I've been to the Playa del Carmen area over the last 10 years and Curacao once. Can't go to Cuba. Haven't been to St. Martin.

The sand in Mexico is softer than Curacao. The water clarity is about the same. There are more things to see and do off property; Mayan ruins, cenotes, eco parks, ATVs, Zip lines. I found better snorkeling in Mexico than Curacao. The topography in Mexico is more hilly and jungle. Curacao, to me, looked like Arizona with a beach.

5th Avenue is Playa del Carmen is blocks and blocks of pestredrian walkway with tons of restaurants, bars, shops, entertaniment, and shopping.

If you are looking for amazing beaches and water look at Turks and Cacios, Grand Cayman, The Grenadines or Anguilla. To me, Aruba's Eagle Beach is nicer than Curacao. I've been to many Caribbean Islands and Mexico. Curacao did not impress me compared to other destinations.

THANK YOU kvr.

Have been to Curacao and to Varadero but not to Mexico (but I intend to). Varadero is a purpose built strip of hotels that goes on for miles with nothing much around it. We stayed in one of the most expensive ones (which was not expensive at all but thought we should pay for a better hotel) which was right at the end of Varadero. The beach varies in quality depending which part of Varadero you are on. We didn't have great weather so the sea was not calm but I know lots of other people who go regularly and the sea/beach is stunning when calm.

Not sure I would go again though, I would try the cayos when I go to Cuba again. For me, Havana was the highlight and Varadero a bit disappointing (perhaps due to the sea conditions). If you scuba dive, I don't recommend Varadero, only from the non-existent basic health & safety aspect.

We really liked Curacao, the beaches were beautiful e.g Knip Beach and the West End, but I can see why someone would not like Curacao, as it's not primarily a tourist island plus the landscape is desertlike.

thank you odin