Single Mom traveling with daughters 15 & 20. Looking for a recommendation for an all inclusive with lots of activities, local color, upscale, but not to break the bank.
Traveling 3rd week of December, but need to book air this month.

Not even sure what area to focus on...Help!

mexico.bookit.com

Cancun/Playa del Carmen

or

www.paradisus-playa-conchal.com

best in CR

Have fun,

None of what you're looking for in Belize.

I agree with the first post. Look at the "Mayan Riviera" coastline of Mexico (flying into Cancun, staying somewhere along the stretch between Cancun and down to and around Playa del Carmen).

Maybe you could find something in Belize or Costa Rica but upscale AI resorts are definitely not as common there or what those two countries are known for (which is more adventure travel).

MissyT: Are you looking for a tour or are you looking for an AI?

If I were you, I would pick the country first, based on what you like to see and do. Mexico for ruins and white sand beaches, Costa Rica for nature. And then go from there either to your tour or to an AI. There are some great AIs in Costa Rica, just not as many.

I agree with the Mayan Riviera. Look into the Iberostar and Barcelo resorts there.

I think perhaps I misunderstood the original post. I got the impression the OP was looking at a resort with lots of on site activities. That you won't find in Belize.

However, there is much to see and do in Belize, whether on the beach or in the jungle. Just no large, busy all inclusives.

I read it the same JeanH. That she's looking for an all-inclusive resort with many activities offered on the property, which sounds more like Mexico than either Belize or CR.

As I am starting to research, I realize that my daughters would be happy to sit at a gorgeous beach for week. I want nature, and less American travelers. Rustic luxury beach and nature.

Thanks all

Our beaches are good, not as gorgeus as MX and are perfect for sitting around for your daughters and mainland has many great and interesting activities and tours with nature you will not find in MX. Perhaps you can compromise and everyone get what they want.

Mexico is great for AI however I would not recommend in Costa Rica you would really miss what is great about that country

Here is one option in Belize:
http://www.machacahill.com/

Thank you all...
My airfare is set in and out of Cancun, and I am gathering that to have some activity (not to be to isolated), but still have beautiful beaches, am I best around Playa del Carmen? Further north is more populated, and further south is more isolated? Am I right or wrong?

Playa del Carmen would be perfect. You and your daughters can venture around the town and you can book some afventure trips to explore other parts or just catch the Ado bus to other towns.

I also agree Playa Del Carmen would be perfect. With kids that age, I would consider a (non-AI) hotel right in town on the beach. The town is very lively with great places to eat and things to do. And getting around to ruins and other sights is easy and inexpensive if you do it on your own (as opposed to an organized tour which are also readily available).

We've done the non-AI thing a couple of times with older kids. When they were young we did AIs, but now that they're older, we all prefer the freedom of not being tied down to resort restaurants and activities. There's plenty to do right in town, plus easy access to Cozumel, Tulum, Coba, etc.

We've also eaten everywhere from taco stands to elegant restaurants, and haven't had any problems.

We've done condo rentals which has worked out really well. They are roomy and have kitchens which come in handy. Bottle water, beach towels, etc was also included. There are a few big grocery stores in the area as well.

I was only thinking an Ai because I thought that the odds were better for each of us to find other guests our own age to hang out with. We get along well, but let's face it they are teenagers, and I a single mom.

Any recommendations for both an AI and/or a boutique style hotel on the beach in Playa del Carmen?

If you want to be right in the town of Playa the only AI choice is Gran Porto Real. Their sister resort is also right in Playa, but is adults only.
For a non AI try Playa Maya...breakfast is included in their rates.
I think your daughters may have a better time at an AI and you won't have to be with them every minute. There are usually lots of teens at the AI resorts,.
If you don't have to be right in Playa, check out the resorts in the Playacar area which is close by. We like the Iberostar Tucan?Quetzal. Jungle atmosphere but great service, wonderful pool, beautiful beach. It's a five minute taxi ride to Playa.

I am not sure i see the difference between the 2 Iberostar resorts (Quetzal and Tucan), even the photographs on their websites are the same. What did I miss?

The IB Tucan/Quetzal are two sides of the same resort. They each have their own lobbies, but share all facilities and amenities. Different booking agencies book different sides of the resort. So...there is no difference between the two.