Both of the destinations you chose are great choices. St. Lucia is actually considered the Hawaii of the Caribbean with the waterfalls, volcanos, lush & almost mountainous terrain, etc.
With Sandals there are 3 there in St. Lucia. I most often use the Regency and the Grande, but which is best for you I am only able to determine my personal opinion in speaking with a person, by asking just various questions to help me determine which I feel you will like best. Sandals Grande actually used to be a Hyatt so it definitely has a different ambiance than most Sandals resorts.
Have you stayed at an All Inclusive before? The reason I ask is because depending on the way you travel some love all inclusive, some don't at all. To where maybe then Hawaii would be the better choice.
Depending on your city location of course will determine what type of flight time it would take you to get there, so that might be something to take into consideration if that is something of concern.
With Hawaii I would say Maui and the Big Island are the better choices. Are you planning on staying just on one island if you go to Hawaii? Also as lovely as the Four Seasons is, there is also the Fairmont Kea Lani that to is quite beautiful.
As far as bad experiences with Sandals, I have had few complaints with them over the years but I will say they are not all at the same level so that really makes a difference to your experience as well.
As far as another location suggestion as I said both great choices. A lot is going to determine what you and your fiancée have come up with a budget that you would like to stay around for your Honeymoon.
The Tahitian Islands such as Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Rangiroa, Huanine, etc. That is going to be "unique" because it is truly like no other place in the world. What they are mostly known for are there over water bungalows, some with beach bungalows with private pools. Tahitian Islands are very expensive though due to there uniqueness they can get away with it. Some wouldn't like here only because it is a very low key, few tours to choice from but other than that very quiet.
As to where with Hawaii there are many more options for activities and traveling outside your resort.
There are resorts in Tahiti that at some resorts there are restaurants set up quite elegantly, only they are a "barefoot" dining experience. Instead of just swim up pool bars they have swim up ocean bars. In the over water bungalows you sometimes have a "pool" area dug out in the ocean. You can feed the fish from the floor from glass panels that open in various parts of the bungalow. At night you can turn on an illuminating light to attract the fish as well.
With Tahiti though, you want to be careful in choosing properties because what seems like a great price might not get you what you think. Depending on Budget, a couple would be better looking at the Caribbean where there money could go further.
The water is so clear that you literally can see 60 feet down! Because of the surrounding Motu's this keeps most of the resorts beach areas extremely calm.
Another place I would have to say would be the Mayan Riviera area which is South of Cancun. They have some beautiful resorts there. The Paradisus I would have to say would be a good choice. There are a few other high end ones, but they aren’t All Inclusive. In this area you can do swim with the dolphins, visit the Mayan Ruins, take a ferry ride over to Cozumel and some like to rent a motor scooter for the day to tour around the island. With several possible options depending on your interests.
I am going to Tahiti for my first time April 24th so I suppose I have it on the mind!
I would strongly recommend working with a seasoned travel specialist to help with your Honeymoon planning. A Honeymoon is just too important to leave chance for problems. Even with the best of agent, problems can still occur, but isn't it nice knowing you have someone to turn to instead of some that need to call an 800 # waiting for the next available rep. You have recourse this way as well if a mistake does happen to be made.
I apologize for the jumping around. Saw your post, wanted to reply, but it's late and I was on my way to sleep =) Anyways I am seeing this post is getting quite long!
Congrats on your Engagement and I'm sure no matter where you both choice you will have a memorable Honeymoon!
Side Note: Off of Maui'd saying in Hawaii we speak your language. They speak english in the Caribbean as well and I'm unsure of what he is talking about never feeling welcome in the Caribbean? I go once or twice a year and never felt "unwelcome" on any of the islands I have visited. Don't get me wrong, Maui IS beautiful, but by the post sounds a bit more like a sales pitch than anything considering his wife works there. Just an observation!
