Playa del Carmen help?
 

Two adults and 14 year old daughter with adult tastes looking for 1 week in July at an upscale, clean resort, spectacular beach, nice pool a plus, snorkeling, some sailing, adventurous food and slow pace. Some evening music, but nothing more required. No shopping or gambling needed. Would consider an all-inclusive if it made sense. Looking for recommendations: travel agent has suggested Royal Hideaway, but am totally open. Looking for good deal, but quality is more important. As a barometer, also considering Little Dix Bay in British Virgin Islands. Any help would be appreciated!

Marcus, <BR> <BR>We took our three teens to Royal Hideaway last June and the kids enjoyed it very much. The problem I have with that entire Playa area is that it is overbuilt and the resorts are cheek to jowl with many, many people on the beach all the way up and down. I don't think you would have that experience at Little Dix, but the cost would probably be at least double. There is no snorkeling from the beach at Playa. The entertainment in the evening at RH is not good at all. Any more questions about it you could e mail me. <BR> <BR>Kathy

You have received good advise from your TA. You will love the Royal Hideaway.

At Little Dix, you won't find the pool or "adventruous food" but you will find wonderful laid back pristine quiet with not much to do except water activities, checking out the Baths or sailing to other islands. Playa would give you more options for activity some adventerous eating and a chance to explore some nearby attractions including the pyramids at Tulum and Coba. I would think that your daughter might not have much opportunity to run into many people her own age at Little Dix.

Check these sites to help you decide on the area and if it's what you desire versus BVI as the 2 are completely different. <BR>www.riveramaya.com <BR>www.xcaretcancun.com <BR>www.xelha.com <BR>www.allegroresorts.com <BR>Another consideration is that PDC gives you ferry access to Cozumel which has good diving and snorkelling. I doubt there are many good areas left where you won't be cheek by jowl with others on the beach and still get the upscale resort you are looking for. <BR>If you do do ai, check any of the resorts in playacar including the RH, RIU Yucatan or Palace(check their site for comments as well, the Iberostar, etc, etc. All of these are very nice clean resorts with nice pools and watersports included. The food is very extensive and varied with theme nights to keep the interest up. No beach vendors.