Best Destinations in Mexico
 

Myself and a few friends (all adults) are looking to go to Mexico at the end of December through New Years. 5 nights stay. Trying to find at least a 4 star all inclusive resort. Want good night life in area and things to do during the day as far as watersports, sightseeing etc. We are foodies so good food at the resort is a must. Have been to Cancun already and were leaning towards Cabo. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Cabo is great. Only disclaimer there is the All-Inclusive resorts are a bit out of the downtown area (may or may not matter to you but as far as nightlife, shopping, etc.) Hotels on Medano Beach are great, but no AI's close in.

Puerto Vallarta also has everything you're asking for.

Do make your reservations ASAP! Hotels & flights are both more expensive during that Christmas/New Years period, also availability will be less the longer you wait.

Agree with Suze PV on the West Coast would meet your wants/desires.
My favorite Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa's night life is very limited.
While my experience with AIs is very limited I have never experienced one with great food. PV has literally dozens (100s?) of excellent restaurants. Far more than you could taste on a vacation.

Here's a short list, and I do mean 'short', of PV's restaurants.
http://vallartainfo.com/restaurants.html

Will definitely check out PV. Not too familiar with Mexican destinations so thank you very much. Any recommendations on Hotels there? Or some places to stay away from? Saw that airlines have limited availability as it is so we are definitely looking to book ASAP. thanks again.

Not sure if "good food" and an AI go together. Most people find the food a bit institutional even at the best AIs. Cozumel is a great location, but the best food is in town at restaurants. Food is more Caribbean than typical Mexican fare ones finds in the US. Good nightlife, snorkeling, diving, water sports, small ruins, good shopping.

I agree with TC. While I have had decent food at AI resorts, it's not great. The only resort in Cabo where I have had AI was at the Villa Del Palmar, which is within walking distance to town, and I don't recommend it.

There is a lot to do in Cabo~there are snorkeling trips, ATV tours, parasailing, jet ski rentals, trips to Lover's Beach........keep in mind that if you are interested in swimming in the ocean and/or water sports in close proximity of your hotel, you will need to stay on the Sea of Cortez side of Cabo. The Pacific side is too dangerous to swim in.

http://www.expedia.com/Los-Cabos-Hot...lla-Pedregal.h...

Best if you are serious about quality for me

Dreams for AI www.mexico.bookit.com but AIs mass produced food

Good if u are on a bueget though.

Hotwire has the 4 star Pueblo Bonito as their secret hotel
$102

betterbidding.com

Hilton nice a bit more there $129 both great if u decide to

eat independently which I would do as a foodie

yelp.com

virtualtourist.com

honest postings from locals...

Beware Tripadvertizer many fakes/plants

The Pueblo Bonito resorts are nice, but there are four of them in Cabo. Blanco and Rose are on swimmable Medano Beach and within walking distance of town; Sunset is newer, a little more luxurious, on the non-swimmable Pacific side, and is not within walking distance of town. I believe they have a shuttle available for their guests. I've not stayed at any of the resorts, but I've had dinner at the Pueblo Bonito Blanco, and it was good.

I just spoke to three friends (3 gay guys who are in their mid 40's) and they loved the night life of PV. But they also enjoyed Guadalajara - it had even more night life, beautiful architecture, parks, and more history. It is on a large lake with boating and other activities.

If you want to go All-Inclusive I would probably stick to the Cancun side, along the Mayan Riviera. Since you've already been to Cancun, maybe try around Playa del Carmen.

For Cabo or Puerto Vallarta I'd encourage you not to go AI because there are so many great restaurants both places, and especially since you are seeking a 4-star kind of place.

Oaxaca is the next big thing. Huatulco is one of the coolest places in Mexico I've been to. Beautiful and culturally interesting. Take a look at this place: http://www.dreamsresorts.com/drehu/

To the OP, I think the biggest "problem" is your request for an all inclusive resort with good food.

Nanabee, What lake is in Guadalajara? Are you talking about Lake Chapala? Which is the general region but not IN the city. Guadalajara is the 2nd largest city in Mexico and I agree full of history and architecture, but not what would come to my mind for someone looking for a Mexican "resort" vacation, the request of this post.

The OP posted the request below just a few days after the above post. It appears the trip parameters changed a bit. Now AI and Adults only are "requirements" and no mention of having been to Cancun. Its hard to give advice in cases like this.

"A friend and I are looking to go to RM around New Years. At least 4 star, <u>Adults only and AI are requirements</u> for us. We are in our mid 30"s so looking for a place with good food and nite life. <u>Neither of us have been to this area before</u>. Please help as we need to book this week.....thanks"

Well that IS a different post entirely.

If at least 4-star, aAdults only & AI are all hard & fast "requirements" they should look to Cancun and the Mayan Riviera, not Cabo or PV.

Here is a Playa Del Carmen resort that will definitely fit the bill:

http://www.realresorts.com/The_Royal_Playa_Carmen/

The Pueblo Bonito Pacifica in Cabo is AI and adults only; however, I can't make a recommendation for or against it as I've never stayed there. The Sun Palace in Cancun is a "couples only" AI resort; my sister has stayed there and enjoyed it, but again, I can't make a personal recommendation.

Lake in Guadalajara?
While I love this city visiting a number of times including our honeymoon at the Quinta Real in '98 I have yet to see this lake. Unless you mean the small pond by the zoo with paddle boats.

I have to disgagree with Andre above that Hualtulco is "the next big thing." The Mexican Government's desire was that it be the next Cancun. It didn't happen. I do like Huatulco and would certainly go there anytime but it is what it is.