My Husband and I find ourselves with 5 days alone in June (without our 3 kids) to take a vacation to celebrate my birthday. We have done an exhaustive search looking for a tropical destination and have come up empty. We live in NY and don't want to spend a long time on an airplane getting somewhere. We don't want to do a mega resort. My perfect trip would be a beach hut some where that is quiet, yet has good food (a must). We are not people who like to join in on tons of activities. We would like to experience local culture. All inclusive would be fine, but not a necessity. We had found the "perfect place" yesterday, the Cocos hotel in Antigua. That is until we read the reviews about what happened there 2 years ago. Now, I can't go there. Can anyone please give me a good suggestion? The planning has started to become not fun for me and I am ready to throw in the towel.

Take a look at Natura Cabanas, which is exactly what you describe. It's in the Dominican Republic (you fly into Puerto Plata). Don't throw in the towel yet. There are myriad options.

If you want more of a B&B feel (and don't mind being off the beach), then Carringtons in St. Croix is great. The best beaches in St. Croix are a drive away from the best hotels anyway.

There are many many other options, but these two come to mind right off.

My wife and I have traveled the Caribbean extensively but always skipped Mexico. That said we're giving it a try (south of Cancun) ourselves this June for 5 nights for our annivesary. We like smaller independent hotels all things being equal. Great beaches are a MUST!! Thus we are going to www.maromahotel.com. For only 5 nights I'm somewhat of a stickler for getting to and fro fairly quickly. From Chicago anyways we can be at our resort by 11:30 am and on the return we'll be back by 2:30.(non stops) This may be both our first and last trip to Mexico but I got a great deal on Luxury Link (first time for trying them too and so far so good) and figured we'd wing it for once. Wish us luck and good luck with yours too!! Haved fun!!

Also in about a month we are going to Anguilla for a week. Although not fancy Shoal Bay Villas are on a GREAT beach. Again a smaller hotel with minimal services but within a short walk or drive of several very nice restaurants and such. Just another location for you to consider. http://www.sbvillas.ai/

Tensing Pen Negril Jamaica
www.tensingpen.com

The K Club in Barbuda is an all inclusive with wonderful food. It is expensive but it is the ultimate escape. Cottages are set on a spectacular beach,. The bedrooms are spacious and beautifully decorated. Lots of details including bathrobes and perfume.