Separate but Equal: Paradisus, Playa del Carmen, Mexico (& Riviera Maya)

House of Travel is back from ringing in the New Year in Playa del Carmen. Our head honchos, Jerry & Doris, along with their daughters & extended family (19 in total), spent some time soaking up the sun & collecting drinks-by-the-yard cups from Carlos & Charlie’s. Despite their livers, they are back to share everything about Playa (like the Spanish word for “beach” not the guy who gets around) del Carmen.

Only a 35-minute drive from Cancun airport is a little, all inclusive resort called Paradisus Playa del Carmen. By “little,” we mean it’s not. But it is the newest addition to the Paradisus Resorts family as of November 15, 2011. (Congratulations Paradisus!) Upon arrival – rewind – upon booking, you have two choices. You can reserve a room in La Perla (adults only) or in La Esmeralda (crayons & animal crackers). They are separate but equal – just depends what you’re looking for. Here is what you need to know about each half of the resort though:

La Perla:

• All Inclusive
• Adults Only
• 394 Suites, including 122 Royal Service Suites & 2 Presidential Suites
• 11 Restaurants
• 8 Bars
• Gabi Beach Club

La Esmeralda:

• All Inclusive
• Family Resort
• 512 Suites, including 120 Family Concierge Suites & 2 Presidential Suites
• 5 Restaurants
• 4 Bars
• Gabi Beach Club
• Kid’s Zone

House of Travel opted for the adults only half of the resort (smart choice, we know) & a Royal Service Suite (obviously not amateurs). As you arrive at La Perl-y gates to the Royal Service Suites, you are introduced to your personal concierge who will handle all of your priority dining reservations (yes, you receive priority) & anything you need. Not only are you not bothered with screaming children while dining, but at La Perla, you also can enjoy a child-free pool & beach area. All the suites in La Perla are just that, suites. Complete with an oversize tub & shower for two – we will spare you the details of this part of Jerry & Doris’ vacation. You can lounge around in your personal sitting area & even relax in your own private Jacuzzi (in most suites) on the balcony. Tip: call your concierge for a bottle of champagne to go with your Jacuzzi. Here’s an odd detail probably only a travel expert would notice: there was only one garbage can for the entire suite. Plus side: the suite came stocked with a full mini bar & four bottles of premium alcohol. Needless to say, the garbage can became a non-issue real fast.

Back to what matters – the alcohol. Usually the gripe about an all-inclusive is the less-than-desirable, bottom shelf liquor served at the bars. Paradisus Playa del Carmen means gripe no more. Not only do they serve top shelf liquor, but they display it too, so you don’t have to be that person who digs around behind the bar for a good bottle.  The vodkas on display included Absolut, Grey Goose & a few others. The tequila choices were much greater…it’s Mexico.

Although it’s rough venturing over to the PG-13 half of the resort, at least there’s an adjoining common area where most of the restaurants are located, as well as the Gabi Beach Club & Red Lounge. Since we are adults, we are allowed on both sides of the property, but children are restricted to the one side. The pool on the La Esmeralda side is larger than the adults-only pool & includes a Pirate Ship & hippo slide, whereas La Perla’s pool has benches for lounging.

Once you’re sufficiently sunburned, head over to the dining area of the resort. The adults-only Mexican restaurant, Mole, has delicious chips & guacamole, which is only appropriate given the locale. You can also dine at Vento (Middle Eastern & Italian cuisine), Market (lunch buffet during the day and Brazilian Rodizio at night), Bana (Asian Fusion), Teppanaki & many more restaurants. The food at these named restaurants is excellent. Be patient with the kitchen if dining seems a bit slow. At least the servers keep the drinks flowing while you wait.

From the restaurants to the pool, the look & decor of the entire resort is beautiful & modern. Nooks & crannies around the property provide great spaces for lounging around. At night, Gabi lights up its outdoor lounge for a cool atmosphere & offers a Hukka option ($25.00).

Not only did Jerry & Doris thoroughly explore Paradisus Playa del Carmen, but they also checked out a few other hotels in Playa del Carmen (& Riviera Maya). These hotels included: Mosquito Blue on 5th (1 block from the beach), Deseo Design Hotel, Mosquito Beach (1 block from Paradisus), The Rosewood (not an all-inclusive, but has a cute kids’ breakfast buffet), Banyan Tree Maykoba (offers a variety of guestrooms, including 2-3 bedroom beach villas & bikes for guests), The Tides, & Karisma Azul (with the only Fischer Price Kids’ Club). For nightlife, Jerry gives his seal of approval on Palazzo (right next to Paradisus & is a brand new nightclub), Mandela (expensive) & Blue Parrot.

For photos of Jerry & Doris’ vacation to Playa del Carmen visit our Facebook page and check out the 2 albums for Playa del Carmen. You will find photos of Paradisus, the other hotels, the nightlife & Playa del Carmen itself.

Call House of Travel today at 305.931.3002 & ask for Heather to book your Playa del Carmen vacation or email her at heather@houseoftravel.net.

Related posts:

1. Luxury Travel Deals in Mexico: Starwood Resorts

Tags: All Inclusive, Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Blue Parrot, Cancun, Deseo Design Hotel, Gabi Beach Club, House of Travel, Karisma Azul, La Esmeralda Paradisus, La Perla Paradisus, Luxury Hotel, Mandela, Mexico, Mosquito Beach, Mosquito Blue, Palazzo, Paradisus, Paradisus Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, The Rosewood, The Tides, Travel, Travel Expert