If there is one thing I know for sure about our Salty Babes, it is that they LOVE a good beach vacay. I spent the last week on a getaway with my sister to the Mexican resort town of Playa del Carmen. Here are the top 10 things that I loved and that I learned while I was there:
My recommendations:
Where we stayed
While a big All-Inclusive can be super fun, we decided to opt for something a little chiller and more immersed in the culture. We stayed at the El Taj Oceanfront Condos and we loved it. The condo style room made us feel right at home with a full kitchen and hot tub on our patio. We made food and snacks throughout the day so we didn’t have to go out for every meal and got to unwind after long days in our own private spa tub. I would definitely stay here again!
5th Ave
Locally known as Quinta Avenida, 5th avenue in Playa del Carmen is where we hung out for most of our vacation. This 5 mile long pedestrian only walkway is full of bars, restaurants, clubs, shops and more!
Spa Day with the Girls
I will always recommend doing a spa day with your girls while on vacation. My sister and I did a spa day at Spazul in the Hilton Adult-Only Resort, just a 5 minute walk from our condo. We had the most relaxing time and got access to the Hiltons many amenities.
Fav Day Trip
The best day trip we did while there was without a doubt to Cozumel Island! We got All-Inclusive day passes to Mr Sanchos Beach Club for an amazing day of laying on the beach, unlimited drinks, and crystal clear water. It wasn’t overly crowded and the service was amazing, it was probably my favorite thing we did on the whole trip.
Fav Restaurants
Of course my favorite part about any vacation is food! Here are some of my favorite restaurants we ate at:
Carboncitos - Literally the best margs I had while I was there. Two for one happy hour and they deliver them to you stacked on the waiters head... so fun.
Plank Gourmet Grill & Patio Bar - Great place for a nice dinner out. Super fun cocktails in the more gorgeous glassware I have ever seen.
La Consentida - This was where we ate our first meal when we arrived and I would have eaten there for every meal for the rest of the trip if I could have. Perfect fish tacos and crevice. A great and easy taco stop.
Sonora Prime - Stopped in here when it started to ran after our spa day to get some appetizers and drinks. Again a great place for a treat yourself meal with most delicious martini I have ever had. Also have to note that this place was full of the prettiest people I have ever seen in my life, I am not kidding.
The Perfect Morning
Every morning we would walk to Carlota Home Bakery just around the block from our condo for coffee and breakfast. It was the best way to start our day with delicious lattes, green juices, baked goods and avocado toast. It was the most adorable little shop and had the sweetest staff. I will miss it being my morning spot.
Travel reminders for Playa del Carmen:
Comfortable Sandals
I learned my lesson after my first day of walking up and down 5th Ave, you must bring comfy sandals for walking. Try and get ones that work with all your outfits that can go from shopping to the beach. Sanuk Sandals are my tried and true for comfort, versatility, and long time wear.
Rainy Days
Always prepare for the possibility of a rainy day. It rained a couple of times while we were visiting Playa del Carmen but we never let it ruin our trip. We hung out in our room, made fun cocktails and played fun drinking games. Still a great night of our vacation!
It is HOT
In Playa del Carmen, 80 degrees and cloudy still means it is very hot and humid. Prepare to wear your hair in a cute and easy updo and bring super light and breathable clothing. Rocking a Salty bikini like the Sony Top with a cute skirt or high waisted shorts on the bottom is a perfect on the go and versatile outfit.
Go With the Flow
I think this tip applies to traveling anywhere, but it is always important to remember to go with the flow. Not everything may live up to your dream expectations, but that doesn’t mean it can’t still be great. We signed up for a catamaran tour that seemed like it would be the perfect day of sailing and sunbathing on a private boat. In reality, there were more people than we expected on the trip with us and I ended up getting pretty sea sick. Even with things not going exactly as we planned, we made tons of hilarious memories and saw great views of the Caribbean Sea.
Overall I had a great time in Playa del Carmen and would definitely recommend it as your next Salty vacation spot!