Honestly, when I clicked this thread I expected to find only ONE acceptable response, followed by flight/hotel recommendations in Amsterdam.

What about Belize? You have a short nonstop DFW-BZE flight on AA and a good mix of activities - both jungle and beach. Catch a Cessna out to the cayes and stay there, you can do daytrips in big speedboats into the heart of the jungle.

No *ittybars that I can recall where we were (San Pedro), but plenty of good beachside bars/restaurants. No Cancun feel whatsoever. Ridiculously good snorkeling/diving. We rented a 2-bedroom condo just north of town...plenty of small resorts (word used loosely) to choose from.