My husband, and well behaved (and not too demanding) 10 year old daughter are hoping to visit Mexico between 13 December 2008 and early January 2009. Ideally we love, gorgeous beaches (doh), bays rather than large strips, shallow rather than steeply shelved, accommodation with sea views, somewhere to walk in the evenings, but not being too far from where the action is in the evenings. When I say action, I mean being able to put some fresh clothes on, sit in a bar and watch the world go by, then maybe have a lovely meal, and maybe a nightcap - again watching the world go by. Sadly, we're not up to the 'going by' ourselves anymore, but we do like to watch!

I'm worried that Cancun is too over commercialised and resorty - but maybe that's better for us given our 'entertainment' preferences.

We'd prefer to pay for a good venue and environment so at the moment, cost isn't an issues ... advice?

RC Cancun best of breed...

The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun: A Luxury Hotel & Resort in Cancun, Mexico
The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun, where the exotic Mexican Caribbean and exceptional luxury meet. From the white sand beaches at your doorstep http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Proper...un/Default.htm

Playa del Carmen...good restaurants, people watching, beaches and shopping. Also quiet north end of town but that time of year is pretty busy if you don't have a reservation already. Do you want AI, condo, or small hotel?

Check out Isla Mujeres. Often described as a backpacker's Cancun. Very laid back. Stunning beaches. A short ferry ride from Cancun. It sounds like you'd like it.

www.isla-mujeres.net/

Playa or Isla are both great destinations with tons of great small hotels and restaurants. If I read correctly, you are planning this for the 2 weeks of Christmas/NYE? If so you're going to have very limited options left. Those are the two biggest weeks down there and accomodations book 12 months or more in advance.

Good luck, I LOVE the Mayan Riveria.

It is also very expensive at that time no matter where you go.
I would go to a travel agent just because it may be easier to have them search what's available.

I would suggest contacting a travel agent to explore all inclusive resorts that include children. They all have multiple restaurants, bars, excursions, childrens activities, pools, are ususally on the beach and most have included fitness centers. The included excursions are very plentiful and are good for many different physical abilities and usually include some of the Myan ruins. My travel agent was able to get me much better air fares than I could booking on line. Transportation from the airport to the resort is included. Some resorts can book excursions to swim with the dolphins for additional fees.