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August 15, 2017 3 Comments

What to Do, Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen?

What to Do, Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen? Twas’ my second time in Playa del Carmen and when I arrived I instantly remembered why I loved Playa so much the first time around. On this particular visit, I visited the Riviera Maya for a Destination Wedding, hence a couple nights were spent with the wedding party. Playa del Carmen is so full of life, a romantic city that is rich in food and culture. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway where you can enjoy good food, shop, hit the beach, stroll for miles down Quinta Avenida, and people watch, Playa del Carmen is your place. Unlike Cancun, Playa del Carmen appeals to a more mature crowd, honeymooners, and families. You will most definitely find some nightlife in this beautiful town, but it’s not as loud and crazy as Cancun. Aside the hotels, I didn’t find Playa del Carmen to be as expensive as other Caribbean destinations, however it is definitely more expensive than Cancun. Although I didn’t venture out to any nearby attractions, you can spend a day in Tulum and another in Chichen Itza. Out of all the Caribbean and Mexico destinations I have visited, Playa del Carmen is one destination I am happy to visit over and over again. What to Do, Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen?

6 night itinerary in Playa del Carmen…

Arrived at the Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen! Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen, Mexico

A warm welcome with guacamole, chips and veggies, along with fresh lemonade. Thanks Braulio! 🙂 Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen (14)

A Club King Room – comfortable bed with a balcony, but no view! 1 King Room - Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Pool area at Grand Hyatt.
Pool - Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen, Mexico

The next day – breakfast at Grand Hyatt’s Club Level. The staff was super sweet, friendly (Luis) and always greeted us with a smile. Loved that we could wake up and start our day right with coffee, freshly squeezed juice, eggs, yogurt chia, and more. The luxury of having fresh green juice each morning, I got so spoiled.
Club Level Breakfast - Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen, Mexico1

I totally indulged in eggs & salsa roja, salmon, toast, fresh jams, Americano, and my favorite – Yogurt Chia. I need to replicate the recipe. Club Level Breakfast - Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen, Mexico

HOTEL REVIEW: Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen
STAR RATING
: **** 1/2
STYLE: Modern/Trendy
PROS: Trendy Hotel | Excellent Location | Luxury Rooms | Complimentary WiFi | Comfortable Beds | Rain Shower Head & Regular Shower | Excellent & Friendly Customer Service | Housekeeping | Complimentary Waters Daily | Complimentary Dessert Daily | Complimentary Tea/Coffee | Restaurants at Hotel | Club Level Access | Infinity Pool | Beach Access | Resort
CONS: Rooms without Ocean View/Pool View – not much to see.
VERDICT: 4.5 / 5
LOCATION
1a Avenida esquina Calle 26 Colonia Centro, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77710 Playa del Carmen, QROO, Mexico

Arrived at Alux Restaurant. [Dress: Revolve Lioness] Alux Restaurant - Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Romantic dinner in a cave, a unique restaurant that is underground with absolutely no windows. A cool experience and one that I highly recommend. I’ll share my foodie adventure in my next post. Alux Restaurant - Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Next day, I hit the beach. The water was clear, but not crystal clear. So far the best water I have seen have been (in order) Turks and Caicos, St. John, St. Thomas, and Aruba. Playa del Carmen is next. Beach - Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Spent the evening attending a wedding at the Grand Hyatt. Beach Wedding - Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen, Mexico

The next day, dinner at Axiote where I tried Guacamole with Grasshoppers. I KNOW! Apparently, it is a popular delicacy in Mexico. I would say grasshoppers are the American equivalent to bacon, it gives the guac a little something. I wasn’t able to stomach more than a couple bites though.
Grasshopper Guacamole - Axiote, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

A stroll down Quinta Avenida at night, so romantic with the cobblestone streets and colorful flowers. Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Again the next day, a stroll down Quinta Avenida.Playa del Carmen, Mexico

There are tons of places that offer Couples Massage for just $50 – that’s an hour long massage for 2 people! I felt so relaxed afterwards. Playa del Carmen, Mexico

An evening snack at Grand Hyatt Club Access. This meal blew my mind, I couldn’t believe how much food they had and more importantly how good it was. Of course, I enjoyed a glass of rose wine. I skipped dinner this night since I overate.
Club Level Appetizers - Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Stopping by Calle Corazon where you’ll find shops, restaurants and loud music. A fun crowd and great evening hangout spot.
Calle Corazon - Playa del Carmen, Mexico

I spent the next day riding the waves at the beach. Although I can’t swim, being in the ocean and riding the waves is one of my happiest moments. I’m strongly considering taking swimming lessons now. Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Let’s not forget about Cocktails by the Ocean from El Paseo at Grand Hyatt! Imagine riding the waves after a slight buzz, that’s even more fun, just be careful.
Cocktails - Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Heading to dinner on 5th Avenue. I never got sick of strolling down this romantic street. I easily got my 10,000 steps in for the day so I never felt guilty about what I ate.
Avenida 5, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

A fabulous and romantic meal at La Casa del Agua which offers Contemporary Mexican cuisine. Definitely worth a visit.
La Casa del Agua, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Strolling down 5th Avenue on a perfectly breezy warm night.

