Travel Tip Tuesday with Nicola Francis, Market Manager, UK, Ireland and Spain, for Playa Hotels & Resorts.
With multiple flight routes from Ireland to Mexico, the stunning Mexican coast has plenty to offer Irish travellers looking for a sun soaked, active and cultural holiday. As a coastal destination famed for its all-inclusive hotels and resorts, many travellers looking for a cultural getaway often mistake the all-inclusive offering as perhaps not fulfilling their need for action and adventure.
Nicola Francis, Market Manager, UK, Ireland and Spain, Playa Hotels & Resorts, which operates 10 different properties in Mexico, and 12 more across Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, is here to share her top tips for enjoying an all-inclusive stay that still immerses guests in the culture and authenticity of the destination.
Tip 1 – Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula
Visit the famed Playa del Carmen along the Caribbean coast, for a taste of authenticity and culture.
Playa del Carmen has a walkable “strip” the famous Fifth Avenue, offering vibrant nightlife and easy access to stunning beaches, reefs, ruins and jungles – and this is all from humble beginnings as a fishing village. Whilst a multicultural atmosphere is apparent, Playa del Carmen has been careful not to forget its roots with taquerias lining side streets, Mexican music playing through public speakers, and lively, traditional, night markets springing up as night falls.
Home to many of Mexico’s high-end resorts, Playa del Carmen is also the perfect place to enjoy the luxuries of an all-inclusive resort base whilst also exploring and experiencing the authenticity of the Mexican culture.
Tip 2 – Balance an all-inclusive stay with an authentic experience
For the perfect balance of all-inclusive comfort and a truly authentic experience, stay with Playa Hotels & Resorts at the Hilton Playa Del Carmen. This adults only property offers the ease of an all-inclusive base, but it is located at the heart of the Playa del Carmen cultural vibe.
Guests can enjoy the epitome of luxury with a product that exceeds expectations including new, innovative swim up suites, authentic dining venues and world class spa facilities. And it’s all included – numerous pools, food and beverage, non-motorised watersports, daily sports activities and classes, on land activities, entertainment day and night, plus so much more.
However, those guests keen to leave the property to explore will not be disappointed as they step straight into Mexican culture from the resort’s doorstep. Hilton Playa del Carmen is just steps from the vibrant, and much loved, Fifth Avenue where a taste of the area’s sophisticated Mexican culture awaits.
Whilst Playa Hotels & Resorts easily caters to guests wanting a holiday with a luxury price tag, we do also have affordable luxury options to suit those with slightly smaller budgets. The Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen is a great example. Also located close to Fifth Avenue, guests can enjoy the ‘all in’ luxe experience with the freedom to explore and indulge in the surrounding locale.
Tip 3 – Must try cuisine
Given we are located at the heart of the action, it’s only right that we bring some of that authenticity into our hotel. Whilst staying at the Hilton Playa del Carmen, guests should visit our stunning Maria Patrona restaurant to experience traditional Mexican fayre – it’s perfect for those with an adventurous palette.
Representing the very best of Mexican flavours and produce, mixed with décor and artwork from local artists that reflect the country’s rich heritage, this restaurant offers an upscale Mexican culinary experience, served against the backdrop of a traditional Mexican hacienda and its warm and lively atmosphere.
Tip 4 – Soak up local culture
Playa del Carmen is a great location from which to explore, be that on foot, by sea or by travelling a little further afield with an escorted day trip.
Few holidaymakers are aware, but Playa del Carmen is home to Mayan ruins that date back to the 13th Century. Known as the Xaman- Ha, these ruins were originally used as a launch pad for pilgrimages from the mainland to Cozumel; and Mayans from across the region would pass through Xaman-Ha en-route to worship Ix Chel, the goddess of fertility. Today these ruins are inconspicuously located under thick foliage in the Playacar gated community. A visit to Xamen-Ha is free and will certainly offer a taste of the area’s history.
A popular spot to cool off is the well-known trio of Cenotes – Azul, Cristalino and Eden – which lie just 20mins outside of Playa del Carmen by bus or taxi. These natural swimming holes, with their turquoise waters and skin nibbling fish, were once thought to allow ancient Mayans to communicate with the gods. Now, they offer an adventurous afternoon for travellers wanting to test their nerve by jumping from the cliffs into the water or snorkel the shallows.
From the beach there is also plenty of opportunity to explore the coast by boat – perhaps a day trip to Isla Cozumel – or with a slightly slower pace using the resort’s non-motorised water sports equipment.
Tip 5 – Earn and learn
My final tip is aimed at helping our fabulous agent community to continue learning and earning with Playa Hotels & Resorts. I’d urge all agents to register at www.PlayaRewards.com to stay up to date with all of our latest news, incentives and offers, as well as to log all Playa bookings to boost their earning potential. For every valid Playa booking logged, agents can earn Playa points which can be collected and converted into either a cash bonus or free night stays.
The portal also offers agent webinars to boost learning and allows access to our resource centre for marketing and point of sale posters, factsheets and much more.
