Playa del Carmen’s Gated Resort Community
Playacar is a world apart from the rest of Playa del Carmen. Located immediately south of the town centre, this gated residential and resort community covers a large area of manicured grounds, private beaches, golf courses, and lush tropical gardens. It is home to some of the area’s best-known all-inclusive resorts, as well as private villas and condominiums.
The moment you pass through the Playacar gates, the pace changes. The streets are wide, clean, and quiet. Iguanas sun themselves on the paths. Wild coatis wander through the gardens. It feels like a different country from the bustling streets of Centro, just a ten-minute walk away.
What Playacar Offers
The main draw of Playacar is its beach. The stretch of sand here is stunning — wide, white, and far less crowded than the public beaches in the town centre. Many of the resorts have beach clubs and lounging areas, but even the public-access sections of Playacar’s coastline are beautiful.
The all-inclusive resorts here — including well-known brands like Sandos, Iberostar, and Royal Hideaway — cater to guests who want everything within their resort walls: pools, restaurants, entertainment, and kids’ clubs. For families, this convenience is hard to beat.
Playacar also has a golf course (the Playacar Golf Club), a small commercial area with a few restaurants and shops, and Mayan ruins scattered through the grounds — a unique touch that reminds you this was sacred land long before the resorts arrived.
Who Playacar Is Best For
Families with young children will find Playacar ideal. The safety, the calm environment, and the resort facilities make it a stress-free holiday destination. Couples seeking a romantic beach getaway without the noise of the town centre also do very well here. Luxury travellers who prioritise comfort and exclusivity over street-level authenticity will feel at home.
Playacar is not ideal if you want to experience the real Playa del Carmen. The gated community feels removed from Mexican culture, and walking to 5th Avenue takes 15-20 minutes from the further resorts. Public transport options are limited inside Playacar — you will rely on taxis or the resort shuttles. For a more immersive experience, consider Colosio or North Playa.
Costs and Accommodation
Playacar is the most expensive area of Playa del Carmen. All-inclusive resorts range from mid-range to high-end, and private villa rentals command premium prices. Budget travellers will find better value in other parts of town.
That said, the all-inclusive model can actually be cost-effective for families. When meals, drinks, activities, and kids’ clubs are all included, the daily spend is predictable and often competitive compared to paying for everything separately in Centro.
Getting To and From Playacar
The main entrance to Playacar is at the southern end of Playa del Carmen, near the Cozumel ferry terminal. Taxis from the ADO bus station or the town centre cost around 50-80 pesos. From Cancún airport, shared shuttles and private transfers both serve Playacar directly.
For detailed transport information, visit our Getting Here & Around guide. To explore tours and excursions from Playa del Carmen, most operators offer pickup from Playacar hotels.