fllady

We're planning a vacation somewhere warm for Jan. or Feb. of '07, but we aren't sure yet whether we would like to go to the Caribbean or Mexico. If we go to Mexico, what's the best place to go for our first visit? We're looking for sightseeing, beautiful beaches, a resort feel (moderately priced), and good food. AI isn't necessary. I've heard Playa Del Carmen is nice. Where else should we consider?

TIA!

ONZGO

I can personally recommend the Barcelo Maya resort just south of Playa del Carmen. Don't go to Cancun because it is so Americanized now and party central, but go further south to the Mayan Riviera where it is more like old Mexico with wonderful new all inclusive resorts.

We have travelled a fair amount in the Caribbean and Mexico and the Barcelo Maya resorts is the first time we have choosen to be repeat visitors. The Barcelo Maya resorts are very good value for the money and quite often you can get great sell-off for these resorts. They are on a large quite private cove of long beach (great for walking) and has on site snorkelling. We haven't been to their 2 new resorts of the Colonial & Tropical, but pictures I have seen of them are beautiful and they are also on this long stretch of one of the best beaches in this area of Mexico. There are Mayan ruins to explore, shopping in Playa del Carmen, ecological parks to check-ou and cenotes to swim and snorkel in as well. Lots to do or not to do, it is your choice, in this area of Mexico. Here is a ultimate website for this resort, where you can see lots of pictures, get good information and ask your questions on their forum.

http://www.unofficial-barcelo-maya.com/

Here is a statistical weather averages link for this area of Mexico, which will give you an idea of what to expect for each month of the year in the way of temperatures, rainfall, etc.

http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/w...efer=&units=us

Hope I have been of some help. Have a great vacation no matter where you go.

suze

I think somewhere on the Mayan Riviera is a perfect mix of Mexico and the beauty of the Caribbean. Playa del Carmen and/or along the coast.

Little_Man

Playa's fantastic, but Puerto Vallarta, on the Pacific Coast has a more Mexican feel, and is great, too.

Most of the more deluxe resorts around PDC are not right in town, and most are Als.
A new resort (maybe a little pricy) not far out of PDC is the Mayakoba. It is amazing.
All the other non Al resorts that are great, like the Hilton, are in Cancun. I like Cancun ... great restaurants, beaches, but most on the travel board here think it's too "Miami Beach". And it's still a little beat up from Hurricane Wilma, though it's making a remarkably quick comeback!
PDC has plenty of small, well priced boutique hotels that aren't fancy...your money can go a long way at some of these small hotels. But don't expect resort type luxury.

suze

ah Frankie, you do know how I love Puerto Vallarta. but I hestitate to recommend to someone seeking "beautiful beaches"... while PV certainly has a resort feel, is moderately priced, with fantastic food available, I hesitate to recommend it for someone seeking a Caribbean type sea.

Little_Man

you're right Suze, the beaches don't compare, but Puerto Vallarta's other charms can make up for it!