The Playa Del Carmen Blog

Experiencing Cafe Culture in Playa del Carmen

Posted On: May 20, 2013

cafe culture playa del carmen

The Caribbean Sea, fresh seafood and white sand beaches are the usual images that spring to mind when thinking about Playa del Carmen. But there is certainly more to this cosmopolitan, beach side town than meets the eye, including the thriving cafe culture I have been very pleased to discover during my stay. For me, there’s no better way to start the day than a morning yoga class at The Gym, followed by a rejuvenating swim in the sea, then a cup of coffee at one of the many cafes around town. … Continue reading


Top 10 Things To Do on the Riviera Maya

Posted On: May 13, 2013

Xpu ha

Playa del Carmen is located on a pristine stretch of coastline on the eastern Yucatan peninsular, known as the Riviera Maya. The Riviera Maya offers world class accommodation, unique natural wonders, beautiful beaches and historic treasures which make it a popular vacation destination for people from all over the world. We’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 Things To Do to assist you with you next visit. 1. Experience the Unique Vibe of Playa del Carmen ‘Playa’ as it is known by the regulars, is a cosmopolitan town on the Caribbean … Continue reading


Making a Splash at Cenote Azul

Posted On: May 06, 2013

cenote azul

One of the things I love about coming to Playa del Carmen is visiting one of the many the cenotes (natural fresh water pools) along the Mayan Riviera. It is a special experience unique to Mexico and I believe you never forget your first time. The first cenote I visited was near the Chichen Itza ruins last year, which was fantastic. Swimming in a natural lagoon caused by a geological phenomena is a special experience that stays with you for a while. Returning to Playa del Carmen this year, I … Continue reading


Getting Back to Nature at Xcacel Beach

Posted On: April 29, 2013

Xcacel beach

The thing I love about Playa del Carmen is its magnificent location on the Caribbean sea. Playa is a lively town filled with all the modern conveniences of stores, restaurants, cinemas, and fantastic accommodation options. There are a myriad of activities on offer from diving to paddle boarding, sailing, snorkeling and many more. With so much to do, it’s impossible to be bored in Playa del Carmen! ‘Playa’ is also perfectly located for exploring the surrounding Caribbean coastline, a pristine stretch of white sand and clear, turquoise water. I recently visited the … Continue reading


Breakfast at Imprevist: A Gourmet Indulgence

Posted On: April 22, 2013

Imprevist Playa del Carmen

Imprevist restaurant is located on leafy 1st Avenue in the Maya Villa Condo Hotel, known on the Playa del Camen dining scene for its innovative modern cuisine and sophisticated atmosphere. Its understated facade, complete with cafe-style tables for al fresco dining, contains a stylish interior reminiscent of a New York bistro. We arrived around 9 am for breakfast, and were greeted by a friendly, sharply dressed waiter, who delivered our menus and explained the options to us. ‘I won’t be needing lunch!’ I thought to myself as I looked down at … Continue reading


Foodie Paradise: Playa del Carmen

Posted On: April 16, 2013

restaurants-in-playa-del-carmen

Where to Eat on the Beach When you stay at one of our Playa del Carmen hotels you not only have access to white, sandy beaches and fun in the sun, but you’re also in the midst of some of the best international restaurants and dining experiences available in the area. With a wide variety of cuisines to choose from, you’ll be able to enjoy different meals every day. From traditional Mediterranean and Italian restaurants to rare Mayan-themed eateries, you have a range of places to dine at your disposal. … Continue reading


Yoga on the Beach: A Perfect Start to the Day

Posted On: April 15, 2013

Yoga on the beach Playa del Carmen

I was thrilled to learn that beach-front yoga classes were being held on Saturday mornings at the El Taj Oceanfront. Not only was I spoiled for choice by the fifteen classes of yoga per week in The Gym, but I now had the option of doing yoga on the shore of the Caribbean Sea! As I walked through the Indigo Beach club past the huge white Buddha statue, I saw the teacher and my classmates gathering together on the sand to begin the lesson. “A very fitting setting for yoga,” … Continue reading


Mexico Espectacular at Xcaret

Posted On: April 08, 2013

Mexico Espectaular at Xcaret

Xcaret is an ecological theme park, located just six kilometers south of Playa del Carmen. It offers a wide range of natural and cultural activities such as swimming with dolphins, admiring unique animal life and snorkeling through an underground river. My visit to Xcaret, however, was for one reason only, to see the ‘Mexico Espectacular’ show that had been recommended to me by a Mexican friend. I figured that if a local thought the show was worth seeing, it would have to be something special! On entering the park I … Continue reading


Aquatone at El Taj: Working Out in Style

Posted On: April 01, 2013

Aquatone class at El Taj

There’s nothing like a little glamour to encourage me to exercise, which is exactly why I attended my first Aquatone class at the luxurious El Taj Condo Hotel on Friday morning. Surrounded by tropical gardens and presided over by two standing Buddha statues, the gorgeous beach-front pool seemed like the perfect place to work out in style. I have to admit, before starting the class I thought it would be a breeze. I mean, how much of a workout can you really have in a gorgeous Balinese-style pool? For me, … Continue reading


Snorkeling with Turtles in Akumal

Posted On: March 25, 2013

Akumal turtle

Snorkeling with turtles in Akumal was top of my list of things to do during my stay in Playa del Carmen. Akumal welcomes visitors all year round to swim with the sea turtles who come to feed on grasses in its protected bay, just a 40 minute drive south of Playa. Arriving at the entrance to the cove, I was blown away by the beauty of the still, glass-like water and blazing white sand dotted with swaying coconut palms. I hired my snorkeling gear and life jacket at the small hut near … Continue reading