Q - Tulle H. of New York City writes: We need a recommendation for a resort over the Christmas Holiday with our 11-year-old -- maybe in Jamaica or Grenada. We want to stay on the beach, and enjoy nature activities (especially snorkeling), but have accessibility to some night life and local culture, and not be in an isolated resort all the time.

A - Jamaica is probably not a good destination because most of the resorts are, in fact, isolated from the "real" Jamaica, as many are concerned about crime. 

Check out our articles for the following stories about activities and a round up of hotels on Grenada, the Spice Island of the Caribbean:
"Grenada Family Fun"
"Grenada Hotels and Restaurants"
"Grenada's Got A Lot Going On"

Look at our story "Puerto Rico: The Old World in the New" if you are looking for culture in the Caribbean. If this appeals to you, search FTF for "Puerto Rico" to find other stories with more hotel options. 

Also, you could consider the Yucatan in Mexico, where you can visit Mayan ruins.  There are lots of flights and hotels in the area.  Read "Cancun, Mexico Hotels and Resorts," a round-up of hotels in Cancun (where ther's lots of nightlife), and "Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen Hotels and Resorts" for options along the Riviera Maya.