In one word, Playa del Carmen is bright. The sun beams down and reflects on vibrantly painted buildings in turquoise, cotton candy pink, violet, mustard yellow, and firetruck red. It tickles the cheeks of locals and tourists alike who smile in return. It sparkles on the gentle waves, welcomed gladly after a long journey across the Caribbean. It gifts life to the tropical flowers spilling over balconies and succulents resting on doorsteps. This sense even translates into the food, where fresh citrus and peppers season dishes and set a spark in our mouths. Bright may be joined with a thousand superlatives, but I’ll let you experience it for yourself to write your own story.

Situated midway between Cancun and Tulum, the playful city of Playa del Carmen offers a balanced perspective of the Riviera Maya. A little less tacky-touristy compared to Cancun and a little less trendy and expensive compared to Tulum, Playa is much more of a happy medium offering a touristic center, alongside authentic Mexican life in the outskirts, while also being ideally situated for day excursions. Get ready for a relaxed getaway, in which you curate your experience.