On Jan. 1, 2007 I will be getting remarried.
My new husband and I would like to take our children and mothers on a trip to have some time to connect with our new blended family.
We will have 2 elderly mothers, the children's ages are: 8,17,20,28,30! Since most of the children won't be living with us or together, we feel this is very precious time for bonding. We would like to be able to swim,snorkel and fish. Maybe rent a beach house, where there is more chance to play cards and all watch a movie together, cook etc..as opposed to each having separate hotel rooms. A 7 day stay would be good.
Any ideas? We were thinking about maybe Mexico because it would be warm and maybe more cost effective than Miami beach. I thought I would need to book it soon, since some places might already be filling up. I am open to where we go. But, I didn't want to spend more than 8-10k. Less than that would be really great!
Thank you for any ideas you can give me!

First of all, congrats on your upcoming nuptials. I think you're off to a good start looking at villas rather than hotels for this sort of occasion.

Take a look at Jamaica for starters, as many villas there come with a full staff who will cook for you--great option if any of the younger ones are picky eaters. Lots of folks like the Moondance Villas in Negril, Jamaica, but one large enough for all of you might be over budget for that time of year.

Take a look at the villa offerings at Jamaica Escapes www.jamaicaescapes.com, which offers several villas in the less touristed parts of the island. I'd recommend something in the Treasure Beach area, which is a wonderful area on the south coast, extremely family friendly, and more community-based than resort-driven. Tivertonhouse, the local expert here on this board, can make some wonderful recs for you.

If yo are thinking about Mexico, I can suggest the Mayan Riviera area and we have had 3 family reunions at the Barcelo Maya resorts there (ages 8 - mid 70s) There is a long private beach with on site snorkeling. Lots of other land/water activities as well including mini golf. They have 4 huge pools all with swim up bars and one has a water slide/water park. The even entertainment at the theatre is very good. Here is a website to get good information, see lots of pictures of this resort and beach (check permanent sticky posts at top of discussion forum). We have been to a fair number of places in the Caribbean and Mexico and this is the first resort where we have choosen to be repeat visitors.

http://www.unofficial-barcelo-maya.com/home.html

If I may, suggest the two newer resort the Barcelo Maya Colonial and Tropical (just opened this past December & January). They are getting great reviews even though I haven't been to them yet.

I have been to the older (built in 1999) resort of the Barcelo Maya Caribe and Beach resorts and they were great.

You won't have to worry about finding shade either or lounge chairs because there is lots of shade by the pools and there is some shade on the beach as well. They have their own water purification system at the resort and they provide free bottled water to drink. We have always used the tap water to brush our teeth and have been OK.

There is a wedding forum on that site as well, as they do many weddings at that resort. 8-)

Hope I have been of some help. Have a wonderful family vacation.

Look into aquamarinebeachhouses.com.They have a beautiful spot on Grace Bay in Provo, Turks and Caicos. Snorkeling right off the beach, a pool and tennis courts. The Beaches are amazing in Provo, there is also great fishing. Sounds like a wonderful family time.

I think Akumal and a villa would be perfect for what you are interested in.

It is easily reached from Cancun - where you can get some great airfare deals nowadays.

The villas run from basic to super deluxe and most are ocean front with pools, and some have drivers, cooks and house staff.

Look to your heart's content on locogringo.com

I have worked with them on three previous stays, and they are highly-recommmended. I get on that website even when I am NOT planning to stay just to gawk at all the gorgeous villas!

There is a lot to do in the area, and prices are reasonable. Excellent snorkeling is very close by - some within walking distance - and for the adventurous, ruins, day trips, cenotes, etc.

Happy travels!

Check this site for condo rentals.

www.vrbo.com

I second the suggestion for Aquamarine Beach Houses in Turks & Caicos. We stayed there in September and looking forward to going back. I have posted photos of the villa in some of my posts here.

jodall: I seldom post a suggestion unless someone has already chosen St. John, but reading about your special occasion and your particulars, it seems like St. John or one of the other Virgin Islands would be fantastic. Look at Caribbeandays.com which has a big selection of villas in a broad range of budgets. The things you are hoping to enjoy with your family is exactly what our family enjoys in St. John.

I second the suggestion to check out www.jamaicaescapes.com I don't think you can beat Tivertonhouse with regard to planning, advising and overall customer service. A fully staffed villa is the way to go in my opinion.