We are BIG Akumal fans, but next spring is our 20th wedding anniversary as well as our twins 8th grade graduation. We wanted something different with great snorkeling. A co-worker recommended Ambergris Cay (still not sure how to pronounce it). I've been reviewing information all day and I'm so happy to come upon a forum too (I use LocoGringo a lot)!!!

I live and breathe for vacations - so a year long planning session makes me very happy!!!

As far as accommodations go, I want BEACH FRONT - I want to smell and hear the water at night. I'd like something quiet with a pool and easy travel into town. There are only 4 of us traveling - any recommendations are greatly appreciated. I'll also be researching restaurants. We MAY even get scuba certified prior to our trip and do our open water dives there.

I will be reviewing this site every day until next March.

SheShe333, I sent you a private message.....check it out!

I hate to be the one to give you bad news but there is very little sound to the sea here. The reef which is more than a quarter of a mile out catches the waves so there are no breakers on the beach - except in stormy weather and then it's not the breakers you hear so much as the wind howling. LOL
But it is still beautiful. Don't know what you are expecting.

Hmmm... strange. I can hear the surf on the reef most nights...all it takes is a little wind wave action. And I live a couple of blocks from the beach.

Harriette, Its possible you have become immune to the constant silent roar of the reef. I hear it when it stops. Wow I'm not making any sense tonight.
nevermind
shee3 your description fits most places here Its a long skinny island that has almost all its development facing the one side that has reef.
transportation to town is way easier nowadays so places that where described away from town really aren't anymore. that makes sense, doesn't it?
Have you looked here //ambergriscaye.com/pages/lodge/lodging.html

Thank you all for your responses and private messages, love planning!

Someone should snatch Harriet's key board

CHECK OUT BELIZEAN SHORES IT IS GREAT AND DOES NOT HAVE THE FEEL OF A RESORT WITH ALL THE STUFF A RESORT HAS. GREAT DIVE COMPANY ON SITE AND CAN ARRANGE OTHER TOURS.

Ernie - Is that what happened yesterday? I didn't get on all day. LOL (you - there - with the smutty mind - stop it!)

I guess my OLD ears just can't pick up these subtle sounds. However, when it storms I do hear the reef roar. I was just trying to explain that we don't have waves crashing on the beach. To me this is more like softly 'lapping' the shore.

There are a lot of options beachfront. Tell us more of what you are looking for, price range, amenities needed, and check out the lodging section on this website which basically has all the hotels and private villas listed. Everyone loves to chime in with their favorites and why....