Mexico - Need some Mexico travel advice (looking for beach/culture trip ideas)

Due to the strong exchange rate, we (couple in 30's) are considering vacationing in Mexico for a week in February. We would like to combine a beach vacation with an artisan town to do some shopping for crafts etc. We have spent time in Guadalajara and Tonala and were hoping for something different. Any suggestions for two places that aren't too far apart?
Ideally, we'd find someplace relatively quiet (as opposed to a bustling part of Cancun), and a boutique/small property as opposed to a large chain hotel.

Thanks in advance.

A week is such a short time if you want to combine beach and culture. Getting from the colonial highlands to the coast is going to take you best part of a day even if you fly and even if you buy an open jaws ticket.
The best area would therefore probably be the Yucatan, since distances are much smaller. Merida has much to offer, despite severe traffic problems. And there are smaller colonial towns such as Valladolid and Izamal that are well worth visiting. As for the beach, the further south you are from Cancun the nicer it is. Or you could head north from Merida to Progreso, where the beaches are not as picturesque as those on the Caribbean but a lot quieter and where you can see the flamingoes etc.

A week is such a short time if you want to combine beach and culture. Getting from the colonial highlands to the coast is going to take you best part of a day even if you fly and even if you buy an open jaws ticket.
The best area would therefore probably be the Yucatan, since distances are much smaller. Merida has much to offer, despite severe traffic problems. And there are smaller colonial towns such as Valladolid and Izamal that are well worth visiting. As for the beach, the further south you are from Cancun the nicer it is. Or you could head north from Merida to Progreso, where the beaches are not as picturesque as those on the Caribbean but a lot quieter and where you can see the flamingoes etc.

Londinese...any idea on the development/tourist status of Holbox (sp?) Island?
When I used to go to Isla Mujeres back in the 90's, Holbox was the little idyllic spot I dreamed about but never had a chance to visit. Was supposed to be very laid back, undeveloped.

Londinese...any idea on the development/tourist status of Holbox (sp?) Island?
When I used to go to Isla Mujeres back in the 90's, Holbox was the little idyllic spot I dreamed about but never had a chance to visit. Was supposed to be very laid back, undeveloped.

I have not been to Holbox, but hear it is still quite undeveloped. A friend was on Mujeres recently and thought it pretty nice, although it does get daytrippers from Cancun. I know Cozumel best, being a diver. It's not much of a place other than the diving, being over-run by pink blobs from the cruise ships during the day time. At night S Miguel quietens down and becomes a Mexican town again.

Agree that Yucatan is probably your best bet, since it will also be vastly different from Jalisco.

Another alternative could be Oaxaca, spending some time in the city, and then heading to the beach at Puerto Escondido/PXM or Huatulco/HUX, for example.

I have been to Isla Holbox twice in the last 2 years. It is still pretty undeveloped and has only about 10% of the activity of Isla Mujeres. The roads are still sand and limited cell phone coverage ( but it has improved since the first trip), no ATM or bank( bring cash pesos). Lots of beach to walk, which is a very good selling point, but it is not perfect sand/water like Mujeres. It is a little bit of effort to get there on a 2nd class bus out of Cancun (3hours then a ferry ride). It is still a lot more primitive than the first time in Isla Mujeres-1982.

Was in the Yucatan earlier this month and spent 2 weeks in Isla Mujeres/Merida. Merida was very enjoyable and had lots of small hotels, rest/bars, and culture to enjoy.

I am somewhat seeking the same thing for Xmas 2009, but we'll have two weeks, and am trying to decide between Puerto Vallarta area and Mazatlan. We have never been to the west coast of Mexico.

We typically use VRBO http://www.vrbo.com/ (I'm in a great beach house on Puget Sound right now for $130/night). I'm finding many good places in both MZT and PV.

I wish I had my copy of People's Guide to Mexico[U] with me. Will consult it tomorrow.

Wife wants the beach, and I like to combine with some car trips. We like small towns. Anything good between Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara? Is there anything interesting to see outside of MZT?

Much thanks,

Steve

I would second the Oaxaca and Puerto Escondido or Huatulco suggestion. I love the Yucatan, but there is not all that much of a crafts culture there. Much more interesting things to buy in Oaxaca.

Try the tomzap websites for Melaque, Bara de Navidad and Caryes. Fly via ZLO or Guadalajara. First class buses are just that and excellent.

Guadalajara in the district of Tlequepaque has the cute b&bs.

Visit the trip advisor for details.

San Miguel is freeeeeeeezing in winter.

Guanajuato is charming but cold.

You will love Mexico in winter.

Just an update from the OP...

We just returned on Sunday from 9 days in Mexico... we had a great trip. Here's how we split the time:
- 3 nights in San Miguel de Allende (including a day trip over to Guanajuato)
- 3 nights in Patzcuaro including a day visiting local artisan villages
- 3 nights in Zijuatenejo

Overall, a really good mix of culture, shopping and beach.