Jamaica or Mexico (caribbean side) - Last minute booking
 

Fellow fodorites.. Hope all is wonderful and well!

Fiance and I (30 yrs old) are working on trying to put together a very last minute get away for a 4-5 night stay on a light budget from Nov 26 or 27 - Dec 1 or 2. From what I know and reading the forums over the years, Jamaica or MX are my best choices for this trip. Here's where my fellow travels come in: Please help with your two pennies btwn the the two destinations. Considerations are for Negril or Ochos Rios in Jamaica and PDC, Isla Mujers or Cozumel in MX.
Is 7mile beach in Negril private or public?

*Here is this vacay's wish list:
Small resort feel with a steps (not miles) to the resorts private beach and pools (small beach is ok)
What i mean by small resort is 75-150 rooms (give or take a few) - not really feeling the mega resort super dooper hotel zone like a cancun feel.
Dont need the luxurious Ritz but not subpar either- a place with up kept grounds and rooms (lest the mildew, grime, dirt and rundown look)
Swim-able beach
Adult, not kid friendly (doesnt have to be all mushy mushy couples only but you get the jest)
True ocean-view rooms
Dont want a resort that folds past 10 unless there is some bars/small clubs within close proximity

Extremely grateful of all help and opinions.

Cheers!

IDLE AWHILE in Negril would fit most of your requests, but it is a very small resort and may be sold out for your dates. I would call right away if you're interested.

You might also look at Couples/Swept Away, which has a gorgeous section of Negril's famous beach, and is a nice property, although all-inclusive.

Negril's beach is mostly public, although security guards will shoo you off the beach in front of COUPLES and possibly BEACHES.

IF you would consider not being on the beach, also look at the freestanding cottages at ROCK HOUSE on the cliffs. The rooms are private and lovely, each with their own ladder down to the sea. It's a longish walk to the beach from there ( maybe about 30 min), but has a great restaurant on site ( one of Negril's best) and is very close to other restaurants on the cliffs, and town, although not much to do in town.

The beach in Negril is far nicer than any of the other beach destinations on your list, IMHO.

thx for the feedback.. Swept away is too much for a last minute deal (very expensive). Rock House looks great but no beach is a turn off.

<Negril's beach is mostly public, although security guards will shoo you off the beach in front of COUPLES and possibly BEACHES>
^Great to know, thx!

I love Negril (and it's too bad no beach is a "turn off" because The Cliffs are an amazing place to stay).

For what you are seeking though, and in a short timeframe, I think you'll have an easier time going with Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres or Cozumel.

check out www.vrbo.com for Isla or Cozumel. They have tons of places to rent at very affordable rates and close or on the beach. Most might be booked now but worth a look anyway.