Whenever I turned 40th, I toiled with the idea of throwing a big party for my friends and family. However, I started researching for the party on my favorite search engine Pinterest (you can follow me there) and came across some beautiful pictures of Playa Del Carmen.
In short, it was easy to decide between a party and a trip since I love traveling so much. As a result, all I needed to do was start planning on where to stay and activities to do in our short first time in Mexico.
After a couple of weeks looking into hotels, we decide to go with Paradisus La Esmeralda All Inclusive by Melia. When we made reservations, we knew we only had 4 nights, so consequently, we wanted to make the most of that time.
Table of Contents
Getting There
Getting to Playa Del Carmen is very easy from our area, it’s a 2:10 minutes direct fly. Since we live close to Hobby Airport and southwest airlines flying to Cancun, it’s a breeze getting to Mexico. There are a few ways you can get to Playa Del Carmen from Cancun airport.
Rent a car:
If you are comfortable driving in Mexico you can find a car rental company that you are familiar with and, make the arrangements for your rental to be waiting for you when you get there. Or, you can get there and work some deal with the airport car rental companies.
Shuttle:
You can opt for the shuttle service, this is the one we have done, since we booked the Family Concierge room, our shuttle was included. They have private shuttles that will cost you around $110, some offer you the option to get some cold beer waiting for you in the Van for $2 per beer.
Shared Vans:
This one you don’t have to make reservations ahead of time, you get to the airport and find an employee with a transportation logo on his shirt. That will normally cost about $25 per person.
Taxis:
If you are confident using a taxi service, this is also an option. Usually the most costly of them all, this option will set you back anywhere from $60 to $90.
Bus:
The most cost-efficient of them all is the ADO, which costs about $8 per person. The ride takes an hour and a half depending on traffic, dropping you off at 5th Avenue and Juarez. From there you can take a taxi to your resort for about $5 – $6. (All these are approximate prices)
Where We Stayed
Since this was my 40th birthday celebration and also my youngest birthday we decided to book the Family Concierge At Paradisus La Esmeralda. This room came with the all-inclusive perks plus butler service.
They provide you with a cell phone so you can contact your butler any time of the day for anything you need. From setting up your beach bed to bringing you water, food or a cocktail to the beach. The service was exceptional.
The check-in process was super easy, and they make you feel very special, they even have cocktails and some refreshments at a separate lobby for the Family Concierge guests.
The Room
When we got to our suite, they had decorated the door with a birthday banner and some balloons inside of it.
The room was very comfortable and they went above and beyond to accommodate an extra bed for Isabella. We even had an ocean view from our room, the patio was so spacious with lounge furniture and a jacuzzi tub.
On the night of my birthday, we got back from dinner to find the Jacuzzi tub full of rose petals and some champagne for us and some cute cakes for Isabella. We thought that was so considerate.
The next night they have drew Isabella a bath and had a lot of balloons inside with the bubbles.
With 14 restaurants and 16 bars, there is always something good to eat or drinks at this resort. The water park style family pool is sure to entertain the children at heart. And, if you need a little one on one time with your partner, the hotel offers a kids club for children starting from 1 year of age. This is definitely a great resort to visit with your family.
What To Do
Our trip was short and I wanted to take some time to just lay on the beach and enjoy the sun and I got to do that.
Go Kayaking:
You can take a tandem kayak and have fun exploring the blue ocean at no additional cost to you. You get to see some cool sea life while paddling.
Lounge at the pool:
There are nice daybeds around the pool as well as the beach for you to relax while your crew is enjoying the water. If you are staying the Family Concierge, your butler can set them up for you.
Snorkeling:
We booked a swim with turtles tour and we left early in the morning to Tulum and had a blast. The tour guides were outstanding in taking care of us. One of the guides stayed with Isabella the whole time and would even dive down and collect start fish, octopus and other marine life to show her.
Cenotes Tour:
It is such a cool experience to visit the cenotes, the water is a little cold, however, if you feel you need, they provide wetsuits to make it more tolerable. This one is also an early departure from the resort and comes back around 2-3 pm.
Photo Session:
We normally don’t do this, but, since it was a birthday celebration, we decide to try the professional photographer at the resort, and it is some of the best family pictures we have. The photographer captured some amazing pictures of our family.
Hair braid:
If your little girl is like mine, and loves to have her hair braided, you can have them done at the beach meanwhile you sit and relax with a drink.
What a great trip this was, even though it was short, it was certainly the best birthday present ever.
“To Travel Is To Live”. – Hans Christian Anderson All The Best, Patricia M.
Visited 2016
wow what a nice way to celebrate a birthday. Belated wishes and enjoy
I love celebrating my birthday with a trip! You picked a beautiful place to celebrate your day! Love the sash on the door and balloons! So festive!
OMG .I love that the hotel takes the time to make a birthday celebration that much more special! The sash on the door is just so perfect! Now I want to go here – just because they seem as though they CARE about their vacationers!
I was very special, they really go above and beyond for their guests
Great choice to make a family trip to Playa Del Carmen instead of having a plain old party. Cenotes and Tulum beach look majestic, thanks for the cool pictures.
Sounds like a great hotel for family vacations.. 😊I would really love to visit here if I had the chance. And I would have my hair braided. 😊
It’s so beautiful there and it looks like they treated you very well for your birthday! You have a beautiful family.
Thank you Jessica, it was an amazing birthday, the hotel really treated us great.
the pictures look incredible! I am sure you had the best birthday of your life!
xx
lau
malibluemymind
Thanks, it was a great celebration
This looks like so much fun on birthday! And the photos are really amazing!
