Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
Royal Holiday members seeking an oceanfront paradise need look no further. Playa del Carmen, one of the hottest tourist destinations in the state of Quintana Roo and throughout Mexico, has one of the most gorgeous beaches in the world. A former fishing village turned world-class vacation hotspot with the development of nearby Cozumel, Playa del Carmen offers Riviera Maya charm with a cosmopolitan spin. For Royal Holiday members interested in exploring ancient Mayan ruins, drinking the night away at a posh club, or just soaking up the sunshine above the famous Caribbean Sea, Playa del Carmen fits the bill.
The club affiliate in Playa del Carmen, the Grand Riviera Princess, will make it easy to enjoy the best that the city has to offer. Royal Holiday members will enjoy a lavish all-inclusive resort environment featuring everything from a dozen restaurants serving cuisine from around the world to a full slate of activities and amusements overseen by a friendly staff. The Grand Riviera Princess features an in-house spa and massage center for those looking to achieve total relaxation and an excellent fitness center for travelers dedicated to staying in shape – even on vacation. However, for most guests, the resort’s place right on the ocean will be sufficient. Located just a short walk away from the water, the Grand Riviera makes it simple to drop off one’s bags and hit the beach as soon as possible.
The glittering waves off of Playa del Carmen remain its main attraction, and all manner of water sports can be found for those interested in more than just laying out on the beach. An astoundingly beautiful coral reef off the coast – the world’s second largest – makes for excellent snorkeling and diving, and Royal Holiday members looking for an extra dose of ecotourism can visit the fisheries of the nearby Xel-Ha. After finishing one of these activities, of course, refreshments can be found in the city’s boisterous beach clubs, where the party often continues well into the evening.
Of course, Playa del Carmen is more than a beach. Royal Holiday members who have made the city their second home often rave about Quinta Avenida or Fifth Avenue, the street around which the rest of the city revolves. A shopping mecca for tourists and locals alike, Quinta Avenida features luxury boutiques and fine crafts alike, while the restaurants dotting the surrounding landscape bring the Riviera Maya’s unique cuisine to life. A town with music in its blood, Playa del Carmen plays host to a variety of music events, ranging from the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival to the electronic dance music extravaganza BPM, as well as a number of public holidays that place the city’s heritage on glorious display, such as the Playa del Carmen Carnival.
So much relaxation and entertainment can be exhausting, but Playa del Carmen offers numerous nearby opportunities for education and reflection. The ancient civilization of the Mayans can be seen in fascinating ruins across the region. Many Royal Holiday members will enjoy a trip to El Rey or Tulum, but for the best glimpse into the history of the Yucatán Mayan people, a drive inland to Chichen Itza will be highly rewarding. Ecotourism has also grown to be a popular diversion in the area, and the Riviera Maya region offers boundless opportunities to experience the beauty of the great Mexican outdoors firsthand.