Beautiful church – Nuestra Senora del Carmen Catholic Church.
Church, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

A night stroll on the beach. Hearing the waves crash against each other was so calming. I love being around the ocean at night when the waves are calm.
Beach - Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Last meal in Playa at La Cueva del Chango where I had the BEST chicken enchiladas of my life. Best and most affordable meal of the trip! A must-do!
Chicken Enchiladas - La Cueva del Chango, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

The next day a bird pooped on my hair before lunch. It’s a good thing I didn’t realize it until after lunch else I would have been so grossed out. Another shampoo for me before heading out. [Dress: H&M]
TIP for Curly Haired Gals: when you don’t have your hair products on hand, after you hop out of the shower, substitute body lotion for cream, and then scrunch your hair with actual conditioner. It helps with frizz, a little trick I use on vacation when I don’t bring my curly hair products.
Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Bye Playa del Carmen, see you again, someday! 🙂 Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Have you been to Cancun or Playa del Carmen? What did you do there?

What to Do, Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen?

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Priya Vin says

    August 15, 2017 at 3:55 PM

    Beautiful pictures, We love Cancun beaches and the Playa del carmen area. It is one of our favorite beaches too!

    Reply
  2. dixya @food, pleasure, and health says

    August 15, 2017 at 1:20 PM

    i was in Cancun in January and really enjoyed the trip..I didnt get to visit Tulum but chichenitza did happen and loved it. just looking at these pictures, im ready for another vacation!

    Reply
  3. Kate says

    August 16, 2017 at 5:13 PM

    What a great write up! I’ve never been to Playa del Carrmen, but you’re making me wanna go. Love your hair curly! You look gorgeous!

    Reply

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About Me

A foodie who is passionate about living a healthy-ish lifestyle, cooking, and traveling. You'll find a mix of everything here and lots of seasonal content. I moved from Jersey City leaving behind my family & friends to beautiful Southern California for love. I'm adjusting to the laid-back SoCal lifestyle and learning a lot about myself along the way. Come join me on a soul searching journey and I'll tell YOU "what's cooking" through my love for food, fashion, and travel.

ZUCCHINI ONION TOMATO GOAT CHEESE LAVASH PIZZA. Th ZUCCHINI ONION TOMATO GOAT CHEESE LAVASH PIZZA. The secret ingredient: “goat cheese.” 
For someone who hated goat cheese for so long, I started loving it later in life. Goat cheese adds so much flavor and depth to any pizza. A must try!!!

NUTRITION PER SQUARE: [ 98 calories. 6g protein. 2g fiber. ]

✅ Full Recipe: Link in Bio!
OR
Search [ honey what’s cooking zucchini goat cheese pizza ]

✅ Follow @honeywhatscooking for more recipes!

#lavashbread #lavashpizza #zucchinipizza #goatcheesepizza #quickpizza
Made this trip to NJ for one person only - my mom! Made this trip to NJ for one person only - my mom! She was missing Krish a lot so this trip was mainly for her to spend quality time with him. We left with beautiful memories. Missing home and especially these moments seeing mom and Krish together. Until our next trip. ❤️

#newjersey #missinghome #family #nani #reelskarofeelkaro #reelsitfeelsit
HIGH PROTEIN BHEL WITH TOFU & PEANUTS! Tofu Peanut HIGH PROTEIN BHEL WITH TOFU & PEANUTS! Tofu Peanut Bhel is super easy to make + vegan, delicious, and healthy! 14 grams of protein per serving.

✔️ RECIPE:

➡️ saute tofu
14 ounces organic extra-firm tofu, press & cube
1 tbsp avocado oil
➡️ for tofu peanut bhel
1/2 cup unsalted peanuts roasted
1/2 cup red onions chopped
1/2 cup green bell peppers chopped
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2 tbsp tamarind chutney, store-bought
1-2 tbsp lemon juice
1-2 tsp chat masala
1 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp red chili powder
salt to taste
➡️ for garnish
1/4 cup sev

Sauté tofu. Dry roast peanuts. Mix all ingredients. Enjoy!

✅ Full recipe: Link in bio OR search [ honey what’s cooking tofu peanut bhel ]

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#bhel #healthybhel #healthyindianfood #indianfood #indianstreetfood #cookingreels #foodreels #reelskarofeelkaro #reelsitfeelsit #veganindian
INDO-MEX OIL-FREE SALAD - Bean Corn Avocado Kachum INDO-MEX OIL-FREE SALAD - Bean Corn Avocado Kachumber Salad. A delicious Mexican spin on the classic Kachumber Salad. Enjoy as a meal or side. This salad is healthy, delicious, and nutritious!

➡️ NUTRITION [ 255 calories. 10g protein. 14g fiber ]

✔️ RECIPE:
15 ounces canned organic black beans, rinsed & drained
1 1/2 cups cucumber chopped
1 cup red onion chopped
1 1/2 cup tomatoes chopped & drained
1 cup frozen organic corn, rinsed & drained
1 tbsp chat masala, I like MDH
1 tsp red chili powder, or cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp salt add more if needed
1/4 cup lime juice freshly squeezed
1 large avocado diced
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Mix well and enjoy!

✅ Full Recipe: Link in bio OR search [ honey what’s cooking bean corn kachumber salad ]

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My favorite kind of muffin - ONE BOWL BLUEBERRY 🫐 MUFFINS made with melted butter, fresh blueberries, and more! Super simple to make! Finish these off with some salted butter on top and they’re just scrumptious. Hope you give it a try with your morning joe ☕️

RECIPE:

➡️ Dry Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
➡️ Wet Ingredients
6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
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1 @vitalfarms organic egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup whole milk
1/4 cup @stonyfield yogurt
1 1/2 cups blueberries rinsed & dried
1 tbsp all-purpose flour sprinkle over blueberries
➡️ once baked, split muffin in half & spread @kerrygoldusa salted butter. Divine!

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Google [ honey what’s cooking blueberry muffins ]

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#blueberrymuffins #muffins #summerrecipes #weekendbaking #weekendbrunch #recipereels #bakingreels #bakingvideo
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