IslandPrincess

I've usually taken my husband each year to a different Caribbean island for his birthday. After 25+ years, am running out of locations that we want to go to or have not yet been to. Thinking I might expand to Central America.
However, I'm not into "nature" (i.e. animals) or hiking or adventure tours.
Would there be any places that would have some amenities (pool, dining, etc.)as well as beach?
Thanks!

Houstont

Costa Rica wonderfull beaches in Guanacaste and South Pacific no need to go on nature hikes etc if you don't want. Bocas del Toro in Panama maybe red frog beach - http://www.redfrogbeach.com

suze

I think Belize on the Caribbean side would come closest to your Caribbean island experiences.

plumboy

Though not Central America technically (I think?), the Caribbean coast of Mexico would fit the bill. Look into Puerto Morelos or Playa del Carmen or Akumal maybe...

suze

I agree with plumboy. While not Central America, Mexico offers everything you are seeking.

mlgb

The road infrastructure in Costa Rica is such that I don't think getting to your resort will qualify as "relaxing". I would agree with perhaps Playa del Carmen.

hsmithcr

mlgb - while the roads in Costa Rica may not be up to your standards, 2 million people a year seem to get over it.

For instance, from the Liberia airport to the northern Pacific beaches is 30-45 minutes. I would imagine that even you could take that! Also - there are domestic flights to many beach locations such as Tamarindo, Quepos and others.

Island Princess: there are over 100 beaches in Costa Rica but it depends on the experience you are looking for. If you are looking for the white sugar sand, turquoise water experience, Mexico or Belize would be better, for sure.

volcanogirl

Check out Victoria House on Ambergris, Belize. Nice pool, beautiful white sand beach with palm trees, pretty water, good food, hammocks, lounge chairs, etc. There is sea grass in the water though, but we still loved it.

mlgb

Someone needs a chill pill. Probably too much driving around potholes and watching out for $$$$$ speed traps.

hsmithcr

mlgb - I live in Costa Rica (and drive all around Costa Rica) so your flippant reason for not visiting Costa Rica kind of hit my Mother Lioness button.

Costa Rica may not be the right choice for the OP, but not because of the roads. Sounds like you must have gotten a speeding ticket!

Chill pill?

suze

Obviously you are more expert than I am... but Costa Rica doesn't exactly pop to the front of your mind when someone specifically says: <I'm not into "nature" (i.e. animals) or hiking or adventure tours.> I thought that's why most people go there.

mlgb

No speeding ticket but I certainly saw the police waiting with their little ticket books all over the place.

Driving was an adventure, but not conducive to relaxation, especially when you also get to worry about not leaving any luggage in your car and watching out for the tire-puncture racket (which I suspect actually did happen to me).

hsmithcr

This is what I wrote:

"Island Princess: there are over 100 beaches in Costa Rica but it depends on the experience you are looking for. If you are looking for the white sugar sand, turquoise water experience, Mexico or Belize would be better, for sure."

So... there are many many beaches in Costa Rica to choose from and beach/water/scuba/snorkeling/fishing/swimming/surfing/eating seafood/walking the beach kinds of activities.

Obviously, I am in the wrong thread. Excuse me while I bow out.

volcanogirl

I have two other locations that you would probably enjoy but they aren't in C.A. Have you been to Hawaii or St. John? We loved both of those as well.

qwovadis

www.robetsgrove.com Belize

www.reservaconchal.com CR

www.hotelvillacaletas.com CR

www.lasolasresort.com Panama Coiba best value

with river run off beaches tend to be a bit browner

if you must have sugar white Belize best

www.runawayhill.com Bahamas PINK beach perfect awesome

lots of rain summer fall go in winter for best weather.

www.maho.org St John also awesome for price.

Happy Hunting,

qwovadis

www.robertsgrove.com scuzi sticky keyboard r

Xanadu Resort Ambergris Belize Cayes also favored by many.

RAC

I'm in the Mexico camp--when we want a beach getaway, we do the Maya Riviera--anywhere from Cancun to Tulum, depending on the scene you want (quiet and chill vs nightlife and gourmet restaurants).

If we want wildlife and nature, we head to Central America.

suze

I also like the Hawaii idea! There or the Mayan Riviera to me really do seem the closest fit and similar in many ways to your 25 yrs in the Caribbean.

JeanH

I'll jump in with another vote for Belize. Ambergris Caye, in particular. Certainly not world class beaches, but the sand is soft and white, the water is clear and blue.

Lots of good restaurants in and close to town.

If you want to eat at a variety of restaurants, I probably wouldn't stay north. Just too much of a hassle getting back and forth. Although, there are some beautiful properties up there.