Snowflake Beach Destination Help!
April 22, 2022 11:27 AM Subscribe
In search of the perfect international beach destination that is EASY to help relax after an insane few months. More below the fold.
In search of a 4-5 day beach vacation spot with the following:
- Preferably a direct flight from NYC (a smaller connecting domestic flight is ok too, as long as its easy), roughly 3-5 hours flight if possible.
- Need to wake up, chill, and be able to walk onto the beach.
- Few activities in and around the beach would be great - hiking, snorkeling, surfing, boat rides the like.
- Total budget is roughly $2,000 - $2,500 including flights, but a little flexible there.
- Great food - even if it is all inclusive, food needs to be good.
- Does NOT need to be family friendly - adults only if preferable.
- I have tried searching "hipster beach vacations" and have come up short but thats the general vibe I am looking for.
- COVID restrictions shouldnt be an issue - fully vaccinated and able to do PCR tests prior to the trip.
Come at me with your recommendations!
In search of a 4-5 day beach vacation spot with the following:
- Preferably a direct flight from NYC (a smaller connecting domestic flight is ok too, as long as its easy), roughly 3-5 hours flight if possible.
- Need to wake up, chill, and be able to walk onto the beach.
- Few activities in and around the beach would be great - hiking, snorkeling, surfing, boat rides the like.
- Total budget is roughly $2,000 - $2,500 including flights, but a little flexible there.
- Great food - even if it is all inclusive, food needs to be good.
- Does NOT need to be family friendly - adults only if preferable.
- I have tried searching "hipster beach vacations" and have come up short but thats the general vibe I am looking for.
- COVID restrictions shouldnt be an issue - fully vaccinated and able to do PCR tests prior to the trip.
Come at me with your recommendations!
Isla Mujeres, Mexico. (Isla Holbox if you want something sleepier)
should be direct flights from NYC ~4 hours
not expensive
incredible food (like SERIOUSLY)
super beautiful beach
diving, snorkeling, boat trips, aquatic park with zip line and slave dolphins, if you are into that sort of thing
variety of accommodations on/near beach
very walkable in tourist area
if you decide to go here, I'm happy to provide specific recs for food and some other stuff.
posted by supermedusa at 11:41 AM on April 22, 2022 [7 favorites]
should be direct flights from NYC ~4 hours
not expensive
incredible food (like SERIOUSLY)
super beautiful beach
diving, snorkeling, boat trips, aquatic park with zip line and slave dolphins, if you are into that sort of thing
variety of accommodations on/near beach
very walkable in tourist area
if you decide to go here, I'm happy to provide specific recs for food and some other stuff.
posted by supermedusa at 11:41 AM on April 22, 2022 [7 favorites]
Punta Cana or Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic would meet your criteria.
posted by wierdo at 11:45 AM on April 22, 2022
posted by wierdo at 11:45 AM on April 22, 2022
Seconding Puerto Rico. I have only stayed in San Juan myself, and there are very nice hotels near the beach, but you might want to look into one of the resorts in Rincon. The food in Puerto Rico is wonderful.
posted by BibiRose at 11:46 AM on April 22, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by BibiRose at 11:46 AM on April 22, 2022 [1 favorite]
Bermuda! Less "Margaritaville" than many Caribbean destinations, but gorgeous and easy.
posted by 2soxy4mypuppet at 11:54 AM on April 22, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by 2soxy4mypuppet at 11:54 AM on April 22, 2022 [2 favorites]
Mexico: Cozumel, Cancun, Playa Del Carmen. Per Google 4 hours direct flight from NYC for $750 today to Cozumel. All inclusive resorts from $250 a night right on the beach.
posted by The_Vegetables at 12:16 PM on April 22, 2022
posted by The_Vegetables at 12:16 PM on April 22, 2022
Maybe St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands (4 hour flight)? I prefer St John, as it's 70% national park and has great snorkeling and hiking, but it does require a ferry ride from St Thomas, and there aren't as many boat rides, etc as more populated places. But if it looks good, the ferry is easy and the restaurants are very good.
posted by ldthomps at 3:01 PM on April 22, 2022
posted by ldthomps at 3:01 PM on April 22, 2022
Try searching hotels and condo rentals starting around Destin, Florida or Perdido Key, Florida (southwest of Pensacola, close to the Alabama line). Gorgeous white sand beaches, wonderful seafood, warm waters, usually clear. Avoid Panama City (more family oriented, also 'redneck riviera' attitude in places) - nothing wrong with it except it sounds like it isn't your "vibe".
posted by TimHare at 9:48 PM on April 22, 2022
posted by TimHare at 9:48 PM on April 22, 2022
Came to recommend Isla Holbox too. Many on-beach accommodations, so relaxing.
posted by CheeseLouise at 6:14 AM on April 23, 2022
posted by CheeseLouise at 6:14 AM on April 23, 2022
Aruba is an easy destination. Lots of direct flights. Quick trip from the airport to your hotel. English is spoken, the US dollar is used, it is a safe and friendly place. The Holiday Inn is on the same strip of beach as the fancier resorts and offers a great value. Other nicer places to stay are: Manchebo and Bucuti Beach. The food on island is pretty good, but expensive (things cost more on an island). The Flying Fishbone is a great beach restaurant. The vibe on the island is a mix of locals, Europeans, and New Englanders. The Manchebo tends to feel more European. There's lots of activities in Aruba - golf, snorkeling, parasailing, birding, etc. Or just lay on a white sandy beach under a palapa and stare out at the turquoise ocean... some of the resorts offer meal/drink service to your palapa.
posted by shw at 8:12 AM on April 23, 2022
posted by shw at 8:12 AM on April 23, 2022
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by eotvos at 11:32 AM on April 22, 2022 [2 favorites]