BlueBay Grand Esmeralda 5* rises along Playa del Carmen’s Caribbean coast, where turquoise waters lap against soft, sun-warmed sands. Warm breezes carry the mingled scents of salt and tropical blooms, while the distant sea hums a steady, soothing rhythm. Expansive gardens and shaded paths offer moments of calm, and the atmosphere combines understated luxury with natural ease. Every detail, from textures to scents, invites guests to slow down and savour the serene surroundings.

Beyond the hotel, the coast unfolds with gentle paths and secluded stretches of sand. Turquoise waters shimmer beneath the sun, while seabirds glide above and palm fronds whisper in the wind. Days drift between swimming, exploring nearby natural trails, and strolling along the beach, before evenings arrive with warm light, soft air, and the lingering calm of the Caribbean horizon.

Unpack your bags in the spacious Deluxe Garden View Room. Featuring a private balcony or terrace, you’ll wake up to the sight of the surrounding lush tropical vegetation. This elegant room boasts air conditioning and an en-suite bathroom, providing the necessary amenities for the most comfortable stay!

This is an all inclusive stay. Your breakfast, lunch, and evening meal will be served in the main restaurant, with a selection of snacks and drinks. Please see the ‘details’ tab for more information.

Pools glisten under the sun, one opening to sweeping sea views where water shimmers in turquoise and deep blues. Gentle breezes carry the scent of salt and tropical blooms, while the fitness centre hums with quiet energy, its clean, open spaces guiding each stretch and stride. 

Beyond the resort, soft sands stretch along the Caribbean coast. Shallow waters invite gentle swims, while nearby paths wind through fragrant gardens. The streets of Playa del Carmen hum with music, colour, and spice, drawing exploration before evenings settle with golden light and the steady rhythm of the sea.

Meet crocodiles, dolphins, turtles, manatees and many species of birds on this guided tour of Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, located on the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. A UNESCO World Heritage Site for its breathtaking natural beauty, it is home to thousands of native and endangered species.

Explore more than 50 natural and cultural attractions at Xcaret, swim in an underground river, enjoy activities for the whole family, and end the day with a spectacular show.

Enjoy an action-packed day at Xplor, with giant zip lines, 4x4 jungle tours, caves to explore, cenotes, and an unlimited buffet. The ultimate adventure in the heart of the Riviera Maya.

Sail on a catamaran from Cancún to Isla Mujeres for a festive day of snorkelling, a tour of the town centre, a private beach club, a buffet and an open bar.

Enjoy a festive evening at Coco Bongo Playa del Carmen with a show, open bar and snacks included.

Enjoy a heavenly excursion to Isla Mujeres with boat crossing, access to the beach club, buffet lunch, open bar, and sports activities.

Explore the Punta Nizuc reef and Cancun's underwater museum in a mini-submersible during a 2-hour guided tour accessible to children and non-swimmers, with cruise and bar included.

Pilot your own speedboat off the coast of Playa Maroma, then relax on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mexican Caribbean.

Enjoy a catamaran cruise with snorkelling, open bar, buffet and beach club hosted by a DJ for a heavenly day reserved for adults on Isla Mujeres.

Enjoy a unique experience in Puerto Aventuras by petting, feeding and interacting with manatees in a safe and natural setting, with briefing, transfer and equipment included.

Enjoy a festive afternoon at Coco Bongo's Ladies Beach Party with access to the beach club, open bar and snacks included.

Discover Chichén Itzá in comfort and authenticity with a full day combining culture, swimming in cenotes, local cuisine and a visit to Valladolid, all accompanied by certified guides.

Experience a magical evening on the Riviera Maya with JOYÀ, the Cirque du Soleil show that combines acrobatics, music and gastronomy in a magical world inspired by the journey of the monarch butterfly.

Playa del Carmen, on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, blends Caribbean beauty with a lively cosmopolitan spirit. Along its palm-fringed beaches, luxury resorts sit beside vibrant streets where boutiques, restaurants and bars keep the city buzzing day and night. With turquoise waters on one side and ancient Mayan heritage on the other, Playa is both a seaside escape and a cultural gateway.

Must-sees:

• Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue): The beating heart of Playa, a pedestrian street lined with shops, restaurants and nightlife.
• Beaches of Playa del Carmen: White sands and calm waters perfect for sunbathing, swimming or setting off on a diving trip.
• Cozumel Island: Just a short ferry ride away, this marine paradise is famed for coral reefs and exceptional snorkelling.
• Mayan ruins of Tulum: A dramatic coastal site where temples overlook turquoise seas.
• Chichén Itzá: One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, with its iconic pyramid El Castillo rising from the jungle.

Culinary culture:

Playa del Carmen’s dining scene blends Mexican tradition with international flair. Savour street tacos filled with cochinita pibil (slow-cooked pork), fresh ceviche by the beach or tamales wrapped in banana leaves. Pair your meal with tequila or smoky mezcal, or cool down with a margarita under the Caribbean sun. For dessert, churros dusted with cinnamon sugar are a local favourite.

Dive deeper:

Venture into the Yucatán’s famous cenotes, natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water, ideal for swimming and diving. Experience eco-parks such as Xcaret and Xel-Há, where underground rivers meet lush jungle. Offshore, the Great Maya Reef offers some of the best diving spots in the Caribbean. By night, Playa’s clubs and beach bars pulse with music, from salsa to world-class DJs.

Good to know:

Playa del Carmen is about 45 minutes south of Cancún International Airport, with regular transfers available. The best time to visit is during the dry season (December to April), when the weather is sunny and the sea at its clearest. The local currency is the Mexican peso (MXN), though US dollars are widely accepted in resorts and shops.