Need Help ASAP for July 4th Caribbean Trip.

Hi all,
It's been quite a while (3 years) since my RTW and I'm back in the workforce slaving away for the man. The rat race has me once again burned out, and I need some good recommendations. I live in Houston Texas, so I'm right on the doorstep of the caribbean. I'm looking for a place I can go, that is a few hours flight. I'll be leaving Thursday night July 3rd returning Sunday july 6th. I'm looking for gogeous beaches on the order of Cancun or Dominican Republic, and perhaps somewhere where I can rent a cheap hut or something on the beach (Thailand style). In case you're wondering why I don't go to DR or Cancun, I'll explain. Although DR is a relatively short distance from Houston, there are no direct flights, and I'd have to fly to New Jersey first, meaning I'd lose a good portion of a day flying. Cancun is extremely close, but it's touristy and expensive, and I've already been there. I'm so desparate for some R&R I've even considered (dare I say it) all inclusives. I know that's blasphemy to an RTW veteran, but when you're in the rat race, you do silly things sometimes. Any help or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Hey Bayou City Boy, I feel your pain. As a former resident of the Bayou City myself (relocated to Colorado after the RTW) and current runner of the rat race I know how hard it can be to plan and execute a trip. I shamefully took an all-inclusive trip last year and just as expected, I won't do it again.
How about Belize? I have not looked into renting a cheap hut on the beach but when I went there (several years ago) it was definitely relaxing and beautiful. I'm assuming you are a US citizen so the Cuba thing would be a logistical nightmare...