Romantic Beach Vacation on Budget
 

I am looking where to go for a 5-day vacation to get away from it all in early Spring. <BR> Ideal criteria would be:<BR>Warm/hot climate, quiet beautiful beaches (reading), decent shopping, good restaurants, safe, avoiding Spring Break hot spots. The kicker- $1500-$2000 budget (with air from East Coast). (Disclaimer- Not cheap, just saving for longer, nicer vacation in summer.)<BR><BR>

One addition-<BR>I will be going with my wife, so the budget if for 2 people.<BR><BR>Thanks

I wanted to recommend the Mayan Riviera to you. This area is about 40 miles south of Cancun and is THE up and coming spot. The area has only been around for about 6 years, so most of the hotels are brand new. The resorts are primarily all-inclusive, large beautiful resorts with the most gorgeous beaches. The best part is that a vacation to this area costs a fraction of what it would cost if <BR>you were to go to an island and stay at a similar resort.<BR><BR>It would be very possible to find an all-inclusive resort for you and stay in<BR>your budget. The resorts usually offer about 5 or 6 different restaurant <BR>options, lots of activities and watersports and pools that are just huge. <BR><BR>My clients have always come back raving about their experiences there!

Mayan riviera is great, but not in the spring! I thought you didn't want Spring break hotties everywhere. Try<BR>Bahamas. Cheap!

We went to the Mayan Riveria early April last year and spring breakers were not in evidence, that's more a Cancun issue, I think. Take a look at the Shangri-La Caribe in Playa Del Carmen. It's very romantic<BR>/rustic/Mexican chic with thatched roofs, beautiful tile, etc. and the beach is lovely. We had an oceanview room for $200 a night and it included breakfast and dinner. Can't be beat if you are on a budget! We've been to some very upscale places and are pretty choosy -- this resort is a secret gem!

Made the mistake last year and went to the Bahamas during Spring Break Season. I will never travel again during that time. We went to Atlantis for a quick long weekend getaway. The place was crawling with loud, drunk out of control kids on SB. They all crammed themselves into the cheaper rooms, (4 per room and split it 4 ways, I guess) Need I say more...............I do not recommend it, unless you like Animal House on vacation.