Playa paraiso, mexico holidays

Hang out in paradise on holidays to Playa Paraiso, an idyllic ribbon of sand just 20 minutes from Playa del Carmen.

Paradise Beach

Playa Paraiso translates to Paradise Beach in English, and it’s easy to see why. A brush of sparkling white sand is all that separates the baby-blue sea from the palm-fringed Mayan jungle. A handful of resorts are buried here among the greenery like treasure, with lines of thatched parasols to mark their spot along the sand. That’s really all there is to it, so if flaking out on a frame-worthy beach is your thing – you’ll be in your element here.

Nearby nightlife

Despite the secluded feel, Playa Paraiso is just a 20-minute drive from Playa del Carmen – one of the premier nightlife spots of the Riviera Maya. From themed bars famed for their giant frozen daiquiris to upmarket steakhouses and boutique tequila stores, there’s something for every night owl along the city’s Quinta Avenida. Nights here tend to culminate at iconic clubs like Coco Bongo – think strobe lights, confetti cannons, acrobatics, and dancing on tables.

Mayan magic

If it’s natural scenery you’re after, check out the nearby cenotes – natural sinkholes set in Lara Croft-style caves – complete with hanging vines. They were revered by the Mayan tribes as a sacred source of fresh water, and you can even visit one for a traditional ceremony. Alternatively, just head there for a refreshing swim in the jungle. Those with scuba diving qualifications can delve even deeper, with guided dives to explore the mirror-like underground rivers and cave systems.