Where to Stay and What to Do in Playa del Carmen

Image: The Fives Downtown Hotel & Residences. (photo courtesy of The Fives Downtown Hotel & Residences) (The Fives Downtown Hotel & Residences)
Image: The Fives Downtown Hotel & Residences. (photo courtesy of The Fives Downtown Hotel & Residences) (The Fives Downtown Hotel & Residences)
Mia Taylor
by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 2:46 PM ET, Thu November 8, 2018

Experience the world's best diving. Explore the ancient ruins of Tulum. Swim in crystal clear cenotes.

These are just some of the attractions that draw visitors to Playa Del Carmen again and again.

While much of the activity in this vibrant Riviera Maya resort town revolves around Playa del Carmen's renowned beach; soaking up the sun and dipping your toes in the sand is merely one of the many options for visitors.

Spending an afternoon on a chartered fishing or diving boat exploring the Caribbean Sea is yet another alluring choice. Or perhaps, head a few miles south to visit the Xcaret eco-park that features the Mayan Riviera's animals and marine life.

Golfers also flock to Playa Del Carmen thanks to its many courses. There are at least five to six options in the area, among them Playacar Hard Rock Golf Club, Riviera Maya Golf Club, Grand Coral Golf Riviera Maya, El Camaleon at Mayakoba and Playa Paraiso.

And few visitors to Playa Del Carmen miss visiting La Quinta Avenida, the pedestrian thoroughfare that runs parallel to the beach lined by blocks of shops, restaurants, and nightspots.

Yet another not-to-miss option is Rio Secreto or Secret River. An underground river known for its turquoise water, caves and unusual rock formations, it's a fascinating way to spend a day and learn about the area's natural history.

As for where to stay when visiting this Yucatán Peninsula hotspot, one of the most notable new choices is the chic boutique hotel, The Fives Downtown Hotel & Residences. A true original, the property is a glam boutique hotel featuring contemporary Mexican design.

Opened in 2017, this relatively new five-star luxury address offers an authentic and contemporary retreat for travelers.

Property highlights include spacious, high-design rooms and suites with private terraces; a central courtyard built around a vertical garden; a rooftop lounge and an infinity swimming pool. There's also a 24-hour fitness center, and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.

Tequila lovers will want to spend some time at the hotel's El Tigre bar, which features more than 100 different types of authentic tequila and Mezcal. Foodies, meanwhile, should be sure to check out the open kitchen dining experience at Mercatto, The Fives' authentic Italian offering that serves up traditional tastes in a new and healthy way.

In addition to all of these features, The Fives is just steps away from the restaurants, bars and boutiques of Playa Del Carmen's La Quinta Avenida and is walking distance to the beach.

In other words, there is no better or more convenient address for your Playa Del Carmen getaway.


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Mia Taylor

Mia Taylor

Senior Editor

Mia Taylor is an award-winning journalist who has two decades of experience. Most recently she worked as a staff writer for America's largest digital publisher DotdashMeredith, where she contributed stories on a daily basis to four of the company's most iconic brands - Parents,Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, and Health. Her work has also appeared in Travel + Leisure, The Boston Globe, The San Diego UnionTribune, Westways Magazine, Fortune, and more.

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