As usual, Mexico is on every American’s radar now that winter’s finally in full swing: irrespective of season, the sun is always shining brighter South of the border, and the vibrant culture, coupled with those serene ocean vistas, is just too hard to resist.
A stunning beach town in the Mexican Caribbean, boasting not only great weather and pristine beaches but a lively social scene, Playa Del Carmen is trending with U.S. vacationers right now, having nabbed a spot on Tripadvisor‘s Best of the Best awards last year.
Fast forward to 2024, and Playa is close to selling out this season, and we suspect this may be why:
A World-Class Resort Town
Playa Del Carmen straddles the Caribbean Sea, easily the top recreational zone for Americans in the colder months, and though that in itself is a huge draw for some, it’s not the only factor behind the laid-back town’s popularity boom lately.
It has a long-standing reputation for being a world-class resort destination and one of the top three best in the Mayan Coast alongside Cancun and Tulum, with its extensive list of luxurious all-inclusives and state-of-the-art tourist facilities.
Recently, the landmark Palmaïa, the House of AïA, a top-notch concept hotel a short 5-km drive from the center, featured on MICHELIN Guide‘s top twelve most popular resorts worldwide, bringing further attention to Playa.
As you may be aware, the guide rates only the most prestigious and highly-reputed hotels and restaurants, and Palmaïa’s inclusion on the list is proof Playa Del Carmen stands among the greatest beach destinations in the wider Caribbean.
Palmaïa is the obvious highlight here, but the hospitality sector in Playa as a whole delivers an impeccable service, with well-trained staff ready to cater to a guest’s every need, gourmet restaurants led by chefs who are Michelin-approved themselves, and impressive amenities.
We’re talking winding, lagoon-style pools, the recluse, private stretch of beach each oceanfront resort lays claim to, and the comfort awaiting visitors irrespective of accommodation type: essentially, it is everything newcomers to the Mexican Caribbean expect it to be.
Perfect For Both Relaxing And Soaking Up Some Culture
We know there’s nothing Americans love more about a sunny getaway than kicking it back, pampering themselves by the poolside, and basking in the sun without a care in the world, and casual Playa Del Carmen is perfect for doing just that.
However, if you’re looking to add a bit of action to your idle-filled resort stay, there is plenty to do and see in, and around Playa Del Carmen, thanks to its strategic location on the Mayan Coast, within short driving distance of beautiful natural and historical sites.
Xcaret is a popular day trip for guests based in the area, costing $120 to enter. It may be on the pricier end, but it’s one of a handful of places in Mexico where cenotes, jungle trails, Mayan ruins, and a theme park can be found all within one eco park.
Sailing trips to neighboring destinations like Tulum and Akumal, two sun-drenched, rapidly-developing beach zones, and cultural excursions to archaeological zones like Chichén Itzá, the number one historical attraction in all of Mexico, make up the bulk of all available tours.
Playa Del Carmen Is Incredibly Safe For Tourists
Playa Del Carmen is also home to a vibrant social scene, competing for the title of nightlife hotspot with Tulum and Puerto Morelos.
Those venturing out of their resort complex will, at some point, end up in Quinta Avenida, where all of the trendiest restaurants and nightclubs are.
Playa remains safe by Mexico standards, with most issues encountered by visitors relating to inattentiveness on foreigners’ part and petty crime, most notably pickpocketing.
It can get a tad crowded at times, particularly over the peak season, which is why Americans should not let their guards down when strolling down the busy downtown area, particularly at night.
As is the case with any hugely popular tourist destination, leaving valuables in the hotel safe, sticking to well-lit pedestrianized zones, and avoiding deserted streets greatly reduces the risks of brushing shoulders with ill-intentioned individuals.
That being said, crime remains largely under control, as Playa Del Carmen, along with all its Quintana Roo competitors, is a Level 2 destination, as defined by U.S. authorities. This means reconsidering travel is not necessary.
As local news outlets have described it, Playa Del Carmen is a ‘hippier, more modern version of the fishing village it used to be‘.
It is at the center of the Mexican Caribbean’s hottest resort strip, exactly a one-hour drive from two of the busiest international airports in the zone, namely Cancun International and Tulum’s newly-opened Felipe Carrillo Puerto Airport, not to mention it’s now a stop on the Maya Train route.
Competition may be tough, but there is no doubt the award-winning resorts, proximity to Mayan cultural centers, improved connectivity via flights and rail, and safety will only serve to increase Playa’s attractiveness in 2024.
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