When it’s time to just get away from it all, Carol and I often choose a cruise or a trip overseas. But this time we chose to spend five nights in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. “Playa”, as the locals commonly know it, is on the Mexican coast south of Cancun on the Yucatan peninsula (and a couple thousand miles from the trouble spots in Mexico). It’s friendly, inexpensive and safe.
We chose the Royal Playa del Carmen, an all-inclusive property in the very heart of Playa. The front side is, of course, on the beach. The other side is one short block to 5th Avenue – 40 blocks of local shops and eateries. There are a variety of room types ranging from a standard room to the Presidential Suite. But we found that even in the standard room, it’s pure luxury. From the double Jacuzzi to the stocked mini-fridge to the wines and spirits – it’s all there and included in the price of the room.
We had seven different restaurants to choose from (and again included in the price) – so from day-to-day, I don’t know that we ever repeated a restaurant. You can eat at the Italian restaurant, the Tapas restaurant, the Mediterranean restaurant, and on and on it goes.
And the service from the staff? GREAT! Everything was clean, clean, clean. Room service was quick (and included). Drinks at the pool were plentiful and friendly (and included), and you NEVER passed an employee where they didn’t say hello with a big smile. So, the service…you get the idea.
Another thing we noticed were lots of weddings going on – usually two or three a day somewhere on the property. Some were barefoot on the beach with white-cloth covered chairs sitting in the sand for the guests. Others were at the gazebo with the blue ocean and sky as the background. The receptions were usually either on the beach with dancing in the sand or a more regal setting on the lawn with colored lights.
So at the end of our time there, we had done some shopping, eaten some great food, relaxed in the sun, exercised in the gym, watched a wedding or two, and saw the sights in Mexico…not a bad way to spend a few days.