Alex and I are already dreading the NYC winter, so we're planning to take Toby on a little beach getaway this coming February. (He'll be nine months old!) We're thinking maybe Tulum, Mexico, or Sanibel Island, Florida, but I'd LOVE to ask: Do you have any recommendations of places you've liked? xo(Photos by Nastya and Jacinta)
I've always wanted to go to Tulum or Ixtapa. I've heard they're both beautiful! My favorite beach vacation was to Costa Rica. We went to Manuel Antonio and it was incredible. There were monkeys and sloths and gorgeous tropical jungles just steps away from the beautiful sandy beaches. I highly recommend it!
ReplyDeleteBoth are great! but Id have to go with Santibel Island, Florida... My grandparents lived there and we grew up going every year. beautiful beautiful place (captiva island is my very favorite!)
ReplyDeleteWe've been to Turks and Caicos a few times and it's been incredible! We stay on Pine Cay and the beaches are pristine and isolated. Highly recommended!
ReplyDeletehawaii, hawaii, hawaii!
ReplyDeletehooray for beach holidays!
ReplyDeletefor us left-coasters, san jose del cabo is our version of tulumn. sleepy beach bungalows, fresh shrimp ceviche and yummy margaritas are our idea of a perfect getaway.
if we were on the east, a jaunt to the florida keys, like the casa marina in key west, would be fantastic!
wishing you, toby and alex a wonderful weekend!
xo,
sylvie of silver lining
playa del carmen, in Mexico.
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful spot that isn't TOO too touristy (most of the tourists end up in Cancun). Cobblestone streets, a beautiful beach... ahh. Can I come?!
My brother currently lives in Sanibel teaching lessons at the sailing school. Him and his girlfriend love it there. They bike everywhere and say the scenery is so beautiful and peaceful.
ReplyDeleteCould you please go to Santorini for me and then tell me ALL about it??
ReplyDeleteThe Dreams Riviera Cancun is really nice and great for people with young children!
ReplyDeleteAs the travel restrictions (I believe) now make it possible for Americans to travel to Cuba, I would highly recommend it! There are beautiful beaches, the people are SO warm and lovely, and most importantly - I'm sure it would be completely inspiring for two writers to experience what inspired Hemmingway so. Also, I fear that it will start to change and lose much of what makes it special, even if many changes are positive - a lot of what is there is quite special, too.
ReplyDeletewe just went down to playa del carmen for our honeymoon, spent a day in tulum, and loved it! beautiful clear blue water and white sand beaches...missing it right now...
ReplyDeleteI totally come up with "things to look forward to" - it helps on those rough days (like the grey weather in Boston currently). I always love consulting the top-40 listings on airbnb to see what looks intriguing to me. I've heard Tulum is stunning!
ReplyDeleteBecca
Tulum. We spent our second honeymoon there. I fell like I need to go back.
ReplyDelete9 months? Are you sure? Time has flew past! Enjoy your Vacay!
ReplyDeleteGeorgie
xx
http://styleprincessdiaries.blogspot.com
Sanibel is soo beautiful and relaxing. I'd go there!
ReplyDeletexx
Michal
I recently went to Ocean City, Maryland & I loved it there. There is a beach near it called Assateague Beach where there are wild horses on the beach. It's cute! I think planning a beach getaway is a great way to get your mind off the winter. It's already getting cold here in NY!! Good luck with the planning!!
ReplyDeletewell i'm planning a cruise in Jan (2 weeks) and all inclusive in Nov (this year) .. don't know where yet - but thinking Punta Cana (best price)
ReplyDelete*kiss kiss*
Happy Weekend
Erika
~Tiptoe Butterfly~
Try Harbour Island, Bahamas. It's really easy to get to if you fly Jet Blue. Also, it's very quite and lovely. They're famous for their pink sands! It has the most BEAUTIFUL beaches and you might just G.Clooney if you're there :)
ReplyDeleteI have hotel recommendations for you if you decide to go!
Punta Cana in Dominican Republic is amazing and really calm water (which is great for families).
ReplyDeleteI've also been to Ixtapa in Mexico, it was amazing ad I strongly recommend it too.
xoxo
joiedevivre-chiara.blogspot.com
NOT Sanibel! My hubby and I went there for our honeymoon 3 years ago ... not so great. Captiva Island (next door) was a little prettier. I just want to spare you from the disappointment we suffered!
ReplyDeletewe're going on our late honeymoon to playa de mujeres in mexico early november! i can't wait. it has been great to have this amazing holiday to look forward to. i want to avoid the cold english weather as much as i can!
ReplyDeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was little my parents took me to La Paz, Mexico which is about 2 hours north of Cabo. It was a small town that wasn't touristy at all and beautiful! There are small beaches near by which are amazing....the water is clear blue, the people are nice, and the crowds are minimal.
I hear Tulum is wonderful! Although, with all the problems in Mexico right now, maybe stick to Floria?
ReplyDeleteI love Zihuatanejo & Troncones, Mexico. It's beautiful, people are small-town friendly, the beaches are really nice, and because it's close to a larger town Ixtapa (which is GROSS), flights are reasonable.
ReplyDeletethat sounds like a perfect idea! the mr and i already have a cruise planned for february. my first one ever and i'm stoked!!!
ReplyDeleteSanibel/Captiva Island! My favorite!
