Guide to Playacar

'Playacar's air of exclusivity and gorgeous beaches make it a stylish retreat for sun-seekers.'

Sumptuous beaches, sumptuous hotels, sumptuous seas… Playacar is perfect if you're longing for a little extra cosseting on the Yucatan Peninsula. A sophisticated resort south of Cancun and near Playa Del Carmen, it's quieter and more exclusive than both its neighbours, offering a seductive cocktail of top-notch, all-inclusive hotel complexes and gated residential developments in a peaceful, rather than a partying, atmosphere. Even the beaches are top-drawer. Made of downy soft white sands skirted by nodding palms, they're some of the Caribbean's best. In addition, the transparent, warm waters will send shivers of anticipation through snorkellers and divers. Don that snorkel and swoop amongst vividly coloured fish just offshore. Board a ferry to nearby Cozumel island for some soul-stirring diving. Or get your kicks with a bout of water-skiing, windsurfing or kayaking. Prefer dry land? The championship 18-hole course near Playacar is pure gold for keen golfers. When you're in shopping mode, a mosey around Playacar's retail mall guarantees a good haul of souvenirs. Or hotfoot it to neighbouring Playa Del Carmen, where a wider choice of handicraft stores and duty-free outlets will easily while away a morning. And when you feel like roving further, strike out into the Yucatan interior to visit the age-old Mayan ruins at Tulum cocooned in the lush tropical jungle. Don't expect Playacar to transform into a wild party spot by night. Do as most do and head into the centre to dig into a dizzying array of cuisine, from Asian and US to Mexican and gourmet European. Feel like staying in? Join in the fun at your hotel's nightclub, preceded by some icy cold margaritas on the beach in the company of new friends.

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Recommended Playacar hotels and apartments

Riu Palace Mexico

Riu Palace Riviera Maya

Riu Playacar

Playacar hotels and apartments

Our hotels and apartments in Playacar include Clubhotel Riu Tequila, Riu Lupita, Riu Palace Mexico, Riu Palace Riviera Maya, Riu Playacar, Riu Yucatan, Viva Wyndham Azteca and Viva Wyndham Maya.

More Mexico Caribbean Coast holiday destinations

Looking for holidays in Mexico Caribbean Coast? Our Mexico Caribbean Coast holiday destinations include Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Playacar, Riviera Maya and Tulum.

Beaches

Snow white beaches of fine, soft sand dominate the tropical coastline of Playacar, and are noted to be among the finest in the Caribbean. This exquisite stretch of beach plays host to a variety of watersports, from sailing to snorkelling.

Eating out

The array of resorts and hotels in Playacar dominate the dining scene, offering a selection of local and international, casual and a la carte options. There is often something to suit everyone serving everything from Asian to Mexican delights. If you want to venture farther afield, Playa del Carmen has an even larger selection with a host of international food chains present.

Nightlife

Much of the nightlife around Playacar is centred within the individual resorts. Many of the resorts offer evening entertainment programmes, as well as discos and casinos. If you are looking for a night out on the town, then Playa del Carmen would be the place, slightly more upbeat, with a selection of larger late-night bars.

Shopping

One of Playacar's biggest attractions is great shopping. Paseo del Carmen and Plaza Playacar are just two of the malls there where there are an abundance of small arts and crafts shops and to entertain the most serious shoppers there is Fifth Avenue in Playa Del Carmen just five minutes away.

Local information

If surfing the sea and sunning on the sands is all too much for you, there are plenty of local activities on offer. As well as a popular 18 hole golf course nearby, why not also take time out to experience some of the local ruins of the surrounding area? The Riviera Maya is one of the world's premier diving locations, so make sure you leave time to sample the underwater paradise of Mexico. There are also a number of eco-sites to explore, where you can visit a host of exotic wildlife.