Thank you Ritu.
the place looks absolutely wonderful bith beach and the hotel. So welcoming and setting on the relaxing mood. Enjoy!
It really was Lyosha, they were both great.
I’m glad you decided to celebrate your birthday on Playa Del Carmen. It seems like a fun and exciting place!
It’s a great place not only to celebrate a special occasion but also to visit with your family
I love the banner and balloons! That’s so thoughtful and personal. This was a beautiful trip
The hotel was very thoughtful the whole way through.
The beaches in Playa del Carmen are beautiful. Everyone I know raves about the kayaking experience.
My family had a great time kayaking while I relaxed on the beach with a cocktail.
What a wonderful location for a birthday getaway! The pictures are lovely too.
Thank you so much Avanti.
A trip to Playa Del Carmen for your birthday sounds amazing! And you look great for 40!
Thanks for this detailed post. Looks like you had a great time in an amazing place with very thoughtful resort staff.
It sure was, we have to really praise the resort.
Awww. Thank you.
I want to go! That water and the beach just looks so relaxing.
You should definitely go.
A party or a trip… Yep that would be an easy decision for me too. 🙂 The pictures are awesome and that’s fun that the lady did your daughter’s hair.
Right, I did not think twice about that option.
I am actually a photographer and I get a lot of families that come for a holiday in Melbourne! This looks like an epic time and Playa del Carmen looks like heaven on earth!
It’s a beautiful place. I’m sure Melbourne is breathtaking also. I can’t wait to go there.
Playa del Carmen is one of my favorite places ever! You all look like you had such a lovely time!
I had a great time, this was one for the books
Those caves look amazing! I keep hearing wonderful things about playa del carmen and have been wanting to go for so long.
It’s a beautiful place to visit for sure. You should book a trip soon.
Happy Birthday! Looks like you guys had an awesome time! Would love to stay at this hotel!
It’s a great hotel for families or couples. You have options.
What a wonderful place to spend your 40th. I was in Playa a few years ago and absolutely loved it. There seems to be something for everyone! Thanks for sharing!
It really is a place with so many options that you can do a family, couples or friends vacation and enjoy them all.
Paradisus La Esmeralda All Inclusive by Melia looks like a perfect place for a laidback holiday. I love that they are close to the beach and offer so many activities 🙂
You can party if you want to or just relax if that is what you are looking for.
Oh my goodness I just want to climb into your pictures and never leave! Thank you so much for sharing such a gorgeous experience with all of us!
Thank you for visiting my article.
I would certainly stay at that hotel knowing they went above and beyond to make your stay special!! That is awesome!
I know, kiddos to them.
Travelling is also a part of me …you made the right choice.
Anytime I have a choice, I’ll take it.
You guys need a new family member….? pick me
Too funny, we are good for now but if anything change, I’ll let you know.
What a great way to celebrate 40th birthday, the place looks amazing
It was breathtaking and the service made a difference.
Wow! This is truly great. Looking on all of the photos that were posted , it is obvious that all of you had a great time of your lives
It was great, there were plenty activities for all of us.
What a fun birthday celebration! And such a beautiful place!
The place is definitely gorgeous.
Happy Birthday to you! Seems like an amazing place to have relaxation. I really love to travel and I hope I will be able to visit this next time!
Thank you. You should book a trip to Playa Del Carmen soon.
This is awesome way to celebrate birthday! It looks so beautiful place x
Laura
https://pinkfrenzymissl.blogspot.com/
It was a great celebration and the place made it even more special.
I love the photo up at the top here of the three of year! It’s just the perfect lighting, but looks like the whole experience was pretty magical!
It was a great way to celebrate my birthday. But this place is great for any occasion
I often wondered if people take kids to Mexico on vacation. Thanks for the heads up on the hotel. My kids can’t go without a water park-style family pool.
It really is a safe place if you are not looking for trouble.
Sounds like an amazing place. Will have to check this out!
You should, Playa Del Carmen is beautiful and full of activities for any occasion
Looks like you found a great spot to enjoy with your family! I haven’t been to Playa Del Carmen but interesting destinations like this are definitely on our list!
Definitely a great destination for families, couples or just friends vacation
What a beautiful beach! Nice to know you had such a fun time
Thank you Bindu
I need more adventure time…my 40th is coming up just in September!
Mexico is definitely a place for your consideration. There are so many things to do and see there. Did you decide on a place for your 40th?
Playa del Carmen sounds so interesting! If only the place was not quite literally on the other side of the world for me!
Whenever you are in this side of the world you should consider visiting.
What a great post – I can just copy for my own trip LOL!! Sounds like the perfect way to celebrate, love how they decorated your room! And that cave you went to looks really cool!!! Hope to go soon!!
The cenotes are amazing and are all over Mexico. Definitely a place to visit at some point.
I really do need to take my daughter out there sometime soon. I know my brother in law went there and he had a blast. And I think my daughter would love an experience like this.
It was a hit with my little one, but we all had a blast.
I would love to take the Cenotes Tour. It looks like it was an amazing experience. One day I’ll have to plan a trip a stay at Paradisus La Esmeralda hotel.
It’s such a great Resort and they take such great care of their guests
This is lovely! The balloons on the bed would have made my day! I have to say I’d love to check out the Canoes tour.
They are very thoughtful at the Paradisus La Esmeralda.
That’s a super beautiful beach! I’m sure your little girl had fun, especially on that cave tour. We haven’t been inside a cave so it’s a great travel idea for us.
It was super fun, she was all about it.