Does anyone know of an all-inclusive resort that's suitable for a 44 yr old single female? I've never travelled alone so I'm a bit nervous but need to get away!
I'm also looking into hotels but I think and all-inclusive might be better for my first solo venture.
I like hanging out on the beach, doing some sight-seeing, good food, fitness (Yoga, Pilates & Spinning would be a plus but not necessary).
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hi keltravel, I posted on your other thread as well. Unfortunately I don't know anything about all-inclusives or about PDC, but I have often traveled solo to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (~a dozen times). I have had only wonderful experiences each trip.

So while I can't help with details for your specific plans, I will offer encouragement that a sunny beach vacation, on your own, in Mexico has always turned out to be a GREAT idea for me.

Playa is a great solo location! I've done it myself solo but frankly never AI. I can't talk to any of the AI's down there but I do know the beaches in Playacar where most of the AI's are located, are in pretty bad shape right now. What I mean by that is that there is little to no beach left due to erosion. The AI's in Playcar are also some ways from the main 5th ave of Playa where all the great shopping/restaurants are and you'd likely want to cab it back and forth. Currently the beaches north of Playcar in Playa directly are in great shape.
Like I said, Playa is a great location for single travelers and there's a wide range of accomodations many right on the beach and you can easily lounge the day away right in front of your hotel and choices for dining are limitless. Let me know if you want to look at nonAI options and I can make several suggestions.

keltravel,

I stayed a couple years ago at the Aventura Spa Palace in Playa del Carmen.

It was a great 4-day getaway. I'm not a shopper, so no problem for me not to get to town. It is an all-inclusive, so you don't need any restaurants outside the property, either. I also liked the fact that their beach is private. You have to be a guest there to have access to their beach.

They had kayaking and parasailing. I sat in one of the three hot-tubs one evening with a glass of wine, had the best massage I've ever had at the spa. (You just think those little ladies' hands are not going to be strong enough, but it was the best!) Dozens of pools and poolside bars.

Loved it. Food was listed as five-star, but really it is three-star. But I didn't go for the food.

I felt really safe here because of it's private beach, etc. Staff was awesome. Grounds are beautiful. There are a couple of outdoor exercise areas, too. The obstacle course was in the courtyard off my hotel balcony!

Have fun!

Paula

Thanks, everyone! I finally booked at the Bahia Principe Coba so I'm leaving on the 7th for my very first solo trip. My travel agent recommended the resort and I've actually stayed at a Bahia Principe in Tenerife (Canary Islands) so I know I'm going to a great resort. I'm paying more than I wanted to pay ($1800 for the week, including flight ... single supplement was $300) but it was either that or crack up! Work has been ultra-stressful. I've been going through lots of self-reflection lately (as a single woman, not married, no kids, no idea how I ended up this way) so I think I'm ready for a vacation alone. Have a couple of 'self-awareness-type' books to take with me (think I'll cover them so people don't think I'm either loopy or pathetic) LOL
I have a Jr. Suite with Jacuzzi and breakfast nook. Read a few reviews in the Latin America forum and picked up a tip to bring my own coffee to make in the room. Second Cup is the Starbucks rival in Toronto so must pick up a bag of their coffee before going.
I appreciate the help and words of encouragement Suze.
I'll report back.
Buenas Noches.

Congratulations & have a GREAT trip! I often think BEFORE going on a vacation that I will take the time to review my life, stragize, make plans for the future, evaluate my goals, do deep thinking (i'm also single, never married, no kids)...

but once I get to Mexico, I forget ALL about it ;-)

I'll be interested to hear if you even crack open one of those books -lol!

buena suerte, suze