We are looking for someplace warm to go over Christmas break with our teen & no longer teen. We were thinking an AI with lots to do would be good. We all like the beach & water activities. Want somewhere that we can spend some time together & some apart. It doesn't have to be a particular area- although easy connections to the DC area would be great. In fact, we are also considering the Caribbean & I"m posting there as well. (BTW, we have already been to Costa Rica.)

I've looked at tripadvisor, but that doesn't rank hotels by whether they're appropriate for teens. And yes, I've already tried searching the forums with teen and didn't get much. Another issue, our kids like to hang out together - would that be a problem if one is under 18 and one over? In other words, would the 21 yo not be able to go to "teen" dances or activities and the 17 yo not able to go to the "adult" activities?

I was thinking maybe Club Med or Beaches, but am open to other suggestions. One website recommended the Barcelo Maya resort in the Yucatan. Have any of you had direct experiences with AI's that sound like they meet our needs? Thanks in advance.

The Iberostar Paraiso complex in Mexico's Riviera Maya would fit your needs. The age difference will be a problem at any of the resorts as 18 is the "drinking age" and the age needed to go to the "adulta" discos, etc. They have a teen disco for your younger child. There are loads of activities to keep both of them busy all day long.
Christmas is a VERY elxpensive time to travel. I travel at that time because it is when I am off from work. Some prices can be double at that time of year.
If you want Mexico or the DR, etc. look into Apple Vacations. They have some very reasonable package deals.

Thanks for the helpful advice. Leaning towards the Mayan Riviera now as it's warm, there are nonstops from the DC area & there's lots of other stuff to do. Although if you've been someplace great on a southern Caribbean island, please suggest it. I know Christmas break is the busiest and most expensive time to go, but that's when everyone's available. Given the ages, there may not be any more trips with the four of us, so really want someplace that everyone enjoys.

So far, people on the Caribbean forum have suggested Iberostar Paraiso, Bahia Principe, Catalonia. Any place else you recommend with the 17 & 21 yo? BTW, onsite snorkeling would be a plus.

In addition to the Iberostar and Bahia, check out the Barcelo Resorts in Mexico's Riviera Maya.

I think you hit it on the head with Club Med. The location in Cancun has everything you are looking for, as well as the downtown and shopping accessible by bus and a myriad of attractions available as day tours. Your kids will not lack for fun things to do. Have been to the Club Med Cancun twice. But that property is VERY popular and will be expensive at Christmas. I would check now. In my experience, the beach in Cancun (and in particular at Club Med's location) is nicer than the Riviera Maya.

Well, I've been reading lots of reviews of tripadviser. I am a little confused with some of the names. There seem to be lots of Catalonia's and Iberostars etc.

The Iberostar Quetzal looks interesting. I like that the grounds have a jungle feel with monkeys etc. However, not sure about the whole sandbags in the water issue. Any comments on that? The Barcelo Maya also looks good and I particularly like off beach snorkeling. Catalonia Riviera Maya sounded like it had a good location, but the reviews weren't as good as the others. DH and I have been to Cancun, so would prefer something a little different.

Any more advice on specific hotels?

For an Iberostar I would choose one of the Iberostar Paraiso resorts--Del Mar/Beach or Lindo/Maya/ The complex offers more than the Tucan---teen disco, Commercial Center with more eateries, more restaurants in general, etc.
The Barcelo fits all your requirement. There will be actiities for your teens and the beach is great.