Riviera Maya vs St. Maarten

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Oct 10th, 2010, 10:48 AM

TravelKat9

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Riviera Maya vs St. Maarten

My boyfriend and I are looking to go on vacation at the end of the month (fast approaching, I know). We had friends tell us we should visit Dominican Republic, but none of them have actually visited for themselves. After a lot of what appears to be pointless research, I just don't see Domincan Republic as being a good fit. I previously posted a question about DR on this site and someone said for us to try Riveria Maya instead and stay in the Playa del Carmen area. Now we have people saying St. Maarten is the place to be........ We went to Puerto Rico last year at this time and loved it. We are a younger couple who likes to enjoy the night life, but appreciates the land and culture. Not looking for a HUGE resort type area, as we would like to "eat what the locals eat". Any suggestions?!?!? Please and Thank you!!!

Oct 11th, 2010, 04:03 AM

RAC

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The Riviera Maya offers a tremendous diversity of cultural and outdoor activities and attractions--cave snorkeling/scuba diving, Mayan ruins, coral reefs, etc etc etc.

Oct 11th, 2010, 04:47 AM

schmerl

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You will experience more "local culture" in the Riviera Maya area then St. Martin. There are All inlcusive resorts, non AI resorts, small boutique hotels, condos right in Playa. THere is a lot of exploring to be done in the area also.

Oct 11th, 2010, 06:25 AM

sassy_cat

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I prefer the Riviera Maya to St. Martin because the beaches and snorkeling are better.
We usually stay in Akumal but Playa has more nightlife.
Try looking for accommodation on locogringo and check reviews on Tripadvisor

http://www.locogringo.com/

Oct 11th, 2010, 07:47 AM

KVR

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We've been going to that area of Mexico for the last 10 years and returning in again in December. We has always stayed at large/medium AI resorts, but this trip we decided on a non-AI boutique hotel on 5th Avenue.

5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen has lots of nightlife and tons of resturants and bars. Lots of things to do off property like Mayan ruins, cenotes, caves, zip lines, eco parks, etc.

I agree to check out locogringo.com We were orginally going to stay at the Mahekal Beach resort, but ended up booking at Playa Palms.