PLAYACAR PALACE ALL-INCLUSIVE LUXURIOUS RESORT

Mexico is a country that has stolen my heart time and time again. Not only do I love the weather and culture there, but I love how easily accessible it is to get there from New York. I’ve been to Cancun and Tulum a few times, but have yet to check off Playa Del Carmen.

Located along the Yucatán Peninsula’s Riviera Maya strip of Caribbean shoreline, Playa del Carmen is known for its white sand beaches, turquoise water, palm trees and coral reefs. This city offers a laid back bohemian vibe, which is a very different setting compared to the more popular tourist locations. I enjoy experiencing different regions in Mexico because I find it impossible to generalize a country by only limiting myself to one or two cities.

PLAYACAR PALACE ALL-INCLUSIVE LUXURY BESIDE THE OCEAN

This all-inclusive resort for couples, families, and groups rests beside the glistening turquoise waters and powdery white sands of Playa del Carmen, a destination known for its laid back charm. This picturesque resort is just steps away from the town center, on the famed Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue), a bustling strip of shops, restaurants, and bars.

I had the privilege of staying at Playacar Palace Resorts, which is a luxurious all inclusive resort and is currently ranked #10 in Trip Advisor for 2020 Traveler’s Choice. I have worked with Palace Resorts before and stayed at their Cancun location, LeBlanc Spa Resort Cancun, so I would be lying if I said I didn’t have any expectations for Playacar Palace Resorts. My experience at LeBlanc Spa Resort was absolutely wonderful, so I knew going in, that I would have just as an amazing  of a time because I know that Palace Resorts doesn’t disappoint when it comes to delivering high quality service!

Playacar Palace is about 45 minutes from Cancun International Terminal, but the ride is worth it because once you arrive, you are welcomed to a splendor of sanctuary as the resort is set in an exclusive residential neighborhood with its own quiet beach. There are also 201 modern and chic suites replete with in-room whirlpool tubs, state-of-the-art technology, world-class spirits, and other lavish amenities, a large pool, three restaurants, and a late-night lounge serving Thai cuisine.

SUPERIOR DELUXE OCEAN VIEW

Fall asleep to the gentle sway of the ocean outside your window, and wake up marveling at its pristine blue current. This guest room offers you stately surroundings, top-shelf brands of liquor, Smart Tv with YouTube, a whirlpool tub, CHI bath amenities and much more.

I had the honors of waking up to an ocean view as I stayed at the superior deluxe room, which offered a balcony to overlook the ocean and the rest of the resort including the pools. There was also a jacuzzi and a spacious living room, where I was able to unwind after the day and served as a great spot to do some work. The bed was extremely comfortable and after lounging in the sun all day, it was nice to get a good night’s sleep. I also looked forward to waking up to the sunrise every day and there was not one moment where I did not bask in the tranquility.

RESTAURANTS & BARS: A PARADISE FOR ALL PALATES

Food plays a crucial role in my travel experience because I’m a foodie! I still remember the amazing food that I had at LeBlanc Spa Resport, so I didn’t doubt that I would have anything less when it came to the food at Playacar and I was not wrong. I know that sometimes the food in all inclusive resorts fall short but this is Palace Resorts and you have to trust me when I say, the food is excellent!

CAFE DEL MAR – INTERNATIONAL CUISINE

Enjoy hearty and healthy international cuisine for breakfast and lunch. Come for dinner and partake delight in a vibrant Mexican Cuisine.

I dined at Cafe Del Mar for breakfast everyday and it was a great way to start my morning. There were tons of options to choose from as the cafe was buffet style. There were eggs, salad, waffles, oatmeal, bread, and everything and anything you could imagine when you think of breakfast, so there is something for everyone. Whenever I travel, I make it a priority to eat healthy and add as much color as I can on my plate, which is exactly what I did. There was also a green juice that I was obsessed with and ordered it everyday to complete my morning along with my iced latte.

The staff was extremely friendly and I got to know them throughout my stay as this was the place I would go to have my breakfast as well as lunch. It was nice to stop by in the afternoon to get a break from the sun. I also enjoyed the buffet aspect because I’m a variety type of gal when it comes to food so being able to have a little bit of everything satisfied the indecisive eater that I am. There were also safety measures enforced including wearing masks every time you went to get food and most of the food were served by the staff to minimize contact. I felt safe dining and I could tell everybody who was working there were extremely attentive and clean.

