DESPERATELY NEED HELP! CABO, HAWAII, OR THE CARIBBEAN??
Apr 25th, 2011, 08:52 AM
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DESPERATELY NEED HELP! CABO, HAWAII, OR THE CARIBBEAN??
Hello All--
So here's the deal, my husband and I are from Los Angeles, CA and are looking to take a 6-7 night vacation in literally... WAIT FOR IT... A week. That's right, we are looking to go on vacation next week (May 2nd-9th). I know it's last minute but frankly I've been able to find some pretty decent deals and I just got word that I am starting back at work and this is the only time it looks like we'll be able to go.
With that said, here is what we're looking for...
My husband and I are 32 and 34. Super young at heart. No kids (but that is one of the major things we hope to accomplish during this trip... Baby-making.) So romance and fun are highly important.
We enjoy extremely social, hip places with young, fun, people, a place that may have a DJ by the pool playing current music, but still luxurious. (Luxury on a budget... A great room is high on our list of priorities.)
Put it like this, our favorite places to go when we vacation are South Beach, Palm Springs and Vegas. We LOVE South Beach and when we've gone we did a large suite at the Sagamore overlooking the ocean! We went last Memorial weekend and stayed at the Venetian and went to Rehab, and Tao Beach for the pool parties. And when we're in Palm Springs although we love the decor and landscaping of the Parker hotel we prefer people watching in a huge balcony suite at the Riviera overlooking the main pool where there's more action, despite the nicer rooms at the Parker. So hopefully that gives you a hint of what kind of people we are... Extremely social with champagne taste on a slightly higher than beer budget
(FYI, our budget is between 2k - 3k for flight and accomodations).
With that said, the goal of this trip is not really to party but to relax in a cool, fun setting. Doesn't need to be a major party-spot, but at the same time we don't want the island to go dead at 8pm, leaving us with nothing to do. We want somewhere hot, on the beach, where we can lay out all day on a great lounge chair and umbrella, sipping margaritas, or in a cabana or bed on the beach or pool. A place that doesn't feel overly stuffy, but DEFINITELY a place with vibe, atmosphere and that still feels like we're out of the country. We haven't taken a big vacation since we did a cruise a few years back: Miami, Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas and I hated it... (I loved Miami and the destinations but the boat was waaaay too confining and not nearly fabulous enough). We want to do activities like jet-skiing, parasailing, renting scooters, swimming with dolphins, but no backpacking or hiking. We're not big adventurers.
Of course we have to keep in mind weather because I know a lot of these places are in their rainy season but we don't mind a brief moment of showers so long as it's hot and the sun comes back out for the majority of the day, so we can get our lounge on. So I've been going back and forth with the following places...
Barbados: Have heard great things about it, but for the type of accomodations we like (ie. Sandy Lane, which is no where near our budget) I wonder if it's out of our price range. Been looking at "The Crane Resort and Residences" and Hilton Barbados, but not sure either are going to give us that youthful cool, luxurious, vibe we like.
Punta Cana: Found some AWESOME all inclusive deals, and gorgeous looking hotels, but I keep hearing that you can NOT leave your resort for safety reasons and I wonder if we'll start feeling bored and confined after a few days. Not sure it's the fun, cool vibe we like. (hear it's kind of boring at night) Also heard you have to wrestle people or wake up at the crack of dawn if you want a spot on a lounger. Hotels I've been looking at: Paradisus, Iberostar, The Reserve at Paradisus. (Is Punta Cana the best city to go in DR?)
San Juan, Puerto Rico: A BIG contender so far. The prices seem right. I hear it's pretty safe. I've heard from several people it's extremely lively and social like we like. Just not sure it will offer the type of luxury and beach lounging we like. (Also, is San Juan the happening city for vacationers?) Hotels I'm considering: The Ritz Carlton, El San Juan Hotel and Casino, the 'W' retreat and spa (looks right up our alley with vibe and luxury, the only problem is I've read it's really far from all the action and that is not good!)
