Dream team: The ultimate couple’s retreat awaits at an all-inclusive resort in Playa del Carmen
Relax and reconnect with one another in a laidback tropical paradise on your next all-inclusive getaway. | By Tanvi Chheda | January 19, 2023
Situated along Mexico’s Caribbean shores, in an area known as the Mayan Riviera, the resort town of Playa del Carmen is a tropical paradise of palm trees and powdery beaches. There’s an air of romance and leisure to the tranquil setting, giving couples an opportunity to reconnect, relax and get away from it all. Explore unique experiences for the ultimate couple’s retreat at an all-inclusive resort in Playa del Carmen:
Namaste: Listen to the sound of the waves during a seaside yoga class
Dinner for two: Sample Peruvian-Japanese bites such as ceviche and tiradito tataki
Rejuvenate: Enjoy a couple’s massage and indulge in soothing hydrotherapies
Lay of the land
Formerly a quaint fishing village, Playa del Carmen is now one of Mexico’s top resort destinations. Located 45 minutes down the coast from Cancun, the town is brimming with art galleries, boutiques, restaurants and shops — many found along its famed Fifth Avenue. Once you’ve explored the local charm, discover everything your resort has to offer. After all, when you’re at an all-inclusive property, the best part of the vacation is staying in.
Both Hilton Playa del Carmen, an All-Inclusive Adult Only Resort and The Yucatan Playa del Carmen All-Inclusive Resort, Tapestry Collection by Hilton allow couples to do as much (or as little) as they desire. Soak up the sun, converse over cocktails made with fresh fruits or enjoy an invigorating spa treatment together.
Don’t feel like leaving your room? You don’t have to! Hilton Playa del Carmen’s modern suites are decked out with amenities like private patios or balconies, jetted tubs, well-stocked minibars and semi-private plunge pools. Prefer to explore your surroundings a little? The conveniently located Yucatan Playa del Carmen sits in the heart of town, within minutes of Fifth Avenue. Adventure seekers and nature lovers will love the hotel’s proximity to Xcaret Park, one of Mexico’s greatest natural water parks featuring more than 50 natural and cultural attractions. Choose your adventure in town before returning to relaxation at the property’s infinity-edge rooftop pool or with a couple’s treatment at the serene spa.
Leisurely mornings
If you're searching for a revitalizing way to spend your morning, set your alarm clock and start the day with a yoga class. Hilton Playa Del Carmen offers complimentary vinyasa flow classes on the property’s outdoor oceanfront deck (advance guest reservation required). Get your warrior or plank pose on with the crashing waves as your soundtrack. Both properties also feature fully equipped fitness centers and other classes such as Pilates, aqua Zumba, Spin and more.
After some stretching and strengthening, reward yourself and your loved one with a breakfast of pastries, fruits, fresh juices, huevos rancheros and more. On-site cooking demonstrations provide guests an opportunity to work as a team and learn more about local dishes and ingredients, such as chaya (tree spinach) and xnipec (a regional spicy sauce made with habanero pepper, purple onion and bitter orange juice).
Pool, spa or both?
The hardest decision during your all-inclusive romantic getaway may be how to spend the day. Take your pick of pools and in-pool hot tubs — depending on whether you’re looking for peaceful poolside lounging or more of a party vibe (DJs often play poolside on weekends).
Release any lingering tension with an indulgent couple’s treatment. At The Yucatan Playa del Carmen, the Couples Journey experience includes a healing scrub and wrap and concludes with a restorative massage. Arrive early for your appointment to take full advantage of the sauna, steam, cold-plunge pool and hydrotherapy tub. To experience something unique to the area, consider the detoxifying Temazcal Ceremony — an herb-based ritual in a traditional Mesoamerican stone steam bath that generates positive energy and realignment. Meanwhile, at Hilton Playa del Carmen you can find the sweet life with a massage and chocolate body wrap in the comfort of your suite.
Romantic Evenings
An intimate dinner with your loved one is the perfect end to a day of rejuvenation. At The Yucatan Playa del Carmen, the stunning poolside Japanese-inflected Sakura Maru restaurant serves an array of sushi, sashimi and of course, sake and wine.
At Hilton Playa del Carmen, restaurant Maria Petrona highlights upscale Mexican cuisine, with flavorful dishes such as surf-and-turf tostadas and pastel de tres leches (sponge cake) set against a backdrop of colorful murals by local artists. Or dig into pistachio pesto fettuccini and lamb with Israeli couscous at Kalamata. For a unique dining experience, both resorts can arrange a special dinner on the beach, complete with flowers, candles and the sound of calming Caribbean waves.
End the night with a guided mezcal and tequila tasting followed by dancing, live music or a Cirque de Soleil-style show. Tomorrow, repeat it all or try a merengue class, take a half-day excursion to Tulum, snorkel and scuba dive or simply read a novel on the beach.
Whether you want to enjoy simple pleasures or unearth a new passion together on your couple’s retreat to Playa del Carmen, allow your all-inclusive resort to take the lead and you’ll savor each carefree moment of your romantic seaside escape.
Formerly an assistant editor at Travel + Leisure, Los Angeles-based Tanvi Chheda has been freelancing for 15 years. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, AFAR, Virtuoso Life, Four Seasons magazine, Qantas, Inspirato, Invited, Pasadena magazine and OLTRE and Ciao Bambino, among others. She writes mostly about lifestyle and travel, which often spills into arts & culture, food, design and more. With two young children, family travel is also a passion of hers. Given her South Asian heritage, she writes about India quite frequently as well (she was born in India and speaks three Indian languages). When not traveling or writing, she enjoys reading, cooking and spending time outdoors.
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