5 Nights in Playa Del Carmen
My first adult trip to Mexico was a success! This year, I had been planning for trip to Europe when I unfortunately broke my arm. So plans changed, as my interests shift to some good R&R and decided to book a trip to Playa del Carmen before summer ends. I had been on family trips from Cabo to Cancun when I was younger so it was fun to experience Mexico at this age.
GETTING THERE
We stayed 5 nights which was the perfect amount of time to explore around and relax. The decision was tough on whether to do an Air bnb, major brand hotel, all-inclusive, or boutique. Top things I was looking for was a versatile location, high room quality aka bathtub is a must, food, pool, Spa, bars, etc.
My last minute decision ended up being at Secrets Capri Rivera-Cancun in Playa del Carmen on Expedia. Because I have used Expedia for so long, I try to book with them because of my points. This was a main factor in my search although I saw many great deals on Groupon and Hotels.com.
Reward points tip:
I recommend finding a rewards program you like to earn more versus having to search across sites. It’s exhausting. Even if it seems like there’s better deals offered from other places, the loyalty is usually a higher pay off.
Same with flights. I use Southwest.
You can buy points from Southwest as a member with a discounted rate on top of what you earn. This made my bfs ticket cheaper than the searched rates on other sites. $$
The other tip I have is using cash back programs, like Rakuten.
I love using this for anything I purchase.
Sign up and receive $10 from me here.
THE STAY
So back to the trip…
Secrets Capri Rivera-Cancun is all-inclusive resort about 15 minutes from the downtown Playacar. A small-mid size oceanfront resort with full service spa, pools, restaurants and room service.
Pros:
Unlimited drinks
24 hour service
Super clean room/resort
Cons:
Food quality
The food was bland and lacked flavor. Expectations weren't high for great meals but they have room for improvement. Local places are cheap enough to remain on a low budget but you then miss out on the unlimited drinks.
2. A little too far from town
We were a little too far from the town to be able to walk from the resort. Luckily a 15 min ride isn’t that bad, so it depends if you're a stay the resort the whole time type of person.
3. Beaches filled with seaweed
And unbelievable amount of seaweed covered the beaches from Playa to Tulum and I'm sure way more. Each morning there was staff racking piles and piles. I had read it in many reviews before booking as well.
The choice to do all-inclusive was great service for the deal we got and service I was looking for. A big room, pool, and unlimited drinks. You receive a lot more perks at an all-inclusive with an upfront cost. Let’s be honest when you’re drunk and having fun the food doesn’t matter so much anyways.
I would not stay there again but we enjoyed our time.
JET SKI
Jet skiing in Mexico is one of those bucket list moments you've always pictured doing. Ride the jet ski!
CATAMARAN TO ISLA MUJERES
I have been dying to do something like this forever now and was by far my favorite day of the trip. Before coming I had looked up a few places but booking once you’re in Mexico is a better deal. Our concierge helped us choose Cancun Adventures and they did not disappoint.
The experience was all day where a shuttle picked us up and took us to board the catamaran with a group of 15 people.
It’s my dream to do this again with my family and friends!
From Cancun we took off into the most gorgeous blue waters I have ever been in. Before reaching the island we stopped in the middle of the ocean for a little snorkeling.
Once we arrived to Isla Mujeres they gave us 3 hours to explore. Isla Mujeres has some of the most white sand and crystal clear turquoise water in the Caribbean.
We explored the island by golf cart where we stopped at a ton of places and swam. Some memorable places were Muele 7, Zama Beach Club, and Soggy Peso.
Define recommend an experience like this.
DOS OJOS CENOTES
I wasn’t super interested in doing a tour but I am glad we did! Our experiences with packages was great on this trip. Usually we don't we venture on our own.
Dos Ojos has the deepest known caves, and to this day have never explored through the ocean by a human. GASP. Makes you cringe a little, lol.
There’s basically these giant sticks that look like penis shaped candle wax figures that you swim between. If you truly read my article you will see this sentence. The tour was with a group of six, where we swam with lights
TULUM
The day we went to the Cenotes we also visited Tulum. Talk about instagram picture heaven. If you’re looking for quiet, chic bars and shops on the water this is your spot. Places we stopped by I Scream bar, Celia, Casa Jaguar, La Zebra.
Some locals directed us to our favorite meal of the trip at El Camello jr. We were on the hunt for camarones a la diabla and they did not disappoint!
DOWNTOWN PLAYACAR
With our hotel food not quite hitting the spot we made our way to downtown Playacar almost every night of our trip. Again this is why the location of our resort was a con since we wanted to be able to walk around. This area was a good time with lots of shops and food. Places we went.
Las Delicias — Senor Frogs — La Vagabunda — La Parilla — Patio 8 — Live Aqua bar — La Bodeguita del Medio
Although some things were a miss we had a great time and will definitely be planning trips to Mexico more often. Thank you Playa del Carmen for the great time!