Hawaii continues to be the most popular honeymoon destination in the world, but it isn't the only tropical paradise chosen by newlyweds.

Of the top 10 listed in Modern Bride magazine's 2005 survey of U.S. travel agents, eight destinations qualify as tropical, including Jamaica and Tahiti.

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TOP 10 HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS Without a doubt, Hawaii is the most popular honeymoon destination among U.S. couples. However, after No. 1, the list varies, depending on the source. Here's a combined list from Modern Bride, listed first, and TheHoneymoon.com: 1. Hawaii/Hawaii 2. Italy/Jamaica 3. Tahiti/Tahiti 4. Anguilla/St. Lucia 5. Fiji/Mexico 6. St. Lucia/Italy 7. Mexico/Las Vegas 8. St. Bart's/U.S. Virgin Islands 9. Jamaica/France 10. France/Aruba

"Hawaii will always be No. 1 because people have this idea that's it's a paradise," said June Cuba, manager of All Honeymoons and Romantic Travel in Atlanta. "I've been there several times, and it really is paradise."

However, paradise also awaits closer to home. In the Caribbean, honeymoon destinations Anguilla, Bermuda, St. Bart's and a dozen other island retreats lure honeymooners with the promises of warm breezes, turquoise waters and sandy beaches.

"Negril is a favorite resort area known for its natural beauty, with a seven-mile ribbon of white-sand beach and perfect conditions for swimming and snorkeling," said Paul Pennicook, director of tourism for the Jamaica Tourist Board. "The ambience is relaxed; the mood is laid-back; the fashion is casual."

Grand Cayman Island offers several resort hotels with complete honeymoon packages.

"From cruising to the bottom of the sea in a private submarine or exploring lush botanical gardens to scuba diving a world-renowned destination or just kicking back and sipping chilled beverages poolside, no desire is left unmet," said Shannah Milstead, director of marketing and global sales for Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort. "While the activities are bountiful, the romantic setting itself — emerald and turquoise waters contrasting with stark white sand, breathtaking sunsets on Seven Mile Beach, the subtle sound of steel drums mixing with balmy offshore breezes — create the perfect honeymoon experience."

Recent hurricanes haven't deterred newlyweds from visiting the Caribbean, Cuba said.

"During hurricane season, some people don't want to take the risk, but the Caribbean is still very popular," Cuba said. "That's another good selling point for Hawaii: no hurricanes."

Cuba said that Mexico has aggressively developed resort and honeymoon locations, including an area called Riviera Maya between Cancun and Cozumel. Mayan ruins, sandy beaches, snorkeling, resort hotels and ecology adventures provide a wealth of activities.

Aside from tropical destinations, trends in honeymoons include spa visits or stays at quaint bed-and-breakfasts.

A honeymoon is "the most important trip a newly married couple will take," said Marti Mayne with BedandBreakfast.com. "They want everything to be perfect. They want to be sure there's someone paying attention to the little details, someone who'll greet them by name when they arrive and cater to their special needs.

"There's nothing like a romantic bed-and-breakfast inn to provide the perfect intimate setting."

It's never too early to plan a honeymoon. Many locations sell out during the most popular months.

"Do lots of research and decide what your ideal destination is," Cuba said. "What activities would you like to do? How luxurious would you like your honeymoon to be? Don't just rely on Web sites for research. Talk with friends, find a travel agent and make your plans early. This is your dream trip, the beginning of your new life together. Make it special, because you'll remember it for the rest of your lives."