Paul’s Tropic Escape: All-inclusive at The ROYAL Playa del Carmen

One of the things I love most about the Caribbean is that almost every destination offers beautiful azure clear water, fluffy white sand and of course, exquisite weather. The challenge is finding resorts that cater to your particular desires; resorts that still offer 5 star dining and 5 star accommodations for adults only.

It is with this in mind I set off on my latest tropic escape. This journey took me to the east coast of Mexico along the Caribbean to the Mayan region of Southeastern Mexico. Famous for one of the world’s longest and most diverse reef systems that runs for miles along the coast, the reef allows for exceptional diving, and creates a natural barrier for waves that gives this region some of the most beautiful beaches and clear fish-filled waters in the world.

On land, Mayan culture is alive in the Mexican people.  The Mayan temples in Tulum are world famous sites and well worth visiting. Mayan temples are being discovered in the inland jungles every year pointed to the extent that a 3,000 year-old culture was able to create a vibrant society in the western hemisphere centuries before the Europeans.

My destination was the town of Playa Del Carmen. A small, but busy former fishing village that now is the hub of much of the activities in the area. Playa, as it is referred to, boasts some of the best shopping in the region. They have a mile long strip called 5th Avenue.  It is a pedestrian-only promenade that is lined with stores, shops and cafes. Bargain hunters and couples seeking a change of pace flock to 5th Avenue to partake in Mexican culture, food and some great bargains on silver jewelry and tequila. Oh, yes, the tequila! The cafés and bars offer patrons samples of the many brands of tequila they sell, just as an invitation to come on in to the store. Before long, you are going from store to store doing tequila shots and having a blast with the locals.

The ROYAL Playa Del Carmen

The resort that I finally checked into that evening was The ROYAL Playa Del Carmen.

The Royal is located just 5 minutes from the 5^th Avenue strip on a beautiful mile-long stretch of beach.  It is a fully all-inclusive resort that is only for adults. All-inclusive for the Royal means they cater to all of your grown up needs. Premium liquor is available throughout the property, even in the suites, and WiFi service is all over the resort. I did wonder why there was a charge to use the internet in their business center when they offer free WiFi, but no one could give me a good answer.

The Suites

I stayed in a Royal Junior suite. The richness of the extra spacious suite with the exquisite furniture, which, they told me, was handcrafted by local artisans along with the spacious marble bathrooms & furnished terrace, plus an array of unique and exceptional guest amenities made for a luxurious experience. Very high-end in feel, Bulgari shampoos and soaps no less, showed me they paid attention to small details.

A two-person Jacuzzi was in the suite and it faced the balcony that offered a beautiful ocean view. There was a complimentary fruit plate in the suite with a fully stocked mini bar which allowed for ease and relaxation that afternoon as we listened to the Bose sound system that comes standard with an iPod and iPod dock. Yes, with the Royal service, you get an ipod with music, if you desire. How about that? I had my own iPod so my tunes were of my own choice, but I thought that it was a nice touch. The room also has a DVD player and the resort offers a DVD library for the guests to choose from the latest releases.

Bathroom

Since the jacuzzi is in the main suite, the bathroom has a large rain forest nozzle shower. It easily accommodates 2 people and leaves room to move around   As mentioned, the bathroom amenities are first class and there is even a phone if you need one.

The Cuisine

I counted at least six fine dining restaurants on the property.  I ate at Maria Marie, the Fusion Mexican/French dining experience. The food was great.  Most of the time I was by the pool or the beach so I had meals brought to my beach or pool tent by the waiters that are always nearby to assist you. This is a great feature; you just lounge around and the waiters bring you the menu and you order. So simple, so relaxing

The 24-hour room service menu is also very impressive. The menu consists of food you would actually want to eat. This features meals that are on the menus of at least three of the a la carte restaurants. Often resorts tell you that there is 24-hour room service, and the menu consists of hot dogs, hamburgers, refried french fries and ham sandwiches. Not at the Royal! I had stuffed chicken & wild rice and steak tips one evening with a bottle of merlot, set up on my porch over looking the evening sunset. Now that’s a romantic dinner!

Entertainment

Live performances are presented each evening. A mix of local culture, shows and performances from mariachi bands to local cabaret performances are presented.  All performances are done by highly proficient entertainers that know how to involve the audience and in turn make the evening really enjoyable.

The Royal is a very reasonably priced all-inclusive resort.  With over 400 suites, it is a larger property but most rooms offer their guests full or partial ocean views.  Because the property is spacious, you don’t feel as if you are always bumping into other guests. Main dining, shops and restaurants are accessible without having to walk too far. The proximity to all the action in Playa Del Carmen gives the guest more than just the resort to enjoy, and with the natural sites off shore in Cozumel and the reefs, there are interesting things happening almost all the time.

The Gran Porto Real is the sister property to the Royal and it is located just across the street, literally. It is a family property  so children and large families will find that resort most convenient. Royal guests have transfer privileges so if you want to have a wedding and invite your family, you can have the ceremony at the Gran Porto and then honeymoon at the Royal. Gran Porto guests do not have the transfer privilege, so, you can leave the family to have fun at their own resort while you enjoy being pampered as a newlywed.

The Royal is a great place for an all-inclusive adults only vacation and the Gran Porto Real is great for families or large groups. This resort certainly exceeded my expectations and I am sure it will exceed yours too.

For more information on either of these resorts or any of our vacation packages, please visit www.stvacations.com or call 866-475-4565.