Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Luxury Hotels and Destination

The Other Mexican Vacation

If you’ve been waiting for a Mexican vacation but dread the huge tourist crowds of Cancun and other cities like it, Playa del Carmen is the alternative you’ve been waiting for. This small but growing fishing village is an ideal home base for your long awaited luxury hotel adventure in Mexico. With its all day ferries running from downtown Playa del Carmen to Cozumel as well as daily buses headed to Cancun, you’ll get the benefits of a smaller, quieter beach town without forgoing the convenience of having easy access to larger cities. Even within the city limits, you’ll have a wide selection of both relaxing and exciting activities to choose from. If you’ve ever been curious about the ancient Mayan civilization, you could put on your archeologist hat for a day and take part in an unforgettable tour of the magnificent ruins. Adventure seekers can look into cave diving for a thrilling experience. For those relaxing afternoons, you can choose to take a little sun on the stunning white sandy beaches or go swimming with dolphins. This luxury hotel vacation could suit you so well that you might join the handful of other expatriates who traded their work pants and computers for beach shorts and sun block. Consider this ever changing destination for your next luxury hotel, Mexican vacation.

Getting to Playa del Carmen

The two major airports near Playa del Carmen are Cozumel Airport and Cancun Airport. Each of these has the means to get you to Playa del Carmen, but they differ slightly. From Cozumel, the easiest way to reach your destination would be to grab a taxi from the airport to the dock (el muelle) and then to hop on the ferry which leaves every hour, on the hour. Once in Playa del Carmen, you can flag down another taxi or take the opportunity to stretch your legs. Remember, this is a small town, so you’re probably no more than 20 minutes walking distance from your luxury hotel! From Cancun Airport, you can choose from a bus service, direct shuttle service, or a taxi to bring you directly (or maybe with a few pit stops for other riders) to Playa del Carmen, or even directly to your luxury hotel. It’s a true advantage to be able to walk anywhere in town, but for those excruciatingly hot days, you will always have the option of using the very affordable taxi service.

Playa del Carmen Attractions

Most luxury hotel travelers who choose a destination in Mexico are seeking the beauty of the Caribbean Sea and Playa del Carmen delivers. Though the sun and sand are pleasant enough on their own, you don’t want to miss the underwater wonderland that lays waiting just below the surface of the warm blue waters. This coastal area is home to one of the biggest barrier reefs on the planet (second only to the Australian Great Barrier Reef), so why not take the opportunity to explore this coral reef’s world of colors and marine life with a little scuba diving. Whether you’re an expert diver or looking to try this aquatic sport for the very first time, the dive shops in town can accommodate all levels of scuba divers. For a list of great dive shops, ask your luxury hotel concierge service for their insider’s opinion.

If you prefer to stay closer to shore, you can tote your beach bag and park your beach chair anywhere on Playa’s impeccably clean main beach, which begins at the ferry docks. You’ll probably be able to set off by foot right from your own luxury hotel. Enjoy a few cold drinks from the beachside bar to help you keep cool, but remember to drink plenty of water and to keep your skin protected from those intense sunrays with a strong sun block. With fine white sand, dazzling clear blue water and not a worry on your mind, it’s easy to spend an entire day on the beach in Playa del Carmen.

For a tantalizing adventure, look into cave diving. It’s a darker, spookier world that offers a thrilling opportunity to explore the underground world. Common in the Yucatan region, cenotes are natural limestone and coral wells that lead to underground rivers, caverns and caves. These freshwater pools offer two forms of diving, one that is within reach of natural sunlight and one that is deeper and out of reach of any natural light. Whether you stay near the entrance of a cave or go beyond into the darkness, make sure that you are always accompanied by a qualified cave diving guide (unless, of course, you are certified yourself). These natural formations also have something to offer for those who prefer less hazardous outings. You can spend hours roaming through these cenotes and admiring the timeless stalactite and stalagmite formations as well as a rainbow of tropical fish in the fresh water.

Mayan ruins are like a window that allows us a glimpse into the ancient world of one of the greatest civilizations of all time. Absolutely extraordinary, these archeological gems are well-worth your time. Even for those who are completely turned off by history, the shear beauty of these old architectural wonders surrounded by the lush tropical setting of Mexico make Mayan ruins an incredible attraction for all types of luxury hotel travelers.

Playa del Carmen is an excellent luxury hotel destination for those who enjoy guided tours. Choose from horseback riding adventures, swimming with dolphins, jungle safaris and archaeological site visits. Embark on a day or night cruise and indulge in a delicious, fresh lobster dinner. You can even opt to go deep sea fishing at night! If you’re looking for speed, take a speed boat ride through the Mexican Riviera. Tours in the areas surrounding Playa del Carmen are perfect for travelers of all ages and most are happy to include transportation to and from your luxury hotel and to provide meals. Spend a few minutes with your luxury hotel concierge for a little help in choosing the perfect guided tour for you.

Playa del Carmen Dining & Nightlife

Stroll along Quinta Avenida, or 5th Avenue, the main pedestrian walkway in Playa del Carmen and pick from a wide selection of restaurants. You can even buy something tasty along the way and bring it with you to enjoy from the comfort of your beach chair, with the beautiful Caribbean to gaze upon and the warm sun rays to bask in. You’ll have outstanding authentic Mexican food at your fingertips, so get ready to sink your teeth into chicken mole, tacos al pastor, tortas and much more; but remember to save room for dessert! To satisfy your sweet tooth, enjoy a couple of tamales. For a change, you can also choose from a number of other international dining options; from Italian to German and French to Japanese, Playa del Carmen can satisfy even the pickiest eater. For something to wash everything down, fresh fruit margaritas and ice cold beer are plentiful. In Playa del Carmen, you’ll find it easy to kick back, relax and let your taste bud experience the very best flavors the area has to offer.

Playa del Carmen comes to life at night, enticing visitors from the comfort of their luxury hotels out into the cool night air to experience the energy and excitement of the Yucatan Peninsula. From dancing inside a real cave and splashing around in a rooftop Jacuzzi to more laid back settings like listening to live music on the beach, you’ll find a venue that offers just what you want for a night around town. During your Playa del Carmen luxury hotel vacation, you can spend all day relaxing at the beach, but come nighttime, it’s time to get your groove on!

Playa del Carmen Luxury Hotel Experience

We all seem to reach a point in our work and family life when we desperately need a break from it all. Don’t settle for anything less than the pampering and expert attention to detail of a luxury hotel. There’s no better way to unwind and to watch the stresses of life just melt away than to spend a few nights in an exceptionally comfortable bed with luxurious linens, a gorgeous room with soothing décor, complimentary spa-quality bathroom products, plush bathrobes and beautiful window views. Playa del Carmen luxury hotels offer all this plus the convenience of an ideal location close to dazzling beaches and minutes from thrilling adventures.

• Playa del Carmen Beaches
• Playa del Carmen Reef Diving
• Cave and Cenote Diving
• Tours of Mayan Ruins
• Playa del Carmen Tours
• Nightlife
• Dining