ReplyDeletehaha, georgie, he'll be nine months next february...he's only three and a half now :)
ReplyDeletethis might be a lame question, but do you think it would be OK to take a baby to Mexico -- just in case he drank the bath water or pool water and got sick? i've heard of people getting sick from the drinking water. but am i just being neurotic? xoxo
ReplyDeleteps. thanks for these amazing recs!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI need sun and warmth ... we went to Italy one March and although it was a wonderful 3 weeks ... it was chilly, sweater, laer up weather. Punta Cana and Cozumel have been relaxing, exciting with lots to do. Jennifer
ReplyDeleteOh, good thinking! We went last winter to Holbox, and island off the coast of Mexico around where Cancun is. Very private, very beautiful and very laid back. We loved it.
ReplyDeleteNow I feel bad because other people have recommended Ixtapa. Ixtapa was constructed by the Mexican government as a tourist destination. It's mostly big hotels, which isn't really my scene. If you go into the smaller towns you get the same pretty beaches without the crowds.
ReplyDeleteStay at Zamas in Tulum. Great private beach to play and only 30 minutes away from Playa del Carmen if you need a little more action.
ReplyDeleteWe stayed at Cabo Azul last Christmas and absolutely loved it! It's the perfect place as they have two restaurants on the grounds, several bars, two pools, a grocery store, and anything else you could need! It was heaven on earth! And the staff is fantstic!
ReplyDeletexo
www.lovelifelace.com
I grew up going to Sanibel/Captiva every year. It is such a low key, beautiful place--perfect for Toby to "hang" :) Also, the water is that wonderful blue-green that you long for on a beach vacation. Added bonus: it's really easy to get to from the east coast! Especially important while traveling with a 9 mo old!
ReplyDeleteI don't have any recommenations, but I like reading everyone else's suggestions. Just the planning of a trip to somewhere warm makes the cold more bearable!
ReplyDeleteI have been going to Sanibel every year since I was born (I'm now 25). I also got married on Sanibel. It's a wonderful, beautiful, peaceful place, only a short plane ride away. There's great biking, shelling and incredible wildlife. Definitely go to Sanibel!!! I'd recommend Casa Ybel Resort on Sanibel or South Seas Plantation on Captiva, Sanibel's sister island.
ReplyDeleteI feel like I'm going to sound like a broken record with all the other comments, but Tulum and Punta Cana are two of the most gorgeous places I've ever been. Either is a great choice. Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo is also great if you want Pacific Ocean.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good plan!! I really like the Bahamas - Paradise Island. Have fun planning!!
ReplyDeleteI get SADD during summer, because it's so hot here! I always want to leave and go somewhere cold. :] I think pool water is ok, because it's treated.. but regarding bathwater, all I can think about is the scene w/Charlotte from Sex & The City!
ReplyDeletemy vote is for Sanibel-- you can rent bikes and go from top to bottom of the islands (Sanibel and Captiva) with Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge in between. The beaches are really beautiful and the sand is unlike any in the area, so soft!
ReplyDeleteIf you are feeling esp. adventurous you can take the Key West Express from Fort Myers Beach to Key West in 3 hours. Makes a good day trip or overnight. Key West is a world unto itself!
Tulum is awesome, but depending on how much time you have, it kinda stinks to waste it on transit, customs, etc...
Enjoy!
I have to say Tulum is just lovely. I went there years ago and was in heaven. Isla Mujeres is pretty breathtaking as well... especially for those who love to sail (!)
ReplyDeleteHonestly, with a baby all you really need is a direct flight, a nice beach, and a hotel room with a fridge and balcony with a view so you guys can enjoy yourselves after Toby goes to bed. They're still pretty easy at nine months and will nap in the stroller while you're at the beach. Have fun planning! That reminds me - I need to think about our winter get-out-of-Boston trip!
ReplyDeleteTulum is amazing! Have a blast ;)
ReplyDeleteYou could come trade houses with us and visit fabulous San Diego:)
ReplyDeleteIf you are thinking Florida. Anna-Maria island is fantastic.Best kept secret in Florida. We went when our son was 9 months old. It's a very very quiet place.
ReplyDeletehttp://tinyurl.com/259dcj2
Roatan, Honduras. Amazing, amazing, amazing. Check out the mayan princess resort. http://www.mayanprincess.com/
ReplyDeleteCrooked Island, Bahamas. Hands down.
ReplyDeleteI know it is so typical but Hawaii is AMAZING. The food, beaches, snorkelling, etc. I want to go back!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHey!
ReplyDeleteI loved Tulum where not only can you enjoy the beach but also visit spectacular maya sites, swim with dolphins or discover the colonial architecture!!!
You can see a glimpse of it in my blog www.vuelo-directo.blogspot.com under the label Riviera Maya. Don't forget to use the Google translating tool on the left to read it in English!
Hope you enjoy!Hugs from Spain!
I've never been to either, but I have been to Destin Beach, FL and the water there is beautiful. Plus it seems pretty family friendly!
ReplyDeleteAlso I've been to Maui and Oahu, and of course the beaches there are wonderful as well...
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Kona, Hawaii. If Howard Roark (The Fountain Head) were to have designed a Hawaiian resort, he would've built the Mauna Kea.