Cabo: Frankly, I'm kind of scared of Mexico right now and not really sure about the weather. But some of the accomodations look great! Also heard you can't really do beach lounging-- it's more about the pools, right? It's super close to Calfiornia which I like, but wonder if this will give us the vibe or weather we're looking for. Hotels I've considered: Cabo Azul, Me Melia, Riu Palace al inclusive, the ridge luxury villas at la playa
Aruba: Although I hear the weather is great year round, I keep hearing it's just like being in the US. I can't find a single luxury hotel and I hear it's hell trying to get a palapa or a lounger.
Maui or Kaui: And finally.... Hawaii. I've been to Waikiki (Hilton Hawaaian village) when I was much younger and loved it. But don't want to go anywhere where I've been before. Plus everyone keeps telling me Honolulu and Waikiki are just like being in the states. Although Maui and Kaui look beautiful I've heard these are the most dead/boring places -- everything apparently shuts down early and all there is to do is daytime activities. With that said I know it offers that great beach and beauty. Plus I'm concerned about how expensive food and activities will be since I know hawaii is such an expensive island.
I know I've been long winded and I'm sorry, but I'm so desperate and confused I would SOOOOOO appreciate ANY and all feedback advice and suggestions you wonderful people out there in FODOR land could offer. Any additional hotel suggestions and even destination suggestions are more than welcome!! Wish me luck... Heaven knows, I'll need it!
So here's the deal, my husband and I are from Los Angeles, CA and are looking to take a 6-7 night vacation in literally... WAIT FOR IT... A week. That's right, we are looking to go on vacation next week (May 2nd-9th). I know it's last minute but frankly I've been able to find some pretty decent deals and I just got word that I am starting back at work and this is the only time it looks like we'll be able to go.
With that said, here is what we're looking for...
My husband and I are 32 and 34. Super young at heart. No kids (but that is one of the major things we hope to accomplish during this trip... Baby-making.) So romance and fun are highly important.
We enjoy extremely social, hip places with young, fun, people, a place that may have a DJ by the pool playing current music, but still luxurious. (Luxury on a budget... A great room is high on our list of priorities.)
Put it like this, our favorite places to go when we vacation are South Beach, Palm Springs and Vegas. We LOVE South Beach and when we've gone we did a large suite at the Sagamore overlooking the ocean! We went last Memorial weekend and stayed at the Venetian and went to Rehab, and Tao Beach for the pool parties. And when we're in Palm Springs although we love the decor and landscaping of the Parker hotel we prefer people watching in a huge balcony suite at the Riviera overlooking the main pool where there's more action, despite the nicer rooms at the Parker. So hopefully that gives you a hint of what kind of people we are... Extremely social with champagne taste on a slightly higher than beer budget
(FYI, our budget is between 2k - 3k for flight and accomodations).With that said, the goal of this trip is not really to party but to relax in a cool, fun setting. Doesn't need to be a major party-spot, but at the same time we don't want the island to go dead at 8pm, leaving us with nothing to do. We want somewhere hot, on the beach, where we can lay out all day on a great lounge chair and umbrella, sipping margaritas, or in a cabana or bed on the beach or pool. A place that doesn't feel overly stuffy, but DEFINITELY a place with vibe, atmosphere and that still feels like we're out of the country. We haven't taken a big vacation since we did a cruise a few years back: Miami, Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas and I hated it... (I loved Miami and the destinations but the boat was waaaay too confining and not nearly fabulous enough). We want to do activities like jet-skiing, parasailing, renting scooters, swimming with dolphins, but no backpacking or hiking. We're not big adventurers.
Of course we have to keep in mind weather because I know a lot of these places are in their rainy season but we don't mind a brief moment of showers so long as it's hot and the sun comes back out for the majority of the day, so we can get our lounge on. So I've been going back and forth with the following places...
Barbados: Have heard great things about it, but for the type of accomodations we like (ie. Sandy Lane, which is no where near our budget) I wonder if it's out of our price range. Been looking at "The Crane Resort and Residences" and Hilton Barbados, but not sure either are going to give us that youthful cool, luxurious, vibe we like.
