Playa del Carmen Honeymoon Planning Guide

Just one hour south of Cancun on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, Playa del Carmen is a tropical beach destination that is perfect for a romantic and relaxing honeymoon getaway. It’s got all the right ingredients for a romantic retreat: stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear water, delicious food, and plenty of nightlife options.

Plus, it’s just a short flight from most major U.S. cities, so you can get there without spending too much money or time in transit. When it comes to planning your perfect honeymoon, it’s all about finding the best places to stay, the best things to do, and keeping in mind a few tips for making your Playa del Carmen honeymoon truly memorable.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway on the beach or an action-packed adventure with plenty of nightlife options, Playa del Carmen offers something for everyone. It’s time to start planning your honeymoon in this Mexican paradise.

Playa del Carmen Honeymoon Quick Picks

• Best Time of Year for a Playa del Carmen Honeymoon: Late November to early May
• Cost of a Playa del Carmen Honeymoon: $2,000 to $5,000
• Best Adult-Only Resort for a Playa del Carmen Honeymoon: Paradisus La Perla Playa del Carmen
• Best Overwater Bungalow Resort for a Playa del Carmen Honeymoon: Palafitos Overwater Bungalows at El Dorado Maroma

About Playa del Carmen

Traveling to any destination requires a little planning. And a great place to start is the planning process to understand a little more about your chosen destination. 

First, let’s start with some of the basic travel information you’ll need to know before planning your honeymoon in Playa del Carmen.

What is Playa del Carmen like?

Playa del Carmen is a laid-back beach town on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. With its tropical beaches and warm weather all year round, Playa del Carmen has seen a lot of growth in recent years and is one of the most popular destinations in Mexico for both honeymooners and sun seekers.

Known simply as “Playa” to locals, Playa del Carmen is centered around 5th Avenue (“La Quinta Avenida”), which is a pedestrian-only street filled with restaurants, bars, shops, and other attractions. The town is small and walkable, and there are many lively options for dining and nightlife.

If you simply want to relax on a beach, Playa del Carmen has plenty of beautiful beaches to choose from. And just outside of Playa del Carmen, you’ll find more gorgeous beaches, as well as other attractions like Mayan ruins, adventure parks, and freshwater cenotes.

How to Get to Playa del Carmen

The easiest way to get to Playa del Carmen is to fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN), which is located about 1 hour north of Playa del Carmen.

There are many direct flights from the U.S. and Canada to Cancun, so you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to choosing a flight. Plus, flights to Cancun are often affordable, so you won’t have to spend a large portion of your honeymoon budget on flights.

Once you’ve landed at Cancun Airport, you’ll need to take ground transportation to your hotel or resort. For couples, the best way to go is by arranging private transportation ahead of time. These can be booked online in advance or you can reach out to your hotel or resort for their recommended transport company.

Best Time to Visit Playa del Carmen

With warm tropical temperatures all year round, Playa del Carmen is a great destination for a honeymoon at any time of the year. This makes it easy for couples to plan a honeymoon to Playa del Carmen no matter what time of year the wedding date falls on.

That said, if you’re looking for the best weather and the most sunshine during your visit, then it’s best to travel in the dry season, which typically runs from late November to early May. During this time, Playa del Carmen sees little rainfall and has lower humidity, but temperatures are still warm enough for sunbathing and swimming in the ocean.

If you’re looking for a discount on your Playa del Carmen honeymoon, then travel during the rainy season from June to October. The chances of rain showers will be higher, but you’ll also save money on your trip as hotels and resorts often offer discounts during this time of year.

Why visit Playa del Carmen for a honeymoon?

Playa del Carmen is the perfect place for honeymoons and destination weddings because it’s an affordable tropical beach destination and offers a wide range of activities for every type of couple.

This beach town offers a wide range of accommodation options to meet any budget whether you’re looking for a luxurious all-inclusive resort or a more affordable hotel room.

Many resorts offer honeymoon packages that cater to couples and include honeymoon suites, romantic dinners, and special in-room amenities like roses and champagne.

Plus, Playa del Carmen is easy to access from North America and flights are much more reasonable than to other popular honeymoon destinations like Hawaii or the Caribbean islands.

Playa del Carmen also offers a great mix of both romantic experiences and adventure activities. Whether you want to have a romantic dinner on the beach or go on a snorkeling excursion, Playa del Carmen offers many different options for both romance and excitement on your honeymoon.

How much does a Playa del Carmen honeymoon cost?

The cost of a Playa del Carmen honeymoon will depend on several factors, including the time of year you choose to travel and the type of accommodation you prefer.

