, IMHO

Caribbean Soul Man · Post by **Caribbean Soul Man** » May 9, 2007 4:34 pm

first of all, congrats on having options like Bora Bora and Jamaica for your Honeymoon

You're definitely starting off right!

At the risk of complicating your decision with additional options to consider, since you said you like the road less traveled, have you looked at Moorea or Tonga?

By some accounts, our favorite Calypso Poet was looking out over Cook's Bay on the island of Moorea when the lyrics to One Particular Harbour came to him.

Moorea

And then there is the beautiful idyllic island of Tonga

Tonga

Best of luck to you and your new bride!

STL PARROTHEAD · Post by **STL PARROTHEAD** » May 9, 2007 4:41 pm

First, I must say I've never been to Jamaica......
But..... I did spend 2 weeks in Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti..... the best places I've ever been too!!!!!! I'd pick that in a minute!!!!!!!
I agree that you need to figure- can you ever get there again?, versus, -can I get to Jamaica????? I Bora Bora isn't exactly the kind of place you can just trot off to like you can Jamaica...( for most of us anyway)

oh yea, Congrats!!!!!

nutmeg · Post by **nutmeg** » May 9, 2007 11:10 pm

Bora Bora is a dream of ours. We plan to go there when both of us are retired an we can go long enough to make the trip worthwhile.

Moorea and Rangiroa sound great too.

I love the Caribbean, but at trip to the south pacific would be a dream come true!