ReplyDeleteBoth places are amazing. The weather is hit or miss in Florida in February but will be perfect in Mexico. That said, it's sometimes nice to be in America while on vacation (something my boyfriend and I just rediscovered after a July 4 trip to Colorado), especially with a 9 month old. Those are my thoughts!
ReplyDeleteSt. Maarten! Its 3 hours around the whole island. There are beaches everywhere, and Grand Case is such a foodie destination. You would love it! Super European feel with a Caribbean touch.
ReplyDeletekauai!!! it's my favorite place that i have ever been.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great idea...I dont fancy the cold winter idea too:)...I would go with Tulum for sure....Balazs and I went there last year and it was the best vacation ever! Ohh Its very kids friendly too:)
ReplyDeleteKisses,Joanna
right by sanibel is an island called boca grande, my grandparents had a home there for years -- it is a precious 7 mile long island with stunning beaches (that are NEVER crowded) and great food (you must try the loose caboose for ice cream and the temptation for grouper fingers!) it is WONDERFUL :) happy vaca planning!
ReplyDeleteit might not be warm beach weather, but the florida panhandle is SO gorgeous any time of the year! must stay in rosemary beach (would highly recommend 'the little beach house' perfect for a family of 3!) or alys beach or seaside.
ReplyDeleteSanibel is gorgeous, although I've only been in May, so not sure what it will be like in Feb. Anna Maria Island, also on the Gulf Coast is also wonderful. I'm in the mood for planning a winter vacation too. Can't bear the thought of months of cold damp weather. Yuck.
ReplyDeleteTulum is beautiful! My hubby and I went to that part of Mexico for his birthday a few years ago. Of course, you'd have a shorter flight and maybe less hassle if you go to FL, but Mexican food is my favorite, so I vote Mexico! My fave beach vacation, however, was to St. Martin--pretty island, very easy to get around, good food, and I saw lots of couples with little babies so it seems family friendly. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteOrcas Island, Washington.
ReplyDeleteThere's a beach but it might be a snowy beach.
Think log cabin in the forest.
www.beach-haven.com
i would recommend akumal, it's around 30 min north of tulum, you can stay at half moon bay which is a sea turtle reserve. very quiet area, snorkeling right off the beach. here's a good link http://locogringo.com/akumal/
ReplyDeletewe went to Talum for our honeymoon. Here is the view from our cabana.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/buffalo305/1368483789/in/set-72157601987508715/
we loved it.
Sanibel!!!! My family made a yearly tradition of going to Captiva, right off of Sanibel, every summer for 15 years. Start the tradition with Toby. the vibe is laid back, the beaches & food are great!
ReplyDeleteI went to an all-inclusive between Playa Del Carmen and Tulum, but we'd go back and stay in Tulum for sure. The puebla, or village, is full of vitality and friendly people and shopping, but driving a little farther south you have all kinds of fancy eco-lodges and resorts to get away and be pampered. You can go high or low there, its a drive from Cancun, but even that long white highway is so full of things to see and note and photography. It would be an adventure you would love, have fun looking and GOING!
ReplyDeleteYou can never go wrong with Florida! My grandparents lived along the Gulf Coast, and we spent every summer there when I was a kid. Great memories!
ReplyDeleteIf you want something low key and quiet, the Tides at Zihuatanejo was fabulous. It's a smallish resort but has wonderful rooms, morning coffee service, a great private beach and really friendly people. The town itself seems to have some activities and such too (we just stay mostly on the hotel grounds while on our honeymoon)!
ReplyDeleteVieques!! It's absolutely gorgeous and so quiet...it's like having you're own private island. We got engaged there last February and we're going back for 2 weeks for our honeymoon in January.
ReplyDeleteIt's a little unconventional and off the beaten path, but two winters ago, my BF and I went on vacay in Nicaragua. We went to San Juan del Sur, which is on the Pacific side. It was beautiful -- more of the jungle beach vacation than the tropical paradise vacation, but we had a great time. Great surfing around there!
ReplyDeleteRoatan, Honduras. There are direct flights to the island now! I used to travel there for holiday with my best friends when I was a teen (with her family of course). You simply can't imagine a more beautiful place.
ReplyDeleteHappy Future Travels!
My family and I absolutely fell in love with Seabrook Island in South Carolina. So relaxing and beautiful! Everyone rides bikes instead of driving cars!
ReplyDeleteCabarete, Dominican Republic. White beaches on the Caribbean with the wonderful people of the DR. Can't get much better than that. :)
ReplyDeleteI grew up across the street from the beach, so I consider myself to be an expert. :) My favorite beach to visit with kids is Seaside, FL. It's magic. It might be a little chilly that time of year though. Also, Zihuatanejo is great I've heard.
ReplyDeleteI know I'm biased because I'm FROM Florida, but I think the Keys would be super fun, and I personally love Grayton Beach. I haven't been to Sanibel, but I hear good things about it. I like Amelia Island, too.
ReplyDeleteWhereever you go, have fun!
I may be biased since I'm a native South Floridian, but Sanibel Island (and Captiva) is one of my ultimate favorite escapes. It has such a cozy little island feel. Really great for a relaxing getaway. It's SO different (in a fabulous way) from the beaches here on the east coast.
ReplyDeleteIf only a "nine monther" could make it to the beaches of Fiji, they are amazing!
ReplyDeleteHope you find a great getaway.
