suze

I'm looking for a new Mexico beach vacation destination. As regular posters here may know, I absolutely adore Old Town in PV. But 15 trips later, I really do need to branch out!

My thoughts run to Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres, Zijuat, maybe even Mazatlan or Cozumel? Help send me to a new spot this winter - any thoughts appreciated.

SusanInToronto

Suze, I'm thinking you might like Zijuatanejo. It's been a few years since we were there, but I really enjoyed it. Playa del Carmen is kind of fun - I found it's more European in flavour. Lots of little hotels there. Lots of people like Isla Mujeres, but I found I enjoyed it a lot more the first time around than the second. The beach is really nice though. I think if I were going back to that area, I'd chose Playa instead. I've been to Cozumel several times over the past 18 years or so, and it's really grown. The last time was in 2000. I actually like Cozumel - sure they get a lot of tourists, but the snorkeling is very good and the town is pleasant. I've never been to Mazatlan.

This year we're spending a week in Oaxaca, a week in Puerto Escondido and a day in Mexico City. It's been about a dozen years since we last visited Oaxaca and PE, and I'm sure there are changes, but I'm looking forward to seeing it again.

Enjoy your planning!

jette

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=6

I asked almost the same question some time ago. Here's the link. I took the advice to try Playa del Carmen and we adored it. Going back for a second trip in January.

suze

Thank you both for your ideas. Much appreciated.

Little_Man

whatever you decide, tell us all about it...!
I'm thinking of Zihuatenjo, if I ever learn to spell it!
Playa is definitely worth a trip!

loangalsal

Suze, I know how you feel! PV is still my favorite, but after about as many trips there as you, I also felt the need to see other places. I came upon Playa del Carmen on a work trip and really enjoyed it. Went back once again in April and now going again in January. You can find lots of great little hotels right in town. We are staying at Playa Maya on the beach in January. Website at Playa-Maya dot com. Stayed at Hotel Paradise in April about 3-4 blocks off the beach, really cheap and clean hotel with a nice pool. They have a website at Hotel-Paradise dot com. Best info you will ever find is at playadelcarmeninfo dot com. Be sure to take one of "James and Anna's" Tours while there, all the info is on the website. They show you the hidden gems around Play. I have been to Isla Mujeres twice, but just for a day. Nice island, but I like the town of Playa much better.

suze

loangalsal- I will definitely check out the three websites. Thanks so much. As we usually agree about all things PV I'm happy to follow your lead on PdC.

frankie- another PV lover. I guess I better learn how to spell Zihuat too! Or maybe that's why fans of the town just call it "Z"!

loangalsal

You will have to let us know what you decide to do! I love both towns (PDC and PV), they are very different from each other. This will be the first winter in about 10 years I have not been in PV for a visit, I will miss it very much. I think I will alternate cities for a few years, see what happens. Can't wait to hear about your trip, whatever you decide!

suze

Thanks so much. I looked at the PdC websites & it reminds me of my early years traveling to Caribbean islands (crossed with a dash of Mexico of course). I went to Hawaii the past two winters, which I loved more than I expected (being biased terribly in favor of anything Mexican as I am). So will see what this next year brings...