looking for suggestions
 

I am planning a trip for 4 couples for late Feb.early March. We travel together every 2 years and we like the beach destinations. So far we have traveled to the Virgin islands on a cruise ( group didn't like because we were on a time schedule) Jamaica,Bahamas,Cabo San Lucas (we really liked Cabo) We are looking for....
-good weather
-great food
-good drinks
-good service
-clean pools and beach (we like the swim up pools)
- some night life!!!
-shopping for the girls.
- no kids (we love ours dearly but they stay at home)
-6 days 5nights and short travel time!!!!
- in the past all trips have been all inclusive but it doesn't have to be.
- we are all in our early forties and we are a very fun group of people but some are very picky!!!!
Our first thought was Turks and Caicos.
Looking for some fun suggestions!! Thanks!

The Turks & Caicos (specifically Provedencialies where the majority of resorts are located) lacks the shopping and nightlife you are seeking and while there are some adult oriented resorts it's a great family destination so you are bound to run into the "little ones" if you visit the T&C's. You could stay on one of the other islands in the chaiun but they are even less built up and so far off the beaten path most tourists don't know they exist.

For an island with a very active night life you and your friends might enjoy St. Martin. The island has loads of restaurants, plenty of beach bars, great duty free shopping, every type of watersport imaginable and some very attractive beaches.

You'll find lots of AI's many with "swim up" pool bas on the Dominican Republic. This island works if you are the type that likes to stay "on resort". It resembles Jamaica.

You might also find exactly what you are seeking on St. Thomas and staying on the island will be far different than visiting there on a cruise ship.

If you loved Cabo, why don't you look into Playa del Carmen or Isla Mujeres. Playa has some nice Adult AI resorts....Royal Playa del Carmen and Royal Hideaway. I've also heard great things about Azul Blue which would be a 20 minute drive or so to Playa vs being able to walk across the street every night for a new bar/lounge/pub/shop. There is also a new Iberostar that is huge and adult only, but also a drive. I like to get off resorts, so we stayed at the Royal Playa and it was very nice and you could walk all through the main street of Playa (5th). You are also within walking distance of the ferry to go over to Cozumel. I went for a girls weekend, but can't wait to return with couples as a getaway...maybe we'll see you there. It's really a fun town and I can't say enough good things about it and the Royal Playa was a bargain for what you got. Nice resort. I am looking into Isla Mujeres for a family trip. I believe it is a bit lower key and there aren't any all adult AI's, but a few nice boutique resorts and there are plenty of restaurants around.

I like the playa del carmen area as well. Great suggestion. If you liked Cabo so much how about Puerta Vallarta?

I think Turks and Caicos is out for this trip. What about Aruba or St. Martin. We are up for suggestions on someplace nice to stay 5***** or 6******. Thank you!!!

St. Martin lacks 5-star/6-star resorts. La Samanna is considered one of the best resorts on the island but most people will tell you it's been resting on its laurels for years and years. It really not worth the price.

If you are really looking for upscale properties check out Isle de France, Eden Roc or Francois Plantation on St. Barths, Cap Juluca, Cusinart or Malliouhanna on Anquilla, Litlle Dix Bay or Biras Creek on Virgin Gorda, Peter Island in the BVI's, Four Seasons on Nevis, Sandy Lane on Barbados, Anse Chastenet on St. Lucia, Casa de Campo on the Dominican Republic and Cayo Esparanto in Belize. If you are a trust fund baby and have an unlimited budget check out Necker Island.