Riviera Maya vs. Punta Cana vs. ?

[Anonymous]

I have had a very difficult start to my year with both my parents dying within ~2 weeks of each other. Really just looking for an easy, laid back vacation where I can just lay in the sand, play with my kids, soak up the sun, etc. and forget about the world around me for a bit. I was thinking all-inclusive, but suggestions on where? I am open to non all inclusive but we've done them before and liked them (actually, we didn't like our hotel itself but like the concept...if that makes sense).

It will be my husband, two kids ages 5 and 3, and me. Hoping to go last two weeks in April or first week of May. Budget is $5000.

[Anonymous]

Club Med in Punta Cana

Beaches in Turks & Caicos

Any of the high end hotels in the Mayakoba area of Mexico

[Anonymous]

Dreams

[Anonymous]

Beaches Turks & Caicos for 2 weeks will not be affordable on a $5k budget for a family of 4.

[Anonymous]

It will be much cheaper for you to rent a condo or villa on a beach somewhere, if you'll be there 2 weeks. The rate will be far lower than a hotel.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It will be much cheaper for you to rent a condo or villa on a beach somewhere, if you'll be there 2 weeks. The rate will be far lower than a hotel.

totally and you can then factor in car/gas/flight/food.

[Anonymous]

I think the DR is slightly cheaper than Mexico, but there is less chance/reason to go off resort (which may be fine for you). You might look at the Hard Rock Punta Cana, it's very nice and as long as you miss the spring break rush I think it's pretty family friendly (might be worth checking reviews, esp for that time of year).

In Cancun, it depends a little if you really want a nice beach or if a nice pool is enough-- some of the newer AIs (sun or mooon palace?) a little south of Cancun have built where the beaches can get seaweedy but they are still nice places.

sorry for your losses

[Anonymous]

I didn't take OP to say she was going for two weeks-- more that she was planning for some time from mid April to early May.

[Anonymous]

Dreams is the place to go.

Punta Cana is less expensive and offers better service because the DR needs tourism. People will always go to Mexico. Both are great but I find service in the DR to be higher even thought it costs less to go there. That said Dreams in the DR was first so it's older, not as new, but still fantastic!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I didn't take OP to say she was going for two weeks-- more that she was planning for some time from mid April to early May.

Yes, sorry if I wasn't clear. We will be going for one week and want that one week to fall over the last two weeks in April or the first week of May.

[Anonymous]

Liked Mexico better than DR. Check out Azul Beach it is 20 miles south of the CUN airport. all inclusive with a kids club. Good luck and sorry for your loss OP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Liked Mexico better than DR. Check out Azul Beach it is 20 miles south of the CUN airport. all inclusive with a kids club. Good luck and sorry for your loss OP

I second Azul Beach. We usually do their sister property Azul Fives because we like the separate bedroom and its closer to Playa del Carmen, but you will find something great at all of their family-friendly properties.

[Anonymous]

We've been to both and much prefer Riviera Maya. We are going in March with our 4 and 2 year olds. Look into the Fairmont Mayakoba, or Rosewood if you can afford it. I'm so sorry for your loss.

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry about your loss. In my opinion, between the two, Riviera Maya wins, hands down. DO you have a Costco membership? If so, look at the travel packages through Costco Travel. You get all sorts of cash back and upgrade options.

[Anonymous]

I want to go to a phish concert on the Maya!