Playacar holidays

Peace and Tranquillity: Playacar is a gated holiday resort; ideal if you’re holidaying with little ones. When it comes to kicking back and relaxing, you don’t have to go any further than the beach. Dusted with white, powder-soft sands, lapped by clear, warm waters, and fringed by gently-swaying palm trees, the beach stretches from the south side of the harbour in Playa del Carmen and runs the entire length of the resort. Take a stroll south and you’ll come across secluded bays, such as Inah Beach, tucked away between rocky coves.

Getting Out and About: A purpose-built resort, constructed with couples and families in mind. Golf enthusiasts will be able to keep on top of their game at the world-class Hard Rock Golf Club. Set among an exquisite and lush natural backdrop and overlooked by Mayan ruins, it’s worth going for the view alone, even if your golf handicap is in three figures!

If cycling or exploring on foot is more your thing, the resort is encircled by a 6km trail, which takes you through some beautiful and exotic scenery, including ancient ruins and a spectacular bird sanctuary.

Couples and Families: While a holiday to Playacar might be focused on relaxation, you’ll need the occasional break from all that sunbathing. The resort’s plaza hosts family-friendly cultural events on a regular basis and, if your shopping muscles are feeling a little flabby, there are some quirky boutique shops to be found there. For something a little busier, it only takes around half an hour to walk to the famous 5th Avenue shopping area, which is also lined with some superb Mexican restaurants and a selection of friendly, family-run cafés.

Language: Spanish is the primary language spoken, although you’ll find that most of the locals have a good command of English.

Currency: The currency used is the Mexican Peso, although some establishments will accept US Dollar.

Local Time: Playacar is six hours behind GMT/UK time.

Fly: Playacar is approximately 2km from Playa del Carmen Airport and 57km from Cancun International Airport.

Tourist information: Further tourist information can be found here.

Visa / Health: Before your holiday to Playacar, visit here for recommendations and advice on visas and health.

Holiday destinations related to Playacar:

• Cancun
• Playa Del Carmen
• Riviera Maya
• Playa Mujeres
• Puerto Vallarta

By Car: Hire a car and explore the area at your own pace. There’s little traffic and the roads are well maintained and well signposted.

By Bus: Bus services are dependable and efficient. Tickets can be bought from the local bus stations.

By Taxi: Taxis are in plentiful supply and can be pre-booked or hailed from the street.

Spring Equinox: If you want your holidays to Playacar to involve a little of the magic of the Mayans, 20 March ought to be on your calendar, as this is the month when the pyramid at Chichen Itza comes into its own. Built to correspond with the rising and the setting sun, the shadows create the illusion of a gigantic serpent climbing up the 365 steps. However, if you can’t wait, this spectacle is recreated on a nightly basis as part of the Sound and Light Show.

Carnival: February sees the biggest and brightest spectacle on the local calendar. Riviera Maya’s answer to the Brazilian Mardi Gras, you’ll hear traditional music, see flamboyant floats and stilt-walking giants, taste spicy street food, and soak up a party atmosphere that lasts all night!

Day of the Dead: For the first two days in November, locals honour the souls of the departed and celebrate the lives of those left behind. This isn’t your usual sombre ceremony, it’s bright, bold, and full of fun! You’ll see masked ghouls dancing to live music, with plenty of eating and drinking involved. If you want to experience the true flavour of Mexico on your Playacar holidays, this is the event to catch.