Thinking of surprising wife with a trip to Mexico. Never been, and looking for warm ocean, beach, snorkeling, and "mexican" feel, as opposed to South San Diego. I just started looking at Mexico, so I don't know a lot about it. Would rather stay away from the Cancun scene. Besides, Pacific should be warmer? Used vrbo many times also (hawaii, etc.) , and wondering if I can expect the same great luck in MX? All inclusives okay too, never did one before. Not drinkers, so never really considered it. Hook me up with your opinions!

The Riviera Maya and Yucatan? Some amazing beaches (e.g., Tulum), good snorkeling (e.g., Puerto Morelos), Mexican feel to inland towns/cities (Valladolid, Merida, Izamal) - and fascinating Mayan ruins (Chichen Itza, Uxmal and the Ruta Puuc, Ek' Balam, Tulum. . . .) I found it easy to avoid the Cancun scene simply by not going there or to any similar places.

Cozumel may also be an option to consider.

Puerto Vallarta is lovely.

The east coast of Mex is much better. Cozumel, Tulum are our choices. We're headed to Tulum in Feb for the third year in a row. Solomon or Tankah bay are great choices and VRBO has rentals there. If you want to get rid of your tan lines, Slice of Paridise or Dolce Vita are the places to go. There are also optional beaches at Tulum. They whole area is very romantic and probably as cheap as anything. If you want the all inclusive, something your wife might appreciate, head farther north to Akumal or Playa de Carma. It'a all a beautiful paridise after -20 up north.

www.allaboutoaxaca.com/beachesofoaxaca.htm

Huatulco pretty undeveloped authentic

old mexico feel in the cute little towns

February weather in PV is gorgeous. The town is vibrant with lots to see and do. Excellent restaurants, atmosphere, activities, tours, galleries, shopping. Easy airport and you don't need a rental car. Definitely has a "mexican" feel. I know the Caribbean side has whiter beaches, better snorkeling, but besides that I don't think you can call it "much better" than the entire Pacific coastline! Personal preference really.

February I always spend as far south as I can. At the least Manzanillo but Zihutanejo is even better.

I have to vote for Playa del Carmen. Romantic dinners and strolls along Fifth Avenue. Shopping (that I'm sure she'd like). Beautiful beach. Varied nightlife - as much or as little as you'd like. Relaxed, laid-back atmosphere - everybody is so friendly and happy, and there is such a variety of tourists from around the world - makes for great people watching. Just a ferry ride to Cozumel (for excellent snorkeling), and easy to get to ruins and other day tours. And great transportation too, if you decide to do some activities on your own.

Another vote for Cozumel. I would not vote for an all inclusive however. Food is too, too boring. Mexico is inexpensive so why sit in an AI and eat warmed over, mass produced food every night. Head into town and try out some of the many, many wonderful atmospheric dining options. I think many of us like the Yucatan side of Mexico because it is much more Carribbean in flavor.

True enough. It IS more Caribbean flavor on that side. The OP mentioned the Pacific coast and I still say that's a good consideration. I've been to both Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta in February. The weather was perfect both places. I think Mazatlan or Zijuat are two other good suggestions.

I'm not against Playa del Carmen but this person specifically mentioned wanting to avoid Cancun.