qdogpa

I would also vote for a cruise,Royal Carribean newest ships are great..many have shore excursions for golfing when in a port...dining together is easy on board, and enough activities that allow for opportunities to do as YOU please for awhile

1214mom

I'm not a huge fan of timeshares in general, but do you or any of your friends own a timeshare? There are often special deals you can get through RCI. We got a week on Grand Cayman, ocean front, in a 2 br 2bath condo for about a thousand bucks a couple years ago, and there was no sales pitch involved. Hawaii is wonderful, and Maui especially has something for everyone. An all inclusive is another good idea. Same concept as a cruise, but people could golf also.

MaterMia

We have loved the Playa Del Carmen area in Mexico. We did just this was some friends in December at a all inclusive Secrets resort for adults only. Why did we wait until 50 to try all-inclusive and adults only? It was fabulous. So much fun. Great food - and lots of drink. Going to Playa is fun. A day trip to Tulum or Chitzen Itza is fabulous. Can also deep sea fish, snorkel, etc. It's very, very reasonable. And safety was just not a concern. If you want more recommendations or specifics - feel free to PM me. I would highly recommend our resort and the tour company we used.

bkbmom

We did an Alaskan cruise last summer for my in-law's 60th anniversary. There were 25 of us and it was amazing. We've also done the rent a house for several couples which is lots of fun, too. Definitely a different feeling. Canyon Ranch? Not a big fan. Been there a few times and it just never grew on me. It's 98% women so I'd discount that even if you were all into health and exercise.

gouf78

For a group of nine cruises are the best option. Lots to do, plenty of together time and down time too. You get to see new things and entertainment is planned.
If you're really close friends with a good track record then renting a house or taking over a bed and breakfast somewhere would be fun. Need some entertainment though that doesn't take 4 cars and a lot of driving--that turns it into a deal breaker.
Always heard Costa Rica is wonderful (I haven't been).
Everyone has to buy into the budget to do any of this--you don't want resentment to be the end result of a celebration. If some of your group hasn't traveled much the dollars spent going somewhere that's not at the top of their list can lead to resentment.

MyLB

A good friend did a four-five couple 50th birthday celebration this spring in Belize. Found a wonderful place that was small enough that they had rented the whole thing, so meals were a little more made to order and whenever they wanted. Lots of options to add onto the trip, which couples could opt in and out of--cave swimming, kayaking, . . . , lots of stuff I can't remember.

lilmom

Lots of great ideas! I'm sending a link to this thread to our friends!

sax

The men in my life cannot stand to sit still. They need activities. I would ask the guys in the group what their hopes are for the vacation. Have something for everyone.

wis75

We did a 10 day Costa Rica tour last winter. A great active vacation. However there were two tours starting the same day and we met someone whose friend ended up at totally different hotels for parallel experiences since they didn't book together (who knew this could happen?).

lilmom

Sax, DH would feel lost without his golf clubs. The guys in our group are active and love to play tennis, golf and run. I wish I could say the same for the ladies, lol.

Wis75 - which month did you travel to Costa Rica? And how was the weather? This is our group's first choice so far. One of our relatives owns a 10 bedroom vacation house there but I'm not sure of the location. A resort close to the beach and/or golf may be the way to go. It may also offer us more independence.

HImom

Hawaii has a lot of great options--beach, golf, tennis & great weather. With the new airlines, fares are dropping as well. If you don't want Oahu, the neighbor islands are also great & may have lower prices for their golf courses. If you rent a few two or three bedroom places, the costs could be lower than everyone renting their own place. I'm not positive cruises are the best if the men are active & want to golf & play tennis, but sound them out on it. Nothing worse than a bunch of grumps together while they wait for their next port & tee/court time. If they like the things aboard ship, that will work but cruises AREN'T for everyone.

07DAD

Costa Rica is very nice especially if you are up for some activity.

The Pacuare Jungle Lodge, Costa Rica - The Ultimate eco lodge Experience in Costa Rica