Punta Cana: Found some AWESOME all inclusive deals, and gorgeous looking hotels, but I keep hearing that you can NOT leave your resort for safety reasons and I wonder if we'll start feeling bored and confined after a few days. Not sure it's the fun, cool vibe we like. (hear it's kind of boring at night) Also heard you have to wrestle people or wake up at the crack of dawn if you want a spot on a lounger. Hotels I've been looking at: Paradisus, Iberostar, The Reserve at Paradisus. (Is Punta Cana the best city to go in DR?)
San Juan, Puerto Rico: A BIG contender so far. The prices seem right. I hear it's pretty safe. I've heard from several people it's extremely lively and social like we like. Just not sure it will offer the type of luxury and beach lounging we like. (Also, is San Juan the happening city for vacationers?) Hotels I'm considering: The Ritz Carlton, El San Juan Hotel and Casino, the 'W' retreat and spa (looks right up our alley with vibe and luxury, the only problem is I've read it's really far from all the action and that is not good!)
Cabo: Frankly, I'm kind of scared of Mexico right now and not really sure about the weather. But some of the accomodations look great! Also heard you can't really do beach lounging-- it's more about the pools, right? It's super close to Calfiornia which I like, but wonder if this will give us the vibe or weather we're looking for. Hotels I've considered: Cabo Azul, Me Melia, Riu Palace al inclusive, the ridge luxury villas at la playa
Aruba: Although I hear the weather is great year round, I keep hearing it's just like being in the US. I can't find a single luxury hotel and I hear it's hell trying to get a palapa or a lounger.
Maui or Kaui: And finally.... Hawaii. I've been to Waikiki (Hilton Hawaaian village) when I was much younger and loved it. But don't want to go anywhere where I've been before. Plus everyone keeps telling me Honolulu and Waikiki are just like being in the states. Although Maui and Kaui look beautiful I've heard these are the most dead/boring places -- everything apparently shuts down early and all there is to do is daytime activities. With that said I know it offers that great beach and beauty. Plus I'm concerned about how expensive food and activities will be since I know hawaii is such an expensive island.
I know I've been long winded and I'm sorry, but I'm so desperate and confused I would SOOOOOO appreciate ANY and all feedback advice and suggestions you wonderful people out there in FODOR land could offer. Any additional hotel suggestions and even destination suggestions are more than welcome!! Wish me luck... Heaven knows, I'll need it!
Apr 25th, 2011, 10:51 AM
#2
I think the ME on Medano Beach in Cabo comes pretty close to what you are looking for, and certainly convenient to your LA location. There's nothing to worry about in the tourist resorts of Mexico. Any problems you hear on the news is nowhere near Cabo and has never effected tourists or visitors. Weather is fine this time of year. Sunny and warm.
Outside Waikiki I don't think you're going to find big nightlife in Hawaii. One exception is the town of Lahaina on Maui has some pretty fun bars, clubs, restaurants, and shows. I don't think Kauai sounds at all like what you describe.
Punta Cana, like the Mexico warnings, personally I think you CAN leave your resort if you want to. It's not a dangerous island, rather just a very poor one without a lot of tourist infrastructure. It would not be my pick unless you simply want to stay at one resort the entire vacation and are satisfied with their offerings of entertainment.
Honestly what you are describing sounds to me more like Cancun, Mayan Riviera, Playa del Carmen on the Caribbean side or maybe Puerto Vallarta on the west coast of Mexico.
Outside Waikiki I don't think you're going to find big nightlife in Hawaii. One exception is the town of Lahaina on Maui has some pretty fun bars, clubs, restaurants, and shows. I don't think Kauai sounds at all like what you describe.
Punta Cana, like the Mexico warnings, personally I think you CAN leave your resort if you want to. It's not a dangerous island, rather just a very poor one without a lot of tourist infrastructure. It would not be my pick unless you simply want to stay at one resort the entire vacation and are satisfied with their offerings of entertainment.
Honestly what you are describing sounds to me more like Cancun, Mayan Riviera, Playa del Carmen on the Caribbean side or maybe Puerto Vallarta on the west coast of Mexico.
Apr 25th, 2011, 11:44 AM
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I agree that their are vast differences in Mexico between tourist areas and the northern border states in terms of crime.
