Before anyone tells me I'm crazy, let me explain. This is a 40th b'day celebration. We went to Anguilla for our honeymoon 9 years ago and would love to go back, but are flying from Denver and flights are quicker and cheaper to Mexico. I've been thinking Playa Del Carmen would be nice, a resort on the beach, snorkling, not AI, some time in the town to have drinks and dinner, and browse the shops.

But I keep coming back to Anguilla and would love to stay at Ku on Shoal Bay. We aren't foodies, but just love the laid back atmosphere of Anguilla.

So, what to do?

We want to keep it to 4 to 5 nights and the thought of taking 2 days to travel, three flights each way, is too much.

Any ideal spots in Mexico that come to mind? I'm starting to think Las Palapas would be nice based on advice from this site. (around $200 per night in late Nov)

Or save some more $ and go to Anguilla in May 07?

It's a tough one because the two are totally different...playa is more "fun" in that there is more of a social scene...more to do, etc...Anguilla is more of a sleep on the beach and eat all day kind of place. Both are beautiful, though the beaches of Anguilla are hard to beat. You will have an amazing time at either

Split the time between PDC, and Tulum or Isla Mujeres. Stunning beaches and lots of neat places to eat.

Thanks for the responses. I think we are going to stick to Mexico this time around due to time and budget constraints. I'm determined to make it back to Anguilla some day!!

Diana, I was thinking about splitting time between Isla Mujeres and PDC, but is two nights at each going to be too hectic? It might be nice to check both places out for future trips.

For some reason, I just can't make up my mind how to do this trip!

Any other recommendations are welcome!

Yes, if you only have 4 or 5 nights, I think that might be too much to try and do.

PDC is only about 45 minutes from Cancun and has plenty to keep you busy for 4 or 5 days.

You could get a van/driver one of the days, go down to Tulum, Akumal and Puerto Morelos and check them out. They are all spread out along 307.

OR, you could just go to Isla. I have been to Anguilla, and IM's Playa Norte has an amazing beach - pretty close to some of Anguilla's.

PDC is getting very busy these days - we leave in three weeks to go back once again - but it is also a lot of fun. Super dining and shopping there and a really nice beach as well.

If primary focus is relaxation, I'd go with IM. If you want to party and are a major foodie, I'd say PDC. (Good dining on IM as well - just not as extensive.)

Diane, Thanks for the info. I think PDC is probably going to be the place for us. If you don't mind me asking, where are you staying? The boutique hotels look fun, but I think we'd like to be on the beach or at the least an ocean view.

Can anyone tell me about the beach clubs? How do they work?

We have stayed several places.

We like:
Deseo - $$
Playa Maya - $$ (beach)
Royal Palms Condominiums - $$ (ocean view)
Las Palapas - $$$ (beach)
Shangri La - $$$ (beach)
Playa Azul - $$

The beach clubs are very cool. Right now, only Mamita's is open. Plans are under way for a Nikki Beach - Like on some of the very tony islands.
Playa Tukan is being converted into Nikki Beach.

They play music, (usually techno) have pretty good food - ceviche, burgers, etc. - and rent chairs with palapas or also beds (you have to see them).

For lots of GREAT info on PDC, check out playa.info

Our favorite beach destination is Mexico. We haven't been back since 2002 since we were trying out other Caribbean Islands, but nothing compares to Mexico for us. We've decided to go back in Nov.

We picked the Royal Porto Real in Playa del Carmen for Nov. We havestayed at their sister resort, Cotas Real in Cancun and really like them. We are AI people and their location is a 5 minute walk to 5th Avenue. There are several nice AI and non-AI hotels in this area.

One note of advice I wished I had recieved for our first trip was be careful of the hotel location you chose. We stayed at the El Dorado Resort and Spa. It has a non-exsistant beach and was a 30 minute/$20 taxi ride to Playa.

Anguilla and Mexico are completely conpletely different from each other.
Anguilla is quiet, and extremely upscale. No one will bother you on the beaches for anything. Absolutely no shopping. Easy access to other islands for completely different feels. It's flat dry and scrubby, but has some of the best beaches in the WORLD. Anguillans are extrememly friendly, because they are, not because they want something from you. Anguilla has the best restaurants in the Caribbean, and is one of the most expensive destinations. No real snorkeling. It's a "get away from it all and de-stress" kind of place.

Mexico is FUN. Lots of activities, lots of all-inclusives. Jet skis, crowds, cruise ships, shopping, excursions. Great Mayan ruins for days trips, especially to Tulum. Great snorkeling. Mexicans to approah you on the beach, for everything to sell their wares, to sing to you, to other "activities". Depending when you go, lots of college students in some areas, especially Cancun. Lots of laid back scuba divers in Cozumel. Lots of Europeans in Play del Carmen. Lots of different price levels, especially for budgets-you get alot for the buck. Beautiful beaches, (but not like Anguilla's) Playa Del Carmen has a great little town with shops and restaurants to stroll. Food is good, but you have to be careful in some places to not get "monasumas revenge", especially if you are not at an all-inclusive. Although this has greatly improved over the years, it still happens.

Both are great places to visit, they are just completely different from each other. It just depends what kind of mood you want for the vacation.
PS If you want more of an Anguilla type, there are closer options.

You can fly to Anguilla now on Delta. Non-stop to Atlanta and then non-stop to St. Martin, with a short ferry ride to Anguilla. Much nicer than having to take three flights to get there. Probably more expensive than flying to Cancun, but Anguilla is much nicer than Cancun or Playa IMHO.