The Paradisus Playa del Carmen: A Wellness Resort Along Mexico’s Riviera Maya

Location

The resort is located in Playa del Carmen, about an hour drive from Cancun airport. I highly advise arranging transport to the resort in advance of your arrival. If you’ve never flown into Cancun before, arriving can be a bit chaotic with dozens of drivers and companies vying for your attention.

The drive from the airport to the resort is unimpressive (a lot of desolate roads). The resort itself is set a ways back from the main highway such that you feel like you’re in a completely different world upon entering. Once we arrived at the gates, I could tell the resort was true to its name: it was paradise.

The Paradisus Playa del Carmen is split up into two adjacent properties: La Esmeralda (the family-friendly side) and La Perla (the adults-only side). By mistake, my mom and I ended up staying on the family-friendly side! But as I explain below, it didn’t matter that much!

The rooms on the La Perla side have been undergoing renovations (and they are stunning) — it is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2024, and then room renos on the Esmeralda side are set to begin in 2025. But mom and I weren’t even aware renovations were going on. We heard nothing, saw nothing. I only know this from my behind-the-scenes tour.

Overview of the resort

The Paradisus is part of the Meliá collection of hotel brands — it is one of the luxury collections under Meliá’s umbrella. My host, Alejandra, told me that the mission of the Paradisus properties is to provide guests with a paradise that reflects the natural beauty of the destination. “Embrace your nature” is the motto. And I saw that immediately upon arriving.

The resort is expertly engulfed in lush greenery and streaming waters, the combination of which instantly evokes a sense of calm with every step. And this makes sense — it is branded as a wellness resort. Every intricate detail is catered to fostering a sense of peace and calm within you. I even found this to be true on the family-friendly side — which anyone with kids knows is a feat to be able to have any sense of peace with a bunch of kids running around! But I distinctly recall remarking to my mom how impressive it was that even on the family side, things felt serene.

Lastly, the service at the resort was beyond 5-star. Everyone we encountered was so attentive, friendly, professional, kind and eager to help. I did find that the front desk process was always a bit slow, but I think that’s a common issue among hotels and resorts these days. That is literally the only grievance I can even think of in terms of service. The staff there have done an exceptional job when it comes to service. It is clear they are invested in your comfort.

Amenities

Spa: Probably the most impressive amenity at the property is the YHI Spa. It is the definition of simple, modern, understated luxury. The spa includes the standard sauna and steam room, but it also consists of an outdoor hydrotherapy area: two jacuzzis–one hot and one cold — and a small pool with multiple jets for loosening your muscles before your massage. Walking out to the hydrotherapy space is a whole other level of serenity! You are surrounded by nature in this beautiful oasis…I just couldn’t get enough of it.

After you’re done relaxing in the water, you go up the beautiful grand staircase to the massage waiting area. Relax on the recliners, have a drink and wait to be guided back by your host. My mom and I got massages at the same time, and both ladies who attended us were incredible. I get monthly massages at home and have been to multiple different massage therapists. This was by far one of the best massages I’ve ever had. The cost was also very reasonable for a resort of this luxury.

Pools: The resort has an expansive pool area on both sides, including expansive seating. Mom and I didn’t have any trouble finding a cabana and we spent all day at the pool on two days–one day on the family side and one day on the adult side — and both times we saw loungers open all day for people to use. It wasn’t a situation where we had to go down at 6 am to claim chairs. Now, we were there in low season so I don’t know what the seating situation would be like in high season, so keep that in mind.

Restaurants: There are 13 restaurants on the property. Overall, my mom and I really enjoyed the food. There was a Mexican party the first night that we were there for dinner and the food was absolutely delicious. Just very local and authentic. We also loved the hibachi dinner at the Japanese restaurant! The flavors were incredible, and the chef was skilled and entertaining.

I really liked the breakfast buffet as well. I thought there were good options food-wise, and the coffee was delicious. The fruit juice, however, was lacking. I tried the pineapple, orange and apple, and they were all terrible. The apple juice wasn’t even drinkable, so stay away from that. The pineapple and orange were drinkable, just very artificial tasting.

All but two of the restaurants require reservations for dinner, so keep that in mind and plan accordingly. And one of the restaurants, Sal Steak Cave, requires an additional fee. We did not try it, but people come from off the property to eat there, so it must be pretty good. I did get to tour it and I must say, it’s pretty swanky!

Note: Something I thought was very neat was that at every restaurant, every time, the host asks you whether there are any allergies. Again, very attentive.

In addition to the restaurants, there’s a coffee shop on both sides that sells all types of coffee drinks and pastries. The one on the adults side closes at 5 pm, but the one on the family side is open 24/7 – which really came in handy when mom and I needed a light breakfast before our 6 am excursion!

There are also multiple bars and random food pop-ups throughout the property, on both sides, including a healthy juice-type bar on the adults side!

And of course, there’s an ice cream stand! It's on the family side, but let me tell you—it’s for adults just as much! Mom and I went every day. I was impressed with the variety of flavors! And it was all so, so good.

For the kids

The Paradisus Playa del Carmen has a standout feature called “Kidsdom.” It is, in short, the central kids area for your stay. What sets it apart is that they take kids starting as young as one year old (max age is 10).

Kidsdom operates from 9 am to 11 pm and is included for every guest. They host activities all day for the kids, coordinating two separate schedules based on age group.

Another cool feature is the kid-focused lobby. There’s a mocktail bar, a pool and foosball table and the coolest thing, a “speakeasy” style game room that opens up behind a bookshelf! Xbox and Pac-Man mania abound in this hidden space.

Lastly, the resort features a waterpark separate and apart from the lively kids’ pool area. There really are so many awesome touches for your kiddos here, allowing you to relax knowing that they are content.

The Reserve

So it’s not completely accurate to say that the Paradisus is split into two properties. On the adult side, there’s a third property, a sort of boutique hotel within the resort, called “The Reserve.”

The Reserve is the resort's most exclusive level.

It has its own pool, its own beach access, its own bar and its own restaurant! Other Reserve perks include:

• A separate check in/check out process

• Access to a dedicated concierge, whom you can contact via phone or text

• Access to the spa’s sauna, steam room and hydrotherapy, regardless of whether you have a massage reservation

• One included dinner at Sal's Steak Cave per stay

• Complimentary cabanas at the pool

• Increased room service

• Specialty items in the minibar (complimentary)

• An excursion to a cenote (an absolute must experience in the Yucatán!)

This is a resort that truly has something for everyone, whether you’re a family, a couple looking for a romantic getaway, a solo traveler looking to reset, it doesn’t matter, you can honestly find that here.

I loved my stay and will certainly go back. So if you’re looking for a Riviera Maya getaway, reach out and let’s work together to get you there!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Riviera Maya, Mexico. In need of further inspiration? Check out Allison Vieira’s guide, Review of Grand Velas Riviera Maya - A Paradise for Families with Babies and Toddlers.