Tranquil, lovely and not quite as crowded as its nearby northern neighbor Cancun, Playa del Carmen is a place you’ll want to see for yourself and then keep to yourself. This paradise by the sea is located on the Yucatan peninsula on what’s known as the Mayan Riviera, and as opposed to other Mexican destinations it retains an air of peace that fosters incredible stress-obliterating getaways. Look past the flurry of activity surrounding the flashier spring break type destinations and give your attention to a worthier locale.



Playa del Carmen, or just Playa as you’ll soon come to call it, reveals a glimpse of the Caribbean that can be described as the best of the best. Turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, sunny weather and a plethora of activities to choose from lay the scene. These are the qualities that provide a foundation for the trip you’ve been waiting for, so embrace them and then start adding all the specialized details you want to create the complete package.

One unique aspect of this region has to do with the Mayan influences. The ancient town of Tulum as well as the ruins at Chichen Itza and Coba are surely like nothing you’ve ever seen. American history goes back a few hundred years, but these roads, pyramids and temples are evidence of a civilization that lived thousands of years ago and created stunning structures that have withstood the test of time. Whether you’ve studied up beforehand or are learning about these phenomena for the very first time, you’ll be stunned into silence as you gaze upon the towering facades representing a complex culture with resources and creativity to spare.

After you’ve gawked at Mayan ruins for a while, catch up on what’s happening these days. The best place to do this is Fifth Avenue – Quinta Avenida for the bilingual traveler – where the gentle hubbub of shops, restaurants, locals and fellow travelers will acquaint you with the friendly side of Playa del Carmen. No cars allowed means you can calmly stroll from store to store, stopping at each corner for a little peek at something new. Street performers, artists and musicians all add to the lively atmosphere and are sure to lead to a lovely afternoon adventure. You’ll certainly have worked up an appetite by now; luckily this is a perfect place to stop for a delicious and authentic meal.

Playa is definitely knows as a diver’s paradise, so novices and pros alike will have the chance to explore the underwater caves and reefs if they desire it. Keep it low-key and simply snorkel, oohing and ahhing over the colorful tropical fish, or get serious and descend into the deep and mysterious depths. Instructors and gear renters are here to guide you no matter what you decide.

Golf is another pleasing option, as is deep-sea fishing, sailing or exploring the coast. Lounging on the soft sand will also be quite tempting, as will taking a dip in the pool or snagging one of those cocktails with a fruit garnish and catching up with whomever you’ve brought along with you for this enchanting little trip. Playa is open to whatever you feel like doing, no questions, no judgments.

It’s actually possible to make things a little bit better, too; rent a vacation home instead of a hotel room to ensure that you have the privacy, space and amenities you need to achieve true release. No noisy neighbors, no silly mini-bars and certainly no boxy rooms and lumpy beds. Playa del Carmen is brimming with eye-poppingly amazing vacation rentals that will house you and your companions in comfort and style, not to mention close proximity to the beach, so be sure to at least entertain this option if you truly want to do things right.

Between your state of mind and your Playa del Carmen Vacation Rental, all will be right with the world for the few privileged days you spend here. Following your retreat you’ll be asked what your secret is to the bounce in your step and the easy smile on your lips; you don’t have to tell them about Playa if you don’t want to.