DFW direct flights are hard to come by to a tropical destination. Have you looked on Orbitz yet or similar sites or was Scubaboard your first attempt at seeking a destination? 4 Star hotels or better are typically found in larger vacation destinations like Grand Cayman, Riviera Maya, Cancun, Cozumel, Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, etc. Not all of those are great diving spots some are better than others like Cayman, Turks and Caicos, and Cozumel. Cayman and Turks are out because of connecting flights and you do not want to go to Cozumel. Belize could be an option but there is connecting flight to Ambergris Caye where Ramon's is, but then 4 star may be debateable in the rating system. Bahamas would be good and you could stay at Atlantis, but that involves a connecting flight. A liveaboard is a great diving vacation but I am not sure I would call it a 4 star experience, bathrooms and showers have a lot to be desired aboard a boat. Last minute flights anywhere these days are in just one word, expensive. What kind of budget do you have? My trip to Grand Cayman aboard the Aggressor liveaboard with air out of Houston was $5600.00, add on incidentals, parking, tips, a meal here and there, etc. added up to $6500.00. Are you on a budget? How long of a trip 4 days, 5 days, 7 days or more?
I have taken many trips diving and non-diving. For last minute, out of DFW you really can not beat Cozumel. Why are you afraid of drift diving? Driving to Houston is a great option for a direct flight to Roatan, or Grand Cayman and maybe something you should consider. Good luck I hope you find what you are looking for!
