All-Inclusive Luxury or Boutique Adventure?

Planning a honeymoon is the most exciting (and let’s be honest, sometimes stressful) part of wedding prep. You want it to be perfect. You want romance, relaxation, and memories that last a lifetime.

When it comes to Playa del Carmen, the biggest question isn’t if you should go, but how you should do it. Do you lock yourself away in a palace of all-inclusive luxury, or do you dive headfirst into the vibrant culture of the city?

Here is my guide to choosing the perfect honeymoon style in Playa.

Option 1: The “Royal Treatment” (All-Inclusive Resorts)

Best for: Couples who want to turn off their brains, drink unlimited margaritas by the pool, and not carry a wallet.

If your dream honeymoon involves waking up to room service, lounging by a swim-up bar all day, and having five different restaurants within walking distance of your room, the Playacar gated community is your sanctuary.

• The Vibe: Pure relaxation. The beaches in Playacar are wider and quieter than downtown. It’s manicured, and incredibly romantic.

• The Perks: You know exactly what you are spending upfront. No arguing over who pays for dinner; it’s already handled.

• Pro Tip: If you choose an All-Inclusive, look for “Adults Only” resorts. Trust me, nothing kills the honeymoon vibe faster than a cannonball contest in the pool next to your romantic cabana.

Option 2: Living like a local (Oceanfront of course)

Best for: Foodies, explorers, and couples who want to feel the pulse of Mexico.

This is my personal favorite way to travel. By staying next to Mamitas beach and near 5th Avenue in a luxury condo like Aldea Thai, you unlock the real magic of Playa.

• The Vibe: Electric. You are steps away from world-class dining, live music, and the best beach clubs.

• The Perks: You aren’t stuck eating resort food. You can grab breakfast at Chez Céline, lunch at a street taco cart, and a romantic dinner on Calle 38 under the jungle canopy. No advanced reservations or Italian restaurant is on open on Wednesdays

• The Freedom: You set the pace. One day can be a lazy beach day, the next can be a road trip to a cenote without feeling like you’re “wasting” a day you already paid for at the resort.

The Perfect “Living like a local” Itinerary

If you choose the “Living like a local” route, you get the best of both worlds: beach relaxation by day and cultural exploration by night. Here is a mini-itinerary for the perfect romantic week:

🌴 Beach & Chill

Spend your days at a beach club like Mamitas or Coralina Beach Club. Rent a daybed, order bottle service, and soak up the sun with a DJ spinning lounge house music in the background. It’s a party, but a sophisticated one.

🏛️ Culture & History

You can’t come to the Riviera Maya without seeing the history.

• Tulum Ruins: Take a day trip south to see the ancient Mayan walled city perched on a cliff over the Caribbean Sea.

• Cenotes: Skip the hotel pool one day and swim in a freshwater cenote (like Cenote Azul or Jardin del Eden). It feels like swimming in a secret jungle oasis.

💃 Bar Hopping & Nightlife

Start your evening with a stroll down the famous 5th Avenue. It’s touristy, yes, but the energy is infectious. Stop for a cocktail at a rooftop bar to watch the sunset over the city.

• For Dancing: If you want to go big, Coco Bongo is an experience you have to see to believe—part nightclub, part Las Vegas show.

• For Romance: Head to Calle 38. It is the most romantic street in Playa, where restaurants are built around the existing trees and cenotes. It feels like dining in an enchanted forest.

The Verdict?

Whether you choose the pampering of an All-Inclusive or the adventure of staying in town, Playa del Carmen is the perfect backdrop for a new chapter together. Just make sure to toast with a mezcal at sunset! 🥂

Have you honeymooned in Playa? Did you go All-Inclusive or Boutique? Let me know in the comments!