MOMO – ASIAN RESTAURANT

The fine art of sushi, and the variety of exotic options in a Pan-Asian fusion dining experience.

Momo hands down made my stay at Playacar Palace! I love asian food so I was looking forward to dining here the most. The best part is that Momo offers Teppanyaki or Shabu-shabu services. If you’re not aware, Teppanyaki is a style of Japanese cuisine that uses an iron griddle to cook food and Shabu-Shabu is a Japanese hotpot dish of thinly sliced meat and vegetables boiled in water and served with dipping sauces. During the second night, I decided to experience Teppanyaki or habachi and the last night to experience regular dining as the menu had more options.

Not only was the food and service out of the world, but I enjoyed the close interaction with the chef during habachi  because he was inviting, charming, funny and entertaining. It was like a show and spectacle, all in one dining experience! The habachi dinner came with edamame, miso soup and fried rice along with your choice of dessert (I chose mochi!).  And for the regular dining, I had to opt for my beloved sushi because it’s my favorite food in the world! I wish I stayed longer because I would’ve definitely dined there again.

BOCELLI -ITALIAN RESTAURANT

This elegant Italian gem offers homestyle cuisine with flair, and a warm chic atmosphere, perfect for dress-up family dining or romantic dinners.

Italian cuisine is always a good idea because normally, it’s difficult to not enjoy the food since most of the time, it reminds me of comfort food and who doesn’t love carbs? Bocelli had a more upscale vibe than Momo but I still had a great time there because I always look forward to a change of scenery and a change in cuisine when I am traveling.

I didn’t feel out of place because the staff was extremely welcoming and attentive. I do think this place is great for romantic dinners or if you want to go that extra mile and dress up because it’s a great excuse to do so! I ordered salad as an appetizer and spaghetti with marinara sauce and vegetables as the entree. It was also my friend’s birthday so we ended up getting three different desserts to sample including tiramisu, chocolate stracciatella ice cream and the basil and sweet lime sorbet, all which were delicious and balanced each other well. The staff also brought out a mini cake, which was so sweet of them! Everybody including other guests also joined in to sing happy birthday, which made the night even more spectacular.

LUNA LOUNGE: Munch on Thai delicacies and masterfully crafted cocktails in this chic but laid back lounge bar.

If you want to spend some time lounging, then Luna Lounge is the place for you! I loved the vibe there because it took me out of mindset that I was at a resort and into the mindset that I was in a chic bar with delicious cocktails. This is also a great place to hang out with friends or a significant other after dinner.

Two other bars that guests have access to are the lobby bar, which offers top-notch spirits and the aqua bar, which is the spot to savor drinks and tasty treats in the morning, and, in the evening, order your very own brick oven pizza.

THE ART OF RELAXATION

Here, you’ll find hydrating body wraps, deep-tissue massages and luxurious facials, hydrotherapy, plunge pools, herbal steam rooms and more. Here’s a list of the services we offer. It’s everything you need to trade the normal life for a day spent in utter relaxation. Grab a robe, and step right this way.

I can never say no to a massage, so I was lucky enough to experience a HOLISTIC 50 min massage, which was a unique deep flowing and relaxing full-body massage, which is tailored for complete harmony and my body needed it more than I knew!

I don’t often treat myself to massages when I am at home, but when I am presented with the opportunity, especially from a resort, I welcome it with open arms. When I entered the spa, I was completely transferred into a different world of peace and bliss. The combination of the music, ambiance and overall setting was everything I could ask for. I arrived at the spa an hour and a half before my massage so I can enjoy the other amenities including the sauna, steam room, cool and warm lagoons, hot tub and hydrotherapy pool. I can’t even begin to describe my actual massage because I enjoyed it so much that I dozed off a few times! I wasn’t stressed at all going in, but leaving my massage, I felt like I was reborn again 🙂 I highly recommend visiting the spa and treating yourself because if you’re already in Playa del Carmen, why not make the most of it by practicing self care?

FINAL THOUGHTS

I personally spent most of my time at Playacar Palace Resorts with the exception of venturing out to do some shopping at Fifth Avenue. I had an amazing stay and I enjoyed my three nights there. The highlights of my trip were witnessing the beautiful beach sunsets/ sunrises, relaxing on the beach and soaking in the sun and of course, enjoying the delicious cuisine and foods. I’m so grateful that I was able to experience another one of Palace Resorts and I am more of a fan than I already was. If you are looking for a place to stay in Playa Del Carmen, then you have to check out Playacar Palace Resorts!