What’s Special About This Resort
The Mahekal Beach Al-inclusive Resort may be right in the middle of Playa del Carmen, but it doesn’t feel like it. This property’s scenery will transport you to a remote Caribbean island with its thatched-roof bungalows, open-air dining rooms, and wood construction. Adding to the atmosphere are four swimming pools, as well as private plunge pools for some rooms, plus a long stretch of white-sand beach. Guests can walk to Fifth Avenue in less than 5 minutes or catch a ride to several of the Xcaret parks in less than 20.
This resort offers both all-inclusive and half-board packages. All-inclusive guests may dine at any of the three restaurants and drink at the two bars, with a few premium meals and drinks excluded. Other amenities included yoga classes and the use of hotel bicycles.
Things we like:
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Unique bungalow-style accommodations, some with private pools
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Multiple pools and a private roped-off area of the beach create plenty of space to spread out
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On-site dive shop
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Easy access to La Quinta Avenida for dining, shopping, and nightlife
Things we don't like:
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Location next to a club can cause loud noise for some rooms
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Room service and certain dishes and beverages aren’t included for all-inclusive guests
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No parking available
What to Do
The Mahekal Beach Resort would serve as a great option for both those who want to explore the Riviera Maya and for those who’d rather relax with a drink for the duration of their trip. A long beachfront and large property size makes it easy to find somewhere to spend your day, including at one of the four swimming pools. Many rooms even have their own private plunge pools and lounging spaces.
Divers can check out the scuba center on the resort’s beach to see what kinds of reefs and wrecks they can visit under the sea. Staff are also happy to arrange snorkeling excursions or other watersports adventures for those who prefer to stay on the surface.
Mahekal also encourages guests to visit some of the many Mayan ruins and cultural sites scattered around the region. Tulum is a famous one, and at less than an hour away, it’s an easy self-driven day trip to do; guided tours are available as well.
Cenotes and the natural reserves of Quintana Roo are some of the most popular attractions of all. Cenote Chaak Tun is practically in Playa del Carmen, and there are dozens more if you can go a bit further. The Xcaret parks are well worth a visit for anyone who likes these kinds of natural wonders, too.
What to Eat & Drink
There are three restaurants and two bars at Mahekal Beach Resort, each of which can be visited by all-inclusive guests. It’s important to note that while a wide range of soft drinks, house wines, beers, and domestic and international liquors are available, guests can upgrade to a premium drinking package for a daily fee.
Breakfast and lunch are served in both Fuego Restaurante & Cantina and Las Olas. Both restaurants have open-air dining rooms to enjoy the fresh air of the Riviera Maya and combine local specialties with American and international favorites.
Those restaurants serve their specialties at dinnertime as well. Cocina Restaurant also opens in the evening and serves a Pan-Latino-American menu, on some nights incorporating specialties from countries like Spain, France, Italy, and the US.
Guests can drink at these restaurants, plus Itzi and Agave. Room service is not included in the all-inclusive package.
Room Guide
Rooms at the Mahekal Beach Resort are Caribbean bungalow style with thatched roofs and Mayan-style architecture. While you’ll have wifi to stay connected, note that no rooms are equipped with televisions. A number of rooms, suites, and beach houses are available to choose from.
Garden, Oceanfront, and Ocean View: Standard rooms come with these respective views and either one king or two queen beds. Traditional architecture and decor are combined with upscale and modern amenities. Oceanfront rooms offer direct access to the sand, and some have private plunge pool options.
The Oasis: Just a few rooms and suites are offered in this secluded section of the resort among its most beautiful tropical gardens. A private pool and relaxation area in The Oasis makes it a top choice for those who want more than the standard.
Suites and Penthouses: Along with The Oasis’ suites, others include the La Familia Garden Casitas, La Residencia, and two One-Bedroom Haciendas. The latter are beachfront options, while the rest are located in the gardens. A few adults-only Penthouses are available on the top floor of a new building, offering some of the best views and the most space.
Beach Houses: Located directly on the sand, these ultimate suite escapes occupy either the ground floor or upper floor of a few individual beach houses. On the bottom, you’ll have a private plunge pool; on the top, you get an outdoor moon shower and furnished balcony.
Special Experiences
To make a stay at the Mahekal Beach Resort more special, consider booking a room with something more than the standard, such as in The Oasis or with a private plunge pool. Couples in search of relaxation may want to note that beachfront rooms can see a lot of foot traffic just out front from the beach, and they may want to avoid these.
That said, consider getting out of the area to see some of the most special sites of all. Wildlife lovers may want to see Akumal, known for its sea turtle sightings, or the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve a bit further south – a UNESCO-protected place home to wild cats, primates, and hundreds of species of colorful birds. A guided or private nature tour of these places reveals some of North America’s most stunning nature.
Similarly, the Xcaret parks offer more than a glimpse into the cenotes, caves, and lagoons that the Yucatán Peninsula has become famous for. Go kayaking underground, swim with dolphins, zipline across the jungle, and do much more at these amazing places – you’ll find some of the most special experiences in Mexico there.
Get to know more of the best all-inclusive resorts in Playa del Carmen:
Things we like:
-
Unique bungalow-style accommodations, some with private pools
-
Multiple pools and a private roped-off area of the beach create plenty of space to spread out
-
On-site dive shop
-
Easy access to La Quinta Avenida for dining, shopping, and nightlife
Things we don't like:
-
Location next to a club can cause loud noise for some rooms
-
Room service and certain dishes and beverages aren’t included for all-inclusive guests
-
No parking available
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