SDA1

Ok, I know the message title is vague but we need some of your help. My wife and I are planning a getaway vacation for next March.

At first we considered Jamaica. We'd like an all-inclusive resort and liked the looks of some of them in Negril. But, we've heard that the guests at some of these places skews a bit older. We're in our early 30s and would like people our age around.

Then we looked into St. Martin but that's not really an all-inclusive type place. It seems like a rental car is necessary too. We want something more relaxing.

So, we've now turing towards Mexico but have never been -- beyond Tijuana, Rosarito, Ensenada.

We'd like a really nice resort -- comfort, good food, really nice beach, lots and lots of great drinks, clear blue water. We'd also like a place that attracts a younger crowd, 20s - 40s (but not a spring break place).

We'd like to spend some quality, romantic time alone together and also be able to drink and party at night when we'd like to.

We considered Hedonism and Desire but that's not quite the type of trip we're thinking about this time around.

I know that's asking a lot but we'd love to hear your suggestions.

I did a quick look at tripadvisort. Does anyone know about Blue Bay getaway?

Thanks again.

SDA1

ttt

Little_Man

I'd put Blue Bay Getaway in a similar spot as Desire/Hedonism. Not an attractive looking place, to me, at least from the road.
cancuncare.com has a lot of info directed specifically at Blue Bay.

pepper131

Are you looking specificaly for a "lifestyle" hotel or a clothing optional hotel.
It helps to know exactly what you are looking for.

MarciaM

It sound like you would love Club Med. You can participate in activities or not, and it has an interesting international clientele.

Marcia

SDA1

Thanks for the responses and help. We're not looking for a lifestyle place at all. Just something with a younger crowd -- not too young, not spring breakers -- and with a fairly vibrant nightlife.

Is Cancun all spring breakers in March? We're planning for the last weekend of the month.

Thanks!

widespreadpanic

I'd say reconsider Jamaica. I've been to Sandals in MoBay, which had it's share of 30-somethings and does a great job of entertainment, Riu Tropical Bay in Negril, which has an absolutely beautiful beach in Bloody Bay, with plenty of shade & loungers, and does an OK job of entertaining, and Beaches in Ocho Rios (now Sandals Grande Sport Villas), which actually had the best entertainment staff and plenty of 30-somethings, but a small beach. If price is no object, any of the three Sandals resorts in MoBay (Sandals Inn only has 50 rooms and is very intimate, but you may spend 15-25 minutes a day taking the free shuttle to one of the other two resorts to take advantage of the larger pools, beaches and better view).

Cancun will have it's share of spring-breakers, although maybe not that late in March. I like Cancun because it is safe and cosmopolitan, and there are lots of clubs there. I'm not familiar with AI's there - I do know there are plenty of restaurants with names you will recognize (Hard Rock, Carlos & Charlie's, Rainforest Cafe, etc.) Cozumel was hit hard a year ago, and even though they have been rebuilding like crazy, the snorkeling & diving were impacted.

It's a fun decision to have to make! Every year a group of us go somewhere warm for a week in Feb., and I love to do the research for the trip, trying to find someplace new & different to go. Good luck!

luvs2pack

I would look in Playa del Carmen. Lots to do but not AS wild as Cancun. I haven't been there in a few years but it was very romantic but lots to do if you wanted to. (Clubs, restaurants ,ect.)

mikemo

There are a handful of great places on the Costalegre (between Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta) www.costalegre.ca
www.topzap.com
We're staying at El Careyes Beach Resort at Christmas.
M (SMdA, Gto.)

Little_Man

You might love the Crown Paradise Spa in Cancun. Adults only, lots of nightlife...people who like to socialize and are a bit younger seem to like it. (not my kind of place, but...) check out the reviews for it on tripadvisor.com. Or check out one of the Rius, they always get good reviews...

Little_Man

ooops, I meant the Golden Parnassus Spa, sorry.

SDA1

I totally agree: half the fun is looking and planning.

Golden Parnassus Spa does look very nice.

I'm surprised that Cancun is so much cheaper than Jamaica. I'm going to look outside Cancun too. Playa del Carmen and elsewhere as well.

Any other comments on Blue Bay Getaway? Is it really only for swinger-types?

summer04

Check out the AI's in Playacar, which is adjacent to Playa del Carmen. Gorgeous beach and lots of beautiful resorts. Try the Iberostar Tucan/Quetzal, Riu Yucatan, Riu Tequila, Royal Hideaway. You can also go downtown Playa del Carmen at night for some good night life for people in their 20's and 30's. Not the Spring Break mentality you'd get in Cancun.