Somer
It may be a bit cold in the winter, but for a September/October getaway I recommend Avila Beach in Central California. It really is the most amazing area. There are apple orchards, farms, beaches, and even a pier where you can get up close to sea lions!
ReplyDeleteSt. Thomas!!!! Easy flight from NY.
ReplyDeleteI love Sanibel Island! That would be a great pick - it's so beautiful and laid-back and makes a perfect beach getaway.
ReplyDeleteBrazil, of course! Go to Fernando de Noronha!!
ReplyDeleteI recommend Sanibel Island. Over the summer my family and I rented a little cottage in Sanibel complete with kitchen. It was right on the beach. We had such a wonderful time. Another cool place is Cocoa Beach FL near the Kennedy Space Center. This part of Florida is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if Mexico is the best place to go with a baby given all the social unrest and the risk of him getting sick from the water.
Another awesome place is the Outer Banks. It might be cold in February but you might get great weather. I got married there and fell in love. Try the southern part.
if you're going to tulum, i'd recommend also staying on isla mujeres at hotel secreto...
ReplyDeleteRosemary Beach/Seagrove Beach/Seaside are all around teh same area and GORGEOUS any time of the year. It could be chilly outside or it could be warm... but I'm sure it will be warmer than it is up north!
ReplyDeleteThe water, sand, etc. is gorgeous and the towns are just so friendly and beautiful and quaint.
Hawaii!! Maui is very beautiful, but it is pricey.
ReplyDeleteMexico is a great vacation, but I wouldn't take a baby just because I got very sick there (and was still sick after I got home) even though I stayed at a nice resort and used bottled water for everything.
Can't recommend Vieques (tiny island off of Puerto Rico) enough! It's a very easy and cheap (Jet Blue) flight to San Juan and then a puddle jumper or a ferry over to Vieques. It is heaven - the Caribbean as it was 30 years ago (so I hear)! Stay at Hix House if you want slightly more fancy or at La Finca if you want cheaper and a bit more funky. Both are great. And rent a jeep! Happy to offer up more thoughts!
ReplyDeletewe took a winter vacation to sanibel island and i loved it! very relaxing place.
ReplyDeleteHarbour Island, Bahamas! Totally off the beaten path, a small island with near empty PINK SAND beaches....very quaint and cute, friendly people. It was an unforgettable vacation! Oh - and there are no cars on the island! :)
ReplyDeleteI'd recommend St. John--beautiful, small, so many amazing beaches there.
ReplyDeleteFor Mexico, if you are staying in a resort often they filter the water. I'd ask though, because it's not just drinking water and it is so easy for adults to get sick in Mexico so I'd imagine it'd be even easier for a baby!
Maui! You can see the whales in the winter time which is so so cool.
ReplyDeletethe keys, st, john, maui....these are all awesome ideas! i want to fly away this weekend!! thank you!!!!
ReplyDeleteSanibel is really great, very natural beaches. I'd definitely go there! Tybee Island (Ga) and Destin or St. George (Fl) would also be great choices! How fun!
ReplyDeleteI may be biased (my college town), but St. Augustine Beach is such a great little place. You can rent a little place on the beach and then take a 5-mile bike ride into downtown to explore Flagler College and the old Castillo de San Marco. It's a great combo of a hip little college town and old-Florida beach hangout. If you do go, e-mail me for eating recs :)
ReplyDeleteI've heard Tulum is great and not too touristy.
ReplyDeleteRoatan, Honduras. One of the cheapest places to get scuba certified. Uncrowded, unknown, tropical caribbean island paradise. We stayed at the Island Pearl four years ago. They have two story, two bedroom houses with full ac to rent at inexpensive rates.
ReplyDeleteTulum is as beautiful as beach vacations get, and there are a ton of cool mayan pyramids to explore! I'd highly recommend it.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was young my extended family would get together on Sanibel Island every February. It was beautiful and warm and we went on lots of family bike rides. Definitely recommend!
ReplyDeleteTo answer Joanna's water for Toby question. My niece was Toby's age & became quite ill from the water system in...South Carolina famous beach place.
ReplyDeleteYou have to be vigilant wherever you are...that being said, & loving Mexico, I know you'll do your homework if you do go.
Sanibel--sorry, ugh. Someone had a good suggestion for another place nearby.
Costa Rica. 3 million times better than Mexico!
ReplyDeleteI would highly recommend Roatan, Bay Islands in Honduras! :) The beaches are crystalline water, you can find the second largest coral reef in the world, there are practically no waves. :)
ReplyDeleteI am lucky to take a family vacation (and I mean my whole family, grandma, aunts, cousins, etc.) to Aruba every January. The weather is always perfect, and the island is very family friendly and safe. We have a time share at the Costa Linda, which affords guests to have a kitchen and living room (which is really nice when you have a little one). However, I have heard wonderful things about the Marriot and Riu. In addition, the cuisine is phenomenal on the island!
ReplyDeleteSanibel Island is right near my hometown! I grew up in Fort Myers, just 30 minutes away from Sanibel and from Naples. Of course I'm going to say Sanibel, because of the sentimental reasons, and, there is a place on the island with the best red velvet cake I've ever had!
ReplyDeletePuerto Rico, specifically the island of Vieques, has some incredible beaches. And it's a very quick and easy flight from NYC!
ReplyDeleteI've been to Sanibel! We had a good time.
