PLAYA DEL CARMEN FAVORITES

I recently traveled to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico and absolutely loved the experience and the travel memories–can I go back now please?  Expedia.com asked me to round up some of my favorite highlights to share must-do activities and places to check out–see my favs below!

The Palm at La Playa Roof Pool

We booked the Palm at La Playa based on online photos only and it seemed pretty good.  But when we saw it in person?  The hotel was amazing!  This hotel is not your typical all-inclusive resort, but is rather a boutique hotel focused on guest service and a very trendy vibe.  The hotel’s roof deck pool is a must if you’re staying at the hotel, if not you can get a day pass to attend.  Cabana beds in the water offer a lux spot to relax in the warm afternoon sun while the amazing staff bring over another mango margarita.

100% Natural Restaurant

100% Natural restaurant is located right in the middle of the main strip in Playa Del Carmen in the middle of all of the touristy restaurants and shops.  I typically like to seek out the ‘hidden gems’ while traveling but this gem was out in the open.  I was craving healthy, organic food while in Mexico (you can’t have pastor tacos for every meal…. can you??) so it was refreshing to find a place specializing in farm to table fare.  I loved the veggie omelet and pressed juices.

Cozumel Ferry

If you’re staying in Playa Del Carmen, you have to take a day trip to Cozumel on the Cozumel Ferry.  The 45 minute ferry was such a fun experience for the lively passengers to people-watch, the musical performances, and the inexpensive cervezas.  Be sure to rent a Jeep on the island and go to some off the grid beaches for beautiful snorkeling.

Catamaran snorkeling

I’m not a fan of the uber-touristy stuff, but this catamaran trip was incredible.  We booked a daily excursion from Maroma Adventures for a day-long snorkeling trip.  The ride out to the reef was great, gliding through the bright blue water while sitting on the catamaran netting.  There were so many interesting types of reef and fish to look at, I found myself being the last one back on the boat!  Before heading back into shore, the crew pulled out a sail swing and let us take turns floating up into the air, swinging side to side, and finally counting 3…2…1 and jumping off into the water.  It was SO. MUCH. FUN.

Have you guys traveled to Playa Del Carmen?  I’d love to hear about what you enjoyed there.  Do you have any recommendations on must-go travel spots?  I’m always looking to add new places to my list!

Looking for more Playa Del Carmen gems?  Check out Expedia’s picks here!