Getting married in March 2014 was a dream come true, but with our adorable three-year-old, Charlie, already a huge part of our lives, the idea of a traditional honeymoon seemed… well, a bit out of reach. We’d never even had a holiday together, just the two of us before Charlie came along! But our incredible families, stepped in with the most amazing gift: a week of childcare so we could have our own romantic escape. This was it, our first, and likely last, opportunity for a holiday just the two of us.
The Honeymoon Hunt: Europe vs. The Unexpected Paradise
With a maximum budget of £1,500 and a precious 7 nights to play with, our initial thoughts were Europe, due to shorter flights, familiar destinations, and seemingly more budget-friendly options.
We scoured the internet, comparing all-inclusive options in the Mediterranean and then we made the "mistake" of removing the location filter. This opened up our search to countries that we didn't think would ever be within our budget or would suit a 1 week holiday but we were wrong!
A surprising contender emerged: the Dominican Republic. "The Caribbean for a week?" we thought, "Surely that's too far for such a short trip?" But then we started crunching the numbers and looking at the logistics. To our astonishment, we discovered that the flights were only a couple of hours longer than some European destinations and there were some truly incredible deals to this Caribbean gem.
Dominican Republic: Closer Than You Think (and Worth Every Minute!)
The biggest hurdle in our minds was the flight time. A 7-hour flight seemed a little daunting for a one-week getaway. But booking with Tui, the flight timings worked perfectly! We wouldn't lose precious holiday time to travel. We could fly out and arrive, ready to enjoy our full 7 nights, without feeling like the journey had eaten into our precious escape.
This realisation was a game-changer. Suddenly, the Dominican Republic wasn't just a far-flung dream; it was a tangible, affordable, and incredibly appealing reality for our honeymoon.
Why the Dominican Republic Stole Our Hearts for Our Honeymoon
Unbeatable Value: For our £1,500 budget, the Dominican Republic offered an unparalleled level of luxury and an all-inclusive experience that simply wasn't attainable in Europe for the same price. This meant more relaxation, more indulgence, and fewer worries about hidden costs.
The Lure of Paradise: Let's be honest, who doesn't dream of white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees for their honeymoon? The Dominican Republic promised exactly that, a stunning backdrop for our romantic escape.
Ultimate Relaxation: After the whirlwind of wedding planning and the joys (and demands!) of parenting a toddler, we craved pure relaxation. The thought of being pampered in a luxurious setting, with everything taken care of, was incredibly exciting.
A "First and Last" Opportunity: This truly felt like a once-in-a-lifetime trip for us as a couple. We wanted to make it count, to create memories that would last a lifetime, and the Dominican Republic seemed to offer that extraordinary experience.
Our Chosen Oasis: The Gran Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda
Once we decided on the destination, the next step was choosing the perfect resort. We were looking for luxury but within a tight budget, a place where we could truly unwind and feel pampered. After much research, we set our sights on the Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda.
Booking a 5-star luxury experience for a full week within our budget felt like we'd won the lottery! The promise of opulent surroundings, gourmet dining, and top-notch service sealed the deal. We envisioned lazy days by the pool, romantic dinners under the stars, and the pure joy of reconnecting as a couple.
Read our full review of the Gran Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda here.
More Than Just a Holiday: A Honeymoon to Remember
Choosing the Dominican Republic for our honeymoon, especially with a three-year-old at home, might have seemed unconventional to some. But for us, it was the perfect decision. It allowed us to experience a truly luxurious, unforgettable escape, creating cherished memories that we still talk about today. It was a week of blissful relaxation, romantic adventures, and the opportunity to celebrate our new life together, just the two of us, before returning to the wonderful chaos of family life.
Dreaming of your own Caribbean escape? Consider the Dominican Republic for an unforgettable honeymoon that offers luxury, value, and a paradise found, even on a budget!
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