Playacar Palace

The short version

If you like a resort you can walk out of, Playacar Palace fits. It sits on the beach in Playa del Carmen, a short walk from Fifth Avenue and about five minutes from downtown and the Cozumel ferry. Children have The Playroom, paddleboarding and snorkeling are included, and the restaurants cover Asian, Italian and Latin American cooking. Families and couples who want town close at hand should look here.

Best for Families with young kids Families with teens Couples

Good to know

• On the beach in Playa del Carmen, a short walk from Fifth Avenue.
• Restaurants include Café del Mar, Madremía for Latin American, Momo for Asian and Trattoria for Italian.
• Bars include the Aqua Bar, a lobby bar and the Wet Bar, which is a swim-up bar.
• The Playroom kids' area is included, along with non-motorized water sports such as paddleboarding and snorkeling.
• About 45 minutes from Cancun International Airport, and 5 minutes from downtown Playa del Carmen and the Cozumel ferry.

Before you book

Lahná, the Yucatecan restaurant, is listed as temporarily closed for renovation. Ask me and I'll check whether it has reopened.