Last month, I had the good fortune to be able to spend a week in one of Mexico’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities – Playa del Carmen. Set along the Yucatan coastline, just south of Cancun, this energetic city has all the magical ingredients needed for a romantic getaway. Yet, it was instantly clear that Playa lends itself well to Destination Weddings as well.
For most Americans, Cancun is an easy destination to get to. In fact, even here in California, it was an enjoyable 5 hour nonstop flight on Virgin America. Thus, your guests will find it easy to say YES to attend the wedding! While there are so many resort areas to choose from, Playa del Carmen’s easy 45 minutes from the airport, combined with its fashionable 5th Avenue, gorgeous beaches, easy ferry to Cozumel and fantastic lodging choices make it such an perfect destination.
One consideration with most Destination Weddings is that you want all your guests to have plenty to do while they’re with you. They are taking time off from work and their lives to be with you on your special day, so you want them to have a great time, don’t you? In Playa del Carmen, you have all the beach activities that you could possibly want, from fishing to snorkeling to sunbathing, yet amazing shopping on Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue) just 2 blocks away. This is a perfect town to explore on foot, with most of the town within easy walking distance. When the sun goes down, there is a club, restaurant and lounge for every taste and budget, all, once again, within walking distance.
If you’re up for adventure – there are so many activities to choose from. To the south you have Xcaret eco park, Xplor adrenaline park, the ruins in Tulum, swimming with the dolphins in Puerto Aventuras and Xel-Ha eco park. To the north, you have the excitement of Cancun, and other nearby adventure parks, such as Selvatica. Don’t miss the opportunity swim in a cenote! They’re all over the area, and besides being gorgeous, they’re so refreshing to jump into on a hot day. Most tour companies include transportation with admission, so there’s no need to rent a car, also making it easier on your guests.
So, the largest concern most people have when planning a Destination Wedding is the location. Luckily for you, Playa has beachfront locations perfect for a romantic ceremony, yet you can also get married in a chapel or at a cenote. One of the most beautiful locations I visited was Al Cielo, a beachfront location just south of Playa del Carmen with a small, palapa style restaurant perfect for a beachfront reception. Elegant food paired with a stunning location makes for an easy choice.
No matter the size of your group, there are accomodations to suit everyone. From the opulent Royal Playa del Carmen all-inclusive resort, to the Condo Hotels boutique collection of resorts, there is bound to be the perfect gathering spot for all your pre-wedding events. One gorgeous penthouse unit at the El Taj has a rooftop deck complete with outdoor kitchen and private chef for an intimate rehearsal dinner for 40. If you need accomodations for families or couples traveling together, you can even rent out the resort at any one of the Condo Hotels properties, making your Destination Wedding a private affair for you and your guests. They have accomodations ranging from 1 bedroom suites to 3 bedroom penthouses, with kitchens that can be stocked for you upon your arrival. If you prefer a an all-inclusive resort for couples, the Royal, while beachfront, is just 2 blocks off 5th Avenue, so you get the beach and the city all in one vacation. If you have children attending, and still want an all-inclusive option, the Gran Porto Real is a great beachfront option as well.
If you’re thinking about getting married in Mexico, I can’t recommend Playa del Carmen highly enough!
