BudgetTravel

But the couple may simply take it easy at the Ylang-Ylang Beach Resort, a cluster of geodesic cabins, rooms, suites, and a highly praised restaurant. "Dave is a super penny-pincher, which keeps me in check," says Laurie. The resort's $175 nightly rate for a private bungalow may be a stretch, but breakfast and dinner are included, and the resort offers sea views and a romantic setting. Alternately, standard rooms start at $120. Classes for yoga and Reiki, a Japanese healing technique, are available. The restaurant's menu was developed in part by one of the owners, a Dutch nutritionist who, with her American husband, also founded El Sano Banano, a hotel, health-food store, and vegetarian restaurant in town. Guests at both properties are asked to donate $1 per night of their stay to help fund a nearby wildlife reserve. The Bakery, notable for its fantastic breakfasts, is another healthy spot to eat with plenty of vegetarian options.

Montezuma has a shore break that crashes quickly and has been known to give novices fits. So when Laurie asks about "a mellow surf break, mainly for me," we steer her a half hour away to Santa Teresa, reached by a $25 taxi. A handful of surf shops offer lessons and gear rental for around $35 per day. Santa Teresa's waves are beautifully consistent, though it's essential to ask at a surf shop about any dangerous breaks. To play it safe, Laurie and Dave may want to head to the easy yet respectable waves off Playa Carmen, just outside Santa Teresa.

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The relaxed, beach-bum setting at Santa Teresa is very veggie-friendly. The Funky Monkey Sushi Lounge, for example, has terrific vegetarian rolls. To save a bit on lodging--and avoid going all the way back to Montezuma--Laurie and Dave can stay in the Blue Jay Eco-Lodge. Rates start at $45, with breakfast included, and it's set in a jungle enclave of trees, just two blocks from the beach.

Transportation

Lodging

Food