If it were me, I'd be looking at La Casa Que Canta in Zihuatenejo. Checked the rate, you can get a suite with a private pool for about $500 a night if I looked at it correctly. You can certainly get a standard room for that price.
Not a party atmosphere, but look at the photos and tell me it wouldn't be a great place for a romantic week!
http://www.lacasaquecanta.com/
From the West Coast, I think you're losing a lot with the travel times if you're going to the Caribbean. But, Barbados is my favorite of the places you mentioned.
Can I suggest something, why not take advantage of flexibility? Why not figure out where the best deal is on the nicest place you can easily get to? As I said, Barbados is great. But, if it costs a lot more to get there than say somewhere in Hawaii, what's more important to you?
I would not discount Cancun if you want the best combination of nightlife and beach. Not my favorite place in Mexico, but for what you're looking for it probably has the best combination.
If it were me, I'd be looking at La Casa Que Canta in Zihuatenejo. Checked the rate, you can get a suite with a private pool for about $500 a night if I looked at it correctly. You can certainly get a standard room for that price.
Not a party atmosphere, but look at the photos and tell me it wouldn't be a great place for a romantic week!
http://www.lacasaquecanta.com/
From the West Coast, I think you're losing a lot with the travel times if you're going to the Caribbean. But, Barbados is my favorite of the places you mentioned.
Can I suggest something, why not take advantage of flexibility? Why not figure out where the best deal is on the nicest place you can easily get to? As I said, Barbados is great. But, if it costs a lot more to get there than say somewhere in Hawaii, what's more important to you?
I would not discount Cancun if you want the best combination of nightlife and beach. Not my favorite place in Mexico, but for what you're looking for it probably has the best combination.
Apr 25th, 2011, 11:55 AM
#4
I agree. It takes a lot more work to get to the Caribbean. Mexico or Hawaii are soooo much easier form west coast U.S. With barely one week to enjoy, I'd pick some place closer. I think Zihuat is an excellent idea!
Apr 25th, 2011, 03:24 PM
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I totally agree with suze that Playa del Carmen sounds like the perfect place for what you are describing, plus it's hard to beat the bang for the buck that you get in Mexico right now. The beaches are beautiful, great hotels, and tons of places to go eat and go out. We just got back from a trip to the area recently and felt totally safe the whole trip. Virgin America does non-stops from LAX. If PDC is not an option, then I would pick Cabo. Easy to get to, nice hotels, and lots to do.
Apr 26th, 2011, 07:46 AM
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I would go for Cabo. We are from California as you are and have made the trip to Cancun, etc and it is a very long day each way. Hawaii is beautiful and we have been there seven times but have also had a lot of rain there in April and May and not a lot of hip night life. Cabo is a two to three hour flight from L.A. so you get more time there and less cost. We have been to Mexico five times in the past three years and have never felt threatened or unsafe.
Apr 26th, 2011, 10:25 AM
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I'd also go for Mexico, leaving in a week for the Riviera Maya (but not staying all inclusive), got an airfare RT into Cancun for $380 on United total but fares have gone up since then. Virgin America is also flying nonstop, flight time is 4.5 hours.
Haven't been to Cabo in awhile so can't comment on it.
The fares to Hawaii are expensive right now, was going to travel there this fall and RT to Kauai is $725 on up to $850, a bit less to Oahu.
So not only is the food cheaper in Mexico but so is the airfare. People are so nice and friendly, think PDC would have most of the nightlife you are looking for, they even have a Cocobongos now.
Haven't been to Cabo in awhile so can't comment on it.
The fares to Hawaii are expensive right now, was going to travel there this fall and RT to Kauai is $725 on up to $850, a bit less to Oahu.
So not only is the food cheaper in Mexico but so is the airfare. People are so nice and friendly, think PDC would have most of the nightlife you are looking for, they even have a Cocobongos now.
Apr 26th, 2011, 11:12 AM
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Another vote for the Yucatán - photos, blogs, and travelogues from our 2 visits there in the last 10 months might give you some ideas. Happy trails!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections
http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections
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