Happy Thursday! I am SUPER excited to do my post on Playa del Carmen! It’s almost been a whole week since I was there and I am already missing the TROPICAL summer/fall air. Texas summers and the beginning of “fall” in Texas can get old reeeeal quick! Haha
When the bride invited me to Playa del Carmen for her bachelorette, I was a little nervous. Girls’ Trips, in general, make me nervous after a bad experience I had. I was excited to go back to the Cancun area, though, since the last time I was there it was for my sister’s big 1-8.
Although I won’t be hitting up Playa del Carmen for my bachelorette, it’s the PERFECT place for a bachelorette. There is SO MUCH to do! The weather is PERFECT! And the food is AMAZING!
To Stay
Luna Encantada Vacation Condos
6 Nte, Centro
Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Right in the middle of the action! I have never stayed in an Airbnb anywhere else but in the US. I was a taaaad bit skeptical when the bride booked this Airbnb. I just didn’t know what to expect. It was amazing! Our condo was right next to the infinity pool and we had direct access to the beach. We saved a ton of money since we had our own refrigerator and full kitchen. My favorite part was the 24/7 security they had on site. I didn’t feel unsafe at all once during our stay.
To Do
Ruta de los cenotes Km 18, Carretera Puerto Morelos – Leona Vicario
77580 Puerto Morelos, Q.R., Mexico
I am DEATHLY afraid of heights. One of my goals at the beginning of the year was to try to begin to get over that fear. When I found out we were going on a zip line tour, I wanted to cry. But, anything for the bride right? Haha. Selvatica is one of the Riviera Maya’s popular extreme zip line adventure tours that should be on your vacation to-do list if you are staying in Cancun or anywhere in the Riviera Maya! Imagine gliding through 2 miles of untamed Yucatan Jungle, zipping from one tree platform to another on the ultra-cool cables. Imagine feeling the wind in your face, butterflies in your stomach and a liberating sensation of freedom and excitement. Sounds great? We are not finished yet. Hop on an ATV and drive through the jungle. Dive into a cenote, and then take your pick how you want to get back to the start! You can even ask to zip line UPSIDE DOWN! The staff is super friendly and kind. They play with you and they joke with you to make you feel more comfortable. Our main guide, Dennis, was AWESOME! He is originally from Florida and kept the laughs going throughout the whole excursion. On top of everything, they are well-trained in what they are doing. I will DEFINITELY be back when I am back in the area!
To Eat
Avenida Constituyentes, Quintas del Carmen
77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
BEST TACOS EVER! When I think of Mexico, I think of good, but I mean GOOOOD tacos. They were actually some of the best tacos I have had in a very long time. I was super glad we found it. El Fogón is an open-air taquéria off the beaten path of bustling Quinta Avenida. If you’re in the mood for authentic Mexican dishes and drinks, this is the place. Tacos al pastor (served only at night), chorizo, arrachera (steak) and chicken tacos lead the list of favorites. Nopales (pickled cactus), frijoles charros (beans), rice, guacamole and salsa with fresh chips are a great accompaniment. Micheladas (beer with lime juice) and licuados (fruit smoothies) are “musts.”
1a Avenida Esquina Calle 26, Centro
77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
BEST hotel food I have had in my whole life! Yes, this restaurant is inside the Grand Hyatt!! The Grill’s rating is a 4.8 out of 5 on Google Reviews so you know it must be good This was out “fancy dinner” during our trip. This isn’t just some steakhouse. I’ll be honest. I’m still guilty of thinking that most of the best restaurants will be located far outside the walls of most hotels. After eating at The Grill 1 26, I stand corrected. This restaurant is easily one of the best steakhouses in Playa del Carmen, and they do have some stiff competition. Rodrigo, our waiter, brought us out an indication of what to expect: a fresh piece of homemade bread made with red wine and berries, and served with hazelnut butter and three different salts infused with coffee, chili peppers, and white wine, respectively. I had the oysters topped with chorizo to start, along with a glass of champagne. They had a “seafood and bubbles” special going on. I then go the rib-eye, medium, with a side of asparagus. It was all really AMAZING.
Nightlife
Calle 12 Nte, Gonzalo Guerrero
77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
The bride and I had out adventures at La Vaquita Puerto Vallarta during college, so when we found out they had one in Playa we both knew we had to check it out! The staff here is AMAZING and they really treated our group like queens while we were there. Isaac was our main guy and his customer service skills are ON POINT. Bottle service runs about the same it does in the states at a regular club. But, the level of service compared to back home was waaaaay better. This was by far my favorite bar/club in Playa del Carmen and I will be back anytime I am there for sure.
I had a great time in Playa del Carmen and I can’t wait to be back!
Have you ever visited Playa del Carmen?
What is your favorite thing about the Riviera Maya?
What other bachelorette destinations are fun?
