We were all set for with reservations for the family at the Club Med in Cancun for Easter week. I made the reservations months ago. I just discovered I made the reservations for the WRONG WEEK. Of course, now they are full up for East week. Arggg.

Anyway - can anyone make a suggestion for an alternative. We are looking for -
1) Something guaranteed warm in mid-April
2) Full service resort (not necessarily all-inclusive)
3) Kid friendly for tweens
4) Activities other than just hanging on the beach

We are open to islands in addition to Mexico.

My concern is that Easter week is so popular - options may be limited at this point.

Any opinions on Iberostar Paraiso Lindo?

So sorry you booked the wrong week, what a bummer!!!! How about Costa Rica? I have been doing research on vacationing there as I have heard good things about it, several friends have been there and loved it. You can get flights from Florida or book from your home airport. These may be pricey depending upon the time you want to fly. It certainly would be warm and kid friendly as well. There are lots of activities - zip lining, swimming, volcanoes, horse back riding, etc. I just saw a post here from a family w/ 3 boys planning to visit there. I think you might enjoy the visit. However, you may want to book something ASAP.

Look for "PointsWellTaken" posts here and see what they have posted for activities. I would definitely not hesitate to book something there if you can get your flights. Good luck.

Here's a website w/ all inclusive:

http://www.vacationscostarica.com/ho...FUjNOgody20AdQ

Some other websites 4 U:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/HotelsLis...s-zfp4190.html

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/costa-rica/733098

http://www.parents.com/fun/vacation/...ta-rica-rocks/

My usual go-to suggestion for a Mexican beach vacation is Puerto Vallarta. But it's a zoo the 2 weeks around Easter so that isn't going to work this time.

Costa Rica and Belize are both wonderful. I think you might have a hard time finding lodging though; they seem to book up really early, and that's such a popular time to go.

I'll bet you could find places to stay in Belize and it's pretty awesome, lots of jungly things to do, Maya sites, caving, etc. You might want to split your time between inland and blue water.

You could contact Katie Valk - see what she says about availability. She lives in Belize, very knowledgeable and helpful. Here's her website:
http://www.belize-trips.com/

In case you're interested, here are my photos with blog and travelogue links on the main page of each collection - all my recommendations are embedded there. Good luck! http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections

There are so many good resorts that meet your criteria on the Riviera Maya, I bet some of them still have openings for Easter week. Research those, and try to get close to Playa del Carmen to give you a place to go and shop and give the Tweens some diversions away from the resort.

Keep in mind virtually all Mexican beach destinations will be packed with Mexicans. That is the second biggest holiday time after Christmas. Now some such as Cancun will also be inundated with spring breaker college kids from the US. One town NOT a college destination is Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa. Lots of Mexicans but few college kids.
Great hotels, cafes & beaches.

Stew bear, when do you leave for Oaxaca? I am excited for you.

If you give up on the idea of a resort, you can rent a very nice condo in Playa del Carmen. Many Luxurios ones right on the beach, or one block off. Many with very nice large pools. lots to do with your kids there, you can take them snorkeling with the sea turtles in Akumal bay right from the beach, take them to Coba, take them to the Jungle Place spider monkey preserve, Sian Kaan Biosphere, X Caret, Xplor parks, etc

Excellent and practical ideas from emd3... I would follow up on that ! Been there, done that

If you're interested in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio would have everything you're looking for.

EMDS
My reservation is for February 9 so I will be heading that way around the 4th with a couple of stops on the way. Yes I am excited to get there. I do so love it here in Zihuatanejo but Oaxaca is all brand new for me.

I will be checking for your trip report, Stewbear.