Traveling with children, in general, can be a challenge for parents. And long-haul flights have the potential for a special nightmare. But with the right preparations, it doesn’t have to be. And since we are happy to welcome families with kids to Playa Palms Beach Hotel, here are our top tips on how to keep your kids happy.Read More >>
Travel
Soak Up the Sun This Winter
Do the sun-worshipper in you a favor and plan your winter holiday in sunny Playa del Carmen! The clocks are changing again and the days are getting shorter – winter is upon us! For some a bliss, for others a reason to look up warmer destinations. To the latter, don’t look any further! Always sunny Playa del Carmen is a winter escape that doesn’t break the bank. Plus, it is an ideal sun destination as well for a longer vacation or for shorter getaways.Read More >>
Quiz: Which Riviera Maya Beach is For You?
If you travel to Playa del Carmen or the Riviera Maya in general, you sure want to spend some time at the beach. But with so many gorgeous beaches, which one should you go to? Take the quiz to find out!
Question 1: Which is more your style?
A) Having a fun time with my Friends and some drinks
B) Taking in the beauty of the ocean
C) Taking care that my kids don’t drown themselves while trying to relax
D) Just lying at the beach is boring. Let’s go snorkel or do something fun!
Question 2: What do you like to take photos of?
A) Myself of course
B) Beautiful landscapes and nature in general
C) My kids and everything they do
D) I prefer to experience things instead of taking photos
Question 3: Your Number 1 priority is…
A) My body and how I look
B) The environment
C) My family
D) Living life to the fullest
Question 4: What are you most excited to see in the Riviera Maya?
A) Beach bunnies or their respective male counterpart
B) Nature, I mostly want to get away from the big city
C) My kids being happy and having fun
D) Sea turtles and the coral reef
Question 5: Who are you traveling with?
A) My friends
B) My significant other
C) My family plus kids
D) Me, myself and I
Now drum roll, please…
If you mostly got A’s: Mamita’s Beach Club
On Playa del Carmen’s most famous beach you come to enjoy a good time with your friends, see and be seen. Just a couple of walking minutes from Playa Palms Beach Hotel.
If you mostly got B’s: X’cacel
X`cacel is a hidden gem a bit south of Playa del Carmen. Tucked in between the jungle and the beautiful Caribbean Sea, with even a little cenote, this beach is paradise for nature lovers.
If you mostly got C’s: Xpu-Ha
If you’re traveling with your family plus kids you will love the warm, shallow waters of this beach. Lay back in your lounger, order a drink or some yummy food and relax while your family is having fun.
If you got mostly D’s: Akumal
Adventure lovers will be happy here, enjoying not only the beautiful beach, but also snorkeling with sea turtles and colorful fishes, and discovering the coral reef.
What did you get? Tell us in the comments below!
How You Can Help Sustain the Riviera Maya’s Beauty
The Riviera Maya is one of the most beautiful destinations, with a unique and very diverse eco system and a rich cultural heritage. Just think of the many Mayan ruins, the cenotes or the fact that it’s home to the world’s second largest coral reef!
It is easy to just come a few days, have a good time and take photos without thinking of the impact we leave. Traveling is a great way to connect with people and to enrich our lives, but it’s also important to recognize that it can have negative effects on the places we travel.
If you want to travel more responsible, here are some very easy things you can do to help conserve the Riviera Maya’s environment and culture:
1 Use biodegradable sunscreen and bug spray
One of the easiest ways to help protect the natural ecosystem is to use biodegradable sunscreen and bug spray. Regular products contain harmful oils and chemicals that are toxic to coral reefs, marine plants, and animals in the cenotes. It’s a small change that makes a huge difference not only to the cenotes and the sea, but it’s also healthier for your skin. You can buy biodegradable sunscreen or repellent at any supermarket or pharmacy here in Playa del Carmen.
2 Reduce trash and recycle
At Playa Palms Beach Hotel we help you to recycle. All our rooms come with a drinking water dispenser for you to refill your water bottle rather than buying new ones.
3 Use less energy
At your hotel, you can take care of the environment by something as simple as turning off the air conditioning and the lights when you’re going out. At Playa Palms Beach Hotel we help saving water and energy by changing sheets and towels only when requested.
4 Know what you are supporting
Think critically when it comes to choosing your activities and excursions. Avoid local shows or parks that exploit animals, like swimming with captive dolphins. Rather enjoy and observe the animals in their natural habitat. For example, go swimming with whale sharks in Isla Mujeres or observe birds and marine animals in Sian Ka’an or Isla Contoy!
5 Shop smarter
Don’t buy souvenirs made of shells, starfish or endangered animals.
6 Stay at smaller, not all inclusive hotels
Staying at smaller hotels instead of big resorts gives you a chance to get around, eat at local restaurants, buy in local shops and thus support the local culture and economy.
7 Go local
Support locally owned businesses, restaurants, and other services whenever you can. Trying local food and drinks is fun, just think Tequila and Mezcal or tasty tacos!
8 Respect cultural differences and learn from it
So many countries, so many customs. Respect and value the culture you are visiting. Care for the archaeological sites you visit in the Riviera Maya and don’t pollute or damage them. Experience the place the way locals do, respect them and engage with the culture!
7 Reasons Why Playa del Carmen is The Perfect Travel Destination
The world is big and when planning your next trip, many destinations may come to mind. Here are some excellent reasons beyond lush beaches and scenic ruins, why Playa del Carmen belongs on the top of your travel bucket list.
1 Ideally located
Playa del Carmen is only a 50 minutes drive from Cancun’s international airport and far enough down south to easily get to places like the ruins of Tulum and Cobá or Xcaret. The ferry to Cozumel is just a few minutes walk away and even Chichen Itza is a nice and affordable day trip.
2 Perfect mix of beach, culture, nature, and nightlife
The Riviera Maya has it all. Gorgeous beaches, magical cenotes to cool off on hot days, famous Mayan ruins, jungle, wildlife and parks like Xcaret or Xel-ha to spend unforgettable moments and a great nightlife. Observe all kind of animals on Contoy Island or in Sian Ka’an and feel the thrill at Xplor. At night, dance off your shoes on the famous 12th street in Playa del Carmen or just have a delicious drink at one of the many beach bars. In other words, there’s something for everybody!
3 Trendy, chill-out vibe
Both, Cancun and Playa del Carmen are popular with tourists, but Playa (as it’s called by locals) still maintained the heart and soul of a sleepy, bohemian beach town. It’s also quite cosmopolitan, and will not only make friends from all over the world, you can also eat your way around the globe. Apart from the typical Mexican food (which you should definitely try of course), you find everything, from Thai food to Italian cuisine or the Brazilian Steakhouse.
4 Easy to get around
Playa del Carmen is very easy to get around on foot. Especially when staying at Playa Palms Beach Hotel, you have literally everything within walking distance. The 5th Avenue is just 2 blocks away, with many restaurants, bar, nightlife, entertainment, shopping, and there are even Mayan ruins you can walk to.
5 Paradise
We mentioned it before, but they deserve more attention: the incredibly gorgeous beaches around Playa del Carmen that bring you about as close to paradise as you can get. Check out our list of the Riviera Maya’s most beautiful beaches if you’re planning a day at the beach!
6 Climate
Unless you are a winter person, you will love the fact that only about 35 days of the year are below 25°C (80°F). If it rains, it’s usually “flash showers” that are replaced again by sunshine within an hour or so.
7 Safety
When thinking of Mexico, many people think of drug wars and violence. That might be true for some cities but not for Playa del Carmen. It’s not only easy to get around, it’s also safe. Especially compared to other tourist destinations or even where you might live.