STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

bex · Chanel

the week btwn christmas and NY

jj · Kate Spade

That's really surprising - I thought it would be one of the most popular times for people to go on vacation. We are going to a non-all inclusive in Mexico, and had to make our reservation in February because places fill up so quickly. If you don't have your heart set on an all-inclusive, check out

www.differentworld.com

They have a great list of places in Mexico, and calendars for each, so you can see if they are available. We have stayed at Cabanas la Conchita and Ceiba del Mar, and loved them both.

I would also check out Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. There are tons of AIs, surely some of them will be open. We stayed at the Barcelo Bavaro Palace a few years ago, and it was very nice.

dc · Dooney & Bourke

I can second jj's rec. for Ceiba del Mar - I was there in March and it is gorgeous and intimate, not like some of these big Vegassy places. You can go AI or not (I went just with the in-room breakfast because AI is wasted on me - I don't require much. I liked how the put the breakfast throguh the wall into its own little closet so you don't have to face the room service dude in your nightie).

http://www.ceibadelmar.com

The service is great... they bring you drinks on the beach or by the pool - the Ceiba cocktail is yummy! Champagne plus some kind of juice.

bex · Chanel

thanks guys! i will check those out. we are now talking about just taking a ski trip instead over the break but if we go back to mexico- i'll take into consideration your recommendations!

flknight24 · Dooney & Bourke

I know this sounds cheesy but you might want to try Club Med. They have lots of locations and it's usually an all inclusive price. I've gone to a few locations with friends and we always have a great time. I love the Turks & Caicos Club Med.