shubha_r

Hello Fodorites,
Back from summer vacation and need to start thinking about Spring break We are looking at no more than 5-6 nights at end of March, traveling with 2 kids, ages 7 and 11. They both are very well traveled.

Since we did a a big Europe trip in Summer we would like to do a beach get away. But my kids (and us) love to do some adventure stuff, excursions, i.e. zip lining, snorkeling and any other activities they are allowed to do.

Also, we would love to be able to rent a villa this time (preferably part of a resort) to have a different experience.

Here are the places we have been to already:

Bahamas,
Anguilla,
Aruba,
PV, Mexico
St. Thomas and St.John.

Honestly, I didn't like the beach in PV at all, but loved the excursions.

Loved the waters in Anguilla and St.Thomas, but we want to try something new.

Any ideas? I am thinking about Puerto Rico, Belize, Costa RIca (although beach doesn't seem to be that great) and may be different part of Mexico if the water is better than PV.

Thanks a lot for your help,
Kush

virginia

maya riviera coast (south of cancun to tulum) might be nice for you family. loads of villas available (not aware of any that are part of a resort) & tons of things to do. look through locogringo.com for houses & to dos. you kids might enjoy xcaret.com a/or xelha.com - you'll like them too.

shubha_r

Thanks Virginia..

Any other suggestions ?

Kush

optimesp

I would suggest Jamaica. Jamaica's north coast has some of the best white sands beaches in the Caribbean and some of the prettiest clear aqua marine waters I have ever seen - truly breathtaking. Sandals Bay Roc Estate Beachfront Villa Suites in Montego Bay springs to mind. Everything is done for you, all you have to do is have fun. Ziplining, snorkling and many other outdoor activities are available.
www.i-jamaicavacations.com

shubha_r

Thanks optimesp..

Any thoughts about Puerto Rico or Belize?

KVR

I don't think you are going to find the beaches you are looking for in Costa Rica or Belize. Though Belize is one of the best areas to snorkel.

The Caribbean side of Mexico has the nice white sandy beaches and clear water. I agree the beaches in PV are quite sub-par. There are tons of things to see and do off property in the Riveria Maya area of Mexico. Zip lines, eco parks, caves, Mayan ruins, snorkeling, animal reserves.

I haven't been to PR since the 80's, but I vividly remember the tropical forest and waterfalls we went to. To me, and it's just my prespective, it seemed more of a grown up place to vacation. Lots of clubs, bars and casinos. I would like to return someday.

I agree with Jamaica also. Very lush. Great waterfalls, zip lines, bob sleds, caves, river rafting. I would suggest the Ocho Rios area, which is closer to many of the major attractions.

shubha_r

Thanks KVR. Interesting, I never even considered Jamaica, because I don't like to be restricted to just the resort and would love to explore the town. But I was told that's not very safe.

I would definitely look into it now.

May be Playa Del Carmen or the likes too..

Thanks
Kush

KVR

I feel that Mexio was was much better to walk off the resort than Jamaica. We have been going to Mexico almost every year since since 2000 and booked for Cabo this December. We've been to Jamaica twice; Negril and Ocho Rios. In Negril I booked tours from the resort or hired a taxi. In Ocho Rios I hired a diver to take us to the areas we wanted to go. I found Negril less agressive than Ocho Rios. But, more things to see and do in the Ocho Rios area.

If you are interested I have pic of all our vacations posted:

http://community.webshots.com/user/kvrlvn

Bassguy66

I have been to Belize (Ambergris Caye) and I thought the beaches were average at best. Snorkeling from shore wasn't really good because the reef is about 1/2 mile offshore, and you needed a boat to get out there. The people were amazing, and the food options were good and inexpensive. The snorkeling was fantastic once you got out to the reef, but I like to have options from shore (personally).

I stayed in the Riviera Maya area of Mexico this past fall, and it was amazing. The waters are gorgeous. There are many snorkeling ops from shore. The food and lodging options are endless & very affordable. People are very friendly for the most part. I still like St John the best out of all the Caribbean destinations....but Riviera Maya is probably 2nd.

suze

<I never even considered Jamaica, because I don't like to be restricted to just the resort and would love to explore the town. But I was told that's not very safe.>

Depends where you go in Jamaica. I spent 10 days in Negril Jamaica summer of 2010 (part of the trip solo, part with a group of friends). I didn't stay at a "resort" just a normal hotel and I explored all around town on my own. I did not find it unsafe.

suze

Oops, but for what YOU are looking for, for your family, I think the "Mayan Riviera" has exactly what you want. All kinds of organized activities and adventures, plus the amazing ruins, cenotes, etc. etc.

(Just don't want to support the notion that Jamaica is unsafe if you leave your resort)

Patty

<i>There are many snorkeling ops from shore.</i>

Where else besides Akumal has good walk-in snorkeling from shore on the Riviera Maya?

For good walk-in snorkeling in Belize, you would need to stay on one of the cayes on the reef like Southwater or one of the atolls. Southwater does have a nice beach where the Pelican cottages are but there's not a lot to do other than snorkel, dive, fish and kayak on these cayes/atolls. You'd have to go back to the mainland for other adventures. One option if you choose Belize would be to split your stay between the mainland and cayes.

I agree that overall it sounds like the Riviera Maya better fits your needs.

Bassguy66

I was referring to a couple of the Resorts. I stayed at the Palladium, and there is a decent reef off shore on the northern end of their beach. Not as good as Akumal, but pretty good....lots of fan coral. I also was told that the snorkeling was pretty good off the Sirenis Resort. You can also snorkel Yal Ku Lagoon which is just north of Akumal, and a lot of people love it.

Patty

I've snorkeled at Akumal bay and Yal-ku but didn't realize there were other reef areas accessible off the beach, thanks.

shubha_r

Thanks Patty and Bassguy66.

I would def look a little deeper into Riviera Maya. We typically don't want to do all inclusive resorts filled with kids prefer a little more exclusive feel for our stay.

Would really appreciate if anyone have any suggestions regarding the accommodation.

Kush

Bassguy66

There are a ton of condos & villas to rent in that area. Try going to locogringo.com. You will find an Accomodations sections with tons of listings & prices for condos, villas, houses, etc.

KVR

During Spring Break all the family AI resorts will be full of families. The only way to get around that is an adult's only AI, which will not work for what you are looking for.

There are some boutique non-AI hotels around 5th Avenue. Close enough to walk to many great restaurants. Some may include breakfast and/or dinner.

I agree, locogringo.com will be the best option for locating accomendations.

shubha_r

Thanks everyone.

We have come down to Riviera Maya / Puerto Rico (Vieoques) / Jamaica.

Depends which might come out satisfying all of the checklist husband is still stuck on Anguilla or other BVI..

Thanks
Kush

Bassguy66

As beautiful as Anguilla is, I think your kids will be bored to tears there. If you want a (LOT) of choices for activities, you won't find much better that Riviera Maya. Good luck with whatever you decide.

dhutch2

We just came back from Grand Cayman and it was beautiful! Clear and turquoise waters which were very clean. Lovely beaches as well, the people were hilarious and very laid back and friendly. We went to Stingray City which your kids would love! The stingrays (which are sooooo tame) come up to you and eat out of your hand and want you to pet them and hold them. There is the turtle farms, starfish beach, and so much more. Beautiful island which your family would have a great time.