Playa del Carmen

It’s telling that locals here refer to this golden stretch of coral-white sands and turquoise shore waters as simply ‘Playa’, as if it’s the quintessential beachfront for them too. But there’s also much more to this stylish little hotspot in the midst of the Mayan Riviera than just sun-kissed sands and reef-laden seas; there the hip boutiques of the Quinta Avenida; the European trattorias; the thriving all-inclusive resorts. In-between the ubiquitous days of beachcombing and sunbathing, snorkelling and diving enthusiasts can look forward to a range of unique experiences here, navigating one of the many cenotes that dot the Yucatan peninsula or exploring the rich natural aquariums of XelHa. A wealth of worthy attractions all around awaits visitors too; from the soaring cliff top Mayan ruins at Tulum, to the unique biosphere reserves of Sian Ka'an and Rio Lagartos. For the evenings, be sure to quiz your Playa del Carmen tour guide on the best gastronomy in town, and don’t leave without sampling the spicy seafood tacos, or dancing the night away in one of the suave clubs that are slowly creeping their way down the coast from nearby Cancun.