On average, couples can expect to spend anywhere from $2,000-$5,000 USD for a week-long Playa del Carmen honeymoon depending on the type of accommodation and activities they choose.

However, if you travel during the rainy season from June to October, you can expect to save a bit on your honeymoon as many Playa del Carmen resorts offer discounts during this time of year.

Best Playa del Carmen Honeymoon Resorts

When choosing where to stay in Playa del Carmen, you can choose to stay at a hotel in downtown Playa del Carmen or a resort in nearby Riviera Maya. 

Downtown Playa del Carmen beach hotels offer more walkability and easy access to restaurants, shopping, and nightlife.

On the other hand, all-inclusive Riviera Maya resorts provide a more secluded and relaxing experience, with resort facilities such as expansive swimming pools, restaurants, amenities, daily activities, and luxury spas. Most Riviera Maya resorts are located about 30 minutes from downtown Playa del Carmen, so you’ll have to take a taxi or shuttle to get into town.

Each location has its own benefits and drawbacks, so the ultimate decision comes down to what you’re looking for in a Playa del Carmen honeymoon. Take a look at some of these great resort options for your Playa del Carmen honeymoon.

Downtown Playa del Carmen

If you’re looking for a little extra convenience, then you might consider staying in downtown Playa del Carmen. The downtown resorts make everything easily walkable, so you’re never far from great food, great shops, or the exciting Playa del Carmen nightlife.

These are some of the best romantic hotels in Playa del Carmen:

Mahekal Beach Resort

Located on the beautiful 38th Street in the heart of downtown Playa del Carmen, Mahekal Beach Resort offers a luxury jungle retreat with upscale bungalows and suites just steps from the beach.

It’s the only luxury hotel in downtown Playa del Carmen with lush gardens and tropical palms, offering couples a relaxing escape and an authentically Mexican experience with more of a boutique hotel feel.

Paradisus La Perla Playa del Carmen

Located just north of downtown Playa del Carmen, Paradisus La Perla is an adults-only all-inclusive resort that gives couples a happy medium between a resort experience and still being close to the liveliness of downtown Playa del Carmen.

With a range of spacious suites (some with private pools), world-class restaurants and bars, an expansive pool area, resort activities, and the luxurious YHI Spa, this Paradisus Playa del Carmen resort is perfect for couples looking for a relaxing all-inclusive honeymoon getaway.

Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen

As Playa del Carmen’s newest adults-only all-inclusive resort, Secrets Moxche offers contemporary luxury and a VIP-style service experience to honeymooning couples.

Featuring sleek, modern accommodations, world-class dining options, top-shelf drinks, 24-hour room service, and a private beach, Secrets Moxche offers the brand’s signature “Unlimited Luxury” experience and is perfect for couples looking for a high-end Playa del Carmen experience.

Riviera Maya Resorts

Maybe you’re looking for something a little quieter, a place to explore and experience more of the Playa del Carmen culture and history. If that’s the case, then it’s best to book a resort in Riviera Maya.

These are the best resorts in Riviera Maya for a honeymoon:

Unico Hotel 20°87° Riviera Maya

Located in between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Hotel Unico 20°87° is an AAA 5-diamond adults-only all-inclusive resort that offers a luxurious and private beachfront getaway.

The resort offers modern and trendy luxury accommodations, a serene spa for relaxing treatments, and an extensive collection of restaurants serving authentic Mexican dishes and international gourmet cuisine.

Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun

Located on the exclusive Maroma Beach, Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun is another AAA 5-diamond adults-only property that offers honeymooners a high-end experience.

With spacious ocean-view guest rooms and suites, upscale all-inclusive dining options, and expansive outdoor swimming pools with a swim-up bar, Secrets Maroma Beach is the perfect luxury adults-only hotel for couples looking to pamper themselves during their trip.

Palafitos Overwater Bungalows at El Dorado Maroma

If you’re looking for an overwater bungalow experience closer to home, the Palafitos Overwater Bungalows at El Dorado Maroma is a great luxury honeymoon option and the only true overwater bungalow in Mexico.

The resort’s 30 overwater bungalows offer personal butler service along with direct ladder access to the ocean, glass-bottom floors, private plunge pools, and private terraces, so you can truly relax and rejuvenate on your honeymoon in Mexico.

Things to Do on a Playa del Carmen Honeymoon

Once you’ve found the perfect resorts, it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll spend those blissful honeymoon days in Playa del Carmen. While relaxing poolside or beachside is always a great option, Playa del Carmen has tons of great activities and adventures to experience.

These are some of the best Playa del Carmen honeymoon activities and excursions:

1. Visit ancient Mayan ruins

Playa del Carmen is located near some of the best Mayan ruins in Mexico, including the Tulum Ruins, Chichen Itza, and Cobá.

