Hey guys! First time poster here. Long story short, I just want to get any advise on a destination from people that are more traveled than I. We will be going on vacation from Feb 3, 2014 through the 10th as Newlyweds. We really enjoy just sitting on the beach, with a drink in hand, watching the waves. I have included my criteria below. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Super clear water and white sands
Reasonably private beach if not totally private
All inclusive if the food is good.
Friendly locals
Pretty nice room w/ocean view, kitchen not necessary
Sight seeing an option
Snorkeling
Great sunset
Doesn't have to be 5 Star, but very clean w/ good service


Thanks again!

We loved Victoria House in Belize. Tulemar Bungalows in Manuel Antonio Costa Rica is great, but snorkeling wouldn't be good. I'd also take a look at Mexico and the Caribbean. St. John is really nice.

We loved this place - great if you're interested in seclusion and snorkeling from shore:
http://www.tranquilitybayresort.com/

if you are sight seeing and like friendly locals you should skip the AI as you may not be on the property much. Belize has perhaps 1 AI, you go to these places for the local.....stuff. for AI's go to places in mexico like cancun.

PS
use gmaps and you tube to help search

I would look at the southern Maya Riviera--Tulum, Akumal areas--as well as the Caribbean like Puerto Rico etc.

One complication is snorkeling and super clear water and pristine beaches vs great sunsets. Snorkeling and white powder beaches means somewhere in the Caribbean (or Mexico) whereas sunsets would be on the Pacific side.

We love Belize, but be aware that a lot of places have sea grass growing near shore, so snorkeling is done via boat trip. Hol Chan has incredible snorkeling with beautiful fish, rays, and turtles. We loved it. The places I mentioned are not AI, but there is food available on the property.

"Mayan Riviera" (the Caribbean coastline of Mexico) has exactly what you are asking for. Check out www.locogringo.com to see about the area.

Personally I love Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific coast, but it doesn't have the crystal clear water/white sand you seek. Has everything else on your list though.

Yes, the Mayan Riviera is what you are looking for if you really want AI. Look at the Royal Playa del Carmen, the Secret resorts, the Iberostar Grand Parsasio, the Excellance Resorts, the El Dorado resorts, Royal Hideaway, Grand Velas, Moon Palace and the Valentin Imperial just to name a few. We've been going to that area for many years and it's meets everything on your list.

Try this web-site:

http://www.honeymoonsinc.com/top_ten...oneymoons.aspx

I found it's a really good place to compare resorts. Great photos, descriptions and 360 tours.