ReplyDeleteSt. John sounds so lovely right now....
I loved Tulum!!!
ReplyDeletehere are my most fav things from the area
http://style-for-style.blogspot.com/2008/07/yucatan-revisited.html
I saw someone else mention it, but we went to Anna Maria Island this past summer and it was fantastic - we rented a house with a pool and a golf cart to get around. It was perfect. The beaches there are so calm and beautiful and the Ringling Brothers museum is close by and definitely worth the trip. A very easy and relaxing trip to take with a baby - we had 3 children at the time (we just added #4) and we are thinking about planning another trip there next summer.
ReplyDeleteI've grown up going to Sanibel and Captiva every other summer and it is beautiful there but getting expensive - Anna Maria was just as charming and not nearly as expensive.
You've already received tons of advice but....I adore travel.
ReplyDeleteI have been itching to go to this little place on the island of Holbox off the coast of Mexico.
http://www.casasandra.com/?gclid=COPXy8qej6QCFcHY5wodHCs_Gw
It looks so dreamy. No ATMs. No cell coverage. No cars. Incredible food and family friendly. And you can swim with the whale sharks!
Hope you find something lovely!
Best,
Tina
Joanna, we just went to Paradise Island, Bahamas and stayed at the nicest hotel. It is called One and Only Ocean Club. We loved it. We have a baby boy too and it was so relaxing. Check them out: http://oceanclub.oneandonlyresorts.com/
ReplyDeleteMy mum and her girlfriends go to Talum every year. They stay in an eco, very low key, resort and love it! Their pics are always gorgeous...
ReplyDeleteHilton Head Island, SC is beautiful and quiet. It may not be warm enough for February weather, though. Fall and spring are it's prettiest months. :)
ReplyDeleteTurks & Caicos, Providenciales, Grace Bay. Words can't describe. Lots of young vacationing families with babies, which is a plus, but still quiet and somewhat isolated. Just lovely.
ReplyDeleteNicaragua is kind of like Costa Rica but less tourist-y. The beaches are still very natural and private and the water is always warm!
ReplyDeletewww.rachaeldiab.blogspot.com
I'll be on Sanibel in a few weeks! I've never been but I hear it's just as gorgeous as the carribean! I'll definitley blog about it!!
ReplyDeleteWe have had some great family vacations (with our very little ones) in Key Biscayne, FL. It is about 20 minutes outside Miami. Beautiful quiet beaches. A word of caution: every time we have travelled with our young kids (we have three: 3.5, 2.5 and 3 weeks) we have ended up either at a doctor or the hospital. Go somewhere where you will feel comfortable should you need medical attention (or maybe you will be much luckier than us!). Regardless of where you go, enjoy your time together as a family.
ReplyDeleteI went to school near Sanibel. The beaches are pretty, but there's not a lot to do. You would like downtown Sarasota. It's right near the ocean and there's several parks, a botanical garden, art museums/galleries, and a main street with greek, vietnamese, and other non-chain restaurants (just don't eat at the mexican place). It's very artsy. The ocean is calm, because it's the gulf, and usually shallow, so you could play on a sandbar or in a wade pool with toby :) and the sun sets on the west coast!
ReplyDeleteThe Virgin Islands are pretty wonderful, I would say.
ReplyDeletehttp://danipanic.wordpress.com/
oooh we're planning to head to Tulum this Nov with our little one - she'd have just turned 6mths old. Will happily offer suggestions after our trip.
ReplyDeleteMy parents used to take my sister and I to spend a week on Sanibel Island as babies. The beach is (was) white and huge, and it was never a crowded place. YOu can bike around the entire island it about an hour. It's VERY quiet, so maybe if you want "outing" options, you might not like this best. If you want family time and reading, that's about all there is.
ReplyDeleteTulum was my favorite vacation ever! We loved Ana y Joseand Cabanas la Conchita. Both are great for different reasons. (Nice restaurant at Ana y Jose, plus pool. Cabanas la Conchita more romantic, great breakfast...great restaurant next door at Zamas) No matter what you choose, you can't go wrong in Tulum. LOVE!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.differentworld.com/mexico-hotels/cabanas-la-conchita/index.htm
http://www.anayjose.com/
Check out the Cheeca in Islamorada FL. Took my babies there, they loved it! Hammock napping. Cheeca Lodge is fabulous...
ReplyDeleteHi Jo! I'm from Miami Fl but went to Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, FL. It's still one of my fave little weekend getaways and I think Toby would love it! Siesta Key has powdered sugar-like sand, great restaurants, little streets with antiques and shops and best of all, great art! Spend a whole day exploring the Ringling Museum (one of the best art collections in the country) and see John Ringling's summer home Ca D'Zan (where Great Expectations was filmed with Gwyneth Paltrow and Ethan Hawke!)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy!! Love your blog!! www.artbytalia.com www.artistsatthefalls.com
Tulum is really beautiful but next time we go to Mexico we want to go to playa del carmen. We hear it's absolutely beautiful!
ReplyDeleteTulum! It is amazing. I went last February and the weather was perfect and the water was warm.
ReplyDeleteYou can see some pics on my blog www.hercaviardreams.blogspot.com
We stayed at Zamas, but all of the hotels on the beach were equally amazing.
