Maui, Maui, Maui, I knew wherever my family went I would hear this word and any trip would constantly be compared to our family vacations in Maui -- but I wanted to try something different. I suggested Mexico again to my wife. We had previously holidayed in Puerto Vallarta, but had unfortunately picked July and the rainy season. Very hot and humid! I had heard the warning to the brides-to-be that unless you want to sweat like a Sumo wrestler don't plan a wedding on the West Coast of Mexico in the summer.

I knew the only way I could get my wife and my family back to Mexico was to find the perfect beach and the promise of good weather. I was a little familiar with Cancun but thought this would be somewhat akin to Waikiki -- too busy -- and I wanted something a little off the beaten track.

I longed for a place that the children would enjoy and that would offer great snorkeling for me and a relaxing vacation for my wife. How about an all-inclusive, I suggested. This would satisfy my son, the pickiest eater of the bunch, my wife who could relax without worrying what we would have for dinner, and for me, I liked the open bar concept. My low-maintenance daughter was always happy with any vacation.

With the aid of the Internet, I Googled "best beaches in Mexico." Akumal Bay, just south of Cancun on the Caribbean, kept coming up. I did some more searching and found the little town of Akumal, with only one all-inclusive resort. Unfortunately I had left this a little late and this resort was full.