Where would you go?

Flying from Philly or NY, taking wife, no kids. Week of March 26.

We may just head back to Punta Cana. Are there any new places people are raving about? Even in FLA? How about Puerto Rico? Quick/direct flights are a factor.

dc

check out the Four Season in Nevis, Aot sure it would hit your budget but they do offer a partial all-inclusive package. If it could, would be much nicer than Punta Cana in the DR.

one more place to consider would be the Turks & Caicos. Very close, should be able to get a direct flight from both philly and ny. great beaches.

I actually liked Punta Cana better than Turks & Caicos. The people, though living in dire poverty, lit up the skies with their smiles. Some of the friendliest staff I've ever encountered (this at Secrets Excellence in Punta Cana.)

Only downside is ride to resort.

Turks was just a beach, and everything was super-expensive, I thought. People were super reserved and not all that friendly.

Is Sunscape and Paradisus Real nice?

dcronin5000, I totally agree with your assessment of Turks & Caicos.

If you like the DR, have you tried Playa del Carmen, MX/Mayan Riviera area? It will fit your budget, but I'm not familiar with flight schedules.

How is Riviera Maya different from Cancun?

I always get a sense that Cancun is younger/more party-central than we want.

We loved Secrets in DR. May just do that again.
dc

The Playa del Carmen area/Mayan Riviera is more laid back than Cancun. If you liked Secrets in DR, look at Secrets Capri or Excellence Riviera.

That area has very nice AI hotels like the DR, but one thing I like better is you can walk off the resort and go into Playa to a variety or resturants, bars, entertainment and shopping. There are many things to see and do off the resort. I've been to the DR once, a very long time ago, but I understand still that leaving the resort without a guided tour is not recommended.

Other options; Cozumel. Very laid back or if you are interested in 1 of the 2 AI properties in Grand Cayman, it may fit your budget. Some of the AI resorts in Jamaica would probably fit your budget. We're leaving for Jamaica in a couple of days. Got a great deal at the RIU Tropical Bay. I would also suggest the Bahamas, but in March it still may be too cool.

If I had $2000 for 4 nights, my first pick would be Las Vegas. I want at least 6 or 7 nights if I'm going to the Caribbean.

I recommend Excellence Resorts. It's an adults only resort so it's perfect for you since your not taking your kids. My husband and I went there for our sixth anniversary and it was very romantic and relaxing. Take a look at the site, which will really give you an idea of how beautiful and luxurious the resort is: http://www.excellence-resorts.com/al...n-overview.htm

Good luck,
Luxury Girl