I’m scooped up by a golf cart and whisked along a palm-tree-lined pathway to Paradisus La Perla, an adults-only all-inclusive Meliá resort on the sandy shores of Playa del Carmen, Mexico. I’m taken to the inner sanctum of the Reserve members lounge for check-in, a perk for upgraded guests. I’m surrounded by marble flooring, wall art, and a welcome-snack area. Through the glass doors straight ahead, there’s a sweeping view of the main pool area. This is the start of a relaxing getaway that’s focused equally on wellness and adventure.
Photo: Meliá Hotels International
Adults, This Restful All-Inclusive in Mexico’s Riviera Maya Is for You
A calming environment designed for your leisure
Photo: Meliá Hotels International
While Paradisus La Perla is a place where guests can relax beyond Playa del Carmen’s bustle, its design elements are keen to remind you where you are. The natural surroundings are reflected throughout the hotel, from free-flowing streams filled with koi fish to the soft sandy tones of the interior decor. Soft beiges and hints of blue tones adorn the rooms, with wooden furnishings and wicker-like elements to give them a beachy ambiance. Outside of the rooms, the hotel’s shared spaces present a nice balance of being calm yet communal.
Photo: Meliá Hotels International
Among the most exciting communal spaces at Paradisus La Perla are its pools. Each morning during my stay, I found myself walking through the hotel in search of a new one. There are two lagoon-style pools, an activity pool, and an adults-only heated pool for Reserve guests — enough options to enjoy a new one every day of a short trip. To add to the comfort, loungers and cabana-style Bali beds are available to guests. Begin your day with an oceanfront sunrise, enjoy breakfast on your balcony, go for a dip, and soak up the rays.
A neighboring Paradisus hotel means double the dining
Photo: Meliá Hotels International
Meliá’s adults-only Paradisus La Perla hotel is conveniently connected to Paradisus Playa del Carmen, a family-friendly property. One of the biggest benefits of being able to wander freely between the properties is the ample restaurant choices along the way.
A relaxed open space with thatched roofing, La Palapa is the go-to breakfast spot for Reserve guests. With a mix of international favorites, it’s the ideal way to start a morning. If you’re in the mood for a little more, Hadar offers an exceptional breakfast buffet for all palettes.
Photo: Meliá Hotels International
With notable pops of red and sandy brown, Fuego serves up some of the best Latin cuisine with a standout ceviche bar. At Capella, celebrity chef Antonia Lofaso serves a menu that integrates local products with her Italian roots, using local ingredients that are native to the region. Reserve guests and those with Nikté upgrades, both of which offer VIP privileges, are invited to enjoy one complimentary dinner per stay at the famous Sal Steakhouse.
If you prefer a little mingling with your drinks, then head on over to South Avenue Bar. A hub for evening events, hookah, and an array of drinks, South Avenue is definitely the social spot of Paradisus La Perla. Sky-high wooden shelves are stacked with only the finest of spirits, and cozy nooks and trailing plants provide guests with a longing to stay through the night.
A wellness program with Reserve perks
Photo: Meliá Hotels International
One of the best things about Paradisus La Perla is its robust wellness and cultural programming, ranging from aqua aerobics to salsa classes. The YHI Spa is a particular highlight and the ideal setting for pampering the mind, body, and soul. Water rituals and treatments reflect the Maya culture, allowing guests to let go and submit themselves to complete calm.
Some offerings are only available to Reserve guests. I participated in one such offering, or Destination Inclusive experience. I joined a circle of strangers with one hand to the earth, chanting in unison during a Maya ritual. Though slightly unsettling at first, I quickly found myself slipping into a peaceful trance. Standing before a shaman, each participant practiced gratitude before diving into a beautiful cenote. The rush of chilling water and the crystal clear caverns beneath created a travel memory I wouldn’t soon forget, a sentiment that reflects my overall experience at Paradisus La Perla in Playa del Carmen.
How to get to Paradisus La Perla
Photo: Meliá Hotels International
The best way to get to Playa del Carmen is to fly into Cancún International Airport, which is serviced by direct flights from more than a dozen major US cities, including New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Dallas, San Francisco, Houston, Boston, and Washington, DC.
From the airport, Paradisus La Perla is located roughly 45 minutes away by car. The Cancún airport encourages travelers to organize transfers through verified transportation services. You can read more about booking shuttles, private and semi-private transfers, rental cars, and buses from on the airport’s website. 