There are about 20 of us, all old old college friends who would like to go away to celebrate our 50th bdays rogether. The thought is that we could go to Mexico and possibly rent a house. We all have had different degrees of financial success so theoretically a rented house would be fairly inexpensive. Am hoping we can also have a cook and maid.

The question is where. None of us would want a big commercial area. We may want to go out to eat once or twice but we're thinking more hang out at the beach, snorkel, sail, fish etc. It's all about relaxing and enjoying each others company.

Any suggestions re: location or even specific houses????

www.vrbo.com

should have something to suit...

might also have a look at Costa Rica

www.manuelantoniopark.com pretty special

Where are you coming from? East coast, west coast?

Most of us are on the east coast, a few in texas.

Mexico is my recommendation, it is a good deal right now. The time of year you are going would be important to know in order to make a recommendation of where to visit. Year round weather is good in Cuernavaca and the city of Oaxaca, but not on the beach. Actually this makes these destinations a better bargain than many of your beach locations.

Akumal?

Just a note, to do snorkeling, fishing, sailing, you do need some kind of tourist infrastructure. You won't find those things out in the middle of nowhere.

I'm personally a fan of both Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta and think these would be great for a group. Really of 20 people no one wants to be able to go to a town, or have shopping, or other possibilities for entertainment besides being around the house with the group?

Here is a good web site for exploring the Mexican coast from Cancun south -- Riviera Maya.

http://www.locogringo.com/

This one is an excellent source for homes on the island of Cozumel. Cozumel would be a great location with lots of varied activities for your group. From the East Coast and, especially from Texas, Cozumel is an easy destination. The dining is wonderful there, great fishing, snorkeling, shopping, local culture. Its where I spent my 50th birthday.

http://www.cozumel.tc/rental-homes-l...oom-homes.html

i love all places, Cabo, & Cancun ( my opinion) to expensive, not longer a deal.
cabo's ocen water doesnt compare to cancun of course, but u have many more options.

mazatlan, puerto vallarta, (old town) puerto escondido (oaxaca) are amazing towns with better change to get a good deal.

I think it depends where you stay, where you eat, what you do. I found my vacations in Cabo San Lucas come in at the same budget, as my vacations in Puerto Vallarta.

I think flying into Cancun is very easy for both the east coasters and the Texans and ground transportation from the airport to the other areas of the Yucatan is also easy to arrange. Tulum might be a good choice for your group. There are many small “resorts” where you might be able to rent the entire resort. Also, Isla Mjueres is another good choice. Check out the Tulum forum (http://www.tulum.info/ ) and the Isla website (http://www.islamujeres.info/ ). Below is a link to a resort on Isla Mujeres that has recently converted to a vacation rental. They can accommodate up to 28 people. Isla also has “villas” next door to each other for larger groups—see the website.

http://www.casadelossuenosresort.com/

Thanks to all! I have put the word out to the group and awaiting people's reactions!

You might want to check Nicaragua. While the air may be a little more than to Mexico, the housing would be much less expensive. Food and transportation would also be much less expensive. San Juan del Sur is a beautiful area. Granada is directly on Lake Nicaragua (largest lake in C. America) and would be even less expensive than San Juan. Both have water activites that you mentioned. Might check vrbo.com for places that would be large enough for your group. Sounds like a grand time!

wow, I'd forgotten about puerto escondido. Not much action though for a group of birthday people. Cool old fishing village and cheap, cheap, cheap. robj