Franklin Dean
Mexico's Riviera Maya, located south of Cancún and north of Tulum, is the destination of Playa del Carmen. With its palm-tree-lined beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, and coral reefs, Playa del Carmen offers a paradise-like setting to honeymooners looking to explore the Yucatán Peninsula. The region has established itself as a wellness destination for couples, with luxurious resorts, fun nights out, and body treatments and rituals. Couples can explore ancient Mayan ruins, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, dance in beachfront clubs, and enjoy the vibrant cultural energy of the city.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Riviera Maya, south of Cancún and north of Tulum |
| Currency | Peso |
| Language | Spanish |
| Time Zone | Atlantic Standard Time |
| Weather | December to April is driest; summer months are hotter; September and October are rainy and hurricane-prone |
| Resorts | Palmaia, The House of AiA, Royal Hideaway Playacar, Valentin Imperial Maya, Paradisus La Perla, Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort, Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda, The Reef 28, The Reef Playacar, Hotel Xcaret Mexico, Mahekal Beach Resort, Iberostar-branded resorts, El Dorado Royale, El Dorado Casitas Royale, Riu Resorts, Barcelo Maya Riviera, Hilton Playa del Carmen |
| Activities | Snorkelling, exploring ancient Mayan ruins, visiting Xcaret Adventure Park, shopping, nightlife, beachfront dinners, spa treatments, swimming, golf, fishing, diving, eco-archeological park |
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What You'll Learn
All-inclusive resorts
There are many all-inclusive resorts in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, that cater to honeymooners. The Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla is an adults-only, beachfront, all-inclusive resort. The rooms are luxurious and huge, with large two-person showers, tubs that are open to the rest of the room, and a jacuzzi on the patio. The headboard of the bed is a fish tank recessed into the wall. The resort offers 11 restaurants to choose from, with cuisines ranging from Japanese to Mediterranean. There is also the 20,000-square-foot Yhi Spa for rest and relaxation. The Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun offers unlimited luxury with a 24-hour concierge and 291 adults-only, all-inclusive rooms. The property is nestled among 71 acres of tropical gardens and bordered by a white sandy beach and turquoise waters.
For those looking for a quieter couple's resort, the Royal Hideaway Playacar offers a good price for what they offer. The resort is more secluded, but it is still within walking distance of downtown. The Hilton Playa del Carmen is another option for those who want to be right in the middle of Playa del Carmen. The beach is not the best, but it is still a good mix of relaxing and fun. The Yucatan Playa Del Carmen All-Inclusive Resort, Tapestry By Hilton, is another option, with good food and a special romantic dinner option. The Barcelo Maya Riviera is mid-priced and modern, with access to a mile of beach and snorkelling opportunities. Lastly, the Palmaia - The House of AiA is a highly-rated resort with a swim-up bar.
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Nightlife and entertainment
When the sun sets on Playa del Carmen, the town comes alive with vibrant nightlife and entertainment. From live jazz and piano bars to NYC-style nightclubs, there's something for everyone.
For those seeking a lively evening, downtown Playa del Carmen, especially bustling 5th Avenue, offers a range of nightlife options. The Royal Hideaway, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World consortium, is one of the most luxurious properties in the area, offering upscale rooms, a full-service spa, several pools, and exquisite dining. The Paradisus Playa Del Carmen La Perla, an adults-only, all-inclusive luxury resort in Maya Riviera, is another chic option located directly on the Caribbean. With seven restaurants and seven bars, an Olympic-sized pool, a wedding centre, a spa, and daily entertainment, there's never a dull moment.
For a more intimate and exclusive experience, Esencia, the former estate of an Italian duchess, offers Mediterranean elegance and style. Spread across 50 acres, the property features just 29 upscale, contemporary rooms with high-end amenities, including pre-loaded iPods and Molton Brown toiletries, and some even have private plunge pools. The gorgeous spa, excellent restaurant, and relaxing pools with ocean views make it a tranquil retreat.
If you're looking for a secluded spot to unwind, Le Reve Hotel & Spa, located 15 minutes north of Playa del Carmen's centre, offers a relaxing vibe with upscale and stylish interiors, hand-painted tiles, and plunge pools.
For a blend of luxury and family-friendly amenities, Paradisus La Esmeralda offers all the luxury amenities of La Perla but with a child-friendly, family-oriented atmosphere. With six elegant restaurants, three bars, six swimming pools, tennis, entertainment, activities, and a world-class spa, there's something for everyone.
For a unique experience, the Yucatan Playa Del Carmen All-Inclusive Resort, Tapestry By Hilton, offers a romantic and peaceful getaway with excellent food and a special birthday treat prepared by the chef.
Playa del Carmen truly offers a diverse range of nightlife and entertainment options to cater to every couple's preferences, ensuring an enchanting blend of romance, relaxation, and adventure.
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Adventure and nature
If you're looking for a honeymoon destination that offers a blend of adventure and nature, Playa del Carmen in Mexico is an excellent choice. Located along the Riviera Maya, south of Cancun and north of Tulum, Playa del Carmen boasts pristine white beaches, lush scenery, and a plethora of outdoor activities.
For nature lovers, a visit to the Río Secreto Nature Reserve is a must. This semi-sunken cave system, located just a few miles from Playa del Carmen, offers an incredible eco-tourism experience. Don a wetsuit, helmet, and headlamp to explore the underground river, marvel at the impressive rock formations, and learn about the unique vegetation and tiny creatures that call this place home.
