Hey There,

Yes, it's another one of THOSE questions.

My girlfriend and I are planning a trip to the Caribbean some time in May.

We are looking for an AI, budget is roughly $3000 for both.

We are in our 30's - Must be on a great beach, good food, accomodations and entertainment.

Any suggestions?

Do the Royal Playa del Carmen. I've been looking for something close to that for our girlfriend trip this year and nothing can compare. It's a great small AI on a nice beach, great service, good food and within walking distance to 5th ave, where there are tons of fun lounges, bars and clubs. It was a perfect trip for us, so we may return again in May this year. I am so tired of reading reviews on TripAdvisor to see that nothing that can come close. I don't think I want to be stuck at a resort, and there don't seem to be many options where your not and it's a direct flight for us. Take a look! There is also a wonderful new Iberostar that is huge about 20 minutes from Playa if you want the mega AI feel.

If that price includes airfare, then you have only a few options.

1) Mexico ... either the Riviera Maya or Cancun. Take your pick.

2) Jamaica ... probably one of the Riu but possible the new Iberostar resort. Most of the nicer AIs are out of your price range, though.

3) The D.R.

4) A mid-range party resort on Antigua (but you will not get good food).

Foregoing the AI option opens up a lot more opportunities for you, but you must pay for a better resort to get better food options. Your money will go farther in Mexico than anywhere else.

I agree with both posts. We stayed at the Royal Playa del Carmen and enjoyed it. Very nice hotel, great accomendations and excellant location. It will fit the budget youposted

We just booked Cancun for April. We chose a the Oasis Viva, which is a lower budget AI. Orbitz is having a $200 off special right now and we got 7 nights for less than $2,000.00 for the both of us with air and transfers. Great deal.

Thanks everyone. We ended up booking in the Mayan - Gran Porto Real Resort and Spa. Looks nice...we'll see. We leave April 28!

That's great. The Gran Porto Real is the Royal Playa del Carmen's sister resort. Unfortunatley, they don't have exchange privledges unless you are actually staying at the Royal. The beach in front of the hotel is not as nice as the Royal's. When we were there several fishing boats were tied to the shore and the waterline was sand bagged. Their restaurant, Marias, is very good. We ate there twice. The Gran is also very family friendly while the Royal is adults only.

If you can afford to upgrade to the Royal, you will probably be much happier with the overall resort.

If your interested we have pictures of the Royal, with a few pictures of the Gran's beach at:

http://community.webshots.com/user/kvrlvn