Mexico is a huge tourist destination and it’s always been one of my favourite places to visit. Cancun gets a bad rap as being a spring break party location, but just an hour south of there is a city called Playa del Carmen that is the perfect vacation hotspot for chic travellers looking for the perfect balance of luxury, nightlife, shopping and beaches. As a travel blogger it’s my job to travel for a living, and after all the cities and countries I’ve visited this area of Mexico is still high on my list of favourites!
Read on for my best tips:
Choosing the perfect place to stay
There are hundreds of accommodation options in Playa del Carmen ranging from boutique hotels to all-inclusive mega resorts. The type of vacation you want to have with biggest the biggest deciding factor in choosing where to stay. The boutique hotels tend to be quieter, but the all-inclusive resorts have the ease of never going to restaurants or worrying about money. For a boutique hotel I recommend La Pasion Hotel Boutique, and for a resort I love Paradisus La Esmeralda.
Add in some authentic Mexican culture
Learn to cook your favourite Mexican dishes at Co.Co’s Culinary School. I took the three hour “appetizers and cocktails” class on a Friday night and had a blast learning how to make cucumber martinis and ceviche! Not only did I learn some killer new recipes (they’re been a huge hit at home) but it was also one of the funnest nights I’ve ever had in Mexico.
Let loose at one of their famous beach clubs
The beach clubs in Playa del Carmen are the biggest draw for a lot of travellers. Kool Beach Club is my favourite with its lush pool-side lounges and great views of the ocean. They’ve got a great selection of food and drinks so you can literally spend the entire day here.
Insider tip: This is one of the hottest clubs in Playa del Carmen – so pack your cutest bikini and designer shades.
Indulge in some serious shopping
Shopping on 5th Avenue is a great way to find unique jewellery and souvenirs. There’s one shop to look out for that sells lamps made out of conch shells! They’re a bit pricey but I absolutely love how mine brings touch of Mexico into my home. Other items like silver jewellery and beach apparel is incredibly affordable, making it really hard to not go crazy and buy everything.
Pamper yourself at one of the spas
If you’re looking to relax head to Sabai Spa for a massage. You can’t beat their incredibly low prices here and their trained staff can work wonders on sore muscles and knots. Their convenient location on 5th Avenue means you can drop in for a massage between shopping and lunch.
Insider tip: Ask them to skip the scalp massage if you don’t want oily hair for the rest of the day.
Visit the famous beaches of Tulum
Just a short drive from Playa del Carmen is arguably the most beautiful beach in Mexico – Tulum! It’s well worth it to head here for a day trip. You can either rent a car, take a tour bus, or visit as part of an all-day tour that stops at other sights.
Check out Kelly’s blog for more travel tips and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for more updates.