We are a family of four with teenagers trying to decide between A.C. (Ramons Village) and Placencia (Roberts Grove). We are PADI certified divers but want to experience the many other things also available. I'm thinking that A.C is more touristy while Placencia has more of a native feel. Any suggestions/recommendations would be appreciated.

First, as between the two beach resorts, I'd vote for Inn at Robert's Grove by a mile. The new deluxe condo suites there are fantastic -- Ramon's has nothing like them. Robert's Grove also has a nicer pool, two of them in fact, tennis, roof-top hot tubs and a far better restaurant.

As between Ambergris and Placencia, Ambergris definitely gets more visitors, but then it offers more -- more to do, more good restaurants, more clubs, and just in general more of a Caribbean resort island atmosphere.

One factor is when you are going. This time of year, Placencia is just about dead -- several of the hotels and restaurants are closed and not many tourists. Too slow, for some tastes. But come Christmas, both places get quite busy.

So it's not a easy decision ...

--Lan Sluder
Belize First http://www.belizefirst.com/