Cambria, on California's central coast is quaint, beautiful and a wonderful place to get-away. Probably not as warm as Mexico or Florida in February, though! :)
ReplyDeleteI live in Florida and would recommend Boca Grande. It's not very crowded and has a really cute small beach town feel. A lot of people get around on golf carts.
ReplyDeleteFebruary weather in Florida might not be that warm for the beach though...
Barbados! Amazing!!
ReplyDeleteI love every beach I've ever been to! Mexico is always a wonderful option because our winter is perfect weather there. My husband and I went to a little historic beach town called St. Augustine in May and it was lovely. Very quiet, and full of history and cute little shops and cafes downtown. We also went to a couple beautiful museums there.
ReplyDeleteWe went to Cozumel in February of 2009, and found a lot of wonderful little apartments that you can rent for very reasonable prices. The water is so, so beautiful there.
Flamenco Beach on Culebra island in Puerto Rico! You can swim out to coral reefs from the shore! By far the most breathtaking and memorable beach I've been to, even compared to Tulum. (Which was very beautiful as well!)
ReplyDeletePuerto Rico would be a fun trip
ReplyDeleteI just came back from Spain and it was the perfect beach getaway (maybe not for February but keep it in mind some other time!) I just posted some photos...
ReplyDeleteI know Hawaii is a long way to go from NY but it is so amazing there, if you haven't been, I'd highly recommend it!
We went to the Dominican Republic this past June and it was fabulous. We stayed in a resort in Puerto Plata.
ReplyDeleteHi Joanna!
ReplyDeleteI would highly recommend Turks and Caicos. We've stayed at the Palms in Grace Bay and Parrot Cay, which felt really exclusive.
The beaches were gorgeous!
C.lynn
Okay, i lived in Hawai'i for a while and totally don't go there if you're going to Oahu. It's beautiful on the Island of Hawaii (the big island) but you have a lot to drive around which may not be good for a baby, there are volcanoes and rainforest hikes and tons of different climates to go to but again... it may not be awesome with a baby to fly 12 hours and drive a ton... the beaches are all crowded! But I went to Sanibel Island in Florida and it was awesome... the island next to it... it starts with a C i believe had more clear water and was better but that was right after I hurricane so I don't know depending on when you go. But Sanibel has a lot of old people but its very peaceful and beautiful! Good food too!
ReplyDeleteBarbuda, a tiny island off of Antigua. I've been to many beaches and this is the only island I've ever been where my husband and I could run for 12 miles on the beach and not see another soul (unless you count the occasional distant sailboat). We were there last March on a three year belated honeymoon, but we left talking about how much we wanted to bring our 1.5 year old. It may be my favorite place I've ever visited.
ReplyDeleteAntigua is absolutely gorgeous! It's not as built up and touristy as some of the other tropical locales which I loved.
ReplyDeletemy husband and i went to tulum for our honeymoon! we stayed at the mezzanine and it was a perfect low key vacation. the hotel also gives you cruiser bikes so you can ride into town!
ReplyDeletemy husband and i went to tulum for our honeymoon! we stayed at the mezzanine and it was a perfect low key vacation. the hotel also gives you cruiser bikes so you can ride into town!
ReplyDeleteI was born and raised in Panama City Beach, Florida... and nothing would be a better vacation for your family. There's a reason they say we have the world's most beautiful beaches :)
ReplyDeleteAmen to that! We save our vacation for winter every year so we can run around in flip flops for a few days. When we get back, we are chipper and refreshed and everyone else seems so cranky to us!
ReplyDeleteLast year, we went to Jamaica (highly recommend Negril) and we just booked a trip to Riviera Maya, Mexico for this winter. Good Luck, great idea, you will love it!
i have to suggest Santa Monica, CA for completely sentimental selfish reasons ( : but look the place up, you might enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteNot crazy about Sanibel. Punta Cana is lovely and great for kids but only if you stay in the very extremely expensive part of the resort. My vote would be the Mauna Kea resort on the Big Island of Hawaii. Worth the long flight from NYC! Best beach in Hawaii by far, great food, wonderful staff, can't think of anything wrong with it.
ReplyDelete(Another)Joanna
I stayed on Estero Island (near Sanibel) in late January of 2008. I went with my parents and really liked it (my step-mom has been back twice, I think). It's a tad on the strip-mall side, but the beach is really nice and it's one of the more pleasant, relaxing vacations I've ever had. The flight isn't that long but it definitely feels different once you get there.
ReplyDeleteSomebody mentioned the Big Island of Hawaii. Haven't been in February (only went in April and May) but my mom lives there. It's still going to be the rainy season in February. When Mom first moved there at the end of January in 2009, she complained constantly about about how rainy and cold it was--Mauna Kea is a different side of the island though and might be drier. My parents took me to Oahu when I was three months old, so the long fight can be done with an infant, I suppose!
Highly recommend the island of Culebra in Puerto Rico. Playa Flamenco is the most beautiful beach I have ever seen!
ReplyDeleteI apologize if someone has said this already, or maybe your mom has:), but 9 month old babies are usually a bad age for beaches. They can't walk, so they sit and usually want to crawl or creep. And that puts them in the sand. Which they put in their mouth....
ReplyDeleteHow does a lake in the mountains sound:). A river?
