Isla Mujeres or Negril Jamaica are both good suggestions imo.

I heard that Jamaica was one of those places where you shouldn't leave your resort because it isn't safe?

I can't speak for the rest of the island, but no, that's not true of Negril. Negril is the only place I've been & am returning for the 3rd time this summer. Guess it depends your own personal comfort level.

Try a different part of the Riviera Maya--we loved the short time we got to spend near Akumal.

Are you guys looking a resort type of atmosphere? You will not find stuff like this in Costa Rica unless you go to maybe Tamarindo. Although it seems like a waste to go to a place like Costa Rica and stay and party in one spot. save CR for another time with a smaller group where you can get out and see some sights and get in some adventure. I have a feeling you may be heading back to PdC

I might also think about Sayulita near Puerto Vallarta. It's more of a chill vibe but it has a neat village feel and there are lots of young people and restaurants and bars. It's more of a bohemian surfer crowd (bars and lounges rather than clubs/discos).

There are places on the Pacific side of Mexico that have beautiful soft sand beaches and super clear seas that are perfect for snorkeling, diving, swimming or just lounging. I live in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico. It's clean, safe and beautiful. You can check out photos and more about what there is to see and do at www.whatsupsancarlos.com.

I live in Costa Rica and agree with posters that this is really not the place for the kind of vacation you are looking for. I totally agree with ROATAN! It has everything, I mean everything you are looking for. Fabulous stunning beaches, a great nightlife, great food. The only thing I don't know is the price from Chicago, but I would look closely at Roatan! And in particular, Half Moon Bay. We had 8 girls split the cost of a house on the water and it was great.

If you love Playa, why not try Cozumel? It will meet all your requirements and won't take all your money or time getting there. We've been to most of the places suggested above -- Belize, Roatan and really liked them, but you won't find the same vibe as Playa and its not easy to get there. We, too, fly out of the mid-west. You can fly non-stop into Cozumel. The water is amazing and the restaurants and shopping in the little town are divine. You can even take the ferry for a day in Playa if you like.

Iberostar has a nice property in Cozumel:
http://www.iberostar.com/EN/-hotels/...umel_3_68.html

Or you might like:
Playa Azul
http://www.playa-azul.com/

Coral Princess:
http://www.coralprincess.com/

I too think that Isla Mujeres would be a great choice. Many nice beaches, good restaurants, bars and dancing.

AMYKW: Sorry for hijacking your post, but I'm doing the same thing as you, i.e. planning a fun 30th bday for approx. 4-6 people. I've been thinking Cabo, as it is easy to get to from both the west coast (San Francisco) and east coast (NYC and DC). However, reading what you had said about Playa del Carmen has made me want to look into it! Do you fly into Cancun? Is it hard to get to? What resorts would you recommend I check out (again, 30th bday, likely looking to go the AI route so we can eat/drink what we want - but interested in being close to town so we can go out easily, etc.)? Thanks! :)

iuhoosier ,
Yes..you fly into Cancun to go to Playa. Look into the Royal Playa del Carmen which is an adults only AI righ in town. There are SO many AI resorts in the area. What type of vacation are you looking for?