Family in need of a destination!

My parents are generously taking my grandma, my sisters, my girlfriend, and me on a trip this February. The only problem is we have no idea where to go.

We are looking for a single place to stay for 7 to 10 days that would accommodate all 7 of us, with ages ranging from 20 to 82, with the following considerations (in order of importance)
Easy to get to, comfortable (3-5 stars or a condo), and convenient for getting around
Activities, esp. surfing, scuba diving, and fishing
A nice beach
Good day trips
Maybe a little night life
Spanish speaking (I like to get in all the practice I can)
Outside of the regular tourist destinations

So, I have pretty much given up trying to find a place that will suit our needs, and come to you for help. Any recommendations would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance!
-Andrew

"3-5 stars" vs. "Outside of the regular tourist destinations". That is a contradiction in terms.

I disagree. But I suppose it depends on your definition of 'the regular tourist destination[s]'. I'm always surprised at how many out of the way places have high end accommodations. But, again, I suppose that would depend on your definition of 'out of the way'. Also, being outside of the regular tourist destinations was shown as last on the list of importance... not a requirement, just a consideration of low importance.

This doesn't fit everything on your list, but I can highly recommend Curacao in the Dutch Antilles. If you search Curacao on this site you will see quite a bit of positive information. The Marriot Hotel is also highly rated, and fairly reasonable. If you are leaving from certain cities in the US, a travel agent might be able to get you a deal with Apple Vacations. The Curacao trips often fill up by the end of Sept. but if you are lucky enough to get some spots, you might be able to fly direct.

This hotel and island are really wonderful for families and anyone starting to explore the Caribbean. You can see the lights of Venezuela at night, and fishing boats dock in the harbor to sell fresh fruit and fish. A truly lovely place, and not too busy with tourists. Snorkeling is amazing in shallow water behind the hotel.

I think it's going to be hard to find a place with everything on your list, but how about this:


Xaloc, Isla Holbox

or this:

Eco Paraiso, Celestun

Isla Holbox is a remote bug ridden hamlet that appeals to very few and I can't see any 82 year old individual being impressed with the long transfers from Cancun or kids like being eaten alive by bugs-there's is exactly SFA to do there.

Oh. I guess that wasn't such a great suggestion, then. I didn't know about the bug problem on Holbox - I've been to several areas of the Yucatan, and bugs were never a big problem.

I think Celestun might work for the family, though. I haven't been there myself (although it's on my list), and it seems to offer much of what AnTa46 is looking for. The family can all take a boat trip to see flamingo colonies, there are lots of cenotes in the area for the ones who like to swim, and I've read that Celestun has lots of neat little restaurants that serve local food. Also, the Merida airport isn't too far away, so it won't be a terribly long drive to get to and from.

i realize advertising isn't allowed, but you should look at Culebra, PR (we just bought a guesthouse here). spanish speaking, surf, scuba, fishing great beaches, easy to get around. east to get to, too, so you don't waste too much travel time. you can email (palmettoculebra@yahoo.com) me privately for more info./pix if you'd like. Culebra really sounds like it could meet your needs. good luck planning your trip!
Terrie

#5, I know several couples in their 70's and 80's who spend their winters on Isla Holbox. I've never heard a one of them complain about the ride to get there. In fact, some of them take the bus. We spend 2 weeks there with our grandsons every summer and they absolutely love it. Yes there are bugs, but some deet at sunrise and sunset generally takes care of the problem.

I was going to ask you what SFA means; but considering the tone of your post, I don't think I want to know. I'm assuming you or some you know didn't have a very good time on Holbox ;)