Magical Playa del Carmen is a popular tourist destination located on the eastern coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. This coastal town is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant nightlife. Playa del Carmen offers a unique mix of natural beauty and modern amenities, making it a favorite destination for travelers from around the world. One of the main attractions of Playa del Carmen is its stunning beaches. With soft, white sand and warm, inviting waters, these beaches are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and various water sports. Visitors can relax under the shade of palm trees or rent a beachfront cabana for a more luxurious experience.
For dining, the Cocina Restaurant is open-air with contemporary rattan chairs and amorphous wood tables. Silver chafing dishes, placed on a long counter, provide a formal touch in the more casual space. All-day dining (and cocktails) are offered at Las Olas Restaurant and Bar, but the atmosphere is prettiest at night when the pool lights create an azure glow and candles wink from tables and niches in the poolside masonry wall. In 2016, the hotel added Fuego Restaurante y Cantina, which serves locally-sourced Mexican cuisine in a beachfront space. A light, fun look pervades Boli's Bar, with its cobalt-blue pool tables and an orange-surface for its table tennis. And a third bar, Itzi, is a true pool bar serving drinks and light fare to guests by the infinity pool.
There are also rooms underneath bungalows that have regular ceilings, good news for guests who are light sleepers as the palapa roofing lets in noise. Recent additions to the resort include an ice cream shop and a boutique that offers exclusive Mahekal beachwear and unique, locally-made gifts and art.
Visitors can relax under the shade of palm trees or rent a beachfront cabana for a more luxurious experience. The underwater world of Playa del Carmen is also fascinating. Snorkeling and diving are popular activities here, as the region is home to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the largest coral reef in the northern hemisphere.
Mahekal Beach Resort
An upper-middle range, boho-chic oceanfront resort in the heart of Playa del Carmen. Boutique-style rooms are open, light, airy and beachy.
Resort Details
Mahekal Beach Resort features 196 rooms with ocean or garden views, and many are thatched-roof bungalows. The décor—described by the resort itself as “Gypset style”–tastefully and seamlessly blends Mexican tradition with forward-thinking design. The beach is, of course, the main attraction, and 920 feet of soft, white sand–the longest uninterrupted beach in Playa–is just what the doctor ordered to unwind and disconnect. Recent additions to the resort include an ice cream shop and a boutique that offers exclusive Mahekal beachwear and unique, locally-made gifts and art.
Four pools are located onsite, including an infinity pool, a heated pool with a hot tub and a pool with a swim-up bar. Choose the Las Olas Pool for a gorgeous beachfront setting or the Treehouse Pool for a serene garden location; you’ll share the space with birds, iguanas and lush jungle vegetation. Additionally, many of the oceanfront casitas have their own private plunge pool.
Three bars and three restaurants are on-premises and ready to serve guests. The Cocina Restaurant is open-air and great for a breezy lunch, while Las Olas Restaurant and Bar offers a magical nighttime setting by the glow of the pool lights. Check out Boli’s Bar for drinks and a fun atmosphere, and try your skills at table tennis or at one of the cobalt-blue pool tables.
Nearby Attractions
Less than 15 miles south of Mahekal Beach Resort is Río Secreto, where you can hike and swim in a spectacular underground turquoise river. See other-worldly stalagmites and stalactites in an unusual, subterranean world.
Hitting the links couldn’t be easier, as two great golf courses are less than 15 minutes away. The Golf Club at Playacar is a par-72 Robert Von Hagge-designed course; its narrow fairways and small greens make it one of the most challenging courses in southeastern Mexico. The par-71 course at Grand Coral Riviera Maya, designed by Nick Price, winds through splendid natural jungle and overlooks beautiful blue lakes.
Among the most popular attractions in the Yucatán are the world-famous Mayan ruins, just a short drive from Mahekal. Chichén Itzá, an ancient city that flourished more than ten centuries ago, is dominated by a massive 79-foot pyramid known as El Castillo. The city of Tulum, one of the best preserved ancient cities in the Americas, sits on a bluff overlooking the sparkling Caribbean Sea. Both provide a fascinating glimpse into the mighty civilization that thrived for centuries in pre-Columbian Mexico.
This vibrant ecosystem is filled with colorful coral formations, tropical fish, and other marine life, offering a diverse underwater experience for adventure seekers. Aside from its natural beauty, Playa del Carmen is also known for its bustling town center and vibrant nightlife. Fifth Avenue, or "La Quinta" as the locals call it, is the heart of the town's entertainment district. This pedestrian-only street is lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, offering a wide range of options for entertainment and dining. Visitors can indulge in delicious Mexican cuisine, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy a night of dancing to live music at one of the many clubs. For those interested in history and culture, Playa del Carmen offers several archaeological sites to explore. One of the most important is the nearby ancient Maya ruins of Tulum, known for its well-preserved temples and dramatic location overlooking the Caribbean Sea. This archaeological site allows visitors to step back in time and learn about the rich history of the Maya civilization. Whether it's for relaxation, adventure, or cultural exploration, Playa del Carmen has something to offer every traveler. With its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich history, it is no wonder that this magical town continues to captivate visitors from around the world..
Reviews for "Unlocking the Magic of Playa del Carmen's Night Sky: Stargazing and Astronomy"
1. John - 1 star
I was really disappointed with my stay at Magical Playa del Cafmen. The hotel was advertised as being luxurious and magical, but it was far from it. The rooms were small and cramped, and the overall cleanliness was subpar. The so-called magical amenities were also extremely underwhelming. The staff was not helpful or attentive, and the food at the restaurant was mediocre at best. I would not recommend staying at this hotel if you are looking for a truly magical experience.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
I had high expectations for Magical Playa del Cafmen based on the reviews and pictures, but unfortunately, it fell short. The hotel itself was dated and in need of some serious renovations. The room I stayed in had a musty smell and the bedding was uncomfortable. The pool area was overcrowded and it was difficult to find a spot to relax. The beach access was also disappointing as it was quite a distance from the hotel. Overall, my experience at Magical Playa del Cafmen was below average and I would not choose to stay here again.
3. Michael - 2 stars
I was not impressed with Magical Playa del Cafmen. The customer service was lacking, with slow response times to requests and unhelpful staff. The all-inclusive package was also not worth the price, as the food was repetitive and lacked variety. The beach near the hotel was overcrowded and not as picturesque as shown in the photos. The room I stayed in was also not up to par with what I expected, with outdated decor and uncomfortable beds. Overall, I was not satisfied with my stay and would not recommend this hotel.