Traveling destination & hotel suggestions?

Question

I want to take my mom on a surprise trip early January as her late Christmas gift. I took her to Hawai'i last year and we stayed at the Turtle Bay which was great (http://www.turtlebayresort.com/). I'm looking for a similar peaceful, clean beach resort environment in another country. I want it to be somewhat outside of the city and the beach somewhat secluded, not in the middle of all the tourist business. I just want to have a peace of mind and not stress about unpleasant surprises.

My budget is around $250 a night.

Europe and Middle East are not options.

My mom lives in Europe and I grew up there...and we've been to Spain before--I was thinking maybe South/Latin America or Africa somewhere?

Steve: Tx for all the suggestions, I'll look them up.

Ms Sophie: I looked up the hotel, the cheapest room is $550 a night! I love my mom and all but damn, I'm a single woman with a mortgage payment too, have some mercy! LOL

Answer 1

Have you been to Spain yet?

Marbella is beautiful, you can find several beach resorts at that price or less, here's a link I found for you, hope it helps.

http://www.hotel-rates.com/spain/marbella/


Edit:
Dominican Republic - Bavaro Beach or Puntacana, both gorgeous locations and affordable.
Mexico - Ixtapa in Zihuatanejo, beautiful and peaceful.
Those two are all I have from personal experience. Unfortunately, I haven't been to Africa. :-(
Oh, and have you already been to Brasil or San Salvador?
I haven't been yet, but both have great beach resorts.

Answer 2

I can make some destination suggestions, but often can't ever remember where I've stayed exactly and sometimes have only traveled on business and didn't stay at resort hotels anyway.

Some of the great beaches I've visited:

Australia's gold coast. Not sure if you want to go that far or what your airfare budget is, but the beaches are pristine and enormous, like the country in general. Only traveled there on business but did see the beaches and they are pristine and beautiful.

Bermuda. That time of year, it's cool so probably not a good choice, but that tiny island has some very beautiful pink sand coves that you can sometimes have to yourself. The island is safe and absolutely clean.

Saint Martin / Saint Maarten - I've only stayed on the French side (Martin), but that is the clothing optional side, so maybe not the best venue to take your mom. However, again, the beaches are excellent. And you have more non-Americans that Americans.

Dominican Republic - I've only stayed at business hotels there, but I know that the beaches are excellent and the prices can be reasonable.

The list goes on. All the Virgin Islands (American and British) have excellent beaches.

I've not been very helpful in narrowing anything down, but maybe this at least gives you some destinations to consider.

EDIT:

I've been told that Costa Rica is absolutely unparalleled, but that Costa Ricans have a preference for fair skinned people. You could probably get by fine, but I think I'd better skip Costa Rica.

Answer 3

I have traveled the world, and if you had sightseeing in mind, there are some pretty gorgeous places I would have suggested for you to see, but for your chosen type of vacation: Aruba Hyatt resort / hotel is perfect. It is exactly what doctor have ordered. It has pretty nice accommodations, a beautiful beach ( the very best on the island ), good food and a great weather. Look it up and see for yourself.

Edit: It is pretty pricey if you are booking through the Hyatt site. However, I do not know anyone who does that any longer. We search for offers through the discount sites like http://www.beachdestinations.com
http://www.faredeal.com
expedia.com
and such. We also sign up for a daily e-mail updates with package deals through some of these sites. All hotels run promotional sales during major holidays. So, be patient and do some research, it will be well worth your time and effort.

Answer 4

Suggestions:

1. South Africa. Friends visit there a month or so ago, said it was great, cheap, and fun.

2. Belize. Parts of it are still not too touristy.

3. Tulum. Located south of Cancun, more of a vaction sport than a tourist place.

Try a vacation rental. The best known is VRBO.com. Also try homeaway.com.

Answer 5

confident, that's. I first visited Japan on my own and travelled around on my own for 3 months. in case you're planing assorted traveling interior Japan, purchase a JR rail pass in the previous you flow away your place u . s . a .. you will discover that some motels would be reluctant to enable you to reside, as they think of you would be making plans to kill your self (genuine) yet maximum are advantageous. I advise you e book as plenty lodging as you may ahead so which you do no longer ought to seek for something every time you arrive in a wierd place. you in addition to might ought to maintain to the comparable regulations of non-public protection as you may at abode. No walking on my own in quiet places, carry on with busy factors, do no longer flow off with strangers, in no way flow away your beverages unattended etc. you would be approached by employing human beings - some involved in you and the place you come from, some hoping for a loose english lesson and a few to talk you up. You maximum in all threat would be touched up on crowded trains (flow into the ladies in hassle-free terms carriages in the event that they have them, and in case you're touched make a fuss to embarrass the pervert). attempt and study some undemanding jap in the previous you arrive. relax, have relaxing. I had an remarkable time. I stay in Japan now.

Answer 6

Hiya, Lioness. When you say that 'Europe is not an option' do you include Wales in that? (Many of us Brits look on Europe as 'the continent')

If not then think of a nice spot in beautiful Wales.