We are two families with teenage daughters. We will have a 5 night stay in the area and we would like to be in one house with the option of eating it or local dining options. Snorkeling, ruins, and even some good old beach/pool time are all on the agenda. One family is new to Mexico and is traveling timid - we need advice on a home base that offers an authentic experience that is also comfortable for everyone.
Please advise...
BTW - we're traveling in the end of March.
Tulum, Akumul, or Puerto Aventuras as a home base for 2 families in March?
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"authentic experience"? Not sure what you mean by this, but the 3 places you mention are pretty much tourist heaven. For snorkeling, your best bet might be Akumal (and Yal Ku Lagoon; you will all love that). There are many nearby small ruins, the very fun natural parks of Xel Ha (http://www.xelha.com/) and Xcaret (http://www.xcaret.com/) and you are ~1 hour drive from the awesome ruins of Coba (http://www.locogringo.com/past_spotlights/oct2002.cfm)!
The ruins of Tulum make a nice 1/2 day trip, too.
If you want a fancy house, you might look at a (http://www.akumalhouserentals.com/villa-listing/blue-tang-rma) or something in Akumal Sur (about 15 minutes from Akumal)
All 3 places would be fun, but are quite different. It depends on what you want.
Tulum is basically two different locations - the beachfront with it's endless stretches of wide white sand, small hotels ,funky cabanas, and restaurants on the beach. Tulum Pueblo is about a mile or so inland, is quite Mexican feeling, but with a bohemian vibe. Lots of interesting places to eat and shop.
Akumal is a somewhat quiet enclave of condos, restaurants, and a few hotels. The beach is calm, and great for snorkeling. Akumal has a family vibe. Across the highway is Akumal Pueblo, a Mexican community with a few restaurants.
Puerto Aventuras is a somewhat Disney feeling conglomeration of a resort, shops,restaurant, dolphin pool, and beach.
I would think with teens, Tulum might be the best choice, although Playa del Carmen would probably be their first choice. Have you been to locogringo.com ?