christine79

Hi, I've been doing a lot of searching, but I still can't quite make any decisions at all. So please, give me advice! I'm planning for a 5 to 6-day vacation next year, though I haven't even decided what time of year (depending on when it's not rainy where I decide to go).

This is what I want:

1) beautiful beaches is the important location to me, and I would like to stay at a hotel/resort/inn that is on the beach.
3) Do NOT want to be anywhere crowded or touristy. I'm from NY, I want to get away from the crowds. So secluded is what I am looking for. A nice open beach with not a crazy amount of people on it.
4) I went to Turks and Caicos, and I loved it. So there definitely wasn't a lot of nightlife going on there, but there were still a few restaurants/bars to go to. So no need for a big nightlife. The locals were also very friendly. And the island felt safe.
5) Even if we're not close to an exciting area, we're happy if we can still go see and do some exciting things like fishing or going on a tour to see wildlife. Not really interested in rainforests.
5) Husband loves fishing and kayaking. So fishing is a big deal.

I was looking at Belize or Costa Rica, but I'm not sure which one is better for me. It seems like most people prefer Costa Rica. I don't know what areas are best to stay at either if I chose one of those. I'm open to any other suggestions though also except Mexico. So please let me know, thanks!

christine79

Also for budget, I'm hoping my delta miles will cover the airfare to let me spend a little more on accommodations. Maybe less than $200/night?

christine79

Topping, thanks.

pepper131

Why not Mexico?

christine79

My husband's just not interested in going to Mexico.

I'm leaning towards Costa Rica, I just don't know what areas are not too touristy.

pepper131

That's too bad, there's a particular spot in Mexico that's pretty much exactly what you're looking for.

christine79

What spot is that?

I'm starting to get so confused I'm looking back into the Caribbean. I'm not interested in travelling from different areas to another, but just staying in one spot for 5 or 6 days.

pepper131

It has fishing, remote location, excellent beach, no crowds.

http://www.locogringo.com/siankaan/s...e=Sol%20Caribe

christine79

Ooh, it does look beautiful. I'll check it out, thanks.

pepper131

Also look at Isla Holbox - hotels to check out: Paraiso del Mar and Casa Sandra.

christine79

I had also come across a place called Salamander Hideaway in the northern part of Ambergris Caye, but I haven't found too much about it on here,

pepper131

It looks nice, but I'm not a fan of sea grass in the water so close to shore where I'd swim. It may not bother you; it bothers me.

christine79

Okay thanks.

Katie_Valk

Salamandre is closed. Look at Portofino, Mata Chica, Victoria House, Kanantiik, Hamanai and Roberts Grove in Belize.

ewesthoff

Mayan Riviera in Mexico is no more crowded or touristy than Ambergris Caye, and in my opinion, cheaper and nicer. The beaches are alot nicer because there is no seaweed. You really don't know how bad it is until you walk into the water and sink in the stuff. I am not squimish at all, but his really was unpleasant. I also love Costa Rica and would recommend Mal Pais or Samara. Beautiful beaches, inexpensive and incredible people. Eitehr way, have fun.

christine79

I found this place on Mal Pais that looks gorgeous called Casa Chameleon. I will look into it, thanks.

shillmac

Definitely check that out. It has gotten rave reviews on this board. That area of Costa Rica (what am I saying? Everyone knows I love ALL the areas!) is gorgeous--Malpais/Ste. Teresa is a lovely beach area.

christine79

Unfortunately when I checked into Casa Chameleon, it is $225/night which was a little expensive, but then $265/night with 16% tax! It's a little out of our price range and plus I am worried how expensive it would be to get from the airport to the island because we don't plan on renting a car.

It does look like such a beautiful area though. Such a shame. I'm actually looking into Anguilla now.

shillmac

christine79,
Wow--that is expensive--probably accounts for the excellent reviews. It's out of our price range as well--most of the time. We splurge occasionally, but for the most part travel in the budget-moderate range.

Just for clarification, that area of Costa Rica isn't an island--it is on the Nicoya Peninsula. Airfare (roundtrip) from the international airport near San Jose would cost you between $150-$180 per person. There are several great hotels in that area should you renew your interest. . .

As for Anguilla, I'm assuming you are posting on the Caribbean board. If so, you should be hearing from "nonstop" who occasionally posts on this board. He is an Anguilla expert and, although, I've not been there, it looks like a great place.

We enjoyed Tortola and Virgin Gorda this past summer. The BVI area is beautiful. We enjoyed great weather there in mid June. Definitely you will find "prettier" beaches in the Caribbean than in Costa Rica, if you are looking for white sand beaches and turquoise water.

christine79

Actually I just did some calculating and my delta miles should cover one round trip plane ticket leaving me with one ticket to cover and then 5 nights at the Casa Chameleon. The price is not too bad altogether...ugh, I'm so torn between this and Anguilla. They're both gorgeous.