A Romantic Weekend in Playa del Carmen
by Ron Burdine
There’s something about the Caribbean that makes for an ideal romantic location. Whether it’s the tropical climate, white sands, blue waters and the swaying palms, for whatever reason, it seems to bring out the romance in most people. Selecting the right hotel in paradise is a close second to nature in creating that perfect getaway. There are plenty of Playa del Carmen hotels to choose from, but when you are thinking about romance, the list is narrowed.
Our first criteria when selecting a romantic hotel is size. Yes, in this case, size matters and at least for our taste, the smaller hotels get the nod. Now there are still a wide variety of options and a few things to keep in mind. Smaller could mean a cabana on the beach with no amenities to speak of and maybe not even power 24 hours a day. That kind of romance may be for some, but for our idea of romance, we’ll need a few more amenities and basic conveniences.
Location is another critical factor, beach front, central or off the beaten path. All of those options provide benefits depending on what you are after. Beachfront is of course always nice with access to the beach and Caribbean right out the front door. Being central, if the beach is near, is also a nice option for dining and shopping and a retreat from the sand and wind; it may also mean having some things a beach front option is lacking, like a pool. Many beachfront properties in Playa del Carmen do not have pools!
The décor and on-site services are also a big consideration. When you get into your room it’s nice to have a feeling of comfort and romance. A nice king size bed and comfortable linens with a nice bathroom are big pluses. A sitting area with a couch and table is also a nice touch, a TV and phone is also nice but certainly not a deal breaker if romancing is in the air. On-site spa services or at least nearby options are a must if you are looking to pamper that special someone.
With these key elements in mind our list of hotels is now starting to come into focus. The top four small hotels on our list for a romantic getaway in Playa del Carmen are Mosquito Blue, Playa Palms, Mahekal Beach Resort and Mosquito Beach Hotel. All of the above mentioned hotels have a combination of most if not all of the features that make for a great romantic getaway. Mosquito Blue features a central location with a wonderful restaurant, spa services and two pools, Playa Palms is a beachfront oasis with a river like pool with in-room iPod docs and flat panel TV’s. At Mahekal Beach resort, you won’t find phones or TV’s but you can get internet in a couple of locations on the property, with two pools this is a very unique cabana style resort on one of the best beaches in Playa del Carmen. Mosquito Beach is a chic hotel right on the beach with a lovely restaurant and private beach club.
For our romantic weekend we chose Mosquito Blue; very centrally located at the corner of 12th and 5th Avenue right off the walking mall, a lovely choice with the rooms offering ample space and bedding with some very nice romantic touches like the 4 post bed and décor smoothly blending Mediterranean and local styles, they really pull it off. The service was amazing and the staff was very helpful and really catered to our every need. The small “Zen Spa” on site at the hotel was a lovely and charming option for a variety of services. The restaurant was amazing…high-end international cuisine but we also got a 30% discount as guests of the hotel! The other bonus was the free breakfast included at the sister hotel Mosquito Beach, a full breakfast with a nice selection and access to the private beach club was also a nice option! Mosquito Beach is a short stroll down the mall and to the beach.
Keep in mind that these romantic Caribbean weekends can lead to things like Playa del Carmen weddings, so be prepared to be swept off your feet if you dare to choose one of these fabulous hotel getaways. Stay tuned for more great insights on the best places to stay, for whatever you are looking for, in the way of Playa del Carmen themes, Tulum hotels and other great Yucatan travel tips.