Adventure seekers can head to Xplor Park for a day of thrill-seeking. With all-inclusive access to underground river trips, amphibious vehicle trails, and zip lines, you'll have the chance to paddle, swim, drive, and soar through the beautiful natural surroundings. If you're looking for a more relaxed adventure, explore the eco-archeological park Xcaret, where you can snorkel in underground rivers, pools, and lagoons, and learn about the history and culture of the region.
For those interested in ancient history, the Mayan ruins at Tulum and Coba are a short distance away and offer a glimpse into the past. The Riviera Maya also offers plenty of opportunities for watersports, including jet skiing, snorkelling, and scuba diving. And if you're looking for a truly romantic experience, a dinner cruise at the Nichupte Lagoon, with its beautiful sunsets and Spanish galleon setting, is the perfect choice.
With its blend of nature, adventure, and luxury, Playa del Carmen is an ideal destination for honeymooners seeking a unique and memorable experience.
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Ancient Mayan ruins
If you're looking for a honeymoon destination steeped in history, Playa del Carmen in Mexico is an excellent choice. Located on the Caribbean coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula, this area is known for its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and ancient Mayan ruins. Here are some details on the Mayan ruins you can explore during your romantic getaway:
Tulum
Tulum is a majestic ancient walled city located about 40 minutes to an hour south of Playa del Carmen. Overlooking the sparkling Caribbean Sea, Tulum offers breathtaking views from its cliffs. The guided tour of Tulum takes about an hour, and bilingual tour guides are available to explain the history and significance of this ancient site. While the site itself is not large, it provides excellent photo opportunities, especially on sunny days. After exploring the ruins, you can even take a dip in the turquoise waters just behind them.
Chichen Itza
Considered one of the greatest Mayan ruins sites in Mexico, Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. It is located about 2.5 hours from Playa del Carmen. Chichen Itza boasts impressive structures, including the famous El Castillo pyramid, which you can climb to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding jungle.
Coba
Coba is another Mayan ruins site located about 45 minutes from Playa del Carmen. Here, you can explore the ancient city and climb the great pyramids for a thrilling experience. Renting a bike is a popular way to get around and see all that Coba has to offer.
Ek Balam
Ek Balam is one of the most well-preserved Mayan ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula. Located about two hours from Playa del Carmen, it is a newer ruin that has gained popularity among visitors. Ek Balam is known for its impressive pyramids and is a great choice for those who want to explore ancient structures without the crowds of Tulum.
Lesser-Known Ruins
If you're looking for more secluded and off-the-beaten-path ruins, there are a few options. Muyil ruins, located just south of Tulum, offer a quiet walk among semi-shaded areas and a trail leading to a beautiful lagoon. El Naranjal ruins, about an hour from Playa del Carmen, are semi-restored and feature around four pyramids. Yaxunah, only 13 miles from Chichen Itza, has over 650 identified structures and the longest road built by the Maya. These less-visited sites provide a unique and tranquil experience.
Playa del Carmen and its surrounding areas offer a wealth of ancient Mayan ruins to explore, each with its own unique charm and historical significance. Whether you're looking for popular sites or hidden gems, you'll find plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Mayans during your honeymoon.
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Wellness and relaxation
If you're looking for wellness and relaxation on your honeymoon in Playa del Carmen, there are plenty of options to choose from. The Paradisus La Perla is an all-inclusive, family-friendly resort with 400 luxurious suites, 11 restaurants, and the 20,000-square-foot Yhi Spa. The resort is located on a beautiful beach, offering lush scenery and close proximity to the town.
The Belmond Maroma is another great option, offering luxury and well-being with just 63 rooms, ensuring a personalized and intimate stay. The award-winning spa features a couple's treatment room, massages, body wraps, manicures, and pedicures. Children are also catered for, with a welcome pack that includes a Mayan coloring book, float, swim goggles, mini kaftan, and slippers.
For a quieter location away from the glitz of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos offers an excellent base. The government eco-reserve designations protect the reef, mangroves, and village from development, and you can enjoy thrilling jungle and diving adventures or serene bike rides and moped explorations.
The island of Cozumel, known for its bright storybook coral reefs, is also a great option for relaxation. It boasts a variety of natural beaches, from soft white sand to rockier vistas, and offers a year-round Caribbean climate and untrammeled jungle.
Finally, the Blue Diamond Hotel is a lesser-known gem in Playa del Carmen, offering a secluded location while still being just a short walk from 5th Avenue and a celebrated golf course. The resort features a world-class spa, six swimming pools, and six elegant restaurants serving cuisines such as Japanese, Mediterranean, and Mexican.
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Frequently asked questions
Adults-only resorts in Playa del Carmen include the Royal Hideaway Playacar, the El Dorado Royale, the El Dorado Casitas Royale, and the Barcelo Maya Riviera.
Some good honeymoon resorts in Playa del Carmen include the Mahekal Beach Resort, the Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort, the Paradisus La Perla, the Hotel Xcaret Mexico, and the Palmaia - The House of AiA, which has a swim-up bar.
For a romantic dinner for two, try the Yucatan Playa Del Carmen All-Inclusive Resort, Tapestry By Hilton.
Honeymooners can enjoy a range of activities in Playa del Carmen, including snorkelling in Akumal, exploring ancient Mayan ruins, visiting the eco-archeological park Xcaret, and dancing under the stars in beachfront clubs.
The driest and most popular months in Playa del Carmen are December to April, with an average temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The summer months are hotter, and September and October are rainy and hurricane-prone.
