Tips For How To Have A Healthy Vacation In Playa del Carmen And Still Have The Time Of Your Life

Sure, we’re huge fans of lounging on a Mexican beach, a tortilla chip slathered with guacamole in one hand, an icy margarita in the other. And don’t even get us started on the $15 peso tacos. But if you’re wondering if it’s possible to have a healthy beach vacation, the answer is YES! In this travel blog, we’re breaking down the Mexican beach vacation stereotype of all-you-can-eat buffets and poolside piña colada comas. 

Without a doubt, you can taste sensational local flavors and enjoy otherworldly encounters beyond that of a pirate invasion on a booze cruise. In fact, you’ll discover much more than nachos on Playa del Carmen’s exceptional dining scene. At every turn, you can finesse your taste buds with fresh, vibrant ingredients, which highlight exquisite Mexican and international flavors. What’s more, you can choose from a vast inventory of activities that will keep you active. With these travel trips for a healthy Playa del Carmen vacation, it’s easy to stay on track, feel your best, and have a trip of a lifetime!

 

Where to Stay

 

Situated just steps from Playa del Carmen’s idyllic beaches, The Elements offers everything a health-conscious vacationer could ask for. For one, the ocean view property is perfect for barefoot strolls along the seemingly endless stretch of beach. 

If you prefer weights and machines to get your sweat on, you’ll love the fitness center that looks onto the turquoise horizon. At the exclusive beach club, get your daily dose of Vitamin D by joining in a game of beach volleyball. Or swim a few laps in the refreshing, no-edge, infinity pool, which sits in the heart of the property’s tropical garden. 

On the city’s south end, Paseo del Sol welcomes guests to a lush, exotic setting. The serene backdrop alone is enough to rejuvenate a weary traveler’s soul. But for those who like to mix a little R&R with some healthy movement, there’s a 6-kilometer trail around the gated community shared by bikers, runners, and walkers. 

If you prefer to stick to your regular gym routine, there’s an air-conditioned fitness center with weights and cardio machines. Rather, you can beat the heat with an early morning tennis match on the property’s private court. Afterwards, cool down with a refreshing swim in Paseo’s 95-meter pool. Within a 15-minute walk, is the Hard Rock Riviera Maya Golf Club or a palm-fringed path leading to the majestic beach. 

 

Where to Eat

 

Photo courtesy of Salade

Salade, a longtime local favorite, presents a build-your-own salad menu showcasing a lengthy bar of fresh ingredients. You can eat there every day and never tire of the multitude of combinations. Besides the salad bar, they have a menu bursting with delicious elements from their specialty salads to Poke bowls. Even more reasons to visit are to taste their superb smoothie concoctions made from local superfoods, as well as their signature cucumber, lime, and mint drink. 

Not only can you buy health products at BIO-Natural (on 10th Avenue near Constituyentes), but also, you can sit in and enjoy their nutrient-rich menu items. From spirulina smoothies to acai and coconut breakfast bowls, it’s hard to choose from the long list of vibrant choices. 

Aloha Raw Bar is a tiny gem located on 20th Avenue and Calle 38. It’s easy to fuel up for the day with the protein-packed waffles or Popeye smoothie bowls from Aloha. On the menu are an assortment of light and flavorful breakfast items. It’s open until 2pm so be sure to stop by for your healthy start before closing time. 

Photo courtesy of Aloha Raw Bar

For an upscale, dinner option, our top recommendation is Patio 8 on 5th Avenue and Calle 8. On the menu at this stylish eatery and cocktail bar, you’ll find plenty of seafood options like grilled octopus in jicama tacos, jumbo prawn tacos, or citrusy ceviche dishes. The entrees are not only tasty, but light enough to indulge in a tequila or two!

 

Playa del Carmen Activities To Activate Your Body, Mind, and Soul

 

Blazing The Streets By Bicycle

 

While it can be slightly chaotic to ride a bicycle through Playa del Carmen’s downtown core, we love the scenic and quieter end of 5th Avenue. You’ll meet very few vehicles along the cobblestone street. Instead, just past CTM Avenue heading north, you’ll encounter dozens of incredibly colorful street murals and a handful of quaint coffee shops. Playaride.com offers reasonable daily and weekly rental rates. What’s more is they conveniently deliver to your condo. 

 

White-Sand Walk

 

Since Playa del Carmen’s coastline is as stunning as a tropical cover on a travel magazine, you’re going to want to spend as much time on the sand as possible. If you can get there early, your reward for waking up at the light of dawn will be priceless. Whether strolling or jogging along the water’s edge, the glorious Playa sunrise will stop you dead in your sandy tracks.

  

Take Your Pick Stadium Workout

 

In the heart of the city is the Deportiva Mario Villanueva stadium complete with bleachers and a track for running and walking. At almost every hour of the day, you’ll discover activities including bootcamps, basketball, tennis, yoga and zumba classes at little or no cost. Also in the open-air facility is a modest, outdoor gym with a few installments including pull-up bars.

 

Can You Handle It CrossFit Classes

 

Photo courtesy of CrossFit Fibonacci

If training hard is your jam, you’ll love the competitive, yet inviting atmosphere at CrossFit Fibonacci on Calle 28, just a half block from the beach. The highly-qualified team of professional coaches will motivate you to your peak performance. Visit crossfitfibonacci.com to find a class that fits your vacation schedule. Weekly drop-in rates are under $35 USD, so there’s no reason not to join them for a WOD. Besides, your beach body will thank you for it. 

StandUp Paddleboarding On The Magnificent Mexican Caribbean 

 

Balancing on your board is an excellent full-body workout. Chances are you’ll feel every muscle you used the next day. But those sore legs, biceps, and abs are so worth the pain. The exhilarating feeling of gliding over the glass-like, turquoise sea is an opportunity not to be missed. Indeed a sunrise session will be the highlight of your stay in Playa del Carmen. Aloha Paddle Club’s oceanfront headquarters are located at Fusion Beach Bar on Calle 6. Sander and his crew have years of experience and are happy to introduce you to beach life at its finest.

 

Caribbean Spinning Classes at Mamitas

 

Photo courtesy of Mamitas Beach Club

It’s not the spinning classes at Mamitas Beach Club that will take your breath away, but the views of the sublime blue-green seascape. The famous beach club opens its Caribbean-facing terrace to locals and visitors, offering a variety of fitness classes. From TRX suspension training to pilates and yoga, the workouts in this little piece of tropical paradise seem to fly by. Later, stop by the property’s seaside restaurant for a breakfast bowl brimming with exotic fruit.

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Naturally, when spending time in Playa del Carmen, the endless summer climate entices you outdoors as much as possible. Wellness is an inevitable byproduct of getting out to enjoy the sublime nature and sites of the Riviera Maya. As you participate in these activities, you’ll see it’s easy to have a healthy vacation, without giving up tequila and tacos!