Hotels in Cancun

Playa Del Carmen is situated on the east side of Mexico’s sun soaked Caribbean coastline. Renowned for its chilled out ambience and mellow way of life the town has become popularised by backpackers arriving at its spotless beaches to ride the Caribbean waves. It’s one of the best surf spots south of Cancun and has a vibrant fun-loving personality that appeals to families, couples, singles and group holidaymakers. Its beach location means you can enjoy days on the sun-lounger or in comfort by the pool side whilst planning your trips to the some of Mexico’s most famous cultural hotspots rich with Mayan history and stunning scenic views.

One of the region’s most popular resorts, its tropical climate attracts sun worshippers to the stunning beaches, complete with powdery, white sand and some of the best diving on the Riviera Maya. An ideal holiday if you want a break complete with buzzing nightlife. You’ll find plenty of bars and clubs and, if you prefer things a little more laid back, some great live music venues. For shopping, the cosmopolitan Quinta Avenida is nearby and provides an exciting mix of boutiques, markets and restaurants.

Things to do

Playa del Carmen’s sun-soaked coast is the heart of the resort, where you can choose the perfect spot on a long stretch of silky white sand or plan a diving excursion out to sea. The water sports available are excellent, or you could charter a catamaran for a more relaxed way to experience the coast. Visitors with a sense of adventure can head out into Playa del Carmen’s lush surroundings for tours in the nearby reserves, famously home to rare species of wildlife. After dark, the buzzing Quinta Avenida becomes a nightlife zone, with an exciting choice of restaurants, bars and clubs to spend the warm evenings in.

Pristine White Beaches

The beaches at Playa del Carmen are comprised of long stretches of pristine white sands, beach clubs, hotels and restaurants. It’s a tranquil area and perfect for families to relax on the beach front with the warm Caribbean waves lapping softly against the shores. Snorkelling and swimming are highly recommended and boat trips can take you further afield into the richer dive spots where you can explore the diverse marine life.

5th Avenue

The Mexican version of the stylish New York neighbourhood is in a league of its own with back to back bars, restaurants, shops, art galleries, and hotels and of course Taco vans on street corners. The strip is a true part of the Mexican personality and is one of the most famous attractions in the Playa Del Carmen region. Nearby you can also find the flea market stalls selling artefacts, handcrafts and souvenirs that can be haggled down to a good price.

Cozumel Island

The beautiful island of Cozumel is one of the world’s best diving destinations with underwater caverns and limestone’s caves filled with multi coloured marine life including angel fish, snappers and damsels. It’s no surprise that this popular snorkelling destination is considered one of the jewels of the Caribbean but that’s not all. The town square is a great place to spend an afternoon and discover some of the best kept secrets of Mayan history.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including Cancun | Playacar | Playa Mujeres | Puerto Vallarta | Riviera Maya

While Cancun might be famous for its heady nightlife and kicking club scene, holidays to Playa Mujeres offer a stunning, exclusive, and tranquil retreat from the banging beats. Cancun might only be a bay away, but our Playa Mujeres holidays offer beautiful beaches, superb restaurants, plenty of space, and lots of peace and quiet. Unlike many of the resorts in Cancun, this one wasn’t purpose-built. 

Originally, it was a small fishing village, which has since grown and developed to meet the demands of tourism while still retaining much of its unique charm and quirks. Golfers will be able to keep swinging their five-irons at the excellent Playa Mujeres Golf Club, while those who fancy something a little more connected to nature, there’s the opportunity to explore the stunning undersea world of the nearby coral reefs. 

Just north of Cancun, this seaside resort community lets travellers kick back, relax and enjoy luxury accommodation. With breathtaking views across the Mexican Caribbean, you’ll discover spectacular seas filled with beautiful marine wildlife. Easily accessible from Cancun airport, it’s a great base for exploring the Yucatan Peninsula and beyond.

Beaches and sports

With stunning bleached white sand dominating the nearby coastlines, every view’s a photo opportunity. With its remote location, Playa Mujeres beach is an oasis of calm, with a private members club vibe. You’ll find a 170-slip inland marina just a short walk away, while the Greg Norman designed golf course boasts lagoon and ocean-front holes for a relaxing few games. Snorkelling, diving and swimming with whale sharks are all popular activities off the shores nearby.

History and culture

Playa Mujeres is close to an important Mayan archaeological site, with an iconic stepped pyramid, columns, temples and sculptures so impressive, you could easily spend a whole day exploring. Fascinating and engaging, you’ll be blown away by evidence of a culture that inhabited these lands some 1,000 years ago. Also close by are the ruins of the ancient walled city of Tulum, in a spectacular location right on the beach overlooking the Caribbean. Here you’ll see some important buildings from a time when Tulum was a significant sea port, including the 7.5m tall El Castillo also known as ‘the lighthouse’.

For adventurous families

Playa Mujeres is a tranquil spot, much loved by couples and now becoming increasingly popular with families too. Kids and adults will love the beach, water sports and boat trips across the bay to Isla Mujeres. And with Cancun nearby, city life Mexican-style can be explored with ease. Take a day trip out to catch a film or a showor get those essential souvenirs in one of the many malls and markets. It’s a great location for trips out to historically significant sites and family-friendly theme parks, where mixing and mingling with wildlife is the order of the day.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including Cancun | Playacar | Playa del Carmen | Puerto Vallarta | Riviera Maya

Playacar holidays Ideal for couples or families who want to treat their loved ones to peace, tranquillity, and a slice of the high-life. Playacar might only be a five-minute drive from the buzzing centre of Playa del Carmen, but its location means that the parties, clubs, and bars are far enough away that you’d never know they were there. And when it’s time to put on your party shoes, it’s all virtually on your doorstep, giving you the perfect balance of laid-back and buzzing!

The resort has every convenience you could want, all within walking distance, so there’s no need to ever go into Playa del Carmen if you want to avoid the crowds of tourists and locals. If white-sanded beaches, turquoise waters, and splashes of verdant greenery are more your thing, holidays to Playacar could be just what the doctor ordered!

Of course, there’s no reason to stray far from the sugar-soft sands if you don’t want to. There’s no shortage of sunbathing space here and you can try your hand at water sports, too. But if you do feel like exploring further afield, you’ll be spoiled for choice. You could hit the championship golf course, spend the day at a nature park, or take a trip to an idyllic island.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including Cancun | Playa del Carmen | Playa Mujeres | Puerto Vallarta | Riviera Maya

Puerto Vallarta on Mexico's Pacific coast has it all: history, culture, incredible beaches and a vibrant nightlife that is particularly popular with LGBT travellers.
Puerto Vallarta has dozens of nightclubs, hundreds of restaurants and some of Mexico's best beaches. There are also plenty of amazing shopping opportunities, art galleries and activities on both land and water. The El Malecon boardwalk is the hub of the city with street performers and food stalls; you can even hire a bike and take a tour of the area. 

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including Cancun | Playacar | Playa del Carmen | Playa Mujeres | Riviera Maya