LaurieNYC

Thinking of going mid - May for a week. We are active women in our 30's & 40's and like to relax, enjoy the beach, water sports, horses, exploring, hiking, tennis, good nightlife, etc. Suggestions?

suze

I only know Mexico... I have been to Puerto Vallarta (19 times), La Paz and Cabo San Lucas (once each so far) on the Baja. All are nice towns with tourist ammenities and all the things you list. Yes those places are safe (the "danger" in Mexiso is very isolated and very specific to drug wars nothing involving tourists).

tully

Have you considered Bonaire? Beautiful beaches & reefs that you can swim to, low-key but nice selection of bars & restaurants, nice Nat'l Park that you can drive thru and walk around. Don't recall seeing many horses or teenis courts though.

dulcepaola

yes mexico is safe in tourism like vallarta, los cabos, cancun, cozumel and other places but if u go to mexico city u need a mexican friend so u wouldnt get lost, but i recomend u my beautiful city the home of tequila and mariachis Guadalajara, a full of histories and is called the most mexican city and mexican ppl from other states nicknamed my city the pearl of the west

volcanogirl

I don't know if you've considered it, but you might like Costa Rica.

simongandolfi

Be sensible and Mexico is safe, There are places to avoid, as there are in New York or Miami or Los Angeles. However most areas people will care for you. Oaxaca has architectural treasures. Queretaro is a city of music. Beaches on both coasts are superb and the food is the best in the Americas. I am an old man, in my 70s and road my small Honda up through Mexico last year on my way north from Argentina to New York. I loved the Sierra Gorda. I revisited a Pacific Coast beach, still totally unspoilt. I did not enjoy the big resorts, not because of danger but because they had lost their Mexican character and had become offshoots of North American culture which I prefer to experience at first hand in North America. Should you wish, check out my BLOG at www.simongandolfi.com
Be courteous and have fun...

schmerl

I think you would enjoy Playa del Carmen. Great little town with some wonderful resorts. You could explore the ruins, zip line, etc.

JeanH

There is such a world of difference between Belize and Aruba. I've never been to Aruba, because I understand it's very Americanized, lots of high rises. Not my kind of place, that doesn't mean it might not be what you're looking for.

I love Belize, I'm here now, for a month. On Ambergris Caye, the most touristy spot in the country. But, touristy in Belize is a relative term. Lots of choices for accomodations (none over three stories, at least in town, there are some four story buildings going up north and south of town). Lots of restaurants, some fun bars, music somewhere every night. Not much shopping, just your usual souvenir shops. Great snorkeling, but you need to get to the reef to enjoy it, not much walk in. Kayaks area available. Day trips to the mainland for Mayan ruins, cave tubing, the Zoo.

Also fishing, sailing, kite boarding, wind surfing. Not the greatest beaches by any means. The proximity of the reef means lots of sea grass along the shore. The beaches are white sand, the water is clear, but not good for walk in swimming.

If beach is your main priority, I'd head north to the Yucatan in Mexico. The beaches around Tulum are stunning. They're nice in Playa del Carmen as well, which might be a good fit, although not for hiking.

LaurieNYC

Thank you all very much. I've been to Costa Rica and loved it. I wasn't too worried about Mexico safety - but figured I should ask since a lot of people gave me misinformation. I appareciate all your input!

belizeabeth

Belize is a wonderful, safe, adventurous country with beautiful beaches (in some spots). Check out Hopkins Village, I've been living here for many years. It has pristine beaches and is easy to go on various adventures such as waterfall hikes, Maya ruin tours, snorkeling, diving and fishing.

LaurieNYC

I think we've settled on Playa del Carmen. Now, just deciding between hotels and all-inclusives. Any input?

schmerl

AI or a hotel is a personal choice. We have gone both ways.
The good thing about AI is you don't have to worry about anything. Just sit back and relax. No having to figure out where to eat or what to do for entertainment.
ON the other hadn, it can be fun to explore different restaurants/bars, etc. in Playa.
Right in Playa is an adults only all inclusive the Royal Playa del Carmen. It is great and you won't be bothered by children there. It's right on the beach with great service, good food, activities and a five minute walk from the heart of Playa.

LaurieNYC

Thanks again for your suggestions. My travel agent has a few great deals for us - but we're kind of drawn to the Iberostar (and I know it's a $5 cab ride to the center of town - not an issue for us). The layout of the place seems extraordinary and the jungle aspect/animals inhabiting parts of it sound amazing. What do youthink? HAve you heard anything about this place? The other ones we are considering are the Riu Palace Mexico and the Riu Palace Maya Riviera - any input on those? Thanks again.

dulcepaola

both are good u can choose either