Something not as hot as Dominican Republican but with calmer water than Cape Verde, not as far form Portugal as the Mauritius??

Basically, the three destinations on the title were my previous beach all included resort type of vacations, but each has its draw backs (obviously, nowhere will be perfect). I live in Portugal

Dominican Republic (Samaná) - it's just too hot for me.. Full blast AC it's good, but the in between movements from the room, to the Restaurants, to the beach... The hot wave that hits you it awful and I'm constantly uncomfortable. The food is amazingly cooked (Bahia Príncipe), nice people, sea is nicely hot and still. 8h travel is the most I'm willing to do with a 2yo and it was already a stretch the first 2 days she was jetlagged and very fussy...

Mauritius - amazing weather, very balanced sea/beach temperature and stillness (the best of the 3) but the sea has a lot of rocks, the food was bad (local hotel chain 5 star chain), and it's too too far away.

Cape Verde - amazing people, affordable, loved the wind (I'm very uncomfortable in hot weather), but both islands I visited (Sal and Boavista) the sea is very aggressive (constantly red or yellow flag) and it's not easy with a small child... Nice food and amenities (Riu 5 star)

What would you suggest I look into next? Not as hot as DR, calmer sea than Cape Verde, closer than Mauritius.. I appreciate any input that could narrow my ongoing search