Vacation Ideas/Advice

My wife and I are looking to get away for a few days this spring.  We've got our passport paperwork ready to go, and all we have to do it pick a place. 

Anyone have any favorite spots in the caribbean/gulf area?  What do you like about it?

We're looking for a quiet beach next to calm, blue water to lay out in the sun for two or three days and drink.  No activities, no snorkelling, no running, etc...  Just laying on the beach and relaxing in the sun.

Any input would be appreciated!

I was going to suggest Thailand until I read "just sitting on the beach and doing nothing". 

Original Post by alibsam:

I was going to suggest Thailand until I read "just sitting on the beach and doing nothing". 

 Although I would like to visit that area of the world someday, we'd like to limit it to a 4-5 hour flight from the American Midwest. 

Original Post by burninlove:

Original Post by alibsam:

I was going to suggest Thailand until I read "just sitting on the beach and doing nothing". 

 Although I would like to visit that area of the world someday, we'd like to limit it to a 4-5 hour flight from the American Midwest. 

 Regina, Saskatchewan.

I'm not sure of the politics, but Sol Cayo Guillermo in Cuba is my idea of perfection.  Gorgeous weather (we usually go toward the end of March), small, very private resort (300 rooms), and the most beautiful beach I've ever seen.

Lots of Americans fly in from Canada or Mexico - they don't stamp your passport in Cuba!

Original Post by burninlove:

My wife and I are looking to get away for a few days this spring.  We've got our passport paperwork ready to go, and all we have to do it pick a place. 

Anyone have any favorite spots in the caribbean/gulf area?  What do you like about it?

We're looking for a quiet beach next to calm, blue water to lay out in the sun for two or three days and drink.  No activities, no snorkelling, no running, etc...  Just laying on the beach and relaxing in the sun.

Any input would be appreciated!

 i went to St. Maarten in 2005, and it was GORGEOUS. i went in the off season, end of September, but i think it would be perfect for what you are looking for. it was definitely a nice low key type of place, not really a party island, though i'm sure you could find a place to party in the high season.

the beaches are amazing, and if you rent a car (it was super cheap!) you can explore and find the nice and more secluded places. most beaches charged $5 a day (probably more now than it was in '05) for a nice padded lounge chair with an umbrella for the day. they'll even bring you cocktails right on the beach some places! 

there really wasn't much for activities other than snorkeling if you wanted to. just a wonderful place to catch sun and relax in an amazing setting.

Original Post by dnrothx:

Original Post by burninlove:

Original Post by alibsam:

I was going to suggest Thailand until I read "just sitting on the beach and doing nothing". 

 Although I would like to visit that area of the world someday, we'd like to limit it to a 4-5 hour flight from the American Midwest. 

 Regina, Saskatchewan.

 oh thonx...why?

My husband I went to Curacao (Dutch Caribbean) for our honeymoon in April 2008.  It was awesome!  We were the only ones on the beach for 2 and a half days, after that it was one other couple.  Everything was really cheap and good.  Not as busy as Grand Cayman, Jamaica, or Mexico can get. 

Also, if you want to look domestically, Palm Island, Florida.  The white sand beaches that go forever without anyone to bother you.  My husband and I are in our 20s and we were the youngest people by about 45 years, but we had a really stressful winter, and we just wanted to chill on the beach.  Those retirement communities have great golfing, food, and quiet bars for you just to relax.  It was the best place to spend a long weekend, we were also coming from the Midwest (Minnesota).

Aventura Spa Palace in Playa Del Carmen

The food and drinks are delicious and the ocean and pool are wonderful.  The staff is friendly and the rooms have a balcony and a private hot tub.  Perfect for couples because you must be at least 18 to be a guest which means NO annoying kids screaming in the pool.  No offense, I know not all kids are annoying...