great beach, warm water & AI in mid-dec
 

Request suggestions for Dec 17 - 24 for family trip of 5, with two kids in med school and one in university. Prefer AI because no one wants to cook. I need warm water for my arthritis and we all want a soft sand beach. Nothing too expensive due to hi education expenses that we are already incurring. Would also consider Mexican Gulf coast. Please advise.

We have been going to Mexico; Playa del Carmen, Riveria Maya, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres in a December for the past several years. The ocean temps are warm, but the resorts pools are usually too cool to swim in. Plenty of AI resorts to choose from.

This December we decided on Jamaica. Have been before in a November and the pools were warmer.

You best bet for budget and AI will be Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. You will probably need to check the restrictions for Christmas as some resorts will require a minimum stay and the dates you listed may not fit.

We always go the first week of December. Prices are really low as well as the crowds. The closer to Christmas the more expensive it gets.

Thanks for the reply and for narrowing it down for us. Your three suggestions are great. Of the three places, I am thinking that the Riviera Maya might be good for the younger ones in terms of side trips, etc. I was wondering if you could recommend some hotels. Thanks

Take a look at the Iberostar properties. Been there and they are very nice. Even the lower end ones.

The Iberostars gets the most recommendations. I don't think you could go wrong with any of their properties. The Royal Playa del Carmen is adult only and within walking distance to shopping, bars, entertainment and restaurants. Personally, I would avoid the RIU's. They might be lower priced, but you get what you pay for.

There are tons of things to see and do off property. We've been going for the last 10 years and have yet to see/do everything and we spend lots of time off property.

Thanks for all your replies. We all got together and figured that although Mexico was enticing with excursions to ruins, etc., we all just need to rest and relax and as such decided on Punta Cana.

Unfortunately, as of today, our choices for resorts are limited to the Grand Palladium Palace -loft suite, or the Gran Bahia Principe Ambar which is approx. $190 more pp. Does anyone prefer one over the other and why?

You might want to post a new thread with your latest question so people who are familiar with Punta Cana can find and answer.

<Prefer AI because no one wants to cook>

That sentence doesn't make sense. I never stay at AI's in Mexico and I *never* cook on vacation either. That's what great inexpensive local restaurants are for!

Sorry don't know a thing about Punta Cana (have been to the DR but to Puerto Plata and Sosua) & was coming on this thread to recommend Mexico, the Mayan Riviera, south of Cancun.