Tulum! You could visit Sian Kaan, an eco-reserve. Sian Kaan means "where heaven begins" in Mayan. I spent a week there doing a beach clean-up and it really is heaven.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite beach destination so far has been Aruba. I've never found another place that is warm, sunny and NOT HUMID! There is a trade wind that blows through Aruba that makes it so delightfully comfortable. Pretty affordable to fly there from NYC as well.
ReplyDeleteI went to Sanibel last March, but it was too cold for beach weather. We froze and had to stick to the pool where the wind wasn't as fierce. So I'd say go for Mexico!
ReplyDeleteTrips to the smaller outer islands in the Bahamas are amazing. I suggest anywhere in the Exuma Cays, Eleuthera or Tiamo Resorts in Andros.
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JAMAICA!
ReplyDeleteI went on my honeymoon to Tulum and have nothing but good things to say about it. Playa del Carmen is 30 minutes away so we went a few times to the downtown area which is spectacular. I highly recommend it!
ReplyDeleteI went to Sanibel every year with my family when I was little. I only have fond memories of white sand and fun beach adventures. Highly recommend it.
ReplyDeleteI totally recommend you Culebra or Vieque Island my hubby and I spent a week and half at the newest W Retreat Spa Hotel of Vieques. I had one of the most amazing, relaxing and lovely time of our marriage!' People of the hotel treat you like a real queen & king. Take a look!
ReplyDeleteJoanna, you raise a very valid point, about the water, I have never been to the resorts in Mexico so can't say what the water quality is like, BUT I traveled to Chihuahua and ended up getting sick and at the hospital (not a fun way to spend xmas,,and the worst part is I'm Mexican I thought I was immune to those sort of things.LOL and third point, with all these drug cartels I don't know if I would feel safe!
ReplyDeleteI'd suggest Montelimar resort in Nicaragua. It's a bit of a hike but, trust me, it's worth it. Very inexpensive, gorgeous beach, warm water, hammocks everywhere, numerous pools, massages, and watermelon juice at the buffet! I went there during a study abroad and I will be going back as soon as I'm out of school!
ReplyDeleteI would try one of the many beautiful beaches of Costa Rica! Seriously, CR is so much prettier, safer, and cleaner than Mexico AND cheaper. Plus, you feel like you are actually traveling abroad too and experiencing a different culture.
ReplyDeleteYes yes yes...my boyfriend and I went to Tulum a few years ago and stayed at Mezzanine. HIGHLY recommend. So beautiful. Just don't stay there on a Friday, as they have an all-night DJ (not baby friendly).
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Tulum is small and has a European feel, it's a nice alternative to the mega-resorts near Playa del Carmen/Cancun. And it's quiet, with ruins to check out within walking distance.
If you do end up going there, I also recommend renting a car rather than using the bus to get from Cancun.
I loved Tulum and Sanibel, but my favorite is Zihuatanejo! We honeymooned there - I recommend Playa La Ropa for kids and in general. As far as concerns about the water, you can usually trust the water from most decent resorts and buy bottled water for drinking. I've never been sick, and we go at least a couple times a year. And I agree with inoakpark, Ixtapa does suck.
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I just went to Playa del Carmen Mexico in May and it was beautiful!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I travelled Virgin Gorda last February and loved it! It's a small island and very relaxed. Oftentimes, it felt like we had the whole island to ourselves. We're going back this winter!
ReplyDeleteWe went to Cozumel, an island on the Caribbean sea and did a day trip to Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Clear blue waters, amazing Maya ruins and some very nice hotels. Best holiday to date!
ReplyDeleteMexico was by far my favorite beach vacation. I went to a resort in Cancun during the offseason, and it was nothing like what watching many years of MTV Spring Break had made me think. It was gorgeous and rejuvenating.
ReplyDeleteI'd suggest renting a car and driving to Tulum and Chichen Itza--it was nice to avoid feeling rushed and hustled like the many tour bus style excursions. I also would suggest taking a water taxi to Isla Mujeres. It is a pretty little island just off the coast.
Where ever you choose will be a nice break from the winter weather. Happy travels--I love your blog :)
Sanibel Island is amazing. What's more New York than going to FL in the winter? ;) Or Go to Key West...I promise to tell you all of the local hauntsand great places to eat: my husband's family goes back five generations there and we're down there all the time.
ReplyDeleteI second Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica. It was a fabulous adventure but I'm not sure how kid friendly it would be as it took us a three hour very bumpy and queasy bus ride to get there. Florida is definitely a more laid back beach vacation. If I were in your shoes, I'd take a leisurely weekend and head to Watercolor or Seaside Florida. All the little pastel colored beach houses up against the white sands are just precious. Just watch the hurricanes a comin'.
ReplyDeletebeing a Gulf Coast Florida girl, I'm a bit biased here. I love love love Sanibel, or anything in that area. it's so beautiful! I spent practically every summer in Manasota Key, Boca Grande, Don Pedro, Cabbage Key, Captiva Island... so many good memories. if you need any tips or recommendations, don't hesitate to ask!!!
ReplyDeleteAntigua or Dubai :)
ReplyDeleteMexico city is amazing. Tulum would be an amazing vacation as well! Enjoy
ReplyDeleteI spent my recent honeymoon in Tulum. It was so gorgeous, and there are a ton of great all-inclusive + affordable resorts to pick from.
