where should we go?
 

I am planning an 10-year anniversary trip and am looking at Central America. I have no idea where to go, so I was looking for suggestions. We want beautiful beaches and great food. I am also interested in staying away from partying crowds or spring-break types. We'd also like to do some sportfishing. I'd appreciate any advice.

I've read a lot of Cabo and Puerto Vallarta and PV seems to win out. anyone with any suggestions?

Puerto Vallarta is beautiful. There are all kinds of resort and hotel choices, only a few which have a party atmosphere. I believe sportsfishing is better in Cabo.

People might not have mentioned PV or Cabo in reply since you said specifically Central America (i'm pretty sure Mexico is considered north america).

Sorry, you're right. I do appreciate any advice. I've never been anywhere south of Texas before.

Panama

Ah cmcfong (sorry for hijacking your thread, Bim11897), just wanted to say how valuable your post was to us on Bocas del Toro. A friend of yours had been there and you posted his remarks. . .we stayed at Dona Mara also. Thanks for taking the time to post it!

Bim11897, if you've not been to Costa Rica, go before it gets any more crowded!

Glad to help, shillmac. Welcome home!

BIM11897--
I was in your shoes a month ago and am writing from Puerto Vallarta as I type. I have to weigh in strongly for the east coast of Mexico, what they are now calling the Mayan Riviera. You will have to exert more energy than you might be willing to do on vacation to find a "beautiful beach" in Puerto Vallarta, but there is nothing but on the east coast. While there are some pretty beaches in PV, you will either have to take a $20 pp water taxi or a tour to get to one of the nice green water beaches.
If you go to one of the fabulous All inclusive resorts in the Playa del Carmen or south thereof, you won't have to worry about the drunk spring break types that you might find in Cancun proper. Feel free to email me at [email protected] if you have any questions.

I agree that the beaches on the east coast, Caribbean side are more picuture perfect than what you will find along most of the west coast side.

If that's what you are after, how about Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, or Isla Mujeres (popular smaller destinations outside the Cancun area)?

I love PV dearly and consider the beaches "beautiful" but they are much more rough than on the other side, no doubt about it.

Wondering where you decided to go. I'm planning a girls' trip in 5/07 and Mexico, Caribbean, Costa Rica and Dominican Republic are where I am looking.

Sorry, I haven't looked at this thread in almost half a year. We decided to go to Puerto Vallarta and are staying at the Casa Magna. We actually leave in less than a week and I was looking on comments on restaurants. I made reservations at Barcelonas Tapas and Le Kliff. I also wanted to go to Pipi's and Red Cabbage. I made the Le Kliff reservation for our anniversary dinner. La Palapa looked great, but it seemed to have mixed reviews and I didn't want to spend an arm and a leg on something that might be mediocre. Thanks for all the advice!

Pity about Le Kliff, the food and service is mediocre at best. You should have gone with La Palapa, prices at Le Kliff ain't any cheaper.

My husband and I are also going to PV and staying at Casa Magna at the end of this month. We would love to hear from you when you return. Have a wonderful trip and happy anniversary!

Hey thanks!
We had the best time. I'm so happy I chose Le Kliff for the anniversary. The view was awesome, we had great lobster and shrimp and they set the table just for us, with a red table cloth and flowers and they brought out a cake and the end with an anniversary song to boot!
The Casa Magna was spectacular. The staff, especially the bellmen, room service, wait-staff are so great. All speak english.
I thought the beach at Casa Magna was great. Granted, it's not the Carribean, but the mountains in the background make up for any little pebbles in the sand.
Barcelona tapas was great too-make reservations. We liked La Casita at the hotel and got to watch the BEARS win at the Champions Bar(I know, but we did catch a little bit of the game in between laying in the sun)
We cannot say enough about our trip, I hope you get to read this in time for your trip. We enjoyed ourselves and will certainly be back!
Oh! Go on the canopy tour (I'm sure you've heard already) but in addition to it being a blast, the guys who take you on the tour are hilarious!