St. Lucia or Mexico? 30th birthday in March

[Quirkyme]

HELP 🤣 I’m really torn.
I’ll be celebrating my 30th birthday next year… and I’m torn between St Lucia and Mexico!
7 nights for both

St Lucia - would be the wellness retreat The Body Holiday

Mexico I was thinking to go to both Cancun and Tulum - Cancun first 4 days , have a day to explore + beach day, a day for activities - horse riding, zip lining, quad biking, cenote swimming, a yacht day trip on my bday , then Tulum- a beach club day with massages, and a day for flexible exploring…

Torn. Originally wanted to go to a wellness retreat in Bali but restrictions make that difficult right now…

What do you think?

Are you going on your own or with others?

Hello with others x

I'd go to Mexico then, there'll be loads to do, nice weather and you sound like you've made the plans in your head anyway, they sound exciting and just right for a birthday trip!
I'm going to Bodyholiday later this year - solo, hence me asking. If you were on your own I'd have said St Lucia!

Have an amazing time

Hello lovely! Yes I have another thread, I've decided on Mexico BuT should my friends flop I may consider Body H, or maybe in future...

Oh have a lovely time, when are you going? And for a special occasion or?

Could you let me know what it's like going solo there? I've heard nothing but great things I'm sure you'll enjoy it

Just go to Tulum, don’t bother staying near Cancun. All the things you want to do can be done at Tulum, which is a lovely small town, also nearby Akumal.
Lots of jungle stuff, swimming in underground rivers, zip lining, ATV tours, wildlife reserve with crocs/dolphins (wild ones), snorkelling and diving etc etc.
A lot of Cancun is very touristy and cheap and Tulum is much nicer. I’ve been several times.

Hey! Thanks for the suggestions, oh I didn't know there was that much to do in Tulum although I'm still researching... I must say I do really really like the vibe of Tulum a lot.

Do you think it'll be a good place to stay for a 30th?

I know someone who went to Tulum for a week and it looked heavenly... she stayed for a week.
When I planning to stay in Mexico for 7 nights I was advised it was much too short considering the flight etc. do you also suggest 10 days +?

Also would you mind if I message you to find out more as you've been to Tulum many times?

I'm not going til November, for no other reason than I have the money and thought it looked perfect for me. I looked at other 'solo' holidays but group tours are so not my thing, this seems the perfect combo of the opportunity to meet like minded people and the option of doing whatever I bloody want without having to please other people!

Make the most of having friends to go on holiday with while it's an option, all mine are either married/have young children/skint or all three so I just thought sod it, I'll go on my own

I'll try and remember to come back here and let you know if it's as good as I'm building it up in my head to be

Hey! Awww it's going to be so lush for you! You excited? How far in advance did you book it?

Also, I hear what you say about making the most of going with friends to places 😊 we all know how friends are.... so as much as I would like to, I'm preparing myself just in case and still going to go regardless.
Hopefully it works out and they can come too.

I know someone who wanted to go to Cuba for her 30th, and the friends she had planned to go with let her down, and she didn't go, and shes 39 now and still regrets it! Which is kinda sad, although of course she can literally go to Cuba now

I'm REALLY excited! Booked a few months ago which on reflection seems was a good idea as it's already gone up loads in price for the same dates.
When it's cold and raining here, I will be drinking cocktails in 5* luxury.......

Hope Mexico is equally amazing!

Personally I'd go at least 10 nights. I've been to both and loved them both for different reasons.

St. Lucia we stayed at Sandals and it was fantastic. Plenty to keep you entertained and the island is wonderful.

I don't think you'd need to move around in Mexico and could do day trips to see the sights.

Occidental Xcaret is a brilliant hotel and the ecological park is fantastic to explore.

Have the best holiday regardless.

You could easily fill 10 days/fortnight. There’s also various Mayan ruins plus the Xel-Ha and Xcaret parks - they are touristy but lots of fun if you like water.
Mexicans are generally pretty friendly, but crime can be high so take usual precautions. Just get out and about as much as you can. Tulum has a young vibe, you’ll get all sorts from backpackers, to film stars staying at the trendy boutique hotels.
I expect that the country, like most tourist places, has been hit very hard by Covid so please try and use local guides and local companies as much as possible to ensure your money is going to the right place.
Trip Advisor is your friend.
Lots of hotels for all budgets in and around Tulum and Akumal but there is also larger AI resorts such as Grand Palladium et al along the coast.
Final tip - use the local mosquito repellent Off - you will get bitten lots in the jungle and it’s the best stuff. Also take reef-friendly Sun cream as most of the water parks, etc will ask you to use this to protect the water.

I've decided on Tulum wooo! I've found a gorgeous gorgeous place to stay. It's absolutely lush and I'm excited woo.
Tulum really speaks to me, and I think your comment earlier just sealed it for me.

I'm so excited to explore, you've been really helpful 🤍 aiming to go for 10 nights

Wooooo 👸🏾👸🏾👸🏾👸🏾