My husband are planning our 10 year anniversary trip this Fall to somewhere tropical! We are looking for an all inclusive that isn't "resorty." Meaning, something a little rustic, off the beaten path, and private. We love watersports (surf, fish, sail, snorkel) as well as hiking, zip lining, etc. I have been to Costa Rica before, but it has been 15 years, so I am up for visiting again, however would ideally like to go to another location. Any ideas welcomed! Thank you!!

Belize doesn't have any AI's. There are some isolated properties that have meal plans but that's a different critter.

We loved Tulemar Bungalows in Manuel Antonio and Bosque del Cabo on the Osa Peninsula. They aren't AI, but they serve meals and drinks. Victoria House on Ambergris, Belize is really nice. CR doesn't have a lot of AIs, but there are some in the Guancaste area. We've never found great food at AIs. I like to get out and explore local restaurants, so don't have a lot of experience with them. You'll have a lot more choices if you don't need AI. Do you have an idea of your budget?

I'm not sure "quaint" and "AI" go hand in hand. For an AI place to make a go of it, doesn't it need to deal in large numbers? Central America has many charming lodgings, but none is AI that I know of.

Seems like a contradiction in terms--a non-resorty all inclusive.

What features are you looking for when you're talking about 'all-inclusive?'

Plenty of intimate places to fit your criteria, but they're not AIs.

I had the same thought. That All-Inclusives are usually "resorts" so not all that "quaint".

The one place I thought about for this same question over on the Caribbean forum, is Tensing Pen in Negril Jamaica. It's not AI per se, but kind of an adult Swiss Family Robinson kind of set up with a very nice restaurant on site.

If you want adventure activities, the Lost Iguana might be nice for part of your trip. It's sort of rustic, elegant with a jungly feeling to it. It's not AI, but they serve food. You could pair it with a nice beach location.

You might check out this website for research purposes. They list many AI's that are on the honeymoon top ten list. Many are considered "quaint" and will work for an anniversary.

http://www.honeymoonsinc.com/Adults_...e_Resorts.aspx

There are a few AI's in Costa Rica, but they are all family resorts.

If you give up AI The Spring Resort and The Peace Lodge in Costa Rica would be great choices.

I don't consider Bosque del Cabo in Costa Rica to be an AI, but meals are included in the cabina rates. It's not what I think of as "quaint" but to me it's absolute paradise down on the Osa Peninsula. The wildlife sightings there are tops in the country, loads of hiking trails, wonderful owners and staff, delicious food, excellent photo ops.

However, I wouldn't consider it a beach destination so for watersports I would look elsewhere. Iguana Lodge and Lookout Inn have better beach access, but still on the Osa.

You could do a combo of two or three destinations in the area. The Osa is still considered off the beaten track. Most people fly on either Nature Air or Sansa, but you could drive and break it up with beach lodging.

Wouldn't have the hiking if you're set on 1 stop, but check this out:
http://www.tranquilitybayresort.com/

Maybe "quaint" isn't the right word? For example, we went to Sandals Swept Away in Negril, Jamaica for our honeymoon. It was a small resort, AI, with amazing food. We want something like that! Not a high rise on a beach where we are fighting for a poolside spot. I have been to Costa Rica, Kauai, Maui, Oahu, & Jamaica... so somewhere other than that! Thanks for all your comments

One problem is that fall is hurricane season, and rainy season for lots of central America and southern Mexico. So, there are lots of small boutique type places in the Caribbean, but that's rolling the dice.

Maybe try Chaa Creek or Chan Chich in Belize.

We did a combo of Chaa Creek and Victoria House, and it was really nice. Lots of adventure activities, ruins, snorkeling, etc. Did you check out any of the places recommended by everyone above?

Loved Chan Chich in Belize!

The best AI is http://www.westinplayaconchal.com/ , very nice beach , not small, 400+rooms , very nice beach, close to some attractions like Palo Verde and Rincon de la Vieja Volcano (for hiking , hot springs, waterfalls, volcanic activity)
Conchal is close to Tamarindo , Playa Grande or Avellanas for surf

A smaller al inclusive , closer to the airport is http://www.hiltonpapagayoresort.com/en/home.html or http://villassol.com/ but surf is not so close, there is SUP in the area , and it is closer to Rincon de la Vieja