There is so much to discover and see in the Riviera Maya that just can’t be covered in one of those glossy vacation brochures. Guaranteed you will run out of time before you run out of things to do in this beautiful area of Mexico.

There’s no such thing as a “lame” vacation when you visit the Mexican Caribbean. From the picturesque beaches, to the world class diving & snorkeling, the ancient Mayan ruins & outstanding eco water-parks, the exotic jungle & wildlife tours and not forgetting the fine wine, terrific tequila and fusion cuisine. The place just has it all… This “place” makes other “places” feel very jealous!

So on that note, here goes part two of “Things I LOVE About Playa”!

-The annual (& FREE)  Riviera Maya Jazz Festival on Mamitas Beach (coming up Nov. 27-29^th)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-The beautiful hand-crafted candles with sand from Playa fused into the bases. Artevelas Candles 1^st Ave. & Calle 14.

–A day without chocolate is like a day without sunshine. Ah Cacao Cafe is known for their locally produced coffee & chocolate. A great people-watching spot to sip a cup of local java & enjoy their homemade brownies! Many locations on 5^th Ave.

–Casa Callaway is a stunning piece of architecture sitting oceanfront in Playacar. This luxurious 5 bedroom/6 bath villa with its own larger-than-most pool, Jacuzzi, & personal chef (extra) will make you think you’ve arrived in paradise.

-On 5^th Avenue every Thurs. night CaminArte (or The “Art Walk”) comes alive, transforming 5^th Avenue into an open-air art gallery. Internationally recognized artists set up their easels to showcase their works of art to the public.  5^th Ave between 24^th & 38^th at 6 PM.

-Enjoy nature & more than 60 species of beautiful feathered-friends (toucans, fflamingos parrots etc.) in their own natural habitat at Xaman Ha Aviary located in Playacar Phase 2. (Small entrance fee)

-If you want to make your taste buds dance, try the Tart Flambee, grilled chicken or fish tacos from the wood-burning oven at the 1950’s Brazilian inspired beach club, Canibal Royal. Calle 48^th & Beach  

-Don’t feel up to trekking through an ancient Mayan ruin tour? Then simply walk to Playacar Phase 1 & 2 (south of the ferry) to see the Mayan ruins which are open to the public for free!

-Who’d have thought that cheese & tequila would make such a great combo? Well Mi Pueblo did! Try their yummy 3 cheese Tequila fondue/dip with its fresh crisp tortillas! 5^th & Calle 8

-Bring home a feel of the ocean to light up your life with the MOST gorgeous shell lights you’ve ever seen at Maya Xel! (Unlike many others, they strive to protect and ensure sustainability of Caribbean sea shells.) 5th Ave. & Calle 28th.  

-Tired of Walmart? Then check out DAC Market – a little Playa gem where you can find locally grown fresh fruit/veggies, homemade bread, flowers, spices & herbs, Asian food, imported cheeses, organic & gluten free food. 30^th Ave & Calle 20th.

-The mantra of Playa: “Eat where the locals eat!” You MUST try El Ray del Taco (“Taco King”) serving up the most tender beef tacos you’ll ever taste with zippidy-do-da sauces to enrich the experience. Constituyentes & 30^th near Mega.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-Love wine & cheese? Then try the fabulous cheese board at Negroamara Italian Restaurant which abounds with a variety of cheeses (blue, goat’s, aged cheddar etc.), jams, fresh fruit, nuts, & fresh baked bread! 5^th ave & Calle 34^th

Wow, just writing all of this makes me long to be back in Playa del Carmen soaking up the wonderful sights and sounds!

Questions? Email us today at: info@yourbestgetaway.com

Salud!

“PLAYA” Gal (a very satisfied client now working to promote Playa Beach Getaways!)
Contact Sally Foran: salgal@playabeachcondo.com  ~ PS Catch us on Facebook & Pinterest

 

Sally Foran is a happily married mom of 3, residing in Canada and is a frequent traveler to the Riviera Maya MX. She is an aficionado on ‘everything Playa del Carmen’ and writes with joy and passion about the area.  She is also a witty blog contributor to Work & Family Foundation Canada, and NAVUT (offering professionals new to Ottawa the inside scoop!) Sally has also been awarded Blogger of the Week on TravelBlog.Org which enjoys over 250,000 bloggers world-wide.