There are so many reasons to travel to the magical Yucatan Peninsula, in particular Playa del Carmen, so I’ve carved out some of my favourite from A to Z. (part 2 – see previous blog for A to K!)
Luna Encantada Condos. Bask in luxury at these gorgeous beachfront condos & enjoy stunning views of the famous Caribbean and Playa’s white sand beaches. Take a dip in the infinity pool, or stroll the famous 5th Avenue. Your beach attendant Odin, will set up your lounger & umbrella, and deliver food & tasty drinks from Fusion next door (cost of food/drinks not incl.) See pic!
Mexican people are warm, welcoming and perhaps the friendliest people on the earth. They are proud of their country and as such enjoy showing it off. They are gracious hard-working hosts with a flair for food and entertaining.
Nightlife & nightclubs in Playa abound! Listen to reggae at Fusion, have a tasty margarita at Blue Parrot, listen to salsa at Mambo, enjoy “happy hour” at Tequila Barrel or listen to the “Nasty Bastards” play classic rock at Bad Boys Beach Club! (one of my favourites…ahem.)
Ocean cruises. We enjoyed a pre-wedding cruise with our guests on the exquisite 65 foot catamaran on Cata Maya Catamaran Tours. Sailing through the blue waters & seeing an amazing sunset, dining on delicious food & refreshing drinks was a one-of-a- kind lifetime experience!
Playa Beach Getaways are rated excellent on Trip Advisor and FlipKey. Tonya Sarina (owner) and her staff have been making their clients’ dreams come true day in & day out! Whether you are looking for a luxury oceanfront condo, or a quiet villa, they will offer you tip-top service including concierge services such as stock your condo with groceries, arrange transportation & day trips & much more!
Quinta Aveda or 5th avenue is the most important commercial, cultural, & social center in Playa! It’s where colourful shops, open-air cafes, spas, bars & music come together. You’ll see squirrel monkeys, baby tigers, clowns, the “bird man”, and magicians if you’re lucky!
Restaurants abound from ultra-casual to fine dining. Eat cheaply at the push carts at Juarez & enjoy tasty shrimp tacos or more upscale spots like Wicky’s, Ajua Maya, Luna Rossi, Babes Noodle House, Cocina 38, Carboncitos & too many more to list!
Skydiving is available on the beach just south of the ferry dock at Sky Dive Playa.
Turtles…ahh my great adoration for turtles. Travel to Akumal to swim with these divine creatures!
Underwater cenotes are natural wonders which are known to connect with other underlying cave systems which have been explored for lengths of 100 kilometres or more.
Veronica’s Massage: Heavenly, and one of THE best deep tissue massage I’ve ever had. $35US will get you a one hour massage that will make you slide off the table! Quiet, clean, and relaxing atmosphere.
Water Sports abound in Playa. Jet ski rentals, sailing, speed boating, snorkelling, windsurfing, kite boarding, scuba diving on the Great Mayan Reef; the second largest coral reef system in the world.
Xcaret theme park & TOP eco-archaeological park for family fun. Enjoy an underground river journey, snorkelling, swim with dolphins, and Mayan performances. Acrobatics, stilt walkers, and live animals throughout the park (monkeys, birds, manatees, sea turtles, horses, etc.)Wine tasting for the adults!
Yaxche Maya Cuisine is one of my favourite restaurants in Playa. Enjoy Mayan fusion cuisine in a unique environment that combines both ancient and cosmopolitan elements. Try the flambéed crepes prepared tableside!
Zip lining over the cenotes and the jungle canopy below! Exhilarating and fun (and who said Tarzan was a “man”?)
Don’t just read about Mexico, embrace it and eat it up! Singing off from sunny Playa!
“Playa Gal” (a very satisfied client working to promote Playa Beach Condos & Villas!) salgal@playabeachcondo.com (PS- Click on the feed and visit my ongoing blogs!)