ReplyDeleteoff of sanibel, there is an even smaller island called captiva. it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever stayed. if you have dinner at the end of the island, the marina always has manatees floating by and they also have a great shell museum nearby!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't go back to Mexico if it was a free vacation. And I didn't get mugged or anything like that while I was there. My take: Dom rep they will Rob you while in Mexico they will slit your thoat. I've just heard too many horrific stories about Mexico. I worked on a cruise ship and been to over 60 countries and few of them bring shivers down my back like when I think of Mexico. They need some good pr. Pronto!!
ReplyDeleteBarbados, St. Lucia, or where I live: Trinidad and Tobago :)
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I loved Puerto Nuevo near Puerto Vallarta in Mexico. Bucerias is a cute little town 10 minutes away with fun shopping and yummy authentic food. I think the Estancia hotel we stayed has a kids club too.
ReplyDeleteWe are also planning on visiting Tulum in January with our 9 month old daughter (who will be just over a year then)! Looks like such an amazing place. We'll be living and traveling around Mexico, Belize, and Guatamala for 3 months.....maybe more. I can't wait to escape our cold Canadian winter!
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I saw this amazing place in Veracruz - I have not been but it is defo on my to-do list!
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Joanna, I usually don't let local strife or news stories deter my travel plans, but Mexico (especially the places many people have recommended) has been stricken with huge bouts of violence and kidnappings from drug cartels. A couple with the distraction of a young baby might be particularly targeted. Please reconsider Mexico (at least this year!).
ReplyDeleteI say, do Florida... Our weather was been perfect as of lately & if I didn't already live here then I would plan to get away here :)
ReplyDeleteJust got home from Tulum on Friday...I'd recommend staying at La Zebra in one of their pool side cabanas...24 hr electricity and ceiling fans which are a MUST in tulum...I'd also recommend renting a car from hertz for the duration of your trip...we rented one for 15 dollars US a day, and drove into town for breakfast, lunch or dinner each day...For breakfast go to Pan del Carmen, the best bread shop i've ever been to...you can also use the car to take the quick drive to Coba and rent bikes there to pedal around to the ruins...so fun!
ReplyDeletePortugal. Do come.
ReplyDeleteSomewhere much further. Come to Brazil...to Bahia, very nice weather, hot sea water. Very rustic place, Praia do Forte, and if you wanna some confort of resort you also got it there.
ReplyDeleteIn US, Hawaii for sure, Maui.
Bermuda! Just a short DIRECT plane ride away and very family friendly. In 1987, my parents brought their children ages 21,15,6, and 3 months and everyone had a great time. I just went in August with my husband and LOVED it.
ReplyDeleteI second Jennifer's recommendation of Akumal. You can snorkel the coral reef that comes right up to the beach - no need to get on a boat at all unless you want to - and there are crazy-cool places to explore like the cenotes, where deep, cold fresh rivers brush the warm salt ocean waters and interact with each other. I've never seen such wonderful and strange sights underwater.
ReplyDeleteSannibel with a baby...Mexico is too stressful. Playa del Carma is awesome for a couples get away!
ReplyDeleteI'd stick with Sanibel seeing as you will have your peanut with you (it would be less stress than Mexico). I live in Florida and can tell you that the West Coast beaches here are beautiful! When Toby is older you and Alex can bring him back to Cedar Key for a little fishing. :)
ReplyDeleteWhatever you choose, enjoy!
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ReplyDeleteSt. Augustine, Florida is beautiful. I went to Jacksonville on vacation this past summer and we made the drive to St. Augustine for a day trip. Beautiful beaches, and they have an old historical area of town with great shops and restaurants, and a Ripley's museum! :)
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Hi Jo! There's a lot of interesting beach spots in the country. Families usually engage in different activities at a beach resort. Panama City was our destination last summer. The sea and the white sand are one of the reasons why we opted for Panama City Beach. Vacation rentals there also offer comfortable accommodations because of their homelike amenities.
ReplyDeleteHope you'd have a great trip ahead!
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ReplyDeleteJoanna, since you enjoy houseswapping and staying in houses, consider this place on the beach in Panama, www.lasolasvilla.com, which my friend rented for a song last winter for an R&R vacay with a baby smaller than yours will be in March. Re water quality (Panama, Mexico or anywhere else) you can avoid the issue entirely. If you're nursing that takes care of the milk, but ready to feed formula bottles are great options for travel, and the standard evenflo nipples and collars are affordable to use as take n toss. Food: plum organic pouches, local fruit, puffs, mum-mums, and other ready to feed options will tide you over for the trip. Lots of take n toss options for feeding spoons and bowls that are cheap enough you can buy enough to cover all your meals. (Don't have to actually toss them, just rinse and bring home to sterilize)
ReplyDeleteExcellent post, Places like Mexico, West Indies and Costa Rica have warm weather all through the year.Thanks for sharing this post.
ReplyDeleteCosta Rica All Inclusive Resorts
Having a winter break is a lot of fun. In terms of vacation, I would recommend Panama City beach, FL. Condo rentals there are cheap and have a lot of good facilities that you and your family can enjoy. For the past 2 vacations, our family has been a regular visitor of Panama City beach, Fl vacation rentals and we never have a dull vacation there.
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some tourist before coming Aruba take a vacations package from any travel company. Some good company provided Vacation Rentals Aruba On The Beach. In this vacation package company provide you good staying place near by the beach or near the residential area from where shopping malls, restaurants, and parks are located at the walking distance.
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