Next Vacation - Ideas

[YOSEF]

Also, check out their timeshares here because they all have kitchens and 2Br units:
http://www.marriottvacationclub.com/

Marriott Newport Coast is AMAZING and is a Cat 8 and they only have 2brms so that IS their base room (can buy a week cert here on DDF).  Closest to fly into SNA but LAX or San Diego would also work.  Views are stunning.  Awesome kids club, beautiful beach right down the hill, Trader Joe's around the corner and a Kosher market and restaurant relatively close.  Some nice other ones with 2BRMs serviced by Southwest in Orlando, Phoenix and Vail that I've been to.  You could do the same thing by converting to SPG and staying at their timeshares https://www.vistana.com/ (think Westin Lagunamar in Cancun and Kierland Villas in Scottsdale, that DDFers love).

Thanks!

The Newport property looks amazing!!  But alas, they don't have points stays available. Can I use a week cert if it isn't available for points?

[mochjas]

Can I use a week cert if it isn't available for points?

nope

[ilherman]

I didn't enjoy Cancun that much, and Panama was there already (for a short time, but looking for something new)
T&C was beautiful but crazy expensive and I really want something new.

What didn't you enjoy in Cancun? You keep on saying you didn't enjoy it...

[yitzyul]

What didn't you enjoy in Cancun? You keep on saying you didn't enjoy it...

i was there a few years ago (Westin Lagunamar) service in general sucked, beach wasn't that nice, was full of seaweed, didn't find much to do there, everybody was trying to scam somebody. I found T&C almost 100x nicer, both people and water, however allot more costly.

[Gordon Gekko]

Cancun is a solid choice if you didn't like it
That's only due to your hotel you stayed at
the weather and beaches are divine

as mentioned by this wise man
The reason you didn't like it was because you stayed at a time share not a hotel.

Maybe it's time to stay somewhere nicer?

Try fiesta Americana pretty affordable all suites.

[Denverite]

i was there a few years ago (Westin Lagunamar) service in general sucked, beach wasn't that nice, was full of seaweed, didn't find much to do there, everybody was trying to scam somebody. I found T&C almost 100x nicer, both people and water, however allot more costly.

I went there as a free stopover on the way back from Panama and it also wasn't for me (and not because of the hotel).  The beach and water WERE beautiful but we had to get up by like 8 to get a seat at the pool, everything starting at the airport is a super money trap and the vibe felt like Vegas as the beach. Uber to Red Heifer was $5 and taxis wanted $20 to return!  Took my kids snorkeling and it was an open bar and a bunch of people were drinking at 9AM and I know the guides don't make too much so I tipped them nicely but tipping was mentioned a lot AND they charge you a SEPARATE tax on top of the expensive trip price. I've never been on a cruise but I felt like the whole vibe there was like being stuck on a cruise with a bunch of people I couldn't get away from...we wished we spent the extra two nights in Panama and went to the beach and snorkeling there for way less..

[ilherman]

Any ideas where I can go for warm vacation 3-4 hour flight from NY where I can have a 5* villa with private pool and private beach?

[mochjas]

Any ideas where I can go for warm vacation 3-4 hour flight from NY where I can have a 5* villa with private pool and private beach?

lol

[ilherman]

I went there as a free stopover on the way back from Panama and it also wasn't for me (and not because of the hotel).  The beach and water WERE beautiful but we had to get up by like 8 to get a seat at the pool, everything starting at the airport is a super money trap and the vibe felt like Vegas as the beach. Uber to Red Heifer was $5 and taxis wanted $20 to return!  Took my kids snorkeling and it was an open bar and a bunch of people were drinking at 9AM and I know the guides don't make too much so I tipped them nicely but tipping was mentioned a lot AND they charge you a SEPARATE tax on top of the expensive trip price. I've never been on a cruise but I felt like the whole vibe there was like being stuck on a cruise with a bunch of people I couldn't get away from...we wished we spent the extra two nights in Panama and went to the beach and snorkeling there for way less..

Well, you start off by saying that it was not about the hotel and then you explaining all the problems about hotel. Find a hotel where you don't have to catch a spot 7am by the pool..

[ilherman]

lol

Was there a joke I missed? If there is please explain.

[Emkay]

Any ideas where I can go for warm vacation 3-4 hour flight from NY where I can have a 5* villa with private pool and private beach?

Hard to find, mainly in Caribbean.
Places like this https://www.oceanoasiscayman.com, but they aren't cheap.

[mochjas]

Was there a joke I missed? If there is please explain.

if that existed the Maldives thread wouldn't be 200 pages long

[Emkay]

if that existed the Maldives thread wouldn't be 200 pages long

It def exists.

[mochjas]

It def exists.

what that one thing that you found? That is not even bookable with points (which I'm sure is what he wants)

[Emkay]

what that one thing that you found? That is not even bookable with points (which I'm sure is what he wants)

There are hundreds of them, although not necessarily within a couple hrs from NYC.And he never mentioned  points.

[mochjas]

There are hundreds of them, although not necessarily within a couple hrs from NYC.And he never mentioned  points.

im talking about within 3-4 hours of NYC. Even non points.

[Emkay]

im talking about within 3-4 hours of NYC. Even non points.

You do know the Caribbean is within that time frame?

[mochjas]

You do know the Caribbean is within that time frame?

and there are hundreds of villas with private beaches there?

[Emkay]

and there are hundreds of villas with private beaches there?

No idea although quite possibly. I was simply stating that there are hundreds of others besides the Maldives (where most here dont even get a private beach).

[Denverite]

Well, you start off by saying that it was not about the hotel and then you explaining all the problems about hotel. Find a hotel where you don't have to catch a spot 7am by the pool..

What does the hotel have to do with everything feeling like a money, tourist trap  (actually except for the hotel where I didn't get that vibe) and the hotel can't change that.  Listen, I love Vegas but I wasn't expecting Vegas at the beach when I went to Cancun and wished someone had told me that ahead so I'm just sharing my impressions.