The first tropical accommodation properties that pop into many bride and groom's minds are the Tahitian overwater bungalows of Bora Bora - and why not?! They are sensational and a dream is a great place to start, but unless the budget is very healthy they don't become a reality for most honeymooners. Here's a thumbnail guide to the various types of accommodation on offer in the Pacific.

Overwater Bungalows

Overwater bungalows abound in Tahiti - just drop us an email if you would like more information on these. Away from Tahiti, they are not as plentiful. In Samoa, Coconuts Beach Resort is the only property that has a few (there will be some soon at Aggie Grey's Lagoon Beach Resort and Spa). In the Cook Islands, there's Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and Spa (while you have lagoon access, the rear end is firmly entrenched in the ground). In Fiji, the country's first overwater bungalows opened in 2007 at Likiliku Resort on Malolo Island. In New Caledonia, there's Coral Palms Resort and Kuendu Beach Resort and, in Vanuatu, Le Meridien's Lagoon Villas are closest (lagoon access from some balconies bit not 'true' overwater. Rough budget guide $500 to $1500 per night per couple.

Boutique Adults Only

Many couples like the idea of no kids in the pool and an intimate atmosphere where they may meet like-minded couples. A few of our favourites as an example - in Samoa, Sinalei Reef Resort and Spa offers casual elegance. In the Cook Islands perhaps Sea Change or Reflections on Rarotonga combined with Etu Moana or Pacific Resort on Aitutaki. In Fiji, lots of options like Matangi Island Resort in north (Taveuni), Tokoriki Island in the west (Mamanuca island group), Toberua off the east coast of the main island and Royal Davui or Vatulele in the south. In Vanuatu, perhaps Sunset Bungalows, Breaka's Beach Resort or part of Iririki Island Resort. And, in Australia, a number of Queensland coast and island resorts also have a no child policy. Rough budget guide $250 to $1200 per night per couple.

Larger Resorts that Cater for Couples

Larger resorts may come with families but they usually come with more facilities as well (more restaurants, bars, watersports etc). In Samoa, Aggie Grey's Lagoon Beach Resort and Spa is an excellent choice and has, in our opinion, one of the world's best Day Spas for pampering. In the Cook Islands, Pacific Resort (Rarotonga) on beautiful Muri Lagoon fits the bill with its Beachfront units. In Fiji, a number of mainland resorts cater for families well, some having adults only areas or adults only pool - on the Coral Coast, the Outrigger or Shangri-la Fijian - on Denarau (near Nadi) a number of options including Sheraton, Westin, Hilton, Sofitel and Radisson - in the Mamanuca islands, the new Amunuca Island Resort was almost there at the time of writing (had the adults only restaurant area in place and most of the adult only beachfront bures built but were still in the process of completing the adults only pool area. In New Caledonia perhaps Le Meridien and in Vanuatu, Le Lagon offers four Island Suites, Le Meridien's Lagoon Villas are on their own island and couples staying at Iririki Island Resort are welcome in the new Snorkeller's Cove area (restaurant/gym/pool) but families can't do the reverse. In Australia, Hamilton Island has an accommodation area just for adults away from the other accommodation but handy to all facilities. Rough budget guide $250 to $500 per night per couple.

Self-Contained Apartments

These can be an option for couples wanting to get a longer stay for their budget or have the experience of 'living' in the destination (shopping etc) but they may not offer as much in the way of romantic ambience. In Fiji, Golf Terraces at the Denarau Marina is an excellent property, in New Caledonia, Casa del Sole is a quality property in a great location and in Vanuatu Fatumaru Lodge and Paradise Cove have an intimate, romantic ambience. Rough budget guide $175 to $250 per night per couple.

Budget Accommodation

Not that long ago 'budget' accommodation meant backpacker or dodgy motel style. Not any more with the emergence of the 'flashpacker'. There are a number of quality properties throughout the Pacific that offer clean and comfortable double rooms with en-suite and amenities like swimming pool, bar and restaurant. These can be ideal for couples with independence, a sense of adventure and a need to save a bit on accommodation so they have spending money for a good time.

More Information

If you would like some suggestions, just drop us an email with a bit of a 'wish list' and maybe a budget and we'll come back to you with recommendations coast and obligation free.

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