If you and your partner are history buffs or just want to learn more about the region’s rich cultural heritage, a private tour of the nearby Mayan ruins is an unforgettable cultural and educational experience.

2. Go on a Snorkeling Excursion

With Playa del Carmen’s crystal clear turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs that make up the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, snorkeling is a must-do Playa del Carmen honeymoon activity.

Couples can head out on their own from many resort beaches or book organized tours to some of the best spots for snorkeling near Playa del Carmen, including El Cielo in Cozumel, Akumal, and Puerto Morelos.

3. Visit a Freshwater Cenote

Native to Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, Playa del Carmen is home to several incredible freshwater cenotes, which are natural swimming holes and caves carved out by rainfall over time.

These freshwater sinkholes offer beautiful natural swimming pools and cave systems to explore, as well as adventure activities like cliff jumping and overwater zip lines.

Some of the best cenotes to visit near Playa del Carmen are Cenote Eden, Gran Cenote, and Dos Ojos Cenote–all perfect for a unique outdoor adventure.

4. Go on a Private Sunset Sail

For the ultimate luxury experience on your honeymoon, consider going on a private sunset catamaran sail in Riviera Maya.

On a private catamaran dinner cruise, you’ll have your own dedicated crew to cater to your every need while watching the sunset over the Riviera Maya coastline. 

Plus, you’ll get to enjoy each other’s company with a romantic gourmet dinner and an open bar under the stars.

5. Indulge in Unique Spa Treatments

If you and your partner are looking for a honeymoon experience that combines relaxation, rejuvenation, and luxury, consider booking a couples’ spa treatment at one of the area’s many world-class spas.

Aside from standard massages and body treatments, many unique spa treatments are available including Mayan massages, chocolate body wraps, body scrubs, and hydrotherapy circuits. Most resorts in Playa del Carmen have luxury spas on-site.

Best Places to Eat in Playa del Carmen on Your Honeymoon

A great part of any honeymoon or getaway is to experience some of the local cuisine. And Playa del Carmen is no different. Many of the resorts offer great restaurant options, but it’s also a great idea to get out into the city and experience what locals love to eat.

These are some of the best places to eat in Playa del Carmen on your honeymoon:

Breakfast

For a delicious breakfast spot in Playa del Carmen, look no further than La Cueva del Chango (Cave of the Monkey). The restaurant is known for its cave-like setting and authentic Mexican breakfast dishes. Be sure to try the restaurant’s signature chilaquiles paired with a selection of fresh juices.

Lunch

With a few different locations along Fifth Avenue as well as on the beach, Las Hijas de la Tostada serves seafood small plates in a fun and lively atmosphere. The menu features delicious tostadas, ceviche, and tacos, as well as refreshing cocktails.

Dinner

Offering steak and seafood dishes in a trendy open-air environment, Plank is a great place for a romantic night out. The restaurant has a nice ambiance and features an extensive menu with options for both meat eaters and vegetarians, along with wine pairings and gourmet desserts.

Street Food

While walking down 5th Avenue at night, be sure to try some marquitas–Playa del Carmen’s signature street food. These rolled wafers are a sweet treat, filled with your choice of toppings such as Nutella, chocolate, or fresh fruit.

Playa del Carmen Honeymoon FAQs

Do you still have a few questions? Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about a Playa del Carmen honeymoon:

Is Playa del Carmen a good honeymoon destination?

Yes, Playa del Carmen is a great honeymoon destination thanks to its beautiful beaches, sunny weather year-round, and a wide variety of unique attractions, restaurants, and spas. Plus, it’s affordable and easily accessible from the U.S. and Canada.

Is Playa del Carmen nicer than Cancun?

While Playa del Carmen and Cancun are both popular honeymoon spots in Mexico, Playa del Carmen has a more relaxed, authentic vibe than the touristy atmosphere of Cancun.

Is Playa del Carmen safe for a honeymoon?

Playa del Carmen is generally safe for honeymooning couples. As with anywhere else in the world, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings, exercise common sense, and avoid illegal activity when traveling in Playa del Carmen.

Overall, Playa del Carmen is a great honeymoon destination offering pristine beaches, world-class restaurants, and a variety of unique activities, excursions, and water sports.

Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or romance, this laid-back beach town has everything you need to make your honeymoon unforgettable.

Plus, the destination is an affordable and convenient option for honeymooners, offering a range of reasonable accommodation options as well as affordable flights from major cities around the world.

No matter what you’re looking for, Playa del Carmen is the perfect choice for your honeymoon in Mexico.