Beach Vacation Destinations?

[zthiel]

My wife and I age 30 are looking to go on a vacation this fall. We have been to Playa Del Carman, Cancun, and St Martin and really enjoyed them all. We are looking for a new destination and need some help. We can do all-inclusive or not, they both have their advantages. We aren't into the party scene or need to have crazy nightlife(we can do that on our own). We enjoy eating good food, nice beaches, and will be leaving our 1 year old at home for the first time so preferably no children. We are looking for something under $4,000 total, live in Oklahoma but can fly out of Dallas if it make sense to. Let me know if you have any must visit locations(somewhere safe-ish).

 

[Marshal Jim Duncan]

We are going to Ambergris Caye, in Belize in January. Belize is very reasonable and SWA flies there now.

Also, Sandals has resorts in Jamaica and the Bahamas that are no kids, and SWA flies to both of those places as well.

Went to Sandals White House in Jamaica in December and enjoyed it.

 

[100TonsofOrangeFury]

What OG does not disclose to you is that he only frequents "clothing optional" resorts, so take it with a grain of salt if this is not your thing too.

 

[osu2082]

Any of the Sandals resorts are good although at most it will push your stated budget.

Excellence in Punta Cana is very nice.

Occidental resort in Costa Rica is great.

These would all be AI adults only resorts.

 

[Marshal Jim Duncan]

Here's where we are staying in Belize: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_R...os-San_Pedro_Ambergris_Caye_Belize_Cayes.html

Like I said, very reasonable.

 

[JonnyVito]

Go to Maui if you are interested I can hook you up with some places to stay. I love Maui it is my favorite place to go.

 

[JonnyVito]

By hook up I mean give you some names of places I don't get a discount unfortunately.

 

[zthiel]

What OG does not disclose to you is that he only frequents "clothing optional" resorts, so take it with a grain of salt if this is not your thing too.

On our honeymoon we went to St. Martin and stayed in Grand Case Bay. It was basically a quiet cove with tons of restaurants...fantastic. One day we went to Orient beach and it was clothing optional which was not my wife's favorite. At the end of the beach there was a full nude section and we couldn't resist making a pass through(sunglasses on) it was hilarious. There were probably 150+ people on the beach that day in groups chatting, playing cards, and tanning. Not one of them was under the age of 65 I guarantee it...except this guy that looked just like the big guy from The Green Mile. I had to tell my wife to close her eyes....dang. Anyways it was a real discrete beach no one was making a big fuss until my wife told me I should strip down. This is where things took a turn. Everyone started cheering for me as I made my way to the ocean. I didn't know if it was because I was a newbie(tan lines) or if they were just excited to have some youth running around...but it was uncalled for haha. We had a good experience and I'm not saying we wouldn't go back. The only other uncomfortable part was when we were clothed laying out, they(some spry 70 year olds) wheeled up this 90+ year old lady that couldn't walk. She was on a beach lounger with wheels full nude and wanted to chat it up with my wife and I. That was something I could live without ever happening again.

 

[Marshal Jim Duncan]

I have been to Orient Beach. Quite a few years ago. It was a trip.

 

[zthiel]

Go to Maui if you are interested I can hook you up with some places to stay. I love Maui it is my favorite place to go.

I'd love to go to Hawaii but I figured it would be too expensive. What does it usually cost to fly out there?

 

[zthiel]

St. Martin was my favorite vacation so far. We are wanting to go to Turks and Caicos for our 5 year anniversary in 2018. It gets expensive flying to the Caribbean. I need to get a credit card that kicks back some airline miles.

 

[Marshal Jim Duncan]

St. Martin was my favorite vacation so far. We are wanting to go to Turks and Caicos for our 5 year anniversary in 2018. It gets expensive flying to the Caribbean. I need to get a credit card that kicks back some airline miles.

That's why I mention SWA. I have charged everything possible on my SWA card for probably 10-12 years. Plus my wife has been able to fly free (virtually - they charge airport security fees)) with me via a companion pass for the last 4-5 years. SWA doesn't have black out days anymore and they do not bump those on frequent flier miles or companion pas.

 

[JonnyVito]

It cost around 1,000 to 1,200 for an airline ticket round trip per person. We stay at a place that has a full kitchen condo and it runs about 173 or something a night. We do stuff all day so I don't care to have a top notch room but they are not to bad either. About average on the hotel. What will get you is food so two people need about 1,500. Maybe I need to check these numbers with the wife to make sure I am right.

We did a two week cruise last year and hit up like 6 islands that was pretty fun also. Bonaire is the coolest place I have ever dived but it would be a dive vacation. Barbados is a really nice place with tons of sweet beaches. I am not fond of Aruba or Jamacia. I hated Jamacia in fact and will never go back. Grenada is a really cool place and was beautiful. St Lucia is nice but only if you stay at an all inclusive resort.

I really want to plan a trip to the Keys somewhere a bit off the beaten path though.

 

[cableok]

We are going to Ambergris Caye, in Belize in January. Belize is very reasonable and SWA flies there now.

I strongly second Ambergris Caye. We went there in spring of 2012. We loved it so much we are going again next month for another week.
Ambergris Caye is located next to the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world so fantastic diving. The town of San Pedro is fun. Great restaurants. You drive by golf cart, not a car, on the island.

We are staying in same resort/condo that we stayed last time. Name is Grand Caribe. Highly recommend.

 

[StillyCowboy]

Surprised my wife for her 30th with a trip to St Thomas and we VRBO'd a house on Megan's Bay. I lived in St. Martin on the Dutch side for a year - loved it and have been back multiple times but prefer St. Thomas to Martin. Some of the most beautiful beaches and landscape.

PLUSES: no need for a passport and your phone works without any additional charges (unless T Mobile). Also, tremendous food options on the island.

 

[GoPokes43]

Another vote for St. Thomas. Incredibly beautiful island with lots of vegetation and hills/mountains with many great beaches in the coves. With most of the island being a national park, it doesn't have the built up feel of other places. And, you're an easy ferry ride from St. Johns to go into big town where there is shopping, etc. if you want to do that.