Carribean Vacation Recommendations - No AI or cruises.

[JasoninDenver]

I have noticed a great many members here are big fans of the Caribbean so I am hoping for a little guidance for a low-key beach trip.

I am planning a 10 vacation over Christmas in 2017 and looking for a nice destination to sit on the beach and enjoy a laid back environment. We have never been to this part of the world and everyone we know has done it by cruise ship or mega all-inclusive resort, neither of which are our cup of tea.

Can anybody recommend an island where we can:

Rent a nice condo on or very near a good beach

Have a good array of water and land activities

Away from mega crowds and congestion

We stay away from busy nightlife/casino districts and do not need much in the way of shopping and fancy tourist attractions. Beach chairs and boogie boards are about it for us.

So far I have heard good things about Aruba and Punta Cana.

We usually go to Maui, but December weather can be hit or miss there.

Mexico is a possibility but, for some reason, my two Mexico trips have all been jinxed by "once every 20 year" events. Our trip last year to Cancun was marred by a seagrass bloom that prevented us from even getting into the water. Trip before that was Cabo when a jellyfish infestation did the same. Needless to say, the wife is reluctant to go for the third strike!

Thanks in advance.