Two thirty-something women thinking about spending New Year's in Mexico. Looking for n
a nice beach, kayaking, diving or surfing possibilities, and a charming town that has an authentic air (ie, a Puerta Vallarta over a Cancun). We want to splurge a bit on the hotel (prefer boutique-type hotels over large/all inclusive ones). Not looking for a major backpaper or party atmosphere, but would like a few fun laid back places to hang out in the evenings and have a drink(ie, not a purely family resort town). Any advice on where to go is appreciated!

I'd look at Isla Mujeres first, but, I don't know if there will be any rooms available at the nicer properties. Another option would be Playa del Carmen, although it's getting pretty busy. Still nothing like Cancun though.

Or, go a bit further south and head to Ambergris Caye in Belize..... Jean

You could look into Amansala.com in Tulum. That would be my first choice.

Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo will be perfect for what you are looking for. Ixtapa is a beautiful beach resort, not as big as Cancun and Zihuatanejo is a very charming fishing village just a few miles from Ixtapa. The night life is great and the weather is perfect during that time of year. I have only stayed in the big resorts, but I am sure you can find a nice small hotel.

Well you already mentioned my favorite - Puerto Vallarta! Although for the kayaking or surfing you'd need to head somewhere along the coastline up north & I don't think there's any diving worth doing in the area. That said it has the hotels, hang outs, and atmosphere you describe.

Hmmm.. For kayaking I think of La Paz on the Baja, Sea of Cortez side. For diving maybe Cozumel on the Caribbean side?

Veracruz has a little of everything to do.. plenty of places to party too.. see my personal web site or write me if you like to... Maria

http://groups.msn.com/TravelHelpersinVeracruz

I recommend looking into Akatal - a small fishing town south of Playa del Carmen. It still has a lot of charm, good restaurants, nice accomodations. You can snorkel, kayak, dive, and enjoy a nice beach.

pmccallum, can you send a website for AKatal

I can't seem to find anything on the Internet--would love to find out more about this place

where do you fly into to get there?

pmc must be referring to Akumal. For this area, you must fly into Cancun, as with most areas in this part of the Yucatan peninsula.
Saw one post recommending Veracruz. While Veracruz is a nice city, it doesn't have the nice beaches of the area south of Cancun.

Hello, in my opinion Ixtapa/zihuatanejo will be the best spot for you. In Ixtapa, you have around a dozen of resorts. Big confort on an interesting pacific beach... you take the cab (10 minutes) and arrive in the very typical small mexican town of Zihutanejo...really more typical an authentic than Puerto Vallarta. If Ixtapa resort are directly on the ocean with very big wave...Ziuatanejo have an area with gypsy and "very deluxe" hotels. This area is in a kind of bay where in my opinion you can do kayak. If my memory are OK this 2 beautiful boutique-hotel are Casa del Sol and i forget the name of the other one...but a lot of people here will know remember it was deluxe intimate and really peaceful at just some minute of the small city. enjoy....

If you want to go to Akumal - check out the website www.locogringo.com. It is nice there - very laid back. If you want a little more nightlife - I would look into Playa del Carmen (www.playadelcarmeninfo.com) or Isla Mujeres (www.isla-mujeres.net). We have been to all three places and enjoyed them all. There are some very nice small hotels in Playa del Carmen. We love to stay at Hotel La Tortuga - you can check them out at www.hotellatortuga.com. Have fun whereever you decide to go - Mexico is a great country.

I agree with Robert

Eventhough Veracruz, has excellent restaurants, and a great night life, it doesn`t have a great beach, it`s way rocky and waters are murky.

Casitas Veracruz (near veracruz ) has beautiful beaches, but it is off the beaten path, and has more family oriented cabanas.

I would go with Nuevo Vallarta or Playa del Carmen area.