My wife and I are thinking about taking a longer weekend vacaction somewhere tropical. I know everyone here is a huge baller that is in with all the exclusive spots so I figured I'd ask. We'd like somewhere that has the following:

Clear water/secluded beaches
Good Food
Other stuff to do like hike
Direct flight from Houston
Laid Back
Safe to explore on our own

Any specific details or general thoughts are appreciated.

Roatan... 3-hour direct flight from Houston. Clearest water I have ever seen. Laid back, good diving/snorkeling and it's safe to venture about the island. It's our favorite vacation destination.

Hawaii.

Cancun/Playa Del Carmen. It is literally closer than Vegas or Disney World

IAH - CUN is dirt cheap and direct if you're willing to fly on the mexican version of Ryanair. Vivaaerobus will do the round trip for like $140/person.

+1 on roatan

Belize

Puerto Rico!!!!!

St John