Playa del Carmen, especially Mayakoba, offers some of the most beautiful luxury hotels anywhere, and as you'd expect for the Maya Riviera, beautiful white sand beaches. If you're the adventurous sort, there's plenty to explore, from watersports and horseback riding to Rio Secreto, an otherworldly underground cave with eerie stalactites and occasional sightings of albino-like blind fish. And if you're an animal lover, don't miss the chance to play with endangered Spider Monkeys at The Jungle Place. But even if your idea of adventure is a walk along the beach, a stay at one of our top luxury hotel picks may be just what you need to unwind and recharge, with gorgeous sea views, private pools and soothing spa massages.
Banyan Tree is known for its luxury boutique resorts, primarily in Asia, that aim to rejuvenate all the senses. Banyan Tree Mayakoba is one of just two resorts in the Americas and effortlessly blends modern, stylish Mayan architecture with top-notch Asian quality personalized service. Each free standing villa includes its own private pool, and many also include an outdoor jacuzzi. Mayakoba is about a 40 minute drive from Cancun Airport, fortunately on a good highway, but on entering Banyan Tree you'll feel a world away from the perpetually busy Cancun resorts. Allow your host to offer you a welcome drink and escort you to your villa, a private oasis that will have you feeling as if you're the only ones at the resort. Indulge in hydrotherapy at the spa, or a Thai or Balinese massage that will likely be the best you'll experience in the Americas. Don't miss the superb breakfast buffet at Oriente, with a cosmopolitan selection of Mexican, Thai and Western specialties, accompanied by a different fruit cocktail each day. While the beach is a little ways away, you have a choice of either golf cart or boat service to get there, with lovely views. If you're a golfer, make sure to try the challenging and stunning El Camaleo Golf Course, which will have you using every club in your golf bag.
If you're seeking an all-inclusive in Playa del Carmen, Grand Velas Riviera Maya should be at or near the top of your list. Unquestionably, Grand Velas is large, with nearly 500 suites, but it's divided into three sections, which helps it feel smaller. Zen Suites are set in a lush jungle setting; Ambassador Suites offer views of the ocean or main infinity pool; and the more exclusive and expensive Grand Class Suites is adult-only. Enjoy spacious suites that start at 1184 square feet, your own jacuzzi bath, Molton Brown bath amenities, 42″ flat screen TV and in-room Nespresso machine. Take along your snorkel (or borrow from the hotel) to enjoy a look at the abundant marine life, or enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, from water polo and beach volleyball to bicycling, basketball and croquet. Foodies shouldn't miss a meal at Cocina de Autor, in the Grand Class section–reservations are a must.
If you want to be right on the beach in Playa del Carmen and not at an all-inclusive, consider the Fairmont Mayakoba. Standard Rooms aren't huge by Banyan Tree or Grand Velas standards, starting at 435 square feet for a Fairmont Room, but Suites are over 1000 square feet and most offer their own private infinity pool. The resort is quite large, but if you're not up for a walk, a call will bring a golf cart to you within minutes. Enjoy the gorgeously landscaped grounds, wildlife sightings, expansive pools and of course the lovely beach, with plenty of loungers. Bringing the kids? They can enjoy the kids club complimentary for 3 hours a day. You also needn't feel confined to the resort, as there's transportation available to Banyan Tree Mayakoba and Rosewood.
Getting to Playa del Carmen
To get to Playa del Carmen, you'll be flying into Cancun (CUN), then either renting a car or taking a taxi about 30 miles south, which takes about 45 minutes.
There are a number of nonstop flights to Cancun:
NYC: American Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Aeromexico, Delta
Miami: American Airlines
Atlanta: Delta, Aeromexico
San Francisco: United
Dallas Fort Worth: American Airlines
Off season, revenue fares are pretty inexpensive, often under $300 roundtrip from Miami and under $450 roundtrip from NYC, though of course during Christmas/New Year's and peak times, nonstop fares can easily climb over $1000, so during those times it could be worth it to plan ahead and use miles for award tickets.
A couple examples:
- NYC to Cancun on American Airways in Economy using British Airways Avios would cost 10,000 Avios each way + taxes (20,000 Avios roundtrip)
- SFO to Cancun on United in Economy at the saver level would cost 17,500 United miles each way (36,000 miles roundtrip). Taxes on the roundtrip would be ~$70.
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