There are lots of amazing things to do right at the resort. Four pools, a private beachfront, multiple restaurants and bars, and so much more. We recommend floating in the Las Olas Pool and enjoying the view from the infinity pool that looks out onto the beach and the Caribbean, lounging on the private beach, taking a walk through the more secluded Oasis area of the resort, and grabbing a nightcap while playing pool, shuffleboard, and ping pong at the Agave bar. There is a spa at the resort for those that want some extra relaxation, and a gym for overachievers. The resort also loans out stand-up paddleboards and snorkeling gear for free.
Playa del Carmen has a lot to offer! The street that the resort is on (Calle 38 Ntr.) is a gorgeous street that feels like you're in the jungle with some great bars and restaurants. The resort is a block away from 5th Avenue, which is lined with hundred of shops and restaurants. Walk down 5th Avenue to Parque Los Fundadores, which is a cute park right by the water.
One of the coolest things to do in Riviera Maya is to visit some Cenotes! Cenotes are natural pools and sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water, and there are thousands around the Riviera Maya area. There's usually a small fee to enter. Some cenotes are more built up with swings, ziplining, and food stands. Some are more remote, quiet, and isolated. For adventure seekers, most have high ledges that you can jump off of into the pools. Many also have snorkeling gear that can be rented, and some also allow scuba diving.
We have not had the chance to put our fins on yet, but we've heard great things about snorkeling and scuba diving near Playa del Carmen. Akumel is just 25 minutes from Playa del Carmen and is supposedly a great place to swin with sea turtles. You can also take a cheap ferry to the nearby island of Cozumel, which is said to have some great snorkeling and scuba diving as well. The resort also works with a number of tour companies where you can charter snorkeling and scuba diving excursions, and they are super helpful with planning a day full of adventure.
Tulum is about an hour drive south of Playa del Carmen. In addition to many eccentric stores, restaurants, and beach clubs, it houses some amazing Mayan ruins set on beachside cliffs. You can go to the ruins at the Tulum Archeological Zone on your own or book tours through the hotel. While you're down there, make sure to check out some of the cenotes by Tulum as well!
Chichen Itza is one of the most famous Mayan ruins. It's deep in the jungle and a bit of a hike, about at 2.5 hour ride from Playa del Carmen. There are many tours that take people from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza, and our hotel can help you book them if you are interested.