Ironic that you would post this - I literally just got a list of places TODAY from my travel agent to check out because we're planning a trip next April.
Of the list he sent me, my favorite, and the one I'm pushing for is
Secrets at Punta Cana. Three reasons I like this one: no all inclusive wristband required to be worn (many others will require this), top shelf drinks, and the restaurants do NOT require reservations. (and yes, there is a swim up bar!)
Side note - a friend just returned from Majestic Colonial in Punta Cana that had a very limited selection of so called premium drinks. She said she had a good time, but does not recommend this resort.
My second choice is a family resort, but if you go during a time that most kids are in school, you shouldn't have to worry about too many kids. This one is in cancun:
http://www.iberostar.com/en/hotels/r...araiso-del-mar
Here are a few others my agent gave me to review, that I personally decided against for various reasons, but you may find appropriate:
Punta Cana:
http://excellence-resorts.com/caribb...nce-punta-cana
http://www.melia.com/hotels/dominica...ort/index.html
Jamaica:
http://riumontegobay.com/index.htm
http://www.riu.com/en/Paises/jamaica...-bay/index.jsp
http://www.iberostar.com/en/hotels/m...ose-hall-beach
Lastly, when we honeymooned 5.5 years ago, we did Palace Resorts in the Maya Riviera/playa del carmen. You may check them out.
http://www.palaceresorts.com/default-en.html
It appears that the resort we stayed at may no longer be a part of that chain. We stayed at a resort in playa del carmen, which was GREAT, except that at the time, there was no actual beach for this resort - it was a rocky surface, but instead, alot of pool area to lounge by, which we had to make do with. We were disappointed by that. It was specifically labeled as a Spa resort at the time, so if you choose playa del carmen, make sure whatever resort you choose, check out their beach surface first, before you book, if this is something that is important to you.
edit - found it -
http://www.aventurarivieramaya.com/spa/default-en.html < - dont go here if you want long beaches to walk on. Otherwise, we loved it. It looks like it IS changing to a different resort chain. "BECOMING HARD ROCK HOTEL RIVIERA MAYA DECEMBER 1, 2013"
