svp14

Hey everyone,

My best friend and I are planning a trip to the carribean in June and have never been to the area. We are in our early-mid twenties. We are looking for a relaxing vacation, definitely not an AI resort or any place with too many tourists. At the same time, we prefer a good crowd of friendly people. The main thing we are looking for is nice cafes and bars on the beach. At night we prefer nice bars on the beach with locals and music to dance to (no raging clubs). Safety is also a concern, obviously we will not walk alone at odd hours of the night, but we should be able to feel safe on the beach and have a safe mode of transportation to get back to wherever we are staying. We are also really into experiencing bits of culture.

We are also adventurous, would like to try out snorkeling, wind surfing, any activity. We prefer renting a condo/apartment for the week we will be there as long as they are safe and clean. Our preference is definitely a nice safe beach that is open late though.

From the research I've done (which is hard because there are so many places and so many forums!), it seems that cabarete in the dominican seems to fit our needs as well as grenada. Trying to look into san juan. However, we both know very little and that's where you all come in! Any opinions on the options I've already listed are greatly appreciated along with suggestions for other destinations

Thanks so much!

suze

does it have to be an island? Because the Caribbean coast of Mexico, around Playa del Carmen fits what you describe.

KVR

I agree. 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen is several blocks of pedestrian walkway with dining, restaurants, shopping and entertainment. Walking in that area even at night is safe. There are several condos and boutique hotels in the vicinity. Also, several activities to see/do within the area.

Sassafrass

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svp14

Guess we never thought about Mexico because we just assumed it was very touristy and crowded because it is a more popular destination? Is this the case with Playa del Carmen? We are looking for a more laid back vibe, prefer seeing a small crowd of locals rather than tourists I'm sure the time of year plays a part in that, we are going in June. Also are the condos/boutique hotels safe to stay at? Thanks so much for your input!

More replies and suggestions are welcome! Not even close to being decided on anywhere yet.

KVR

Your are right, it depends on what time of year that you go. We typically go the 2nd or 3rd week of May or the 1st or 2nd week of November or December. The prices and crowds are lower during those time.

Yes, the condos/boutique hotels are safe. Check out LocoGringo.com for more info:

https://www.locogringo.com/property-...20del%20Carmen

We have stayed at the Royal Playa del Carmen, which is an adult's only AI and Playa Palms, which is a boutique hotel right on 5th Avenue. Playa Palms does not have an on-site restaurant, but it's within walking distance to everything 5th Avenue has to offer.

For something smaller and less crowded, look at Isla Mujeres. It's a small Island off of Cancun. Fly into Cancun and then take the ferry to Isla.

http://www.isla-mujeres.net/home.htm

Also look at Cozumel. A little larger than Isla Mujeres. The square in San Miguel has several great dining options.

http://www.cozumel.travel/

suze

June is a great time to be in Mexico, it's actually considered "low season" in the summer time. It's no more "touristy" or "crowded" than the popular Caribbean islands. Yes condos and boutique hotels are "safe" to stay at.

I also like Negril Jamaica very much, but it is much more rustic and (to me) Jamaica is not as safe feeling (going out at night). But look at www.negrilonestop.com if that might interest you.

You asked about <Cabarete in the Dominican>. I've been to the Dominican Republic twice, Puerta Plata and Sosua. I very very much prefer Mexico.

In Mexico I go to Puerto Vallarta because I'm in Seattle, so the west coast is easiest for me to get to, and I love PV.

suze

<more laid back vibe, prefer seeing a small crowd of locals>

More laid back and further south from PdC are the beach towns of Akumal and Tulum.

But finding a place without other tourists and where there are locals but also has snorkeling, wind surfing, activities etc. is kind of tricky. You're asking for tourist amenities, but no tourists (haha).

KVR

The summer may still be considered low season, but once Memorial Day weekend starts and schools let out for summer vacation there will be more tourists then the dates I mentioned. The farther you get into summer the more people will be vacationing.