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I need help choosing a destination for a vacation next month.
We just can't make a decision and I've been dragging my feet on this.
I want to do nothing on this vacation. My life has be go, go, go and I really need to unwind. I just want to lay by the pool or on the beach and relax.
We'd like to spend 10 days on an island in the Caribbean at a nice resort.
I'd prefer AI because I'll feel no guilt ordering that extra daiquiri if I've already paid for it 
, but it doesn't have to be. I'm open to non-AI resorts.
I'd like a place with a good number of restaurant options (whether on the resort or within walking distance) and a nice spa.
I'd rather not do Mexico, since we've been there a number of times.
We'd considered Punta Cana, but people have been discouraging it.
Other than that, we're pretty open to any location.
Anything you can recommend?
Re: I need help choosing a destination for a vacation next month.
We'd like to keep it to $5K or less.
I'd be up for a day trip or some activities, but no real specifics in mind. I like snorkeling and parasailing, etc. I like trying new restaurants and local cuisine. As far a shopping, I'd be interested in checking out some things from local artists, but shopping isn't a top priority (a shocker to many people who know me).
We're pretty open to trying new things in general.
my first thought is barbados. gorgeous beaches, great food, nice history and tons to do as far as in town or snorkeling etc... if you can get 10 days for 5k total at an AI in high season-that remains to be seen.
ahve you visited cheapcaribbean or allinclusiveoutlet.com to see whats in your price range?
I haven't checked those sites yet, but I will now. I'm actually happy to hear you recommend Barbados. I was looking at some pretty decent deals for non-AI options in Barbados on luxurylink, but I didn't know anyone who had visited there to get opinions on it.
I personally haven't been... but Puerto Plata, DR was on the travelzoo list today: http://www.travelzoo.com/hotels/caribbean-mexico/-12-Caribbean-All-Inclusive-Beach-Resort-at-85-Off-1164124/
If you go next month, it looks like it'd be around $24 a night... that's not a bad deal for an IA
There's also some other great discounts through cheap carribbean just not that good!
I had the same feeling in Dec and went to Jamaica to do nothing but lounge, eat, and drink basically. I stayed at Iberostar Rose Hall without complaint but there are a slew of places to fit your style and budget.
I would rec. here b/c there are plenty of AI and you can still do an excursion/tour if you want. As as bad as it sounds, you won't want to go explore and wander around Jamaica on your own so it forces you to unwind.
Barbados is a great recommendation. Plenty to do if you are up for it but also great for pure lounging. I stayed at the Fairmont about 5 years ago and loved it. Definitely check out which side of the island to stay on b/c one side has rough surf and the other side tends to have calmer water.
You could also look into Anguilla--I have heard the Cusinart resort is amazing, I think there is not much to do but relax.
St. John is another option--gorgeous beaches! We loved Caneel bay.
I recommend Hotel Gansevoort on Turks & Caicos but it's kind of pricey all around. But, the local bars and restaurants are very reasonable in price and fun.
Also, Amsterdam Manor Beach hotel in Aruba, which is definitely more reasonable in cost (the rooms aren't as nice as the other hotel, but they are clean and efficient) and there are a ton of places to eat, drink and be merry.
eta: I forgot to mention both are not all-inclusive.
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Thanks for the recommendations everyone. We're going to check out these places and pick something within the week. I'll let you know what we decide.
Chymes - it's funny you mentioned Excellence in Punta Cana, that's actually where we were thinking of going, but then about 6 people we knew told us they wouldn't recommend Punta Cana. They couldn't really tell us if it was just a crappy resort they stayed at or the location, so we put it on the back burner - but it's nice to hear good things about it from someone who has stayed at the Excellence resort.
It's really a lovely place. I think of Punta Cana as a great destination if you don't want a very active vacation (which it sounds like you do). There's not a ton to do outside of the AI resorts, so you spend your time soaking up the beaches and enjoying the resorts. For that purpose, Excellence PC is awesome. We had fantastic service and the restaurants were all great.