Baha Mar (been before) or a Mexican resort?

[Anonymous]

We are looking for a quick 5-day, 4-night jaunt with our late teens. We have done a lot of on-the-go vacations lately (in the last year, Grand Canyon, Europe, other US cities) and my kids want something simple this summer.

We are deciding between Baha Mar (we have been before) and maybe a new place in Mexico. What we like about Baha Mar is nice resort, nice pools and the days being pretty laid back. I admit I have been wary of Mexico in recent years because of the crime. But of course Nassau also has crime. For those who have been to both Nassau (Baha Mar or Atlantis) and the Mexican resorts, how do they compare both safety-wise and accomodations-wise?

[Anonymous]

You can just as easily get to Puerto Rico, Grand Cayman, St. Martin, etc.

Baha Mar is crowded and overpriced with a not so great beach. The typical Mexican AI scene is similarly crowded with lackluster beaches.

Grand Cayman is safe and easy with much better beaches, boating, fishing, etc.

[Anonymous]

I have been to Baha Mar and to many resorts in Mexico.

I MUCH prefer Mexico. I find the service, food and weather superior to most Caribbean destinations. I have never felt unsafe in Mexico, though we tend to stay at high end resorts and choose to stay on site (mostly because we want to, not safety concerns).

I'm not sure what level of resort you like, but my personal favorites are Rosewood Mayakoba, Nizuc, St. Regis (in Riviera Maya) and Las Ventanas in Cabo. We've also stayed at the Hyatt Ziva in Riviera Maya, which is AI. I was not a fan, but many people love enjoy. I've also heard good things are Grand Velas in Riviera Maya.

[Anonymous]

I don’t think of these as summer places? I would go to Maine or somewhere up in the mountains for personally. Maine has gorgeous weather, domestic so your teens can get around independently, and lots for them to do if they’re outdoorsy. Maybe Bar Harbor? Or the Samoset?

[Anonymous]

I haven't been to Mexico, but was at Baha Mar last year and really didn't like it. Bad food, casino in the lobby with people gambling day and night, beach chairs way too close together. The flamingos were cool though.

[Anonymous]

+ 1 for Grand Cayman. It was safe, the food was great, and the beaches much better than Mexico and Bahamas.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks all! I have been to GC before and I have entertained going back but I worry my teens would be bored. They do like to roam around by themselves, go to different pools and restaurants and I think Baha Mar offers that. Mayakoba looks amazing - just pricey and a longer flight/travel day. Baha Mar is just so easy.

We loved Turks and Caicos but the kids did get antsy after 3 days.Maybe we will go ahead and try Mexico.

[Anonymous]

The Galapagos is good for teens, imo. I know it’s not a resort. Just saying they wouldn’t be bored.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't go to Mexico during hurricane season.

[Anonymous]

Definitely Mexico. Much better service and the beach in the riviera Maya is just as pretty. Spend a day at Xcarat.

[Anonymous]

Take a cruise if your teens enjoy their freedom.